Toyota starts making cars in Russia

Chinese ambassador in Tokyo is optimistic about disputing Gas reserve in East China sea, the problem has stalled the sino-japan relations and stirred up protests in China.


2,000 Santas joggling together in Belgium


GDP growth rate in China stalls, China's central bank, People' bank will be 10.9%, instead of 11% as estimated.


Toyota starts producing cars in Russia, the first among all Japanese car makers, even Russian President Putin was drawn to a visit.


I will be taking days off for the next week and will post on a irregular basis.

Merry Christmas to you and yours! Have a safe Holiday!

Korean President -elect ignores China?

President-elect Yi Myunpark met with U.S. and Japanese ambassadors in Seoul, indicting a warm-up relations with the two countries, however, is Mr. Yi purposely ignoring the other big neighbor and player in the region, China?


Beijing Olympics, Walk-Life-Balance are among the key words selected for Japan in the coming year of 2008. other key words include G-8 summit to be held in Toyako in Hokaidao, Japan, U.S. presidential election, etc


Big protest takes place in Macao, the gambling capital, for ever-growing gap between the rich and the poor


Bush doesn't concern about Subprime crisis.


China is ready to flex its massive muscles, an investment company is to put over 50 billion dollars to Morgan Stanley.

Japan test anti-missile, causes China concern

Japan successfully conducted a anti-missile test from a ship near Hawaii. It is described the first layer of defense in the case of a missile attack from North Korea. However, the test has raised attention from Chinese, who urged Japan to take consideration of the regional peace and security.


Japan is in negotiations with Hungary, in a deal to buy right for CO2 emission.


Cancer patient number in 2007 reaches 120 million, and overweight, smoking and unhealthy diet are main reasons to cause cancer. Among men, lung caner, prostate cancer and for women, breast cancer are among the top cancers.

Nikkei stock index suffers the fifth day of declining.


The Subprime crisis in the U.S. and spread to Japan.

Fukuda to meet Hu on the 28th

Japan's PM Fukuda will be in Beijing from Dec 27th, he will be meeting Hu Jintao on the 28th first time as Japan's premier.

Early decided employment rate for next year graduating Japanese high school students increases again this year to 67%, a trend that has lasted for 5 years in a roll.


No other countries in the world consumes more beer than China, Chinese in total drinks up more than 21% of all beers produced last year. Japan keeps the same ranking of the 6th, however due to a low birth rate, consumption is declining.

China is planning to set up a new Department of Energy to streamline cooperations with international community in this field.

economic condition for Japanese large corporations is worsening

Japan's Tankan(Diffusion Index) shows that economic condition for large corporations is worsening. The current data is 4 point lower than three months ago, and the most notably worsening industry is construction materials, with a 18 point lower. the reason is the further slowing in Housing and home building industry.

In Beijing, U.S.-China talk ends with agreement on cooperation over energy and environment


Recent survey conducted by Yomiuri found that number of people who view U.S.-Japan relationship positively have increased in both countries.


China remembers 70th anniversary of Nanjing massacre, with a expansion of a museum dedicated to the tragety.


Fukuda administration pushes a new economic growth strategy-Asia Economy and Environmental Alliance. Japan aims to become the center for environmental technology, energy conservation and Intellectual property protection in Asia.


Japan's cloth chain Uniqlo keeps expanding overseas, it opens its No.1 store in continental Europe in Paris, its fifth overseas stores outside of Japan after U.S., China, UK and Korea.

Japan's Word of the Year

"偽” (fake) is voted as the word of the year in Japan. Considering a series of food mislabeling incidents, scores of stores faking high-end local produce brand with cheap imports, and loss in pension funds and misuse in political donations, it demonstrates a credibility crisis is worsening in Japan.

As China is soon to overtake the U.S. as the world's largest CO2 emission country, Japan is focusing on if China is going to sign on Kyoto treaty on CO2 emission limit. In Indonesia, UN global summit on climate, Chinese has said it will refuse to follow standard of Industrial countries.

Shanghai's newly opened foreign language TV station will start broadcasting Japanese News.


Japanese steel maker Kobe Steel will set up a factory in China to make steel reels


A new flight from Haneda, a closer airport than currelty in use Narita, to Beijing is under consideration.

3rd China-US strategic talks

All eyes on China-US 3rd round of strategic talks currently being held in Beijing.



SinoPec, largest Chinese petroleum company signs a 2 billion dollar contact with Iran in developing oil fields.



China market may be breeding ground for deadly viruses



Nobel peace price winning Al Gore urged U.S. and China take actions on cutting greenhouse gas emission.



Visiting Beijing, Mayor of New York City,
Bloomberg Seeks Less Info Control in China



Who else benefits from China more than Wal-Mart?
Wal-Mart to grow by more than 30 pct annually in China



Ever wonder how lives in Beijing among elites and the haves? experience 36 hours in Beijing

Pearl Harbor Remembered

Beijing Olympics is just around the corner, constructions in Beijing speeds up as well. This time, some historical buildings get a face lift.

China chokes on growth? soaring gas prices impact Chinese truck drivers


EU plays catchup with China in Africa


Web access and Emails from your next flight? only in some airlines in the U.S.


Pear Harbor remembered


Richard Armitage and Joe Nye argues that America is the strongest when engaged.


105 miners are killed in China' s latest coal mine blast


New Bird Flu case found in China



Movie Star Will Smith said the new film-I am legend is not yet approved in China.

Blood Coal

Bush wrote a letter to Kim Jung Il, a first for Bush to do so to the leader of axises of evils.


China continues to have worse than the worst coal mine accidents and deaths, a blast in Linfen, Shanxi, today, estimated to have killed 96 miners. Considering the cold weather and huge demand for coal burning, it is sad to see the blood coated coals.


China plans subsidies for oil companies, do they already much richer than rest of the economy and industries?


More MiC(Made in China) get recalled today, one case is from Starbucks, which recalled three kinds of coffee mugs and another is again, Toys.


Wapo did a feature story on Japanese Bloggers, calling them "humble giants of the web"


North Korea's Kim Jung Il is certainly busy now, China's Hu urged Kim to solve North Korea's abducting Japanese issue

Killer Noodles

Four students in Zhaotong, Yunnan, China died after eating instant noodles, a very popular snack food among elementary and middle school students. The noodles are made in China, and an emergency recall of the product has been made.

Chinese UN ambassador sees a new direction away from U.S. policy to impose additional sanctions towards Iran. after the new U.S. Intelligence report that Iran has stopped nuclear production since 2003.


Like Iran, Is North Korea's nuclear program in doubt?


Is U.S. Congress beginning to take actions to cut CO2 emission?


China still has turned corner of its recent history regarding Chairman Mao's right handed man, Lin Biao, who died in a mysterious plane crash on a rushed trip leaving China to Russia. This December marks Lin's 100 birth anniversary, however, Beijing bans Lin's family members to publicly remembers Lin.

