December 31, 2008

News
Disasters
Hu Visits China Quake Area Again
International Herald Tribune, December 30, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/30/asia/30briefshuvisitsquakbrf.php

Three Killed, 5 Injured in Construction Site Accident
Xinhua (via China Daily), December 30, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/30/content_7354547.htm

Food Security
China Dairy Manager on Trial for Milk Scandal
Associated Press (available at YahooNews), December 31, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081231/ap_on_re_as/as_china_tainted_milk

Another Two in Tainted Milk Scandal Appear in Court
Xinhua (via China Daily), December 30, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/30/content_7354174.htm

奶粉导致结石患儿初定赔偿11亿元 (Families in Tainted Milk Scandal Will be Awarded 1.1bn Yuan in Compensation)
BBC, December 30, 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/simp/hi/newsid_7800000/newsid_7805200/7805245.stm

Government
中国纪检监察部门2008年查处15万人 (Departments for Discipline Inspection Investigate And Discipline 150,000 Corrupt And Malfeasant Officials in 2008)
Radio Free Asia, December 30, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/corruption-12302008094653.html

June 4th
海外民运组织举行全球网络联席会议 (Overseas Chinese Democratic Movement Organize Joint Conference on Internet)
Radio Free Asia, December 30, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/minyun-12302008093639.html

Media
Beijing Pledges Transparency with More Media Briefings
South China Morning Post, December 31, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=9b8ab8b80d88e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&ss=china&s=news

无国界记者年度报告:中国加强监控和打压互联网 (Reporters Sans Frontières 2008 Annual Report: China Enhance Surveillance and Crackdown on Internet Users)
Radio Free Asia, December 30, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/rsf-12302008160725.html

Population
Family Planning Rules Eased in Hubei Province
Shanghai Daily, December 31, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200812/20081231/article_386550.htm

Protests and Petitions
签署零八宪章姚立法被传唤 街头倡政改李铁遭软禁 (Charter 08 Signer Summoned to Court, Another Signer Under House Arrest)
Radio Free Asia, December 30, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/yao_li-12302008163601.html

广州居民抗议修建变电站与警方发生冲突（视像）(Guangzhou Residents Clash with Police Over Building A Transformer Substation)
Radio Free Asia, December 30, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/rights_residents-12302008094651.html?encoding=simplified

杭州定海社区逾六百公安城管强拆(组图）(Over 600 Police And Urban Management Personnel Deployed for Forced Demolition in Zhejiang)
Radio Free Asia, December 30, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/dinghai-12302008093033.html

上海当局继续清算组织“中国冤民大同盟”的访民 (Shanghai Authorities Continue to Retaliate against Petitioners Forming the "Chinese Alliance of the Aggrieved" in HK)
Radio Free Asia, December 30, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/rights_petition-12302008102056.html?encoding=simplified

Related News
上海访民丁菊英因“聚众扰乱社会秩序”被刑事拘留 (A Shanghai Petitioner Detained for "Gathering a Crowd to Disturb Social Order")
Radio Free Asia, December 29, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/petitioner_detain-12292008103645.html?encoding=simplified

Public Health
Blueprint for Medical Reform Set for Release
South China Morning Post, December 31, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=35fab8b80d88e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&ss=china&s=news

Taiwan
胡指兩岸可軍事接觸交流 (Chinese President says Cross-Strait Interflow of Military Issues Is Possible)
Ming Pao Immediate News, December 31, 2008
http://www.mpinews.com/htm/INews/20081231/ca31332w.htm

December 30, 2008

News

Children
In China, Parents Fight to Find their Kidnapped Child
Agence France-Presse (available at YahooNews), December 30, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081230/wl_asia_afp/chinachildkidnap

Corruption
反腐倡廉年度报告：2008年十大廉政新闻 (Anti-Corruption Annual Report: Top Ten Stories)
Xinhuanet, December 30, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2008-12/30/content_10578816.htm

Audits Show 57b Yuan Misused or Embezzled
South China Morning Post, December 30, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/
?vgnextoid=f7baae2e7a38e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Related News
Chinese Warned off Lavish Gifts
BBC, December 30, 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7802574.stm

Tax Officials Arrested in Hainan
Shanghai Daily, December 29, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200812/20081229/article_386331.htm

Economic Development
Call to Rein in GDP Data Exaggerations
South China Morning Post, December 30, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/
?vgnextoid=b8aaae2e7a38e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Food Security
China Begins Trials for 9 in Tainted Milk Scandal
International Herald Tribune, December 30, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/30/asia/30china.php

Related News
China Faces New Melamine Scandal
Reuters (available at YahooNews), December 30, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081230/wl_nm/us_china_melamine

结石儿家长拒绝接受结石儿家长拒绝接受当局赔偿方案 (Sanlu Families Reject
Compensation Offer)
Radio Free Asia, December 29, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/dunai-12292008093703.html

Human Rights
国家人权行动计划将在明年初适当的时候公布 (China to Release “Human Rights Action Plan” at Suitable Time Early Next Year)
Xinhuanet, December 30, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2008-12/30/content_10580392.htm

Law
Legal Reform Can Promote Harmony
South China Morning Post, December 25, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=1b0d2daa7196e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Media
71.9％公众认为网络表达将成中国式民主建设新通道 (71.9 Percent of Public Sees Online Expression as New Channel for "Chinese-Style" Democracy)
Xinhuanet, December 29, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2008-12/30/content_10578022.htm

