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China steps up investment in flood control

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 01:16 PM PDT

Updated: 2012-09-20 03:45

( Xinhua)

BEIJING -- The central government has budgeted 7.78 billion yuan ($1.22 billion) to assist local regions in beefing up flood control efforts, the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said Wednesday.

The money budgeted thus far is part of a three-year program launched by the government in November 2010 to build a nationwide flood information and warning system, a statement from the government agency said.

The network is intended to provide timely warnings and advisory information concerning emergency response, evacuation and shelter in the event of a major flood, the statement said.

So far, the money allocated has reached 2,058 counties, according to the statement.

Initial data showed that 645 counties included in the system have sent out 19,000 flood warnings so far this year. The information led to the evacuation of 2.65 million residents, which helped bring down casualties significantly, the statement said.

Data showed that 428 people have died in floods since the start of the year. However, the casualties were the fewest since 2003, according to the statement.

Praise for Wen's ready hand of friendship

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 01:16 PM PDT

European Council president says sides cannot meet often enough

President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy has said he will ask Beijing to shoulder more international responsibility when he meets with Premier Wen Jiabao in Brussels at the 10th summit with European leaders on Thursday.

In an exclusive interview with China Daily, former prime minister of Belgium, Van Rompuy, 65, said that he also plans to deliver a heartfelt thank you to Wen for his "extraordinary contribution" to the close interdependency between Beijing and Brussels over the past 10 years. He also hopes to sow the seeds of further cooperation.

Van Rompuy said he gives credit to Wen, who is going to retire from his two-term premiership early next year, for leading rounds of business delegations to crisis-stricken Europe since the beginning of the financial crisis, and for his lasting support and help in dealing with the troubled European economy.

Along with signing multi-billion-dollar deals between Chinese and European companies, Wen has repeatedly said "confidence is more valuable than gold" in Europe when markets were bearish.

"I would like to stress that I have really appreciated the support we have received from Premier Wen and the Chinese leadership throughout the euro crisis," said Van Rompuy.

As to the current framework of Beijing-Brussels relations, Wen himself has given strong support.

In October 2003, when Wen attended his first summit, the EU and China agreed to upgrade their relations and launched the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership".

At that time, Van Rompuy recalls, the EU counted 15 member states and China was the EU's sixth-largest trading partner with an income per capita of around $1,000.

The EU now comprises 27 member states, and China has become the EU's second-largest trading partner. Its per capita income was around $5,400 in 2011.

With such tremendous changes on both sides over last decade, Van Rompuy said a strong and cooperative network based around three high-level dialogues — strategic issues, trade and economy, and people-to-people contacts — have been developed between Beijing and Brussels.

"These three pillars of our cooperation are underpinned by more than 50 sectoral dialogues and mechanisms," he said.

He said the areas of cooperation are further expanding, most recently on security and defense policy issues. The initial bilateral cooperation that focused on trade matters has evolved over a decade into a truly strategic partnership, which goes beyond bilateral trade and cooperation to embrace climate change, peace and security, human rights, energy security and global financial architecture.

"This achievement would not have been possible without the firm and continuous support of Premier Wen, who put relations with the EU among the priorities of Chinese foreign policy," Van Rompuy said.

He also said that both sides expect to sow the seeds of even deeper cooperation between the EU and China at this summit.

Van Rompuy said the summit, the second this year, is in itself proof of strong cooperation and deepening interdependence between China and the EU.

"China and Europe, as major world players, cannot meet frequently enough," Van Rompuy says.

At a summit in February both sides rolled out a long list of cooperation points in a five-page communique, stating that they should work hard on strategically mutual trust, China's market economy status and investment pacts. It also stated the two sides should boost trade volume and refrain from using trade protection measures.

"Since last February's summit in Beijing, intensive work has been carried out to fulfill the decision to further strengthen our bilateral agenda," said Van Rompuy.

The past seven months have seen the launch of the urbanization partnership, the people-to-people dialogue and the cyber task force, among others.

While Beijing is basically satisfied with the progress of bilateral relations, it was unhappy at Brussels' recent decision to open an anti-dumping investigation into solar panel imports to the European market. Critics say it is unfortunate for Brussels to launch the investigation when it still requires Beijing's support to solve the debt crisis.

Van Rompuy said the issue will be discussed at the summit.