Japan's Democratic Party President Ozawa lead a super delegation to China, with about 450 people going with him.

China and CO2, Nanking the Movie

China asks the major industrial countries to cut CO2 emission by 25-40%.


A minor "fight" broke out inside Japan's Congress-Diet regarding Japan's democratic party's leader Ozawa's visit to China this week.


China's President Hu met visiting Japanese Foreign minister Komura, a rarity between a head of a nation and a cabinet member, shows that China highly values relations with Japan.


Hu will visit Japan next year, following Premier Wen's trip to Japan this April.


As Nanjing Massacre day is approaching, Xinhua puts out stories on Japanese soldiers' records.


Movie Nanking is about to hit theaters Next Wednesday, Dec 12th, to collaborate with Nanjing Massacre's day, check out the official website

Most Popular words in Japan

Annual most popular words in Japan is announced today in Tokyo. Includes: netcafe refuge, big eater, disappearing pension, Prince Hanikami, etc.


Soccer Japan won a ticket to Beijing Olympics by beating Taiwan team.


Watching Digital TV from your palm? Japan's electronics companies such as Panasoic, Hitach are competing to market a HD cell Phone.


Chinese President Hu Jintao urged to solve Sino-China dispute over East China Sea's Gas reserve, in a meeting with Japan's FM Komura.


Australia signed Kyoto Protocol, leaving the U.S. as the only Industrial country that has not
signed the CO2 emission reduction agreement.


A relics of a ancient city with a history of over 4,300 years is discovered near Hangzhou, China.


For the first time, a Chinese women won a major title of International beauty contest.


Have a Marvelous Monday!

Look Ahead next week

Here are the events related to China and Japan earlier in the next week:

Monday, Dec 3rd:
10 a.m. -- (STATE/TRAFFICKING/RIGHTS) FORUM -- The Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) holds a forum on "Human Trafficking and Freedom." Participants include Rep. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.); Mark Lagon, director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons at the State Department; Jennifer Windsor of Freedom House; Mohamed Mattar of Protection Project; Neil Mistra of Solidarity Center; and Holly Burkhalter of International Justice Mission.

Location: SAIS, Nitze Building, 1740 Massachusetts Avenue NW

Contact: Felisa Neuringer Klubes, 202-663-5626, fklubes@jhu.edu

Note: Members of the public should RSVP to 202-747-7038.


11 a.m. -- (US-CHINA/TRADE/LEAVITT) EVENT -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC) holds an address by Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt on his upcoming trip to China to strengthen the safety of U.S. imports.

Location: USCC, 1615 H Street NW

Contact: 202-463-5682, press@uschamber.com

Note: Credentials required. Register to 202-463-5682 or press@uschamber.com

Dec 5th, Wednesday, 8:30am-1pm, JETRO-CSIS conference on

East Asian Economic Integration and
U.S.-Japan Relations

Location:
CSIS, 1800 K Street, NW, Washington, DC
B-1 Conference Center

[REGISTRATION]
http://www.jetro.org/eas2007

Chinese and Japanese sing the song, and more...

Chinese singer Hanxue and Japanese Singer 中孝介 sing together at Beijing's Hall of People.


US-China Kitty Hawk war drags on. Today, Chinese rebuffed the report that Ambassador Yang Jiechi said that it was a misunderstanding to U.S. President Bush.

Japanese Democratic Party president Ozawa leaves for Beijing, he will meet Hu Jintao.

In Korea, a cellphone explosion killed one men, injured his colleague.

US congressmen Henry Hyde died at age of 83, he is mostly known to me for he rejected Japanese former Koizumi's attempt to address US congress, citing that Japan refused to apologize for War crimes during WWII.

China agrees to reduce subsidies to goods exported to U.S.

A Jab from the U.S. to China---a crew from visiting Chinese military vessel is scheduled to tour a Japanese navy ship, under American's protest, citing the possibility of some sensitive parts been spied on, the plan has been scheduled.

Read them N get Smarter

Iran president met Japanese Media and said that Iran has not provided assistance to North Korea


Vietnam will sign economy cooperation agreement with Japan in the fall of 2008


Canada Congress passed resolution condemning Japan's comfort women issue during WWII


Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said refusing American Carrier Katy Hawk is a misunderstanding


American and Japanese diplomats discuss before next round of 6-party talks

Read them and become 0.5% smarter

China's three gorges dam is risky? as American media is questioning, Chinese takes note.


China Revels in View From Its First Lunar Orbiter


For Chinese and Europeans, is the honeymoon over?


French is signing big deals with Chinese on nuclear.


Jade Nissl, a 13-year-old adoptee from China, writes about a return visit to her birth country


Hungary? How about Kungbao Turkey, or Turkey Mooncakes?


An international forum being held in Beijing concludes.

Inside DC

Freeman Chair in China Studies, Center for strategy and International Studies(CSIS) is hosting a forum on US-China Strategic relations, from 9am-10:30am, Today. I checked their website to see if there is a live webcasting, however, the list of the event is not found on the page. (Maybe not yet?;>). Anyway, here is the Freeman Chair page.

This morning, when I was on my usual commute to work, the road is much more jammed, the Ritz hotel has both a Mideastern county and a Sweden flag flying on the pole, I guess it all can attribute to the Annapolis Conference.

Have a Terrific Tuesday!

Power Briefing

All major parties in Mideast, including Chinese representative met at Annapolis, MD, some 50 miles(80 kms) from where I live, today.


U.S. assistant secretary of state Christoper Hill is on his newest trip to Japan, China, Korea


Taiwan trading company is charged with illegal export to North Korea


Chinese and Japanese diplomats investigate North Korea's nuclear facility


Visiting French President Sarkozy signed a 20billion Euro contract with China on Nuclear power reactor deal.


New Australian Prime Minister will look more towards Asia, including ratify Kyoto Protocol.


Beijing hosts an international forum on food safety, the result will be a tightening on inspection system.

I am back...

It certainly took longer than I expected to contemplate on bringing new perspectives to this site, I just added a search function, which you can see at right hand side, I will post more often on any development in China-Japan Relations. Check out the following:

Nanjing marks the new cultural exchange activities (TBS)

U.S. increase one more diplomats to North Korea

Japan media pays attention to increasing Cancer patients in China

French President arrived Xi;an, China
(that's my hometown, welcome, yokozo, Huanying, Sarkozy)

China makes video to appeal to be green

Chinese peace keepers arrived Darfur, Sudan

How a small Japanese enterprise in a sunset industry re-engineering itself from selling to China
(I enjoyed it very much and watched the video over and over, a must-see if you are a business type and care about environment in China, too)

Chinese and Japanese scholars on Nanjing Massacre having a symposium

a bus in Hubei, China got hit by a collapsing rock and at least one died.

Chinese Gen-x, a bunch of 20 something are taking a smash hit in writing and selling books, their fans are also one-childers in their 20s, who have the most disposable incomes.

