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Examines the reaction in Japan to the growing economic power of China. Increased reluctance of Japanese investors to make further investments in China; Reasons for the changed attitude, including a wave of anti-Japanese protests in Chinese cities; Fueling of the protests involving the two Asian powers by deep disputes over World War II narratives in Japanese textbooks, territorial arguments and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to a shrine to Japanese war dead; Views of analysts; Suggestion that reassuring Japanese investors will be crucial for China to invigorate the economy and create jobs in less prosperous areas; Concerns of the U.S. about China's economic power, in light of the bid by the China National Offshore Oil Corporation for Unocal; Overview of foreign investment in China.

Examines the impact of corporate and political corruption in China on the country's growth. Details of China's long-running wave of corporate and government corruption scandals; Bank scandals, including the resignation of Zhang Enzhao, chairman of the China Construction Bank, following accusations that Zhang accepted a bribe; Observation that a true economic superpower depends on credible banking; How the corruption scandals offer a telling glimpse into the darker side of China's remarkable ascent; Views of experts; Overview of the economy; Mistrust of investors regarding public companies created out of state enterprises. INSETS: One Thing After Another;Lawsuit Involving Bribery Preceded Bank Resignation.

The article focuses on the revitalization in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It outlines the thriving infrastructures in the area as well as the condition of various corporate business activities, which contributed to its continued economic development. It also notes the area's available open spaces for creative professionals who want to live and start their own businesses in the city. An overview of several artists, business owners, and hoteliers who live in the area is also provided.

Examines China's economy in 2004. Comparison with Japan in the late 1980s; Role of multinational companies and foreign investment; Why China is an even greater economic challenge to the U.S. than Japan; Potential size of China's market; Concentration of new industry and commerce in China's southeast region; China's transition from a planned economy to capitalism; Views of analysts; Attitudes of U.S. politicians and of the President George W. Bush administration; China's biggest competitive advantage, its immense and low-paid work force; How China has benefited from opening up to the global economy; Outlook.