法天下网遭当局永久关闭 (Lawyers' Website Shut Down by Authorities)
Radio Free Asia, December 29, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/wangzhan-12292008094839.html

李冰出任中國作協黨組書記 (Li Bing Takes Up Head Post for Chinese Writer's Association)
Ming Pao, December 29, 2008
http://www.mpinews.com/htm/INews/20081229/ca11359a.htm

Migrant Workers
Juvenile Crime Up among Migrants
China Daily, December 30, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/30/content_7352008.htm

Military
China Projects Naval Power in Pirate Fight
Christian Science Monitor, December 30, 2008
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1230/p01s03-woap.html

Protests and Petitions
Chinese Protest Chef's Death from "Overwork"
Reuters, December 29, 2008
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-37215420081229

Riot Police Monitor Compensation Protest in Dongguan
Shanghai Daily, December 29, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200812/20081229/article_386329.htm

Rural Issues
Policy Makers Focus on Farmers
Shanghai Daily, December 29, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200812/20081229/article_386301.htm

Social Security
Social Insurance Law Made Public
Shanghai Daily, December 29, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200812/20081229/article_386308.htm

December 29, 2008

News

Corruption
Nearly 5,000 Officials Punished for Corruption
Associated Press (available at YahooNews), December 26, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081226/ap_on_re_as/as_china_corruption

Death Penalty
New Rule Allows Stays of Execution
China Daily, December 27, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/27/content_7346373.htm

China's Capital Cases Still Secret, Arbitrary
Washington Post, December 24, 2008
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/23/AR2008122302795.html

Disasters
17 Killed in Steel Plant Gas Leak
Shanghai Daily, December 25, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200812/20081225/article_385814.htm

Environment
50b Yuan for River Cleanup
South China Morning Post, December 25, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=04567fc03896e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Food Security
Chinese Dairies Say They'll Compensate Melamine Victims
International Herald Tribune, December 28, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/28/asia/china.php

Related News
患儿律师：三鹿赔偿不够且不透明 (Lawyer for Sanlu Victims Says Compensation
Insufficient and Lacking Transparency)
BBC, December 28, 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/simp/hi/newsid_7800000/newsid_7802100/7802101.stm

China Puts 6 on Trial in Tainted Milk Scandal
Reuters, December 26, 2008
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSPEK29215120081226

Related News
Ex-head of China Milk-Powder Firm Could Face Death Penalty: Lawyer
Agence France-Presse (available at YahooNews), December 26, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081226/wl_afp/chinafoodsafetylawchild

Toxic Melamine Is Suspected in Seafood from China
Los Angeles Times, December 24, 2008
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/asia/la-fi-melamine24-2008dec24,0,6856118.story

Government
山西中阳县认为持枪杀人案与村委换届无直接关系 (Murder in Shanxi Believed to Be Connected to Village Election)
Xinhuanet, December 29, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2008-12/25/content_10555728.htm

山西村官胁迫选民 一千多村民求救 (Shanxi Village Official Threatens Voters, One Thousand Villagers Appeal for Help)
Radio Free Asia, December 29, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/san-12282008172520.html

Hong Kong
Hong Kong Cardinal to Retire Next Year
Associated Press (available at YahooNews), December 25, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081225/ap_on_re_as/as_hong_kong_china_cardinal

Labor
Top Global Firms Accused of Double Standards over Unions
South China Morning Post, December 25, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=42467fc03896e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Law
Law Sets Code for Safe, Quake-Proof Schools
Shanghai Daily, December 29, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=386192

Related News
Many Schools Still Unsafe in Quake Aftermath, China Says
International Herald Tribune, December 26, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/26/asia/china.php

杭州规定网络谣言散布者最高罚1.5万 (New Regulation in Hangzhou Sets Fines for Spreading Rumors Online)
Xinhuanet, December 29, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2008-12/25/content_10556757.htm

Media
Crackdown Ordered on Trashy TV
Shanghai Daily, December 25, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200812/20081225/article_385808.htm

Protests and Petitions
签署零八宪章四川人士遭传唤　张祖桦被严密监控 (Charter 08 Signers Summoned to Court, Zhang Zuhua under Watch)
Radio Free Asia, December 29, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/xianzhang-12262008085943.html

福建蒲田二千名村民状告温家宝不作为 (2000 Fujian Villagers File Lawsuit against Wen Jiabao)
Radio Free Asia, December 26, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/zhengdi-12262008085448.html

State Security
China Says Man Confessed to Bus Bombings
New York Times, December 29, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/29/world/asia/29china.html

Related News
昆明公交爆炸案告破 凶手对社会不满总想报复 (Kunming Bus Bomber Dissatisfied with
Society, Sought Revenge)
Xinhuanet, December 29, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2008-12/28/content_10569224.htm

15 Die in Blast Set Off by Cache of Detonators
Shanghai Daily, December 28, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=386180

Related News
河南濮阳爆炸事故基本排除人为破坏的可能 (Police Rule Out Intent to Harm in Henan
Explosion)
EastDay.com, December 29, 2008
http://news.eastday.com/c/20081227/u1a4073348.html

Tibet
China Arrests 59 in Tibet for Rumour-spreading-State Media
Reuters (available at YahooNews), December 29, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081224/wl_nm/us_china_tibet

China Invested Record Amount in Tibet in 2008: State Media
Agence France-Presse (available at Google News), December 29, 2008
http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=824181