Chinese missile destroyer is visiting Tokyo, in a friendly gesture.

Chinese top legal officer, Xiao Yang, has a good word about the fact that more cases of Capital punishment in China have a delay in execution.

Kitty Hawk, the American Carrier was approved and then rejected by Beijing to debark Hong Kong

Chinese invest fund, consist of Baoshan steel, etc in a talk to buy Rio Tinto, the giant steel makers

Have a Great Week!

Chinese food safety concerns spread to Japan

Just when Japanese start to eat roasted eel(Unagi) to celebrate doyonohi, the coming of the middle summer and the hottest period of the year, U.S. banns the import of some seafoods including eels from China.

As Japan is the China's biggest import of Unagi, account for about 60% of all Chinese exports, should Japan be concerned as well?

One Japanese importer said he is not concerned, as the eels that are bound to the Japanese market are the best, only leftovers from the Japanese export are exported to the U.S. and Canada.

Even so, Japanese government still tightens its inspections in both Chinese and Japanese ports. We will see how concerns in food safety will affect Japanese annual tradition of eating Unagi.

China faces Food Safety Probe from FDA

From pet foods to hog foods, and then to chicken foods, imports of contaminated food from China are expanding. FDA has stepped in and sent inspectors to China inspect the issue, however, now U.S. congress are considering a bill to put food safety issue into it. (USA Today)

74 Chinese worked were killed during an attack targeting Chinese oil company in Ethiopia, in which the Chinese company is exploring a oil reserve. The incident was carried out by a local military organization, who claimed that they wanted to give the Chinese a warning. It also served as a wakeup call for Chinese Resources diplomacy, which has been active in unstable countries such as Sudan and Iran. (Yomiuri Shimbun)

Paulson on China, Kyuma to address Heritage foundation

Here is the what's going on in DC for May 2nd, 2007.

9 a.m. -- (CHINA/DEVELOPMENT/PAULSON) CONFERENCE -- The Peterson Institute and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) sponsors a conference on "China Balance Sheet in 2007 and Beyond," featuring the release of eight new papers on central aspects of China's role in the world economy and relationships between China and the U.S., including both economic and political dimensions.

Highlights

9 a.m.: Former deputy secretary of state Robert Zoellick speaks.

11 a.m.: Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson speaks.

4:15 p.m.: Microsoft Chief Research and Strategy Office Craig Mundie speaks.

Location: 1750 Massachusetts Avenue NW

Contact: Katharine Keenan, 202-454-1334

3 p.m. -- (US-JAPAN/KYUMA) SPEECH -- Japanese Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma discusses "A New Perspective for the Future of the Japan-U.S. Security Relationship," in a speech to The Heritage Foundation.

Location: Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Lehrman Auditorium

Contact: 202-675-1752

US-Japan 2+2, Negroponte on China

Today in DC, US and Japan's foreign and defense minister hold 2+2 talks, U.S. deputy secretary of state John Negroponte is to testify on Capital hill.



12:30 p.m.: Testifies at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on "The Future of Political, Economic and Security Relations with China." 2172 Rayburn.

8 a.m. -- (DEFENSE/INDUSTRY/FORECAST) CONFERENCE -- Jane's Information Group sponsors a conference on "US Defense to 2008 and Beyond: Policy - Programs - Partnerships."

Highlights

William Greenwalt, deputy undersecretary of Defense, discusses "Change with the Defense Department," and Sherman Baldwin, Global Managing Director for Aerospace and Defense at Accenture, discusses "the Challenges to Business."

Jonathan Hoyle, minister of defence materiel, British Defence Staff, Washington, addresses "Developments in the United Kingdom."

William Schneider, chairman of the Defense Science Board, talks about "Defense Threats, Requirements and Changing Capabilities."

Michael Pillsbury, consultant to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, discusses "Hedging against a Rising China."

Location: Cosmos Club, 2121 Massachusetts Avenue NW

Contact: Matt Taylor, 202-789-2424

9:15 a.m. -- (JAPAN-US/SECURITY) CONFERENCE -- The Heritage Foundation holds its 9th Annual US-Japan Security Strategy Conference: "U.S.-Japan Partnership in Transforming the East Asian Security Environment."

Highlights

Panel 1: Fukushiro Nukaga, Liberal Democratic Party member of parliament and former Minister of State for Defense; Seiji Maehara, Democratic Party of Japan member of parliament; Shigeki Sato, New Komei Party of Japan member of parliament; and William Breer, former deputy chief of mission to Japan, discuss "The U.S.-Japan Bilateral Relationship - Current Status and Issues."

Panel 2: Fukushiro Nukaga, Liberal Democratic Party member of parliament and former Minister of State for Defense; Adm. Dennis Blair, former PACOM commander; and Bruce Klingner, senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation's Asian Studies Center, discuss "Prospects of U.S.-Japan Cooperation in Transforming the Regional Security Environment."

Location: Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Allison Auditorium

Contact: 202-675-1752, lectures.seminars@heritage.org

+1 p.m. -- (US-JAPAN/RICE/GATES) EVENT -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Robert Gates hold a media availability with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso and Japanese Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma, following a meeting of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee.

Location: State Department, 2201 C Street NW, Benjamin Franklin Room

Contact: 202-647-2492

Koto，古筝 is the new bridge

Chinese students of traditional musical instrument-古筝, in Shanghai is having a concert. what's the important of the concert, however, is that they are having Japanese performers of koto, a sibling instrument of 古筝, to perform together.

However does the difference exist between Japan and China, there are certainly more similarities. In terms of 求同存异，seeking the common grounds, 古筝 has been doing a wonderful job. If you remember my very first post, featuring Kotohime （Koto Princesses), a group of musical performers from China, Japan and Korea to perform together.

Once again, I say, you go, Koto girls.

China's to be the largest Greenhouse emitter

According to a report released today by NCPA(National Center for Policy Analysis), China is soon to pass the U.S. and become the world's largest greenhouse emitter.

What's worse is that both China and the U.S. are not nations that bind their CO2 emissions according to the Kyoto Agreement. China has said it will work with Japan to improve its emission, during Wen Jiabao's visit to Tokyo early this month, however, China is still not following Kyoto rules on CO2 emission.

Read the Press release here.

Abe apologizes, to U.S. Congressmen and Bush

Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe had a busy day at Washington DC. He visited U.S. Capital and held talks with Congress leaders, to whom he offered apology regarding the Comfort women issue. And again, at today's joint press briefing held at Camp David, when being asked by a Japanese reporter about his attitude, Abe again said he apologized when meeting the congressional representatives yesterday.

Where's the problem any more? Abe has offered his repetitive apologizes to both U.S. congressmen and congresswomen, to president Bush.

