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The article discusses the results of China's efforts to reform its cultural sector. It notes that internal structural reforms for China's cultural industry began in 2003 and were completed in 2010 for more than 4,300 institutions. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) reveals that cultural industries accounted for the 24.2 percent annual growth in gross domestic product (GDP) from 2008-2010. Reforms in the cultural sector include payroll reductions and corporate governance initiatives.

Reports on the promotion of learning of foreign languages among the citizens in Beijing, China. Plan for the improvement of the road signs, public notices, menus and descriptions at scenic spots into a bilingual system; Development of a new standard for road signs and guideposts in English in Beijing; Use of the Chinese phonetic alphabet as the national standard for geographic names. INSETS: Birth and Evolution of China's National Standard for...;Suggestion of Standard?.

Reports that China is emerging as destination for outsourced information technology services, particularly software industry. Competition with India; Comparison of Chinese and Indian export and consumption of software.

The article reports on the concerns of developing countries on the proposals by the U.S., Canada and the European Union to impose carbon tariffs or the duties imposed on imports from countries which have less control on greenhouse gas emissions. According to Yao Jian, spokesman for China's Ministry of Commerce, these proposals would license developed countries to resort to trade protectionism in the name of protecting the environment.

The article focuses on entrance of Chinese Internet users in blogging. The blog of actress Xu Jinglei has attracted about 10 million hits after it is being launched. Hong Bo serves as the first blogger in the country who has received a payment for an advertisement on his blog. Chief editor Liu Jun of the Hexun.com Web site asserts that every blog guarantees the effect of advertising because its attracts an audience.

Relates how Quan Li became interested in saving the surviving South China tigers. Decision to invest her savings in the Save China's Tiger charity; Factors that contributed to the continued decline of the South China tigers; Involvement in the reintroduction of South China tigers to its natural environment in South Africa; Advantages of reintroducing the tigers in South Africa over China. INSETS: Major Tiger Subspecies.;Timetable of Saving the South China Tiger..

Reports on the problems brought about by spam, a term used to describe unwanted junk e-mails, in China. Introduction of Spamhaus, an anti-spam organization, in Beijing on May 25, 2004; Implication of spam advertising for the Chinese; Tips for individual e-mail users; Suggestions for the solution of spamming and other forms of internet fraud.

Reports that eight landscapes, including the Huangshan Mountain in Anhui and Stone Forest in Yunnan, have been included in a list of worldwide geological parks (geoparks) as per approval of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Other sites in the list including Lushan mountain in Jiangxi Province, Danxia Shan in Guangdong Province, Yuntai Shan and Songshan mountains in Henan Province.

Suggests that the brain drain from state-ownded enterprises to private companies poses a challenge for the Chinese economy. Reasons cited by workers leaving state-owned companies to join the private sector; Differences in the operations of government-owned and private businesses; Growth in the number of foreign funded enterprises, joint-stock companies and private firms in the country.

Reports on trends in the Chinese software industry as of September 11, 2003. Share of the country in the global software market; Dominance of application software in the domestic software market; Dependence on exports of products to China; Problem with inadequate education of software programmers.

The article discusses the Chinese government's plan to develop Zhejiang Province in the Zhoushan Archipelago as of July 2011. It states that the country has three zones of new development, the Pudong New Area, Shanghai, Binhai New Area, Tianjin, and Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing. The latest, however, is Zhejiang, but it reports that the focus this time will be on developing its marine economy. This means that instead of focusing on industrial output, it will be set up as a maritime port, sensitive to its natural environment.

The article discusses the growth of the online travel market in China as of July 14, 2011. Data from Zero2IPO Group showed fundraising efforts of many start-up travel Websites between 2009 to 2010. An overview of the growth of the tourism market in China is provided as well as the travel electronic-commerce market. A discussion on the performance of major players in the online travel market is provided, including Qunar, Elong and Ctrip.

The article focuses on the tariff cuts and trade measures that will make luxury goods more affordable in the Chinese market. International Monetary Fund economist and observer of emerging economies Gua Kai says that Chinese tourists are buying up luxury goods abroad not because they are rich but because they find it cheaper there than in China. Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesman Yao Jian says that the government would further cut import tariffs on some high-end goods. China imposes 15 to 25 percent tariffs on imported luxury goods.