December 24, 2008

News
Bilateral Ties
Beijing Wants Chinese Gitmo Detainees
China Daily, December 24, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/24/content_7334470.htm

Disasters
Court Rejects Quake-Deaths Suit in China
Wall Street Journal, December 24, 2008
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123006181877830819.html

Environment
环保部：今年1.5万家环境违法企业被立案查处 (SEPA: 15K Companies Filed for Investigation into Environmental Violations in 2008)
China News, December 24, 2008
http://www.china.com.cn/policy/txt/2008-12/24/content_17000254.htm

Human Rights Defender - Liu Xiaobo (刘晓波)
Petition over Detained Chinese Writer Goes International
International Herald Tribune, December 23, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/23/asia/china.php

Human Rights Defenders
民主党人士谢长发案件退回补充侦查 袁显臣被超期羁押 (Changsha Dissident Xie Changfa's Case Returned to PSB for Additional Investigation)
Radio Free Asia, December 24, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/minzhu-12232008082537.html

Labor
沪台资厂上千工人静坐两天讨薪 (1000+ Shanghai Workers Hold Sit-in Protest for Back Wages)
Radio Free Asia, December 23, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/taoxin-12232008115020.html

Land Policy
上海多楼盘被政府团购 (Shanghai Government Purchases Large Number of Buildings en Masse)
The Beijing News, December 24, 2008
http://www.thebeijingnews.com/news/guonei/2008/12-24/008@031152.htm

湖北郧西县数百名村民因征地赔偿问题与当局发生冲突 (Hubei Villagers Clash with Officials over Poor Land Compensation)
Radio Free Asia, December 23, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/zhengdi-12232008083445.html

扬州拒迁户夫妇和女儿被强行带走下落不明 (Jiangsu Family Protesting Demolition of Home Detained, Whereabouts Unknown)
Radio Free Asia, December 23, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/demolishing_clash-12232008104036.html

Media
当局拒绝律师会见上周被正式被捕的央视记者李敏 (CCTV Reporter Detained on Suspicion of Taking Bribes Not Allowed to Meet with Lawyer)
Radio Free Asia, December 23, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/journalist_detain-12232008110039.html

Police
Protest Organizer Seized in Sichuan
Shanghai Daily, December 24, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200812/20081224/article_385662.htm

Poverty
Sponsor Program Aims to Help Poor Farmers
Shanghai Daily, December 24, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200812/20081224/article_385667.htm

Public Health
疫苗致残儿童案一审判决受害人仅得8万赔偿 (Decision on Case on Children Left Handicapped by a Vaccine Awards Victims only 800,000 in Compensation)
Radio Free Asia, December 22, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/china_lawsuit-12222008104358.html

December 23, 2008

News
Corruption
原天津市委常委皮黔生被“雙規”(Former Tianjin Party Official Pi Qiansheng under "Double Regulation")
British Broadcasting Corporation, December 22, 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/trad/hi/newsid_7790000/newsid_7796500/7796529.stm

Death Penalty
New Guideline on Death Penalty
China Daily, December 23, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/23/content_7331191.htm

Disasters
Parents of China Quake Victims File Lawsuit
International Herald Tribune, December 22, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/22/asia/quake.php

Human Rights Defender - Liu Xiaobo (刘晓波)
Scholars, Lawyers Call for Release of China Critic
Associated Press (via Boston Globe), December 23, 2008
http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2008/12/23/scholars_lawyers_call_for_release_of_china_critic/

Human Rights Defenders
Chinese Court Upholds Lawyer’s Conviction
Financial Times, December 23, 2008
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/85ac3c40-d01a-11dd-ae00-000077b07658.html

余杰因参与签署《08宪章》被国保查问和警告 (Beijing Intellectual Yu Jie Interrogated and Warned by State Security Officers after Signing "Charter 08")
Radio Free Asia, December 22, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/dissident_assault-12222008102508.html

Labor
山東塌化工爐3死6傷 (Three Dead, Six Injured in Shandong Factory Furnace Collapse)
Ming Pao, December 23, 2008
http://www.mingpaonews.com/20081223/caf1.htm

Land
中国拟立法化解农村土地承包经营纠纷 (China Proposes Legislation to Resolve Rural Land Contracted Operations Disputes)
Xinhuanet, December 23, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2008-12/23/content_10545214.htm

Law
广东规定法院审理民事案立案前即可调解 (Guangdong Civil Cases May Be Resolved in Mediation Rather than Court)
Xinhuanet, December 23, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2008-12/23/content_10545214.htm

Poverty
New Poverty Line Raises Number of Poor
China Daily, December 23, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/23/content_7331217.htm

Religion
张明选前往内蒙传福音而遭被捕 (House Church Pastor Zhang Mingxuan Detained in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region)
Radio Free Asia, December 22, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/china_religion_christian-12222008103916.html

December 20-22, 2008

News
Bilateral Ties
Nobel Jurors Face Bribery Probe for China Trips
Associated Press (via Google), December 19, 2008
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g8eRNl5cTaXwydDo_sF9fONr_icQD95595900

Civil Society
Tibetan NGO Worker Given Life in Jail: Report
Reuters, December 22, 2008
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4BL13Z20081222

Food Security
Debate Delayed on China's Revised Food Safety Law
Associated Press (via Google), December 22, 2008
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i7MiJ6RPCScq-j1ti0boCmc-CFjwD957MI9G0