Van Rompuy's first official visit as the President of the European Council outside of Europe took place in China in May 2011, and he paid another visit to China in February.

Contact the writer at fujing@chinadaily.com.cn

Solar firms cut employees

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 01:16 PM PDT

Manufacturers make adjustments in face of anti-dumping investigation

Chinese solar companies are reducing production and laying off workers to cut costs, in a bid to cope with the crisis triggered by the European Union anti-dumping investigation and anti-dumping duties imposed by the United States.

The European Commission launched a formal investigation in early September, which activated the largest trade dispute involving China in terms of trade volume.

China's solar product exports were worth $35.8 billion in 2011. The EU receives a share of more than 60 percent of those exports, or $20.4 billion.

In May, the US decided to impose tariffs on more than 31 percent of solar panels made in China, in addition to the fees ranging from 2.9 percent to 4.73 percent imposed in March, after it claimed that China was "improperly subsidizing its solar manufacturers".

Suntech Power Holdings, one of the world's largest producers of solar panels, said on Monday that in order to cut production costs and operating expenses, it has temporarily shut down a portion of its solar cell production capacity at its Wuxi, Jiangsu province, headquarters.

The company said the move will affect about 1,500 employees, but declined to say whether they will be fired or relocated to other sections.

"In light of the preliminary US anti-dumping tariffs, the European anti-dumping investigation, and oversupply of solar modules, we have decided to right-size our production capacity and continue to optimize our organization," said David King, Suntech's CEO.

Trina Solar, another giant Chinese solar company, said it will cut about 200 employees at the management level.

New York-listed LDK Solar, which has seen losses recently, said it is going to cut 5,554 employees, accounting for 22 percent of its staff.

Zhang Hanbin, senior market director of Canadian Solar — a Nasdaq-listed solar panel producer — said that they have seen changes recently in the European market.

"Some clients stopped picking up the goods," Zhang said.

She added that the company may have to "make adjustments" in the fourth quarter, but noted that if domestic sales turn out to be good, they may be able to make up for the losses in the European market.

Chinese solar companies control about 70 percent of the global output of photovoltaic modules, with 90 percent of their products sold overseas, mainly to Europe and the US.

But the companies are facing their biggest challenge ever after the moves by the EU and the US, on top of sluggish demand and falling prices.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated on Monday her position that the solar dispute between China and the EU should be settled through political dialogue.

Vice-Foreign Minister Song Tao on Monday also reaffirmed the country's opposition to protectionist moves following the European Commission's decision to launch the anti-dumping probe.

It's "unreasonable" for some German solar manufacturers, which have received millions of euros in government support, to accuse their Chinese counterparts of unfair competition, said Wolfgang Hummel, director of the German Center for Solar Research, in an interview with Xinhua News Agency.

SolarWorld, the company which proposed the EU anti-dumping investigation, has received about 137 million euros ($179 million) of financial support from the German government, including investment allowances, from 2003 to 2011.

"Without government support, SolarWorld could never be as successful as it is today," Hummel said.

"The industry giant, however, has underestimated the growth pace of its Chinese competitors," Hummel said, adding that the high production costs in Germany are making the country's solar manufacturers lose their competitiveness.

Chinese manufacturers have been increasing their investments in innovation, and the quality of Chinese products has also improved, he said.

Zhang, from Canadian Solar, which is based in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, echoed that view.

Zhang said that the biggest financial support for her company, 10 million yuan ($1.5 million), came from the provincial government and was far less than the amount received by German companies.

"We didn't get free land or interest-free loans as the German companies claimed. But one thing is for sure, Chinese people know how to do big things with small money," she said.

"I have lived and worked overseas for more than 20 years, and I know the differences between how Chinese companies spend money and how overseas companies spend it."

Contact the writer at xieyu@chinadaily.com.cn

Xinhua contributed to this

Nomadic lifestyle receding into past

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 01:16 PM PDT

Herdsman Geri Tashi used to believe he was destined to lead the nomadic life that his ancestors have led for centuries.

But the 48-year-old now believes that settling down in one place and living in a brick-and-mortar house is a better lifestyle.

"The nomadic life we previously led was OK, but now the biggest benefits after settlement are it's good for kids to go to school and the elderly can see a doctor more conveniently," said Tashi, a resident of Gaxiu village of Gahai township in Luqu county, Gansu province.