Having said that, to me, there seems to be missing something, in his answer, he didn't mention Kono Statement, at all, in contrast, Mr. Bush actually said he expected to move forward based on the famous Kono Statment, in which Japanese government acknowledged its responsibility for forcing women from Korea, Taiwan and other countries to serve as a army prostitutes.

Last but not least, Abe offered rounds of apologies to VIPs in Washington DC, Did he offer apologize to the Comfort women themselves?

Bush Dance African tunes

Not quite Friday here in DC, yet, however, I thought it would be funny to feature Bush dance to an African Malaria awareness day in DC.

Comfort Women uncomfort US-Japan Relations

It would be a perfect timing for Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to be in DC, after a long and enduring cold days and several storms in March and early April, finally sunny and warm days returns to DC this week.

However, from today, when Abe is going to have dinner with Bush at the White House, the weather turns to cloudy and gloomy. Not only the weather, the issue of comfort women has also clouded the US-Japan relationship.

Today's Washington Post even posted a full page Ad paid by 121 Coalition: A National Coalition United to Defend Human Rights and Support H.Res. 121, a resolution posposed by the U.S. Congress to ask Japan to apologize for Comfort Women during WWII.

Heading to DC, Abe said he expected a very open discussion with Bush, will they talk about the uncomfortable comfort women issue?

Abe in D.C., China's challenge to America

Tomorrow will be the first day when Shinzo Abe will be in Mr. Bush's guest in the White House and Camp David. 6:45 p.m.: Bush, along with Mrs. Bush, welcomes Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mrs. Abe to the White House. North Portico. Open press.

Evening: Hosts a social dinner for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mrs. Abe.

other event related to China and Japan include:

11 a.m. -- (US-CHINA/DIPLOMACY/BOOK) DISCUSSION -- The Brookings Institution holds a book discussion with Richard Bush and Michael O'Hanlon, authors of "A War Like No Other: The Truth About China's Challenge to America."

Location: Brookings Institution, 1775 Massachusetts Avenue NW

Contact: 202-797-6105, communications@brookings.edu

3 p.m. -- (CHINA/DEMOCRACY) DISCUSSION -- The Library of Congress (LOC) holds a lecture program on "China's Return to Tradition: How to Interpret the New Forces Emerging in China" by Yu Ying-shih, recipient of the John W. Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity.

Location: LOC, Jefferson Building, 10 First Street SE, Room 119

Contact: 202-707-2692

4:30 p.m. -- (JAPAN/ASIA/MIDEAST) DISCUSSION -- The Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) hosts a discussion on "U.S.-Japan Relations and the Middle East: The Abe Visit and Beyond," with Kent Calder, director of the SAIS Japan Studies Program and the Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies.

Location: SAIS, Rome Building, 1619 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Room 806

Contact: Felisa Neuringer Klubes, 202-663-5626, fklubes@jhu.edu

Japan passes the U.S. as China's biggest trade partner

Japan's Trade bureau releases the data for the fiscal year of 2006, (Japan's fiscal year starts from April 1 to March 31st), trade with China (not including trade with Hong Kong)increases by 16.5%, it is the first time that trade with China has exceeds with the U.S..(TBS News)

On the same side of Japan, a recent survey finds that only 8% of Japanese youth wants to be great, which is a direct contrast with same age group in China and the U.S., 34% of Chinese and 22% of American youth said, Yes. (Nikkei Net)

After Pet foods were found to contain toxic ingrendents, U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) blocks gluten from China, and today FDA is expanding its investigation into contaminated pet food, after some U.S. companies suggested the contamination was no accident. It also appears the contaminant involved — melamine — could reach human food. (NPR)

China's a threat to the world? Concern over poison pet foods

First thing this morning, when I picked the Washington Post and started reading, I was shocked the see the big title on the upfront of the front page-China's Food issue is a concern.

It is no more news that China has a bad reputation for food poisoning, something even people could not image how cruel it is, milk powder, for example. in 2004, 13 babies in China died of malnutrition, a would-be worst case in a developed country, however, it is only one of handful cases in China, where patients died of antibiotics injections, made by irresponsible and profit only pharmacy makers, and students and teachers died of school cafeteria foods that were contaminated by pesticides.

However, it would be just OK if this is only a domestic issue for China, with China speeds up its export machine and Made in China goods flooded every corner of the World, it is now becoming a Global Issue.

How safe are the Chinese exports? From Pet foods poison to hogs were being quarantined in several states in the U.S., If this trends continue, the foods industry in China will face a serious doubt from not only U.S. consumers, but also the Sudanese consumers.

Angelina Jolie comes to DC, Again

My favorite actress Angelina Jolie comes to DC on Thursday, she is not a stranger to the national capital, I profiled her last visit here, along with Hillary Clinton and Condi Rice, Jolie was awarded for fighting poverty in Africa. Jolie gave Global Action for Children one million dollar donation.

This time, Jolie again will come to talk at National Press Club, check out the day schedule here.

Abe's Visit, China dominates DC's schedule

For scores of Chinese and Japanese media outlets and politics junkies like me, April 25th of 2007 is certainly a busy day in Washington DC, Abe's weekend visit and various issues regarding China are going on from 9am to 5pm. Here is the list I compared for you. Want to go, call for information:

9:15 a.m. -- (TRADE/S.KOREA) FORUM -- The Global Business Dialogue, Inc. and KEIDANREN-USA (The Japanese Business Federation) hold a forum titled, "Quicker Pace, New Partners: FTAS in the Asia Pacific After April 1." Jeffrey Schott of the Peter G. Peterson Institute for International Economics; John Foarde, former staff director for the Congressional-Executive Commission on China; and Murray Hiebert of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, participate.

Location: National Press Club, 14th and F Streets NW

Contact: 202-463-5074

Noon -- (CHINA/ATTITUDES) DISCUSSION -- The Committee of 100 holds a luncheon program on "Taking the Pulse of China," a discussion of recent polls on evolving Chinese attitudes and the levels of satisfaction with Chinese institutions. Participants include Victor Yuan, founder and CEO of Horizon Research and vice president of China Marketing Research Association, and president of Beijing Consulting Association; Susan Lawrence and Kathy Chen, journalists who have spent considerable time in China.

Location: Army Navy Club, 901 17th Street NW

Contact: Rebecca Mond, 202-293-8144

12:30 p.m. -- (ROMANIA/DIPLOMACY) SPEECH -- The Elliott School of International Affairs host a speech by Mircea Munteanu, project associate at Woodrow Wilson Center's Cold War International History project, who discusses "The Bucharest Pony Express: Romanian Shuttle Diplomacy on Vietnam, China, and the Arab-Israeli Conflict."

Location: George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs, 1957 E Street NW, Voesar Conference Center, Room 412

Contact: 202-994-6240

1:45 p.m. -- (US-JAPAN/SECURITY) DISCUSSION -- The Elliott School of International Affairs hosts a discussion by Ellis Krauss, professor of Japanese politics and policymaking at the University of California, San Diego, titled, "Challenges for U.S.-Japan Relations: Koizumi's Legacy & Abe's Security Policies."

