| Looking into China's Booming Private Jet Market Posted: 29 Aug 2012 02:29 PM PDT | In late July, the world's number 3 aircraft maker, Bombardier, toured its new Global 6000 jet in four Chinese cities. The Canadian company expects China to gobble up 1000 business jets from 2012-2021 and a further 1400 in the following decade, an estimate some industry watchers deem ambitious. The country of 1.3 billion people now has fewer than 200 private jets. But Bombardier's Regional Vice President of China Sales, Michael Han, says China could become the jet maker's number three market in a decade. [Michael Han, Bombardier's Regional Vice President of China Sales]: "The market is really booming now, especially since starting in early 2011. As of last year, we have seen very, very strong increase in demand in the business jet market. And China is now the second largest economy in the world. And we see from Bombardier's perspective big potential for China to be the third largest market after the US and Europe in the next 10 years." Beijing-based businessman Zhai Jiahua's China Stem Cell Health Group owns not one, but three private jets of different sizes. Zhai plans to buy two more planes for his business within the next couple years. Although business jet makers are bullish on their China forecasts, some first-time buyers may neglect the string of needs that comes with a private jet. Hong Kong based Metrojet offers business aviation services such as chartering and managing planes. [Bjorn Naf, President & CEO of Metrojet Hong Kong]: "Once you buy an aircraft -- and I <b>...</b> | Views: 1 0 ratings | | Time: 02:39 | More in News & Politics |
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| Chinese Cities Testing Labor Camp Reform Posted: 29 Aug 2012 02:22 PM PDT | It's a penal system that requires no courts. Instead, China's police can send someone to a labor camp for up to four years with no judicial process. There, individuals usually end up as slave labor, making dirt-cheap goods for China's export economy. Now, after recent uproar against China's "re-education through labor" (laojiao) system, authorities are taking another look. On Monday, state-run China National Radio reported that four cities across the country are testing a system to replace labor camps. It's called "education and correction of violations." It's being rolled out in Gansu, Shandong, Jiangsu and Henaan provinces. Beijing News quoted a law professor involved in designing the trial as saying the system would be, quote, " smaller scale with more reasonable procedures", than the current system. But what will specifically change is unclear. Authorities will continue to focus on "educating" and re-assimilating back to society those individuals who have broken the law. And administration of the trial system will still remain with the Public Security Bureau. Beijing-based human rights lawyer Tang Jitian believes the new measures don't address the problems of the current labor camp system. [Tang Jitian, Beijing-based Human Rights Lawyer] "Fundamentally, this system—which is like a malignant tumor in the legal system—should be completely removed. It should not just be given some conservative treatment." Earlier this month, several Chinese lawyers launched an online <b>...</b> | Views: 2 1 ratings | | Time: 00:49 | More in News & Politics |
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| Pandas Sent to Singapore in Another Move of Panda Diplomacy Posted: 29 Aug 2012 02:03 PM PDT | Since the 1950 China has been sending pandas abroad to strengthen diplomatic ties. Pandas are a signature of central China's Yangtze basin area and a hallmark of cuteness. Their teddy bear like features make them a popular attraction for tourists and an ideal diplomatic gift. Sadly there are very few left in the wild. Two Chinese pandas are getting a checkup today in preparation their trip to Singapore. The pandas both weighed 245 lbs and passed the health inspection with flying colors. They are being leased to the island nation in what is called a gesture of "panda diplomacy." Wujie, who will go by the name of Kai Kai in Singapore, is a 5 year-old male. Hubao is a 4 year old female and will go by the name Jia Jia when she gets to her new home. The pair are being leased to Singapore's River Safari Reserve on a ten year loan. Pandas in the wild live about 18-25 years, and usually less in captivity. Both pandas will be in their mid teens by the time they return. The majority of panda habitat has been lost in China's development and increasingly more are being born into captivity. Female bears ovulate only once a year, making breeding difficult in or out of captivity. Pandas numbers have dwindled in recent years to less than two-thousand throughout the world, and are officially on the list of endangered species. And as for these two bears, they will leave for their new tropical island home on September 6th. For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on <b>...</b> | Views: 2 0 ratings | | Time: 01:32 | More in News & Politics |