Human Rights Defender - Guo Quan (郭泉)
郭泉被检察院正式批捕 (Guo Quan's Arrest Formally Authorized by Procuratorate)
Radio Free Asia, December 21, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/ge-12212008201329.html

Labor
社会保险法:领取失业保险金期限最长为二十四个月 (Draft Social Insurance Law Stipulates Unemployment Insurance Can Be Received up to 24 Months)
Xinhuanet, December 22, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2008-12/22/content_10542788.htm

Land Policy
Land Disputes Headed for Arbitration under China Draft Law
Xinhuanet, December 22, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/22/content_10543537.htm

Law
Maintaining Stability Key - Top Judge
China Daily, December 20, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/20/content_7324861.htm

中国拟在刑法中新增条款严惩网络“黑客”犯罪 (Revised Criminal Law Draft Includes New Clauses on Hacker Crimes)
Xinhua (available at China.org.cn), December 22, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2008-12/22/content_10543198.htm

Macao
澳門千人遊行　反23條　促改善生活 (1000 March in Macao against Article 23 and Promoting a Better Life)
Apple Daily, December 22, 2008
http://appledaily.atnext.com/template/apple/art_main.cfm?iss_id=20081221&sec_id=4104&subsec_id=12731&art_id=11995700

Related news:
Hong Kong Democrats Barred from Macau ahead of Rally
Agence France-Presse (via Google), December 22, 2008
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hFLp2vVL1x0OvtJBcmFLFXk9dwXQ

Media
China Blocks Access to Foreign News Web Sites
Voice of America, December 20, 2008
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-12-20-voa6.cfm

University Official Tries to Detain Reporter
Shanghai Daily, December 19, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200812/20081219/article_385136.htm

北京法院建议加强对网民言论的适时监管 (Beijing Court Proposes Strengthening Supervision of Speech Online)
Xinhuanet, December 19, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2008-12/18/content_10523848.htm

Migrant Workers
Cabinet Warns Authorities to Protect Migrants
South China Morning Post, December 22, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=fab2d50e7e95e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Related information:
国务院办公厅关于切实做好当前农民工工作的通知 (Notice from the General Office of the State Council on Realistically Carrying Out Current Policies on Migrant Workers)
State Council, December 20, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2008-12/20/content_10531293_1.htm

Protests and Petitions
太原将严肃处置违法信访行为 包括进京上访等 (Shanxi Capital to Strictly Handle Illegal Petitioning Activities, Including Travelling to Beijing to Petition)
Taiyuan Daily (via People's Daily), December 22, 2008
http://politics.people.com.cn/GB/14562/8557189.html

上海千名农民第五天抗议 公安追查零八宪章签名者 (Protest of 1000 Shanghai Farmers in Land Dispute Reaches Fifth Day; 3 Detained by Police)
Radio Free Asia, December 19, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/nongmi-12192008090440.html

Public Health
Belatedly, China Spreads Word about HIV Prevention
Los Angeles Times, December 20, 2008
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/asia/la-fg-aids-china20-2008dec20,0,6240946.story

China to Include Mental Distress in Civil Rights Law
Xinhua (via China Daily), December 22, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/22/content_7328650.htm

Religion
Raids on Chinese House Churches
Radio Free Asia, December 19, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/church-12172008155054.html

December 19, 2008

Top News
Human Rights Defender - Ni Yulan (倪玉兰)
Chinese Housing Activist Sentenced to 2 Years
Associated Press (via Yahoo! News), December 18, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081218/ap_on_re_as/as_china_housing_activist

Beijing housing rights activist Ni Yulan (倪玉兰) was sentenced to two years in prison on December 18, on charges of “obstructing official business.” Ni, who is handicapped, was arrested in April 2008. Her trial was originally scheduled for August 4, 2008, but it was postponed without explanation just before the Olympics. She was previously imprisoned for one year in 2002 for fighting evictions in Beijing. In November 2008, her home was bulldozed, leaving her husband homeless.

News
Economic Development
President Hu Eulogizes Three-decade Reform
Xinhuanet, December 18, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/18/content_10523763.htm

Human Rights Defender - Hu Jia (胡佳)
北京监狱宣布取消胡佳的正常探视 (Beijing Prison Announces Revoking of Hu Jia's Normal Visits)
Radio Free Asia, December 18, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/hujia-12182008163952.html

Human Rights Defenders
中国当局继续传唤恐吓联署《08宪章》人士 (Authorities Continue to Subpoena and Threaten Signers of "Charter 08")
Radio Free Asia, December 18, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/China_dissident-12182008120031.html

Labor
Rescuers Fail to Reach 18 Trapped Miners in China
Reuters, December 18, 2008
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4BH7LL20081218

Macau
澳门回归九周年 民间团体发起游行对二十三条立法表忧虑（视频）(Demonstration on Article 23 Planned in Macau for 9th Handover Anniversary)
Radio Free Asia, December 18, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/aomei-12182008090226.html

Related news:
New Macau Association Confirms Rally on Handover Day
Macau Daily Times, December 15, 2008
http://www.macaudailytimesnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20449&Itemid=28

Media
Chinese Author of Book on Famine Braves Risks to Inform New Generations
International Herald Tribune, December 18, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/18/asia/famine.php

中国多名记者失踪 (Whereabouts of Several Chinese Journalists Unknown)
Radio Free Asia, December 18, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/jizhe-12182008104718.html