The article offers a look at the initial public offerings and over-the-counter bulletin board (OTCBB) listings launched for Chinese companies on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Nasdaq and other stocks exchanges in the U.S. The IPO are led by companies in the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sectors. They are followed by the energy, education and retailing sectors in terms of total IPO volume and numbers. Some American investors downgraded these IPO and OTCBB because of allegations of accounting fraud.

This article reports on the move by China and Russia to settle their bilateral trade deal using their respective currencies instead of the U.S. dollar. The agreement was reached during the visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to Russia on November 23, 2010. It notes that China started to allow the yuan to trade against the Russian ruble a day before the announcement of the agreement. It says that the ruble is the seventh foreign currency in the interbank foreign exchange market. Reduced transaction costs and risks are some of the benefits of the deal.

The article looks at the operational state of automobile investor Pacific Century Motor Systems Co. (PCM) in China as it faces challenges concerning its credit situation involving the acquisition of General Motors' division, Nexteer Automotive. China's banking regulator submitted a report that suspects the prospect of a smooth integration of Nexteer's assets into PCM. The company's revenue fell from 2.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2008 to 1.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2009 due to the financial crisis.

This article discusses the development of new-energy vehicles in China. It expects China to surpass developed countries in producing new-energy vehicles. It recognizes the government for investing in the industry to achieve its goal to be the world's largest producer of such vehicles. The move of the government to subsidize the industry is noted.

The article discusses the preparations for the 16th Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou, China on November 2010. The city is preparing for the influx of athletes and spectators and ensuring the success of the event. Also known as the Asiad, the event is held every four years and provides opportunities for Asian countries to showcase their culture through sports. The event will feature as many as 42 sports with 14 of them considered non-Olympic sports but popular as well among Asian countries.

The article presents a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which cites China as the most attractive destination for international foreign direct investment (FDI) for period of 2010-2012. The report, which is based on interviews with international companies and investment promotion agencies, highlights the role of economic reforms in maintaining China's status. The key industries in which multinationals increased their investments are mentioned.

The article reports on the annual Guangdong International Tourism and Culture Festival to be held in China on September 27, 2010. It notes that the festival will showcase the varied tourist resources of the province. It is stated that Guangdong has a harmonious coexistence of mountains and rivers and that the Pearl River Delta is known for its pleasant climate, beaches and hot springs, and historic temples and relics. Its export-oriented capital Guangzhou has reportedly developed into a dynamic modern city.

The article discusses preparations of Guangzhou in China for its hosting of the 16th Asian Games in November 2010. The four cities where the 70 venues of the Guangzhou Asiad will be held, are linked by an urban rail systems. The Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (GAGOC) reportedly has adopted practices from the Beijing Olympic Games such as crisis management schemes. The author shares that Guangzhou will take part of its vehicle off the road during the Asiad to ease traffic congestion.

The article discusses how China is encouraging foreign investors to serve its leading economic development priorities by offering easier market access. The author reports that China's latest guidelines for foreign investments are proposing improvements for foreign direct investments (FDI) including the optimization of industrial distribution of FDI, the promotion of diversified patterns of FDI and reform of the FDI management system.

The article focuses on the environmental issues discussed at Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) held from April 9-11, 2010 in Boao, South China's Hainan Province. The forum concentrated on Asia's green growth to look for low-carbon solutions to promote sustainable growth and create jobs. According to Fidel V. Ramos, chairman of BFA and former president of the Philippines, lifestyle change and energy saving techniques in cooling, heating and lighting are methods to achieve sustainability.

The article considers the sale of the Volvo car unit of Ford Motor Co. to Chinese automobile manufacturer Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. on March 28, 2010. The agreement is supported by the government and places a Chinese firm in charge of a major global car brand. Among the challenges facing Geely after the acquisition are its minimal experience in selling automobiles outside China and having a reputation for low-end cars. Small production scale is cited as the key problem faced by Volvo.