Luqu county belongs to the Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture in the province. Residents of Gahai township, located in the southwestern part of the county, with an average altitude of 3,500 meters, are mostly Tibetans living off animal husbandry.

According to Tashi, they have seven family members. He and his wife have "retired", and are now mainly responsible for housekeeping and taking care of their grandchildren. Their eldest son and daughter-in-law are still herding every day, riding a motorcycle to the ranch 11 kilometers from home. Their second son has graduated from secondary school, and has not yet found a job. Tashi also has two grandchildren, aged 8 and 1 year old.

Walking into Tashi's home, you see the clean courtyard and greenhouse which is warm and comfortable. In the room, there is a sofa, TV, bed, cabinets and other basic daily necessities. He put all his savings from the past 20 years into building the house. With subsidies from the local government, he spent a total of more than 100,000 yuan ($15,840).

The family's main income comes from herding. Regarded as a wealthy family in the community, the Tashi family owns 607 hectares of grassland and more than 100 head of cattle. They annually sell about 10 head of cattle for about 2,000 yuan each.

"Before, we ate meat and drank wine during Spring Festival. Now the whole family will sit around and watch TV," Tashi said.

In recent years, Gahai township has begun promoting the herdsmen settlement construction project, and has made significant economic and social benefits. So far, a total of 514 households, about 52.5 percent of the population, can enjoy settlement life. The project has greatly improved the quality of life of local people, as well as played an active role in restoring the grassland vegetation.

Gaxiu village has 301 households, and annual income per capita has reached 4,580 yuan. Since 2005, the village is gradually building settlements for more than 100 households, with an average area of 129 square meters and a total investment of 8 million yuan.

Contact the writer at wang_jing@chinadaily.com.cn

Herdsmen get accustomed to home comforts

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 01:16 PM PDT

Riding on a dark horse, Natso relaxed on the grassland in Banyou village, in Ruo'ergai county, Sichuan province.

What was conspicuous was the portable satellite TV set on the back of the other horse next to him.

"The TV set receives programs from more than 50 channels. Some of the programs are in Tibetan. The set is solar-powered, and its fully charged battery can last the night," the 30-year-old herdsman said in Tibetan with a timid smile.

His family of four is one of the 246 households in Banyou village, each of which received a free TV set from the government last year.

"Giving TV sets to herdsmen is part of the Herdsmen Settlement Action Plan implemented in Sichuan's Tibetan areas," said Luo Cuo, a 29-year-old deputy chief of Banyou township, which has administrative jurisdiction over Banyou village.

The Tibetan areas in Sichuan consist of 18 counties in the Ganzi Tibetan autonomous prefecture, 13 counties in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture, and the Muli Tibetan autonomous county.

Covering 247,900 square km, Sichuan's Tibetan areas, which are China's second-largest Tibetan-inhabited areas, have a population of 1.87 million people, 1.24 million of whom are Tibetans.

Because of harsh natural conditions on the plateau and backwards means of production for a long time, people were poor in the Tibetan areas.

"Herdsmen in Banyou village used to live in damp tents or simple houses built of wood year-round. They would fill the gap between the wooden houses with droppings of yaks. Because of poor living conditions, many of them suffered from rheumatic diseases," said Gytso, a 52-year-old resident of Banyou village.

To improve the living conditions of its Tibetan people, Sichuan initiated a plan in February 2009 that aims to construct 1,409 settlements in 29 counties, which will provide fixed residences for 500,000 herdsmen in 100,000 households in four years with an investment of 18 billion yuan ($2.9 billion).

"Construction of fixed residences made of bricks and cement for 91,969 households has been basically completed, accounting for 92.65 percent of all the residences to be built. Construction of 1,243 settlements and auxiliary public facilities has been completed," said Hao Yuenan, deputy chief of the information office of the Sichuan provincial government.

Along with the building of fixed residences have been distributed to 40,000 solar-powered digital satellite TV sets for herdsmen.

"They can be placed both at home and on the back of yaks, so the herdsmen can bid farewell to dull routines while pasturing. In the past, we did not know what was happening outside because we had no access to electricity or TV sets," Natso said.

With 808 hectares of grassland, Ruo'ergai has a strong appeal to tourists.

"The number of tourists has risen from 400,000 to 1 million in recent years," said Wang Zha, deputy Party chief of Ruo'ergai county.