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| Chinese Lawyers Face New Obstacles Posted: 29 Aug 2012 01:47 PM PDT | The process of becoming an attorney in China is extremely difficult. Yet what if in an instant, the years of effort could be wiped away. A new regulation in China would allow judges to disbar lawyers for up to a year, under the banner of "disturbing the order" of hearings. Many lawyers see it as little more than an effort to clamp down on their ability to defend clients, particularly human rights lawyers. Even emails and microblogs could be grounds for disbarment. For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 0 0 ratings | | Time: 00:31 | More in News & Politics |
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| Oldest Fossilized Bugs Discovered Posted: 29 Aug 2012 12:20 PM PDT | 230-million-year-old insect fossils were discovered in amber by a team of paleontologists. Full Story: An international team of scientists said they have discovered the oldest bugs in the world - 230 million year-old fossils of arthropods preserved in amber. Though this would date back to the Triassic period, it is quite similar to a scene from Jurassic Park. Amber is a valuable tool for paleontologists and is used to preserve fossils with great detail. Two new species of mites and a fly are in the amber droplets, and were discovered in the Dolomite Alps of northeastern Italy. Researchers discovered that the specialized mites, from the group Eriophyoidea, are remarkably similar to modern-day gall mites, with traits such as segmented bodies, two pairs of legs as opposed to the typical four, and feather claws. The mites, each between 100 and 200m (micrometers) long, show the adaptable nature of the organisms, say the scientists. It is possible that the mites had fed on the tree that ended up preserving them. The fly was unidentifiable with only its antennae well preserved. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 32 5 ratings | | Time: 01:01 | More in News & Politics |
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| Chinese Agent Threatens NTD Television's Canadian Affiliate Posted: 29 Aug 2012 11:16 AM PDT | Last Wednesday, President of NTD Television Canada, Joe Wang, received a call from the home of his brother in eastern Anhui province. The call was not from his brother though. Instead, it was an agent from the Chinese regime's Ministry of State Security. The purpose of the call was to tell Mr. Wang to tone down his station's critical reporting of China's ruling Communist Party. Mr. Wang says the security agent intended to threaten him. [Joe Wang, President of NTD Canada]: "They already have my number, and they choose to go to my brother to call me together. That in itself is a threat." And this is not the first time the head of NTD's affiliate in Canada has been contacted by Chinese agents. [Joe Wang, President of NTD Canada]: "Yes, it is actually nothing new. It has happened before. It was my first time though to talk to this officer on the phone. It used to be there was somebody sitting next to my brother, and he would talk to me. But this time I got the officer on the phone." Mr. Wang says Chinese authorities fear the content his station broadcasts. Like NTD, our Canadian-based affiliate reports on issues considered sensitive, or taboo by Chinese media. Most recently these include the scandals embroiling fallen Communist official Bo Xilai and his wife Gu Kailai—scandals like the allegation of forced organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners, and the couple's possible link to the sale of bodies to plastination plants. [Joe Wang, President of NTD Canada]: "The <b>...</b> | Views: 77 12 ratings | | Time: 02:28 | More in News & Politics |