Protests and Petitions
China Protest Decries Eating Cats
Associated Press (via China Post), December 19, 2008
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/china/local-news/other/2008/12/19/188363/China-protest.htm

Protesting China Workers in Standoff with Police
Associated Press (via Yahoo! News), December 19, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081219/ap_on_re_as/as_china_factory_protest

沪访民上京申请游行遭截访及拘留 (Shanghai Petitioners Returned to Shanghai and Detained after Going to Beijing to Apply to Demonstrate)
Radio Free Asia, December 18, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/fangmin-12182008095255.html

Tibet
七名藏人涉参与骚乱被判无期徒刑至八年 (Seven Tibetans Involved in March Unrest Sentenced from Eight Years to Life Imprisonment)
Radio Free Asia, December 18, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/China_Tibet-12182008115646.html

December 18, 2008

Top News

Human Rights Defender – Hu Jia (胡佳)
China Dissident Wins Rights Prize
BBC, December 17, 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7788536.stm

The European Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to human rights defender Hu Jia (胡佳) yesterday in Strasbourg. Mr. Hu’s wife, Zeng Jinyan, gave an acceptance speech on his behalf via a video message. Ms. Zeng is currently under house arrest in Beijing.

Related Information
Under House Arrest, Hu Jia’s Wife Accepts Sakharov Prize on Behalf of Imprisoned
Husband
Human Rights in China, December 17, 2008
http://www.hrichina.org/public/contents/91169


News

Death Penalty
Death Sentence for Gang Leader
South China Morning Post, December 18, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/
?vgnextoid=d28ee461ab54e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&ss=china&s=news

Education
中国发布针对少年儿童的民族团结教育纲要 (China Issues Program for Minority Children "Unity" Education)
Radio Free Asia, December 17, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/minzu-12172008105734.html

Human Rights
歐盟關切劉曉波被拘 (European Union Expresses Concern over Liu Xiaobo Arrest)
Ming Pao, December 17, 2008
http://www.mpinews.com/htm/INews/20081217/ca32329a.htm

China Launches Major Crackdown on Dissidents
Telegraph.co.uk, December 17, 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/3811653/China-launches-major-
crackdown-on-dissidents.html

Related News
晚年周恩来的作者高文谦：零八宪章标志民间力量开始主导社会变革 (Gao Wenqian, Author
of Zhou Enlai Biography, Says 08 Charter Shows Grassroots Leading Social Reform)
Radio Free Asia, December 17, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/gaowenqian-12172008160947.html

Labor
Gas Blast Traps 18 Miners in Central China
China Daily, December 18, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/18/content_7318157.htm

遼寧企業裁員需上報 (Liaoning Businesses Required to Report Lay-Offs)
Ming Pao, December 17, 2008
http://www.mpinews.com/htm/INews/20081217/ca31624a.htm

With Strikes, China's New Middle Class Vents Anger
Washington Post, December 17, 2008
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/16/AR2008121602851.html

Law
Call for Law to Punish Fleeing Bosses
China Daily, December 18, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/18/content_7316523.htm

网络暴力第一案宣判 法院判决书中批评王菲不忠 (Decision Announced for First Case of "Internet Violence")
Xinhuanet, December 18, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2008-12/18/content_10523788.htm

Police
Man in Coma after Fight over Laundry
Shanghai Daily, December 18, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2008/200812/20081218/article_384941.htm

Shanghai Trains to Get Surveillance Cameras
China Daily, December 18, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/18/content_7316532.htm

Protests and Petitions
Two Arrested for Throwing Eggs at China Flag
Reuters (available at YahooNews), December 17, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081217/wl_nm/us_china_flag

Public Health
江苏鸡瘟疫情遭封锁 官称未爆疫情却杀37万家禽 (News of Bird Flu Epidemic in Jiangsu Blocked)
Radio Free Asia, December 17, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/jiangsu-12172008113901.html

Society
Beijing Frets over Threat of Instability
South China Morning Post, December 18, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/
?vgnextoid=c06ee461ab54e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&ss=china&s=news

30 Years Transform China, but not its Politics
Associated Press (available at YahooNews), December 17, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081217/ap_on_bi_ge/as_china30_years_reforms

Related News
改革开放30年：伟大的转折 历史的丰碑 (30 Years of Reform and Opening Up: A
Monumental Turning Point in History)
Xinhuanet, December 18, 2008
http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/mryw/20081218a.htm

Chinese Netizens Reach 290 Million by November
China Daily, December 17, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/17/content_7315668.htm

State-owned Enterprises
Maintaining Stability at Grassroots Level Stressed
Xinhuanet, December 17, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/17/content_10521246.htm

Taiwan
Four Local Chinese Mainland Reporters to Work in Taiwan
China Daily, December 17, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/17/content_7315128.htm

XUAR
Two Xinjiang Terrorists who Killed 17 Police Get Death
China Daily, December 18, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/18/content_7316505.htm

December 17, 2008

News

Bilateral Ties
Healthy Development of Bilateral Relations Conducive to China, EU
Xinhua (via China Daily), December 17, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/17/content_7311729.htm

Sarkozy's 'European Value' Not Accepted
China Daily, December 17, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2008-12/17/content_7311832.htm

Disasters
Weather Rocket Kills Man and Blows up his Body at Cremation
Telegraph.co.uk, December 16, 2008
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/3793982/Weather-rocket-
kills-man-and-blows-up-his-body-at-cremation.html