"The influx of tourists has increased the income of herdsmen in fixed residences, as Ruo'ergai does not have many hotels," he said.

Khapatar, a 68-year-old herdsman in Lingga village, Ruo'ergai, has turned his nine empty rooms into hotel rooms that generate more than 1,000 yuan a day in the peak travel season in summer.

"His success story has motivated more herdsmen to follow suit, turning idle rooms into hotel rooms," said Tsering Drolma, an official in the Dazasi township government, which has Lingga under its administration.

Contact the writer at huangzhiling@chinadaily.com.cn

18 detained in Guangzhou for violence in anti-Japan protests

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 12:47 PM PDT

Police in south China's metropolis of Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, have detained 18 people who allegedly committed violent acts while staging anti-Japanprotests on Sunday, local police said Wednesday.

Details of the trials of Wang Lijun

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 06:59 AM PDT

Wang Lijun, Chongqing's former vice mayor and former police chief, stood trial on Monday and Tuesday on charges of bending the law for selfish ends, defection, abuse of power and bribe-taking in Chengdu, in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Taiwanese negotiator on cross-strait affairs to resign

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 06:54 AM PDT

Chiang Pin-kung announced Wednesday that he will officially resign from his post as chairman of the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) on Sept. 27.

Hong Kong to display fireworks at Victoria Harbor on National Day

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 06:54 AM PDT

To celebrate the National Day of the People's Republic of China, a spectacular fireworks display will be held in Victoria Harbor on Oct. 1, the city government said Wednesday in a statement.

China's top legislator pledges cooperation with Malaysia's easternmost state

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 04:50 AM PDT

China will encourage its enterprises to step up cooperation with Malaysia's easternmost state of Sabah, said China's top legislator Wu Bangguoon Wednesday.

Anti-Japan protests reflect Chinese people's resolution: FM

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 04:50 AM PDT

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday that the recent widespread anti-Japanprotests reflect Chinese public's firm resolution to safeguard sovereignty.

China, Nepal vow to step up partnership

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 04:50 AM PDT

China and Nepal on Wednesday vowed to make concerted efforts to step up their comprehensive and cooperative partnership.

Vietnamese PM to attend China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 04:50 AM PDT

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will attend the ASEAN-China Expo (CAEXPO) and the 9th ASEAN-China Business and Investment Summit in Nanning, the capital of China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from Thursday, reported Vietnam News Agency on Wednesday.

Chinese in LA support China's resolve to defend Diaoyu Islands

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 03:55 AM PDT

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Overseas Chinese in Los Angeles marked the 81st anniversary of the "Sept.18, 1931, Japanese forces attacked the barracks of Chinese troops in the northeast Chinese city of Shenyang, marking the beginning of a Japanese invasion and occupation that lasted 14 years.??The "Sept.

Senior CPC official to visit Singapore, Turkmenistan

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 03:54 AM PDT

Zhou Yongkang, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), will kick off official goodwill visits to Singapore and Turkmenistan on Friday.

China to dispatch 30,000 experts to serve at grassroots level

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 05:34 AM PDT

China has launched a campaign to dispatch 30,000 experts in five years to serve at the grassroots level, a statement from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security said Wednesday.

Minimum wage of HK foreign domestic helpers to rise 4.8%

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 05:19 AM PDT

The minimum allowable wage for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong will rise 4.8 percent, or 180 HK dollars (23.2 U.S. dollars), from 3,740 HK dollars to 3,920 HK dollars per month, the city's Labor Department said Wednesday in a statement.

Details of the trials of Wang Lijun

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 05:08 AM PDT

Wang Lijun, Chongqing's former vice mayor and former police chief, stood trial on Monday and Tuesday on charges of bending the law for selfish ends, defection, abuse of power and bribe-taking in Chengdu, in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Details of the trials of Wang Lijun

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 04:38 AM PDT

Wang Lijun, Chongqing's former vice mayor and former police chief, stood trial on Monday and Tuesday on charges of bending the law for selfish ends, defection, abuse of power and bribe-taking in Chengdu, in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

'Cold medicine' purchase regulation attracts concern

Posted: 19 Sep 2012 02:54 AM PDT

Many cities and provinces across the country have enforced a regulation that requires people buying ephedrine-contained cold medicine to register their identities.

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