The article looks at the five-year Kunqu Inheritance Plan to promote and teach the art of Chinese opera "Kunqu" to future generations at Peking University in Beijing, China. The plan commenced with a lecture by Taiwanese author Pai Hsien-yung on March 11, 2010. The optional course Classic Kunqu Appreciation and a performance of "The Peony Pavilion" are part of the plan. The author believes winning a large audience on campuses and establishing connection with an overseas audience will lead to a Kunqu revival.

The article details the creation of Gouxin Asset Management Co. Ltd., by China's State Council to reorganize central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the industrial sector. It notes that the move will help the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) to turn small and unprofitable SOEs into money-making entities. The article also mentions that the company will help equity transfers or increase sovereign investments in central SOEs, functioning as an unseen hand of SASAC.

The article examines the guideline for developing the motion picture industry in China unveiled by the State Council on January 25, 2010. The guideline encourages more state-controlled studios to seek public listing and promises to expedite legislation related to the sector. Easier access to financial services is said to be supported by the guideline. Also promoted by the guideline is the development of large cross-region film distribution brands.

The article reports that China automaker Build Your Dream (BYD) Co. Ltd. met its goal of selling electric vehicles in the U.S. when it participated at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2010. BYD's e6 multi-purpose electric-powered vehicle which will cost 40,000 dollars, is set to be released in Los Angeles, California. Details about the high cost of batteries, the lack of recharging stations and other technical obstacles are discussed.

The article reports on the box-office success of the motion picture "Avatar" in China. The science fiction film created by director James Cameron in 3D format, earned 100 million U.S. dollars during its first three weeks of screening and is expected to earn more as theater owners sign deals for additional 3D contracts and IMAX screens. The motion picture is scheduled for showing in theaters until February 28, 2010.

The article narrates the story of how Tan Chuanhua came to build a three-story European-style building in Chongqing, China from selling handcrafted combs and other high-end Chinese style wood furniture and art works under the trade name Carpenter Tan Handicrafts Co. Ltd. It notes that Tan carved old-fashioned combs from wood after losing his right hand while using homemade bombs to catch fish. It mentions that shopping centers began selling his products nationwide which eventually led to franchise operations.

The article examines China's efforts to protect cultural relics as public museums become more open to free public viewing. The Chinese government invested 4.86 billion yuan in 2009 to ensure the protection of cultural relics, and added 2 billion yuan as subsidy for key museums and memorials that offer free admission. Despite government support, curators relate that there is more pressure on them to ensure the protection of museum items from external factors like temperature, humidity, radiation, and air pollution.

The article discusses the effort of Shanghai People's Fine Arts Publishing House to promote the traditional values and classics of China in the form of publications by helping the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film and TV apply for the national recognition of 'lianhuanhua' as a cultural heritage in September 2009. It describes 'lianhuanhua' as pocket-size, children's picture storybooks which once dominated many Chinese children's interest on the fictitious world of heroes and demons.

The article reports on the launch of the ChiNext, a growth enterprise board in China, on October 31, 2009. It states that the launch of ChiNext gave venture capitalists and private equity investors an investment exit channel to regain their investments from startup enterprises. It notes that many companies believe that they can raise more money by listing on the ChiNext.

The article presents an obituary for Yang Xianyi, China's highly acclaimed translator of Chinese literature.

The article reports on the growing trend in China of using electronic devices such as mobile phones, e-readers and laptops to read written works which include news and books. It is noted that many Chinese read using the said devices to entertain themselves but cultural observers are concerned that this practice may overshadow traditional book-and-pen reading. In addition, companies are now making books available as online content.

This article deals with the Internet addiction issue facing China. According to the China Internet Network Information Center, 51.8% of China's Internet users were younger than 25 as of June 2009. Tao Ran, director of China's first Internet addiction treatment clinic, says this kind of addition can be attributed to over-abundant parental pressures and expectations on children. There is a plan by the Chinese Ministry of Health to borrow the practices from other countries to facilitate Internet addict rehabilitation.

The article discusses on the highlights of the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions held in Dalian, China on September 10-12, 2009. The meeting was held to discuss the path to sustainable growth that is different from before the 2008 economic crisis. It was attended by high profile people led by Premier Wen Jiabao, Executive Vice-President of the Bank of China Zhu Min, and Morgan Stanley Asia chairman Stephen Roach. Around 1,400 businessmen and policy makers from 86 nations attended the event.