Location: George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs, 1957 E Street NW

Contact: 202-994-6240

3:30 p.m. -- (CHINA/COMMUNISM) FORUM -- The Woodrow Wilson Center (WWC) hosts a forum entitled, "The Chinese Communist Party: Bent, But Not Broken" Participants include Bruce Dickenson, WWC fellow and professor of political science and international affairs at the George Washington University; Cheng Li, professor of government at Hamilton College; Melanie Manion, professor of political science and public affairs at the University of Wisconsin; Yan Sun, professor of political science at the City University of New York Graduate Center and Queens College.

Location: WWC, One Woodrow Wilson Plaza, Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Contact: 202-691-4000

11 a.m. -- (JAPAN/DIPLOMACY) BRIEFING -- The Washington Foreign Press Center (WFPC) news briefing for foreign media on President Bush's upcoming meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Location: WFPC, National Press Building, 14th and F Street NW, Suite 800

Contact: 202-504-6320

5:30 p.m. -- (JAPAN/ASIA) DISCUSSION -- The Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Middle East Perspectives Student Club hosts a discussion titled, "Does Japan Matter in Central Asia?" with Akio Kawato, visiting professor at Waseda University and former ambassador to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan; Evan Feigenbaum, deputy assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs; and S. Frederick Starr, chairman of the SAIS Central Asia-Caucasus Institute (moderating.).

Location: SAIS, Rome Building, 1619 Massachusetts Avenue NW

Contact: Felisa Neuringer Klubes, 202-663-5626

The week ahead

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is visiting Washington on Friday and will be Bush's guest at Camp David on Saturday. US-Japan secutiry alliance, Okinawa basis rearrangement, how to deal with a rising China and Sino-Japan relations will be the topics for the two leaders.

Nagasaki Mayor gunned down by a right wing activist

Today, Nagasaki mayor was gunned down in front of his election office. Mr. ito was well known for speaking out for peace. He has been appealing for non-nuclear world since he was elected as a mayor of Nagasaki, one of only two cities that have been hit by atomic bombs.

Recent violence targeting outspoken politicians, economic elites in Japan have been on a dangerous increasing path, one can't wonder if it indicates the Shinzo Abe's ambiguous and sometimes even aggressive policy towards such historical issues as Comfort Women, Yasukuni Shrine has something to do with the trend.

The gunman killer is from South Korea!

Just within minutes from my last post suspecting the killer in VT is from China, the news breaks out that he is from South Korea.

A bit released, I, like everyone else, wonder why he did this and did on himself, too, is there something to do with the culture he comes from?

An Aisan Male did Mass Murduring in VT, Chinese?

A short wave spread far over the U.S. from yesterday's gunmen killing of 32 people at Virginia Tech (VT), a university located 265 miles (500 kilometers) from Washington DC. According to a CNN news report, the president of VT has disclosed that a student is the killer, and the student is an Asian decent.

My mind spins on hearing this, Asian Decent? A Chinese, quite possible, as there are more than a handful of cases in which a Chinese student in a U.S. campus, out of jealousy, killed a girlfriend, an academic adviser/professor, or even friends.

I hope it would be the case, however, it is still a big question unfolding.

Mr. Wen, This Way...

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is in Tokyo, on a trip widely applaud as"ice-breaking". With his easy smile, Wen Jiabao is certainly able to win some hearts or even minds in Tokyo and Kyoto, where he will be going to talk to a group of university students. However, the gap(溝） between China and Japan is so deep and wide, can he achieve the goal of breaking ice?

Being a minimalist myself, I like paying attention to details, and I have to say that I was concerned by Wen's first day performance.

I checked out a TBS news clip online, and was impressed by how different Chinese and Japanese behave, when Wen was escorted by Abe and entered the door of a meeting room, he immediately turned to an opposite direction, with a big smile on his face. After a "yell" from Abe, Wen eventually turned around and followed his host to the designated seat.

Familiar to you? If you have read my post on Chinese president Hu Jintao's visit to Washington last spring, you will immediately identify Wen with Hu.

I hope the event is not a indication that China and Japan are so interdependent, like two people on a boat, yet the differences are so huge that they row the boat to different directions.

Lost in Sumo Wrestling

Washington Post has a very interesting article on Sumo Wrestling in the U.S., in which a 36-year old former truck driver turned Sumo Wrestler, weighed 420 pounds(210 Kgs), Kelly Gneiting "had goose bumps because I knew that's what I'd be really good at".

The tone of the article, titled Middle America?, is light, funny and full of wisdom, What I like the most is about wrestler's butts:

"Ahh, the buttocks. It does take a little getting used to. In sumo, a spectator is exposed to a wide landscape of fleshy, jiggling, muscular (and sometimes less so) bottoms, because remember that in sumo, the two fighters begin their contest from a low squat, like football linemen. Depending on a fan's vantage point in the arena, one could indeed see all the way to France."

Check out the article here.

U.S. Asks WTO to stop Privacy in China

U.S. put a case against privacy in China to World Trade Organization(WTO) today, which makes it public that U.S. has run out of patince with Chinese effort in rooting out priated Hollywood moives, DVDs and brand products.

U.S. Department of Commerce put out a press release, saying that "Despite this progress, the United States and China have been unable to reach an agreement on certain critical issues. Therefore the United States is utilizing available dispute settlement tools, including WTO consultations, to resolve them as we do in any mature trading relationship". The disappointed tune is evident.

China is to cut CO2 emission

First reported by Yomiuri Newspaper, In preparing Wen Jiabao's visit to Tokyo next week, officials from China and Japan are working on a agreement regarding China's duty implementing Kyoto Treaty. As a significant gesture to show its efforts, China announces to cut CO2 emission.

Certainly China is throwing a good will to Japan, which bears the name of the landmark treaty with aims of cutting CO2 emissions among all countries. However, China, just like the U.S., never agrees to take actions, citing reasons as being a developing country and the responsibility of the current situation is caused by the western industrial countries.

Today's announcement is a step forward, however, weather China will put its words into action is a different issue left for another day.

Panda and Lions, China's involvement in Africa

Strating tomorrow, April 6th, in Washington DC, there are two day conference on China's engagement in Africa, jointly held by SAIS of Johns Hopkins University and American University(AU). The details of the first is as follows: (For the 2nd day events, check out
AU's website)

8:30 a.m. -- (CHINA/AFRICA) CONFERENCE -- American University and The Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and host a conference on "China's Engagement with Africa: Opportunity and Challenge." First of two days.

Highlights

9:15 a.m.: Pang Zhongying of Renmin and Nankai Universities; David Goldwyn of Goldwyn International and Stephen Morrison of CSIS discuss "The Scope of China's Engagement with Africa."