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| US Takes No Position on Japan-China Island Dispute Posted: 29 Aug 2012 11:02 AM PDT | A US State Department spokeswoman speaking in Washington on Tuesday was hard pressed to give a direct answer to the ownership of an island group in the East China Sea. A reporter asked spokeswoman Victoria Nuland what the US regards as the official name for the Islands: is it the Senkaku Islands as the Japanese insist or the Diaoyu Islands as asserted by China. [Victoria Nuland, Spokeswoman, US State Department]: "So as we've said, we call them the Senkakus, so if that's the question that you're asking. We don't take a position on them, though, as I've said all the way through." Ms. Nuland says ownership of the islands are covered under a treaty the US has with Japan, dating back to 1960. [Victoria Nuland, Spokeswoman, US State Department]: "But this is because the Senkakus have been under the administrative control of the Government of Japan since they were returned as part of the reversion of Okinawa since 1972." The uninhabited islands have long been a source of friction between Tokyo and Beijing, with competing territorial claims to the islands and surrounding fishing areas and potentially rich gas deposits. Tension between Japan and China has been rising over the past two weeks with both Chinese and Japanese activists landing on the islands and laying claim to territorial rights. Those incidents have seen protests in both countries. In Beijing, the Japanese ambassador's car was blocked and the Japanese flag ripped from it. For more news and videos visit ☛ english <b>...</b> | Views: 28 2 ratings | | Time: 01:38 | More in News & Politics |
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| Japanese Otter Becomes Extinct Posted: 29 Aug 2012 11:01 AM PDT | Japan's Environment Minister has declared the Japanese otter extinct. Full Story: The Japanese environment ministry on Tuesday updated its list of endangered or extinct animals known as the "red list," and the Japanese otter was included. The species was officially declared extinct. Local media report that the otter was hunted for its fur causing its numbers to drop drastically. It was last spotted in Honshu, the main island of Japan, in 1979. The Environment Ministry has not received reports of its existence in over 30 years and therefore added the Japanese otter to the list of extinct animals. [Goshi Hosono, Environment Minister]: "We take it very seriously that the species has become extinct. As the environment ministry, there is a need to work hard to improve the protection of wild animals." This is the first time a mammal has been declared extinct in Japan since 1925. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 22 3 ratings | | Time: 00:52 | More in News & Politics |
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| Candlelight Vigil Held for Young Tibetans Who Died in Self-immolation Posted: 29 Aug 2012 10:54 AM PDT | Exiled Tibetans residing in India, gathered in large numbers on Tuesday (August 28) to show their support for two teenagers who self-immolated in an anti-Chinese Communist Party protest. The pair, one an 18-year-old monk and the other a 17-year-old former monk, died on August 27. They set themselves on fire outside the Kirti Monastery in Aba, also known as Ngaba, a Tibetan part of Sichuan province. [Tenzin Tsundu, Tibetan]: "Yesterday in Ngaba, in the morning, two young Tibetans set themselves on fire. Both of them were teenagers, they set themselves on fire and by evening they were dead. As of now, we are hearing that there is lot of tension in Tibet. We are greatly concerned about our brothers and sisters. China is not listening to the genuine aspirations of the Tibetan people. The Tibetans in Tibet, all self-immolators have demanded the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibet." There have been 51 Tibetans total who have set themselves alight since 2009. They have been sacrificing themselves in protest the CCP's occupation of the Tibetan region. For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 3 1 ratings | | Time: 01:20 | More in News & Politics |
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| Fetal Duck Eggs Eating Competition Posted: 29 Aug 2012 10:34 AM PDT | Fetal duck eggs: delicacy for some, disgusting for others New Yorkers take a crack at a balut, or fetal duck egg-eating competition in Brooklyn. Full story: Balut is a fertilized duck egg that's about a dozen days from hatching and it's just another item on the menu in the Philippines. But Miguel Trinidad is promoting it at his restaurant in New York. [Miguel Trinidad, executive chef, Maharlika]: "Once you crack it open, there is basically a soup in it and you crack it open, you drink that soup and then you eat the yolk and inside you see a baby duckling. Sometimes you might get lucky and you might find one that has a few feathers, a little bit of a beak on it." If you're lucky? [Miguel Trinidad, executive chef, Maharlika]: "It's a great source of protein. It's considered an aphrodisiac. It's supposed to give people power." If you say so, but let's see if the locals can stomach it. At Trinidad's restaurant in Brooklyn, competitors lined up for the very first balut-eating contest. The rules? Eat as many as you can in five minutes. And the verdict is in... [Jill, competitor]: "You can feel the feathers and then like feel a little bit of the bone. It's a little bit crunchy." [Eric, competitor]: "Honestly, it's like a hard boiled egg with feathers. So... I don't even want to look at that." The title went to Wayne the "Wayney Wonder" for downing a total of 18 eggs. | Views: 30 2 ratings | | Time: 01:24 | More in News & Politics |