The article reports on the growth of e-commerce industry in China driven by improvements in payment, logistics and credit management solutions. Figures from the China Internet Network Information Center showed an increase in the number of online shoppers reaching 14 million in the first half of 2009. Analysts projected that transaction of online sales will be diverted to business-to-consumer platforms from consumer-to-consumer (C2C) sites. Also indicated are cases of abuse and consumer complaints about related services offered by C2C marketplaces.

The article focuses on Suntech Power, China's largest solar panel maker. Some of the factors influencing the performance of Chinese solar power firms are tight credit, weak demand and rising price competition. To mitigate pressures from falling demand in European markets, Suntech secured several deals with the Chinese government and opened factories in the U.S. In the second quarter of 2009, Suntech posted an 81% drop in earnings. Agreements were signed by the firm with four Chinese provinces and cities to develop solar projects over the next few years.

The article features Chang Xiufeng, an illiterate woman and an artist from central Henan Province in China. She makes realistic crayon colored paintings through her nimble hands, agile mind and vivid memories. It is noted that her drawings represent a personal record of China's countryside life, which gives her a tool to commemorate her family and bygone days.

The article features the world-class magic shows and championship competition sponsored by the International Federation of Magic Societies (FISM) which was held during the 24th World Championships of Magic Beijing 2009 on July 26-31, 2009. Known as the "Magic Olympics," the competition had five categories including general magic, stage illusions and comedy magic. To entertain the audience, nine magicians performed an audio-visual presentation known as the Supreme Magic Show while American magician Lou Hilario did a solo magic show.

The article focuses on the luxury goods market in China. According to the article, while European and other countries have cut back on their spending on luxury items due to the global financial crisis, the Chinese market has strengthened and has become the second largest luxury consumer next to the Japanese. This trend in spending is due to the three decades of economic growth China has experienced and which has produced consumers loyal to certain brands such as Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.

The article profiles Europe's second-largest car maker, PSA Peugeot Citroën of France. Opening its first technical and styling center outside France at the China Tech Center in Shanghai last September 2008, the company aims to launch new models and incorporate Chinese designs to better suit the demands of local customers. The article also details PSA's other plans specifically about the company's staffing to further enhance its market share.

The article reports on the electronic waste trade in China. Jamie Choi, toxics campaign manager at Greenpeace China, cannot forget the images of children being exposed to toxic chemicals in south China's electronic waste hub of Guiyu, Guangdong Province. China's answer to the problem is a regulation on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) known as the Regulation on the Administration of the Recovery and Disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Products.

The article reports that GRG Banking Equipment Co. Ltd. has taken the lead from the overseas brands to become the largest supplier of automated teller machines (ATM) in China. In 2008, GRG Banking earned 175.7 million U.S. dollars in sales and 48.5 million U.S. dollars in net profit. The company is optimistic that its gross profit margins will improve in 2009 due to the financial services expansion in rural areas and the 84.8 billion U.S. dollars investment in urban rail transportation.

The article features piano manufacturer Pearl River Piano Group Ltd. In 2002, Pearl River Piano was recognized as the world's largest piano maker, 10 years after amateur pianist Tong Zhicheng became head of the company. During that year, the company was making an annual output of 71,000 pianos. The contributions of Tong to the company are highlighted, along with his efforts to improve the quality of the company's products. The history of the company is also traced.

The article presents an interview with Amit Midha, president of Dell in China, about the operation of the computer company. The interview begins with the strategic overhaul efforts of Dell that has proved to be the most effective in enhancing the company's performance worldwide and in China. Midha then identifies the numbers of computers sold by Dell in retail stores in the U.S. and China. Midha also shares the goals of the company for its operation.

The article focuses on the efforts of the Chinese government to establish its own venture capital industry. In 2008, a number of U.S. venture funds retreated from China because of liquidity squeezes amid the financial turmoil. It is explained that private equity investing in China generally takes the form of venture investing, or financing for small start-ups with prospective long-term growth potential. The advantages gained by local private investors in China are discussed, which include cancelled initial public offerings (IPOs) worldwide.