11 a.m.: Deborah Brautigam of American University; Joshua Kurlantzick of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; and Sun Bahong of the China Embassy discuss "Aid and Development Models."

1:30 p.m.: Ian Taylor of the University of St. Andrew's; Ndubisi Obiorah of CLASA, Nigeria; Hillary Thomas-Lake of LTL Strategies; and Stephen Schwenke of Georgetown University discuss "Governance and Security."

3:15 p.m.: Harry Broadman of the World Bank; Denis Tull of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs; and Adama Gaye of Ecobank discuss "Policy Directions."

Location: SAIS, Nitze Building, 1740 Massachusetts Avenue NW

Contact: Shawnetta Jackson, 202-663-5676, smjackson@jhu.edu

Note: RSVP required.

Wen is due to Tokyo, Abe is due to Washington

With the spring is here and cheery tress are in full blossom, Diplomacy is in full blown too among Beijing, Tokyo and Washington.

China's premier Wen Jiabao will be visiting Tokyo next week, Wen will be meeting his counterpart Shinzo Abe. And Abe will be visiting to Washington on April 26th. At the same time, Japan's Congress History Study Group, a group that asks to review Comfort women issue, will visit DC after Abe's visit to ask US congress to rethink a bill to condemn Japan over the Comfort Women issue. (Asahi)

Guangzhou's labor union in China found that Macdonald's and KFC are paying lower than usual salary to part-timers. (Niikei)

Sino-Japan friendship Ambassadors-Pingpong player Ai Fujihara and Actress Noriko Sakai meet Shinzo Abe.(Yomiuri)

China India's democracy, Bolton on North Korea

Here are the list of What's going on in DC for tomorrow, 4/5/07

Noon -- (CHINA/INDIA/DEMOCRACY) DISCUSSION -- The Elliott School of International Affairs holds a discussion on "Comparing India and China: The Decentralization-Democracy Link," as part of the "Future of Democracy Initiative." Participants include Aseema Sinha of the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Jaiwen Yang of GWU.

Location: The George Washington University (GWU) Elliott School of International Affairs, 1957 E Street NW, Seventh Floor, City View Room

Contact: 202-994-6240

10 a.m. -- (NORTH KOREA/BOLTON) FORUM -- Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton participates in an American Enterprise Institute (AEI) forum on "A Fair Deal with North Korea?" Dan Blumenthal, Nicholas Eberstadt, and Christopher Griffin of AEI also participate.

Location: AEI, 1150 17th Street NW, Wohlstetter Conference Center, 12th Floor

Contact: Veronique Rodman, 202-862-4871, vrodman@aei.org

Japan's Fois coverage-what's going on in DC

Here is the event to be held in DC on 4/4/07,

9 a.m. -- (TECH/BROADBAND/JAPAN) DISCUSSION -- The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) holds a discussion on Japan's 75 percent fiber optic broadband coverage. Participants include Takashi Ebihara of the NTT East Corporation.

Location: ITIF, 1250 I Street, Suite 200

Contact: 202-449-1351

Cheery blossom, さくら, 樱花, eveverwhere

This is the time of a year, again. Sunny, warm, nice breezy, with all views of flowers. However, the most attractive to people in Japan would be Sakura, it is a symbol of Spring in Japan. Both cherry trees in Washington DC and Shanghai's Luxun park are donated from Japan.

From Washington DC to Tokyo to Shanghai, Cherry Blossom is at its peak. I can't wait to wander away from the computer and enjoy the pink, white blossom. If you art in Shanghai, Japan or DC, at least you can enjoy Sakura here.

Anti-Subsidy law, Hong Kong, 10 years after

Hong Kong 10 years after and U.S. influential lobbying wing, National Association of Manufacturers discuss Anti Subsidy law imposed by the U.S. against Chinese paper products.

Noon -- (CHINA/TRADE/MANUFACTURING) NEWS CONFERENCE -- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) holds a discussion on the Commerce Department's announcement that countervailing duties could be applied to offset Chinese subsidies. Participants include Commerce Undersecretary for International Trade Frank Levin; and Frank Vargo, vice president of International Economic Affairs.

Location: NAM, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Contact: 202-637-3090

12:30 p.m. -- (HONG KONG/CHINA) FORUM -- The Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) holds a forum titled, "Hong Kong Ten Years After."

Location: SAIS, Rome Building, 1619 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Room 806

Contact: Felisa Neuringer Klubes, 202-663-5626, fklubes@jhu.edu

U.S. Applies Anti-Subsidy law again Chinese Imports

Today, U.S. Department of Commerce announced that U.S. will use Anti-Subsidy law to imports of coated free sheet paper from China. Read the full press release and fact sheets here.

Below are the other events that are gong on in DC:

7 p.m. -- (CHINA/ENGINEERS/CHAO) EVENT -- Labor Secretary Elaine Chao delivers remarks to a Chinese Institute of Engineers-U.S.A. reception.

Location: Hotel Washington, 15th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Sky Room

Contact: Jennifer Coxe or Matthew Faraci, 202-693-4676 or 866-422-1630

Note: This event is invitation only. Press should notify the Labor Department's Office of Public Relations at 202-693-4676.

8:30 a.m. -- (CHINA/MILITARY) HEARING -- The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission holds a hearing on "China's Military Modernization and its Impact on the United States and the Asia-Pacific." Friday's panelists include: Dr. Ehsan Ahrari, professor of Counterterrorism, Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies; James Lewis, director and Senior Fellow of the Technology and Public Policy Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies; Michael P. Pillsbury, consultant at the Department of Defense; Eric Hagt, director of the China Program at the World Security Institute; and Dean Cheng, research fellow at the Center for Naval Analysis Corporation. Second and final day.

Highlights

8:30 a.m.: A discussion on "Information Warfare, Missile Warfare, Cyber Operations, and Other Disruptive Capabilities of the PLA."

10 a.m.: A discussion on "The PLA's Objectives in Space."

Location: 562 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Contact: Kathy Michels, 202-624-1409, kmichels@uscc.gov

+12:30 p.m. -- (CHINA/RIGHTS/FALUN GONG) EVENT -- Falun Gong practitioners hold a rally in front of the Russian Embassy to condemn "the Russian authority's unlawful repatriation" of two Falun Gong UN refugees on Wednesday, Ma Hui and her eight-year old daughter Ma Jing. Falun Gong adherent Ms. Ma Hui and her 8-year-old daughter, Ma Jing, were seized on March 27 by Russian Immigration officers at their St. Petersburg residence and forcibly put on a plane to China, according to Falun Dafa Information Center. Falun Gong practitioners and human rights activists say they are "deeply concerned for the safety of mother and child, as the action is said to result from pressure by visiting Chinese communist diplomats."

Location: In front of the Russian Embassy, 2650 Wisconsin Ave. NW

Contact: Tao Wang 202-422-8133

3 p.m. -- (DARFUR/CHINA/RIGHTS) RALLY -- Amnesty International USA holds a rally to urge China, the leading foreign investor in Sudan, to increase its efforts to confront the crisis in Darfur.