Environment
China Urges Speed-up in Water Scheme
China Post, December 17, 2008
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/china/national-news/2008/12/17/188020/China-urges.htm

Corruption Blamed for Burst Water Pipes in NW China City
Xinhua (via China Daily), December 17, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/16/content_7311524.htm

水利专家建议黄河改道出黄海 (Irrigation Experts Propose Allowing Yellow River to Flow into Yellow Sea Again)
BBC, December 16, 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/simp/hi/newsid_7780000/newsid_7786800/7786868.stm

Human Rights
Party Looks Unmoved by Call for Freedoms
The Sydney Morning Herald, December 17, 2008
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/party-looks-unmoved-by-call-for-freedoms/2008/12/16/1229189623226.html

Human Rights Defenders - Liu Xiaobo (刘晓波)
China Rejects US Call to Release Activist
South China Morning Post, December 16, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=a6cf006ca6f3e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Related News:
欧盟促请中国解释逮捕刘晓波原因 (European Union Demands Explanation for Liu Xiaobo's Arrest)
BBC World Service, December 16, 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/simp/hi/newsid_7780000/newsid_7786600/7786619.stm

Labor
广东劳保厅长建议将老板欠薪逃匿定为刑事犯罪 (Guangdong Official Proposes Criminalising Going into Hiding to Avoid Settling Employee Backpay)
EastDay.com, December 17, 2008
http://news.eastday.com/c/20081217/u1a4049105.html

Land Policy
Villagers Held for Throwing Ink-filled Eggs at National Flag
South China Morning Post, December 17, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=4a8ffd871b04e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

江苏扬州骇人听闻的野蛮拆迁事件 (BarbaricTreatment of Residents in Jiangsu Housing Demolitions)
Radio Free Asia, December 16, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/qiangchai-12162008120126.html

Law
最高法院通知规范民事诉讼举证时限(全文 解读) (Supreme Court Issues Notice Concerning Regulations on Time Limits for Evidence in Civil Actions)
Xinhuanet, December 17, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2008-12/16/content_10515885.htm

绵竹利诱学生家长撤诉 上诉者被指反党 (Mianzhu Earthquake Parent Lured into Dropping Charges; Prosecutor Accused of being Anti-CCP)
Radio Free Asia, December 16, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/mianzhu-12162008091012.html

Media
China Is Said to Restore Blocks on Web Sites
New York Times, December 17, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/17/world/asia/17china.html

Related Information:
Better Services for Foreign Media
China Daily, December 17, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/17/content_7311768.htm

China's Internet 'Spin Doctors'
BBC, December 16, 2008
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7783640.stm

Migrant Workers
Returning Migrant Workers put Strain on Home Provinces
South China Morning Post, December 17, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=0bbefd871b04e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Police
四川绵阳乡干部在山西运城派出所内蹊跷死亡 (Suspicious Death of Sichuan Man at Shanxi Police Station)
EastDay.com, December 17, 2008
http://news.eastday.com/c/20081217/u1a4049186.html

Population
Population-Control Payout will Rise
Shanghai Daily, December 17, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=384801

中国计生保密培训引质疑 (Questions Raised about Secrecy Training for Family-Planning Officials)
Radio Free Asia, December 16, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/jisheng-12162008114639.html

Public Health
377,000 Chickens Culled in Jiangsu Bird Flu Cases
South China Morning Post, December 17, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=59eefd871b04e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Religion
广州良人家庭教会受宗教局和公安局人员的冲击 (Guangzhou House Church Attacked by Public Security and Relgious Affairs Bureaux)
Radio Free Asia, December 16, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/xinwen-12162008103351.html

新疆家庭教会牧师受审 各地教徒被捕下落未名 (Xinjiang House Church Pastor on Trial, Church Members Everywhere Arrested or Missing)
Radio Free Asia, December 16, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/jiaohui-12162008091450.html

Society
Chinese Graduates Recruited for Rural Work
International Herald Tribune, December 16, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/16/asia/letter.php

Taiwan
Direct Links with China Unrelated to Unification: President
Taiwan News, December 16, 2008
http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=814820&lang=eng_news&cat
e_img=83.jpg&cate_rss=news_Politics_TAIWAN

Tibet
University of Tibet Brought into China's Key Education Project
Xinhuanet, December 16, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/16/content_10515237.htm

December 16, 2008

News

Education
China's Poor Rural Areas in Urgent Need of Teachers
China Daily, December 16, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/16/content_7308060.htm

Chinese Schools to Include Ethnic Harmony Courses
China Daily, December 16, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/16/content_7307096.htm

Environment
Counting the High Cost of Growth
South China Morning Post, December 16, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=2cf8bdbfe0b3e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Food Security
Lye, Boric Acid Banned as Food Additives in China
Associated Press (via Google), December 16, 2008
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jP0C1Aoi0pUm3LIAfqDoB4Dpi8Bw
D95380T00

Labor
Leading Academy: China to Face Increasing Employment Pressure Next Year
Xinhuanet, December 15, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/15/content_10509530.htm

Law
安监总局印发《煤矿生产安全事故报告和调查处理规定》 (State Administration of Work Safety Releases "Regulations on Reporting, Investigation, and Handling of Coal Mine Work Safety Accidents")
Xinhuanet, December 16, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2008-12/16/content_10510569.htm