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| Andy Roddick, Venus Williams Breeze Through US Open First Round Posted: 29 Aug 2012 08:45 AM PDT | Former US Open champions Andy Roddick and Venus Williams breeze into the second round, enlivening the post match press conference. Full Story: As the 2012 US Tennis Open enters its third day, former champion and just possibly future contender Andy Roddick, waxes lyrical about two of the games' greats. For Andy, it is no surprise to see Roger Federer back at the pinnacle of the men's game, and he offers his own opinion on how Djokovic last year usurped the player often considered to be the world's best: [Andy Roddick] "It's just a matter of who's got the hot hand. Novak was playing unbelievable last year. Roger was a little unfortunate in the match here last year and a couple of others. The fact that we can talk about his matches, kind of the negative ones on -- that we can all remember every one of them is a good thing, you know. I mean, that's gotta tell you something about him." In a similar vein, Roddick considers it only natural to see Serena Williams once more at the top of her game after her victories at Wimbledon and the Olympics: [Andy Roddick] "Again, I have a hard time seeing how that's a new story. You know, she's been great for a long time." As for Venus Williams, well she is never content to be in her sister' shadow for too long. After recovering from an autoimmune disease, she is just pleased to be back playing, and speaks with depth and maturity about how recent experiences have shaped her as a person. [Venus Williams] "I didn't even understand what I was <b>...</b> | Views: 1 0 ratings | | Time: 02:10 | More in News & Politics |
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| Hurricane Isaac Reaches US Gulf Coast Posted: 29 Aug 2012 07:38 AM PDT | As Hurricane Isaac reaches Mississippi many residents are leaving the area. Some families though, instead choose to play in the waves... Full Story: Hurricane Isaac makes landfall along the US Gulf Coast. For some families it is a chance to play in the swelling ocean and be buffeted by the fierce waves. For others, it is the perfect opportunity to get some impressive videos on their smart phone. Many though, are quietly praying it won't be another Hurricane Katrina. Authorities have urged thousands of residents in low-lying areas to leave, warning that the storm surge could reach up to 12 feet, flooding towns and cities in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. Rainfall accumulations, possibly as much as 20 inches in some areas, could also trigger widespread flooding. | Views: 95 2 ratings | | Time: 00:36 | More in News & Politics |
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| Korean Movie Stars Condemn Organ Harvesting Posted: 28 Aug 2012 11:18 PM PDT | "The Traffickers" is set to be one of the hot blockbuster movies to be released in Korea this month. It's about Young-gyu, a Chinese gang member, involved in murder and organ trafficking. Sang-ho (Pron: Sahnghoh) and Chae-hee are Korean newlyweds traveling to China by ship. When Chae-hee suddenly disappears, her husband searches everywhere, in a race against time. Director Kim Hong-sun was inspired to make the movie after the tragic 2009 case of a newlywed Korean woman's disappearance in China. [King Hong-Sun, Director, "The Traffickers"]: "I saw a news article about the discovery of the body of the kidnapped wife with all her organs taken. I thought it was utterly shocking and searched for related articles; it was just terrifying." Im Changjeong stars as Young-gyu, the Chinese gang member involved in trafficking human organs. The actor spoke at a press conference, about the issue of organ harvesting. [Im Changjeong, Actor, "The Traffickers"]: "If people do this kind of crime, ignoring the dignity of a human being, they are not human, they're just animals." Earlier this month, the Chinese Communist Party openly admitted for the first time that live organ harvesting does occur in China. The movie is a work of fiction, but illegal organ sales in China have become a huge scandal across the world. In July 2006, Canadian MP David Kilgour and human rights lawyer David Matas published an investigative report into organ harvesting of living Falun Gong practitioners in China <b>...</b> | Views: 70 7 ratings | | Time: 02:07 | More in News & Politics |