Location: The Chinese Embassy, 2300 Connecticut Avenue NW

Contact: Suzanne Trimel, 212-633-4150

China's Military buildup, Taiwan Trade-Going on in DC

3/29

8:30 a.m. -- (CHINA/MILITARY/HOUSE) HEARING -- The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission holds a hearing on "China's Military Modernization and its Impact on the United States and the Asia-Pacific." First of two days.

Highlight

8:30 a.m.: Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.); Del. Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam); and Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) testify.

10:15 a.m.: William Schnieder, chairman of the Defense Science Board, is among those participating in a panel on "Beijing's Doctrine on the Conduct of Irregular Forms of Warfare."

1:15 p.m.: Gen. James Cartwright, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, is among those participating in a panel on "PLA Modernization in Traditional Warfare Capabilities: Force Integration and Force Protection."

2:45 p.m.: A panel on "The Taiwan Strait Military Balance."

Location: 562 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Contact: Kathy Michels, 202-624-1409

(TAIWAN/TRADE/OUTLOOK) ADVISORY -- At 10 a.m., the Washington Post hosts a web chat on "A Path Worth Taking? The Prospects and Challenges of a U.S.-Taiwan Free Deal," with Fadah Hsieh, vice minister of economic affairs in the Republic of China (Taiwan); and John Chen-Chung Deng, deputy representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S.

Contact: 202-895-1852

Note: Log on to http://discuss.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/zforum/05/viewpo int-te" to participate.

First Direct Flight to Beijing from DC

I purposely left a news that is going on in DC from my previous post, because it has special meaning to me and other Chinese who live in DC area. Today marks the first direct flight from DC to Beijing operated by United.

Special ceremony is being held this morning, and the flight departs from Dulles International Airport in Virginia at 12:30pm. Event details are:

9:30 a.m. -- (TRANSPORT/CHINA/FLIGHT) EVENT -- Gov. Timothy Kaine (D-Va.); Zheng Zeguang, minister of the Chinese Embassy; H.R. Crawford, vice chairman of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA); and former FAA administrator Jane Garvey, chairman of the Capital-to-Capital Coalition, attend an event to celebrate United 897, the first-ever nonstop flight between Washington and Beijing. The feature traditional Chinese dragon dancers, and the plane will be adorned to symbolize the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded United Airlines the new nonstop U.S.-China route in February 2007, stating that the route "will provide the greatest public benefit and promote the national interest."

Schedule

9:30 a.m.: Media check-in begins and security escort to gate

10:30 a.m.: Photo Opportunities at the gate

11 a.m.: Remarks from speakers

12:30 p.m.: United 897 departs

Location: Washington-Dulles International Airport, Gate C3

Contact: 847-700-5538 or 847-700-4088 ormedia.relations@united.com

Note: Media must RSVP to United Airlines media relations by Tuesday, March 27 at 5 p.m.. Once in the United terminal, check in at counter marked Position 80 (located in the back lobby) to obtain a security pass. Photo IDs are required.

What's going on in DC-3/28

Today is a day of China in DC, please bear with me as I list the events related to China that is being held in DC on March 28th, 2007.

SENATE FINANCE -- 10 a.m. -- Holds a hearing on "Risks and Reform: The Role of Currency in the U.S.-China Relationship." Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.); Stephen Roach, the managing director and chief economist at Morgan Stanley; Eswar Prasad, former head of the China Division at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Cornell University professor; Morris Goldstein, senior fellow at the Peter G. Peterson Institute for International Economics; and John Makin, visiting scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, testify. 215 Dirksen

Contact: 202-224-4515

8:30 a.m. -- (CHINA/CONSUMERS) NEWS CONFERENCE -- The Gallup Organization holds a news conference to discuss its latest survey of the Chinese consumer, including "impressive growth but long-term problems." Participants include Stephen Roach, managing director and chief economist of Morgan Stanley; Tao Wu, senior research director, Gallup China; and Rajesh Srinivasan, Gallup regional director of research, Asia.

Location: Gallup Organization, 901 F Street NW

Contact: Katie Javorsky, 202-715-3110

11 a.m. -- (TAIWAN/OUTLOOK) DISCUSSION -- The Heritage Foundation holds a discussion on "Reshaping the Taiwan Strait." Participants include Dan Blumenthal, vice chairman of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission; Bruce Jacobs, professor of Asian languages and studies at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Richard Kagan, professor of history at Hamline University; John Tkacik Jr., senior research fellow for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia at the Asian Studies Center of the Heritage Foundation.

Location: Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Lehrman Auditorium

Contact: 202-675-1752


12:30 p.m. -- (CHINA/ISLAM) DISCUSSION -- The George Washington University (GWU) Elliott School of International Affairs holds a lecture, "China's Muslim Minority: Xinjiang Province in Historical Perspective," with James Millward of Georgetown University.

Location: GWU Elliott School, 1957 E Street NW, Lindner Family Commons

Contact: 202-994-6240

5:15 p.m. -- (CHINA-US) SPEECH -- Chinese Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong discusses "U.S.-China Relations in the Context of Peaceful Development," in a speech to the Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Topics include the recent National People's Congress session and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's trip to China.

Location: SAIS, Nitze Building, 1740 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Kenney Auditorium

Contact: Felisa Neuringer Klubes, 202-663-5626

5:30 p.m. -- (CHINA/KOREA/US) DISCUSSION -- The Elliott School of International Affairs holds its annual Gaston Sigur Memorial Lecture on "Korea Triangle: The Two Koreas Behind China and the United States." Participants include Former Korean Foreign Minister Han Sung-Joo.

Location: The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs, 1957 E Street NW

Contact: 202-994-6240

Shinzo Abe's double talk

Washington Post's editorial really got Shinzo Abe, in an article titled Shinzo Abe's double talk, it pointed out the contradictions inside the Japan's PM. on one hand, he is compassionate about Japanese girl named Meigumi who was abducted by North Korea, on the another hand, he refused to apologize for comfort women who were forced to be prostitute by Japanese Emperor Army during the War.

It seems that Abe's refusal to soften his stance has backfired, has it has spreads to Washington. Check out the article here.

