How a Debt Default Might Be Viewed in China

This article by David Millar outlines steps that the Chinese government might take in this game of economic chicken played out in the US government. 

Like most summer blockbusters, we're all pretty sure we know how this is going to end.
Choose your hero: the noble Mr. President, or the brave Mr. Boehner. Contemplate the danger: the shameful triumph of the rich and powerful, or a pathetic capitulation to big government. Now savor the predictable ending -- a high-stakes finale, followed by a last-minute victory over the forces of evil. It's as if Washington hopes to compete with Captain America for next weekend's box office returns.

Massive oil spill shuts down Jilin tollway

What a mess this caused with traffic backed up 11 kilometers or more.  

 

An oil-leaking accident occurred on the loop expressway in Changchun, capital of Northeast China's Jilin province, July 28, 2011. An oil tank was hit by two fallen containers from a passing truck, which led to massive raw oil leaking. As of 12:30, local firefighters had fixed the leak. Large numbers of vehicles were found stranded on the expressway and the vehicle procession reached as long as 8 kilometers. [Photo/CFP]

Is China's economy actually a train wreck waiting to happen?

A turning point for China?

Jul 27, 2011 22:48 EDT

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By George Chen
The opinions expressed are the author’s own.
Is the train crash tragedy becoming a turning point for China’s political and economic development?
Frustrations among the Chinese public have been growing rapidly — at least on the internet if not yet in the streets. People are particularly unhappy with the way the Ministry of Railways has dealt with the train accident, which so far has cost 39 lives.
It has now turned into a full-blown crisis. Shen Minggao, chief Greater China economist for Citigroup, said in his latest research note to clients that the train tragedy could become “a turning point in the China growth model.”

Heading to Beijing?

My son, Hoku, at the Great Wall

Quality in Higher Education: Identifying, Developing and Sustaining Best Practices in the APEC Region

University of Hawaii System Project to Address Quality in Higher Education in the APEC Region

Charles Morrison, President of East West Center, and Hillary Clinton

Honolulu (March 14, 2011) – A proposal developed by the University of Hawai‘i System to address quality higher education and training in the Asia-Pacific region has been approved and supported by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). As part of the project, higher education leaders and stakeholders from the region will gather in Honolulu in August for a three-day symposium designed to identify and share benchmarks and encourage collaborative efforts.
Entitled “Quality in Higher Education: Identifying, Developing and Sustaining Best Practices in the APEC Region,” the project will address the topic of quality in higher education as a foundation for long-term inclusive growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. The planning group, chaired by UH Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost Linda Johnsrud and East-West Center Director of Educational Programs Terry Bigalke, was proposed to APEC on behalf of the United States.

China US Governor's Forum Concludes

Sino-US meeting enhances ties between two biggest economies

WASHINGTON - The recently concluded first China-US Governors Forum made a significant contribution to further enhancing relations between the world's two largest economies, a senior US State Department official said on Tuesday.
The three-day event was held in Salt Lake City in conjunction with the summer meeting of the US National Governors Association (NGA).
It was co-hosted by the NGA and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).
Four Chinese provincial leaders from Zhejiang, Anhui, Yunnan and Qinghai met US governors and business leaders to exchange views on trade and investment, green energy, environmental protection and education.
The two sides signed more than 20 agreements or Memorandums of Understanding.

Confucius and Jesus on the Role of Education in the Analects and Four Gospels: Increasing Trust in China-US Relations

Proquest Link Click here

Abstract: The initial conflict between China and the US was between the American missionaries and the Chinese people, primarily the Confucian scholars. Many smaller misunderstandings in the nineteenth century led to bigger conflicts. The purpose is to examine the cultural roots of the conflict. What Jesus in the Four Gospels and Confucius in the Analects said about the role of education is compatible. This thesis will display their similarities. Ontologically, they both embrace spiritual humanism, the human being as special and unique. Education is the change of the inner heart. The way to clean up the polluted mind and return to the innocent mind is similar. This thesis will shed light on the misunderstandings and how to put the conflicts behind us. Knowing Jesus' and Confucius' views on the role of education is one small step in the process of overcoming the past misunderstandings, and replacing them with trust and friendship.

US Hawaii China Connection Explored

 Don and Maya Soetoro Ng

Excerpt from an article I recently published in China Daily.  
CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE

Today I believe all the more that Hawaii can provide the missing link between the US and China, especially because APEC 2011 will be held here in November. As part of my degree in International Cultural Studies, I interviewed Charles Morrison, the President of the East West Center, and we talked about contextualizing Hawaii in Asia and throughout the Pacific Rim.

My son, Hoku, skateboarding the Great Wall