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| Chen Guangcheng May Visit Taiwan in December Posted: 28 Aug 2012 11:09 PM PDT | Blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng may be paying a visit to Taiwan. Taiwan's opposition Democratic Progressive Party legislator Lin Chia-lung will visit New York this Friday. He's expected to invite Chen to visit Taiwan on this year's Human Right's Day, which falls on December 10th. When asked whether he would accept the invitation, Chen said (quote) "I think I will. Whoever invites me, I will accept." After his dramatic escape from 19 months of illegal house arrest at the end of April, Chen sought refuge in the US embassy in Beijing. Chen and his family left China in May after negotiations between Chinese and US officials. Since then, Chen has called on Chinese authorities to investigate his persecution, and to guarantee the safety of his family in China. For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 0 2 ratings | | Time: 00:47 | More in News & Politics |
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| Retiree Fire-Bomb Attack Kills Three, Draws Sympathy Posted: 28 Aug 2012 11:05 PM PDT | An attack in central Hunan province by a disgruntled retiree has drawn out questions of corruption and labor rights. A female retiree fire-bombed an office at the Shaoyang Water Plant on Monday morning while a managerial meeting was going on. The attack killed three people—including the Company's Communist Party Secretary and Deputy Secretary. Four others were injured According to state-run media, the attacker, Shi Yanfei, then jumped out the window. There are conflicting reports whether she survived Shi reportedly carried out the attacker because her former employer would not hire one of her children. She already has a child working at the company. The Shaoyang Water Plant adopts an employment system where children of retirees get preferential job placements, local media reported. Shi reportedly suspected that the company's managers were being bribed, and that's why her child was not given a job. After the attack, allegations surfaced online that the Deputy Party Secretary who died, Shao Jiaping, was embroiled in corruption and abuse of power. Shaoyang authorities have refuted those claims, but some Chinese netizens are nonetheless sympathizing with Shi Yanfei's action. For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 4 1 ratings | | Time: 01:10 | More in News & Politics |
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| Aquarium Turned into Gallery, Fish into Art Posted: 28 Aug 2012 08:35 PM PDT | Something fishy is going on at a Tokyo aquarium. It's been turned into an art gallery, with the fish and their tanks the main attraction. "Art Aquarium" designer Hidetomo Kimura says he wants people to enjoy fish in a new way. [Hidetomo Kimura, Art Aquarium Designer]: "I realized that there must be a better way to show fish. And when I looked around the world, all I saw was that aquariums just display fish. And then pet shops sell them to be appreciated at home. I realized that's all that existed up to this point." Over 5000 goldfish swim through the designs and evening guests can enjoy drinks and a DJ. [Minami Ito, University Student]: "It's really stylish and cool. It really feels like a modern Japanese way of showing goldfish. I'm enjoying myself." Kimura hopes to travel the world with his exhibition - like a sort of 'aquarium art' ambassador. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 97 5 ratings | | Time: 01:10 | More in Entertainment |
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| Free China: The Courage to Believe 自由中國: 有勇氣相信(Opening Trailer + Awards Clip) Posted: 28 Aug 2012 08:33 PM PDT | www.FreeChinaMovie.com THE FATES OF A WOMAN LIVING IN BEIJING AND A MAN LIVING IN NEW YORK BECOME INEXTRICABLY LINKED BECAUSE OF A COMMON CONVICTION... From the award-winning director of "Tibet Beyond Fear", Free China -- The Courage to Believe examines widespread human rights violations in China through the remarkable and uplifting stories of Jennifer Zeng, a mother and former Communist Party member and Dr. Charles Lee, a Chinese American businessman, who along with hundreds of thousands of peaceful citizens are imprisoned, tortured and subjected to slave labor for their spiritual beliefs. WINNER: - 2012 Free Speech Award Winner at American Insight's inaugural Free Speech International Film Festival in Philadelphia (May 16th, 2012) - Top Award for International Political and Cultural Documentaries ("Obamanation" Category) at the LA Awareness Film Festival in West Hollywood (May 5th, 2012) - Equal Top Award for documentaries under 60 minutes at the 45th World-Fest Houston International Film Festival (April 21st 2012.) Please 'like' us on www.FaceBook.com For more information please visit: www.FreeChinaMovie.com | Views: 8 1 ratings | | Time: 05:48 | More in Nonprofits & Activism |