China Japan News Roundup

U.S. Joint chief of Staff Peter Pace is visiting China, in Beijing, he ask Chinese military more transparent. (Yomiuri)

Comfort women issue spreads, Korea's foreign minister criticizes Japan's PM Shinzo Abe is playing word game.(Asahi)

What's going on in DC-3/22

1. 9 a.m. -- (AFRICA/CHINA/HYDROPOWER) FORUM -- The Woodrow Wilson Center (WWC) holds a forum on "China ExIm Bank in Africa: Opportunities for Strengthening Environmental Standards for Hydropower in Sudan." Participants include Ali Askouri of the Leadership Office of Hamdab Affected People; and Peter Bosshard of the International Rivers Network. Location: WWC, One Woodrow Wilson Plaza, Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Contact: 202-691-4000
2. Comfort women issue is still unfolding in DC, a group of semi-celebrities, activists with Korean ties, is lobbying U.S. congress to pass a bill to ask Japan formally apologize. Participants include CBS reality show Survivor winners Yul Kwon and Becky Lee, human rights lawyer and runner-up "Survivor: Cook Islands"; Jackie Bong-Wright, anti-human trafficking activist; John Feffer of the International Relations Center; and Ok Cha Soh of the Washington Coalition for Comfort Women Issues. Location: Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th Street NW, Langston Room Contact: 703-944-9661
3. At 4pm, Chinese ambassador to the U.S. Zhou Wenzhong gives a speech on US-China relations at the UN. Brown University will carry the speech live on its website at here.

what's going on in DC

China and Japan related events to be held on 3/16 in DC:

Noon -- (DEFENSE/SECURITY/CHINA) FORUM -- The Defense Forum Foundation (DFF) holds a Congressional Defense and Foreign Policy Forum, "Chinese Intelligence Operations: Growing Threat to U.S. Security." Participants include J. William Middendorf, chairman; and Suzanne Scholte, president of DFF; and Bill Gertz, author of "Enemies: How America's Foes Steal Our Vital Secrets And How We Let It Happen."

Location: B-338 Rayburn House Office Building

Contact: 703-534-4313

Note: RSVP requested by noon, Thursday, March 15th.

China Japan News Roundup

China's premier Wen Jiaobao will be visiting in less a month, from April 11 to 13, Wen will be meeting his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and then go to Kyodo. (Yomiuri)

China's People's Congress wraps its annual meeting today in Beijing, New York Times has a opinion article about the China's sort of Congress. (NYT)

Chinese women are honored by Hillary Clinton

Today at 6:30 p.m, US. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), chairman of the Republican Policy Committee; and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) deliver remarks at a 2007 Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards ceremony. Clinton and Hutchison are honorary co-chairs of the Vital Voices Global Partnership. This year, Vital Voices is honoring four women from China "for their pioneering work in health, legal reforms, and women's rights" -- Gao Yaojie, Guo Jianmei, Wang Xingjuan, and Xie Lihua -- "who used their voices, ingenuity, and skill to lift their fellow citizens' lives." Vital Voices supports "women leaders as pioneers of economic development, political participation, and human rights in their countries and as catalysts of global progress." For details, check out Vital Voice's press release here.

China Japan News Roundup

To celebrate 35th anniversary of normalizations of Sino-Japan relationship, a ceremony will be held in Beijing in March 13th. Japanese singers Ayako Hirahara, Maki Godo will be performing. (Asahi)

China's search engine Baidu is looking to enter Japanese market, with its Japanese language search engine open and running, Baidu is also ISO a Japanese partner. (Nikkei Net)

Comfort women is still a topic closely watched by the Chinese. Yesterday, Japan's PM Abe indicated that he apologized for the issue, and today every Chinese media outlets reports Abe's apology, it is said that Beijing still wants to send Wen Jiabao to visit Tokyo next month, and it doesn't want to spoil the mood even before Wen leaves. (Yomiuri Shumbun)

China's space exploration keeps expanding, Beijing has set the year of 2012, five years from now as the year when something from China will be landing on the Moon. (Nikkei Net)

What's going on in DC

Noon -- (RUSSIA/CHINA/BURNS) FORUM -- The Elliott School of International Affairs holds a discussion with Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns on "U.S. Relations with Russia and China."

Location: The George Washington University (GWU) Elliott School of International Affairs, 1957 E Street NW

Contact: 202-994-6240

5:30 p.m. -- (JAPAN/DEFENSE) FORUM -- Georgetown University holds a forum on "Political Non-Violence and the Threat of a Remilitarized Asia Pacific: The Controversy Surrounding Japan's Constitutional Commitment to Nonviolence, its Implications for Global Peace, and U.S. Policy Considerations." Participants include Nagasaki Archbishop Rev. Mitsuaki Takami; and Filo Hirota of the Catholic Council for Justice and Peace.

Location: Georgetown University, 37th and O Streets NW, Riggs Library

Contact: 202-687-4328

Comfort women makes Japan More uncomfortable

Japan's PM Shinzo Abe's stance over comfort women issue continues to cause protest, this time from the U.S. The New York Times put stories and photos of survived comfort women on its first page, titled Denial Reopens Wounds of Japan’s Ex-Sex Slaves. In a separate editorial article, No Comfort, New York Times asks in the first paragraph, "What part of “Japanese Army sex slaves” does Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, have so much trouble understanding and apologizing for?"

Also a news related to the World War two, a journal written by Emperor Showa's chief servant was discovered in Japan. The journal disclosed that the Emperor was really not into the War with China, in fear of possible clash with Soviet Union. It also revealed that the Emperor thought when the war started, it wouldn't be easy to take over China.
「支那事変はやり度（た）くなかった。それはソヴィエトが怖いからである」、「自分の得て居る情報では、始めれば支那は容易のことでは行かぬ」 (TBS)

Comfort Women uncomfort Japan

Comfort Women arose to diplomatic debate again this week, with the U.S. Congress foreign affairs committee, led by Democratic congressmen Lantos from California, is considering to pass a bill calling Japan to formally apologize for forcing Korean and Chinese women to be comfort women for the Emperor army during the World War II, and Japan's PM Shinzo Abe recently refused to admit that then Japanese army had nothing to do with comfort women. Abe's refusal has evoked a uproars of protest from the Koreans and Chinese. Check out my previous post here.

What's going on in DC

1.At 11:30am, China's currency is again a topic that is being used by politicians here in DC. Republican Senator Jim Bunning and Michigan Democratic senator Debbie Stabnow held a press briefing on "currency manipulation taking place in countries such as China". No doubt that Michigan got hurt by China, as a state that has the most manufacturing job loss to cheap Chinese imports. Check out press release here.

2. At 5:15pm, The Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) holds a forum titled, "Grassroots China and New NGOs." Participants include Anne Thurston, former president of China Studies at SAIS. Check out details here.

China Japan News Roundup

China criticizes Abe Shinzo's statement on comfort women issue. During a Q&A session at Japan's congress, when being asked that the U.S. Congress is considering a bill to ask Japan to compensate for the Comfort women, his stance on this issue, Abe answered that, the apology has been made to the women by former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Kono, and he wouldn't make any apologies.
(TBS)

U.S. takes a harsh stance over China's human right records, according to World Human Rights Record released today, U.S. department of State put China along with North Korea, Burma and Sudan. (Niikei Net)

French soccer star Zidane, who got a red card at World Cup Final with Italian for heading off an Italian palyer, refused to play with Chinese in Chengdu this June because"Chinese players are doing rough play. (Asahi)