浙江：让虚假诉讼成为过街老鼠 (Zhejiang Enacts Regulation against "Fake Lawsuits")
Xinhuanet, December 15, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2008-12/15/content_10508406.htm

Media
Reporter Lost for 14 Days Found in Police Custody
China Daily, December 16, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/16/content_7307284.htm

Related News
Chinese Reporter Chasing Corruption Claims Disappears
Reuters, December 15, 2008
http://in.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idINTRE4BE0R820081215?sp=true

Police
Police Brutality Up in Rural Areas
South China Morning Post, December 16, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=b361a60d88b3e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Probes into 5 Deaths in Henan Police Cells
Shanghai Daily, December 16, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=384646

Protests and Petitions
广州警方依法处理百人围堵黄埔某医院事件 (Guangzhou Police "Handle" Demonstration outside Hospital)
EastDay.com, December 16, 2008
http://news.eastday.com/c/20081216/u1a4046640.html

Five Villagers Injured in E China Land Dispute
China Daily, December 15, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/15/content_7306156.htm

香港团体发起游行声援「零八宪章」 (Hong Kong Groups Demonstrate on Behalf of Charter 08 Signers)
Radio Free Asia, December 15, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/08xianzhang-12152008101736.html

Society
海口市民下月一号上网吧　需用身份证刷卡登记 (Haikou Residents Will Be Required to Register ID Cards at Internet Cafes)
Radio Free Asia, December 15, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/wangba-12152008110025.html

Taiwan
China and Taiwan Restore Air Links
International Herald Tribune, December 15, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/15/asia/taiwan.php

December 13-15, 2008

News

Corruption
Con Men Jailed over Million-yuan Fraud
South China Morning Post, December 15, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=18de95e6a663e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Environment
China Likely to Miss Energy Saving Goal for 2008: Report
Agence France-Presse (via YahooNews), December 13, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081213/sc_afp/chinaenergyenvironment

Waste Water Flows into Yangtze Tributary after Chemicals Fire
China Daily, December 14, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/14/content_7302347.htm

Food Security
China Probing 27 Cases of Melamine-tainted Animal Feed: State Media
Agence France-Presse (via YahooNews), December 14, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081215/wl_asia_afp/chinafoodsafety

Sacked Officials Get New Positions
South China Morning Post, December 13, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=fe1e5c0aa1c2e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Hong Kong
Petitioners Praise HK Police after Visit for Protest
South China Morning Post, December 13, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=eb9d5c0aa1c2e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Human Rights
《零八宪章》签名超过2500人刘晓波仍未获释 ('Charter 08' Signatories Exceed 2500, Liu Xiaobo Still Not Released)
Radio France Internationale, December 14, 2008
http://www.rfi.fr/actucn/articles/108/article_10993.asp

Related News:
Bao Tong: China Detentions 'Challenge Constitution'
Radio Free Asia, December 13, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/baotongcharter-12132008111723.html

六四学运领袖陶君签名支持<零八宪章>
(June 4th Student Leader Tao Jun Signs 'Charter 08')
Radio Free Asia, December 14, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/64-12142008171330.html

著名律师莫少平谈《零八宪章》
(Interview: Renowned Lawyer Mo Shaoping on the 'Charter 08')
Radio France Internationale, December 12, 2008
http://www.rfi.fr/actucn/articles/108/article_10961.asp

Human Rights Defenders
贵州人权人士获释 公安称党就是法律 (Guizhou Rights Activists Released; PSB Says the Party is Law)
Radio Free Asia, December 12, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquan-12122008094621.html

参与联署「零八宪章」的人士继续遭当局进一步打压 (Authorities Step up Pressure on 'Charter 08' Signatories)
Radio Free Asia, December 14, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/chan-12142008171843.html

Media
Chinese Reporter Chasing Corruption Claims Disappears
Reuters, December 15, 2008
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4BE0R820081215?feedType=RSS&f
eedName=worldNews

海口网吧明年全部实行身份证"刷卡"上网 (Haikou to Implement Identity Swipe Cards for Internet Users)
EastDay.com, December 24, 2008
http://news.eastday.com/c/20081214/u1a4042966.html

南都《评论周刊》停刊 (Southern 'Weekly Review' Ceases Publication)
Radio Free Asia, December 14, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/nan-12142008164507.html

Police
平遥150人滋事与村委会换届选举无关 警方认定为涉黑 (Police Say Pingyao Trouble-makers Unrelated to Village Committee Elections)
Xinhuanet, December 15, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2008-12/15/content_10504588.htm

Related News:
山西一村委会选举引发骚乱 (Village Committee Election Sparks Riots in Shanxi)
Radio Free Asia, December 12, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/xuanju-12122008163740.html

Politics
诺贝尔奖评委应邀访华遭无端质疑 被指存在腐败 (Questions Raised over China's Invitation to Nobel Committee)
EastDay.com, December 14, 2008
http://news.eastday.com/c/20081214/u1a4043022.html

Protests and Petitions
拆迁户妻子北京上访 丈夫在家被打断肋骨 (Husband's Ribs Broken in Beating While Wife Petitions in Beijing over House Demolition)
Radio Free Asia, December 14, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/cai-12142008170514.html

Religion
湖北华南基督教会多名教徒被警方抓捕 (Many Members of Huanan Christian Church Arrested in Hubei)
Radio Free Asia, December 13, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/xinwen-12132008152008.html

Rural Issues
Fruits of reform can be bitter in Chinese countryside
Reuters, December 12, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081212/wl_asia_afp/chinarightshu