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| Two Tibetan Teenagers Die After Self-Immolation Posted: 28 Aug 2012 03:44 PM PDT | Monastery in Aba county, Sichuan province. 18-year-old Tibetan monk Lobsang Kalsang, and 17-year-old former monk Damchoek shouted against Chinese rule and religious repression of Tibetans as they burned, rights group reported. The two teenagers died several hours later. Damchoek is the brother of teenage nun, Tenzin Choedon, who self-immolated earlier this year, according to Radio Free Asia. Kirti Monastery has been under tight security since March last year, when Tibetan monk Phuntsok died after he set himself alight. Rights group said Chinese authorities beat him, and claimed it was to put out the flames. Chinese officials later accused several monks of being involved Phuntsok's self-immolation. They received lengthy jail sentences. One of them aged only 16 is serving a three year term. The monks denied the allegations, saying they were attempting to save the monk from the beating by Chinese authorities. The two deaths on Monday bring the number of monks who have perished from self-immolation to over 50. Most have occurred since the 2011 Kirti protest. For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 0 4 ratings | | Time: 00:34 | More in News & Politics |
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| China Focus - China's Economy--a hard, soft or crash landing? Posted: 28 Aug 2012 03:41 PM PDT | There have been increasing signs that China's economy could be in more trouble than authorities would like to admit. Over the weekend, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited southern Guangdong Province. There, where China's manufacturing hub is located, factories are closing down or have already become bankrupt, because exports have sharply declined. It's not just exports either—though the impact of the global slowdown has left its dent on the export-dependent economy. Other indicators, like a drop in electricity output, freight numbers and rising bad debt are all adding to questions just how bad China's economic landing will be. In this episode of China Focus, we look at just that—is China's economy headed to a hard landing, soft landing or even a crash landing. | Views: 6 6 ratings | | Time: 10:55 | More in Shows |
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| German Journalists in China Ask for Merkel's Help Posted: 28 Aug 2012 03:39 PM PDT | German journalists working in China have asked their Chancellor, Angela Merkel, to address the issue of their working conditions when she meets Chinese leaders in Beijing this week. The journalists say they are at the mercy of Chinese security forces. In a letter to Merkel on Sunday, the journalists say their situation is getting worse and that they face willful obstruction and harassment in their work. "Dear Chancellor Merkel, in the interest of good and fair reporting about China, we think it is necessary to discuss these issues at the highest governmental level. "We just request the same working conditions that Chinese journalists enjoy... in Germany." The letter, signed by 26 correspondents from print and broadcast media, continues: "Long-term German correspondents who have been working in Beijing since the 1990s have been observing a deterioration of the situation, even in comparison to the conditions then." The letter says "interviewees are taken away and pressured not to talk to reporters, Chinese reporting assistants are beaten and asked by security personnel to spy on foreign colleagues, and blocked entry into regions of the country." Reporters Without Borders ranks China almost at the bottom in this year's World Press Freedom Index, which ranks 179 countries. This is Merkel's second visit to Beijing this year, where she will co-chair the "Chinese-German intergovernmental consultations" with China's foreign minister Wen Jiabao. For more news and videos visit <b>...</b> | Views: 1 4 ratings | | Time: 01:37 | More in News & Politics |
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