Society
细数三十年民族法制建设大发展 (30 Years of Progress in Legal system Governing Minorities)
EastDay.com, December 14, 2008
http://news.eastday.com/c/20081214/u1a4043731.html

Taiwan
Taiwan, China Launch Direct Shipping Links
Associated Press (via Google), December 15, 2008
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g6DQLDMAmRA4uPnd5hsLH9dz
QecQD952RC2O5

Taiwan's former president is indicted
International Herald Tribune, December 12, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/12/asia/13taiwan.php

Tibet
UN Chief Urges China to Continue Tibet Dialogue
Agence France-Presse (via YahooNews), December 12, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081212/wl_asia_afp/chinatibetpoliticsunban

西藏林芝察隅县发生森林火灾仍在扑救 (Forest Fire Continues to burn in Tibet)
EastDay.com, December 14, 2008
http://news.eastday.com/c/20081214/u1a4044032.html

XUAR
Large Gas Reserve Found in Xinjiang
China Daily, December 15, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/15/content_7304102.htm

December 12, 2008

News

Bilateral Ties
中国2008年旅法游客明显下降 (Sharp Drop in Number of Chinese Tourists Visiting France)
Radio France Internationale, December 11, 2008
http://www.rfi.fr/actucn/articles/108/article_10949.asp

Death Penalty
“万物春”集资诈骗案宣判 老总唐亚南被判死刑 (Fake Charity Fraudster Tang Yanan Sentenced to Death)
Xinhuanet, December 11, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2008-12/11/content_10488608.htm

Hong Kong
HK Ties Deadly Virus to Avian Flu Outbreak
Shanghai Daily, December 12, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=384223

到港沪访民至中联办请愿 数十位上海访民当地请愿却遭殴打 (Shanghai Petitioners Protest at China Liaison Office in Hong Kong; Previously Beaten at Protest in Shanghai)
Radio Free Asia, December 11, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/shangfang-12112008092707.html

Human Rights
Hu Underscores Int'l Co-op on Human Rights
Xinhua (via China Daily), December 12, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/12/content_7298180.htm

Human Rights Defender – Zheng Enchong (郑恩宠）
Police Detain More Scholars and Activists
South China Morning Post, December 12, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=80f97bf8ef62e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Human Rights Defender - Wang Bingzhang (王炳章)
Chinese Dissident's Daughter Reports on Prison Visit
Voice of America, December 11, 2008
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-12-11-voa6.cfm?rss=asia

Human Rights Defender - Huang Qi (黄琦)
黄琦案已移交检察院 (Huang Qi's Case Already Passed to Procuratorate)
Radio Free Asia, December 11, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/weiquan-12112008091413.html

Human Rights Defender - Zhang Mingxuan (张明选)
家庭教会联合会长张明选被警方连夜押出北京 (Police Forcibly Remove House Church Leader Zhang Mingxuan from Beijing)
Radio Free Asia, December 11, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/zhang-12112008102739.html

Human Rights Defenders - Liu Xiaobo (刘晓波)
Police Stay Mum on Arrest of Leading China Dissident: Lawyer
Agence France-Presse (via YahooNews), December 11, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081211/wl_asia_afp/chinarightsmedia

US 'Deeply Concerned' About Reports of Arrests in China
Agence France-Presse (via YahooNews), December 11, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081211/pl_afp/chinarightsus

Related Information:
HRIC Press Release: Independent Scholars Detained: Start
of 2009 Crackdown?
Human Rights in China, December 09, 2008
http://www.hrichina.org/public/contents/press?revision%5fid=86132&item%5fid=85186

Labor
In China, Anger Rises as Economy Falls
Los Angeles Times, December 12, 2008
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-china-politics12-
2008dec12,0,2413482.story

Land Policy
Loss of Homes Threatens Social Stability in China
Voice of America, December 11, 2008
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-12-11-voa13.cfm?rss=asia

Law
Lawyer to Stand Trial for Bribing Judges
China Daily, December 12, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/12/content_7297463.htm

Media
Ban on Covering Reporter's Arrest
South China Morning Post, December 12, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=29b97bf8ef62e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Related News:
律师指央视女记者被拘案中检方违法 (Lawyers Condemn Reporter's Detention as Illegal)
Radio France Internationale, December 11, 2008
http://www.rfi.fr/actucn/articles/108/article_10941.asp

Beijing Police Detain Eight Posing as Journalists, Selling Press Cards
Xinhuanet, December 11, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/11/content_10490244.htm

Migrant Workers
Police Foil Human Trafficking in Golden Triangle
China Daily, December 12, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/12/content_7297128.htm

Police
Uyghur Students 'Beaten by Police'
Radio Free Asia, December 11, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/students-12112008071703.html

Poverty
成都向37.91万困难群众发放每人百元消费券 (Chengdu Provides 100 Yuan Vouchers to the Masses in Hard Times)
EastDay.com, December 12, 2008
http://news.eastday.com/c/20081212/u1a4039342.html

Protests and Petitions
自贡市民进京举报遭追踪 当地黑监狱专押上访者 (Sichuan Petitioner to Beijing Tracked; 'Black Jails' There Specialize in Detaining Petitioners)
Radio Free Asia, December 11, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/zigong-12112008160801.html

Public Health
Drug Resistant TB Rife in China
Reuters (available at YahooNews), December 11, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081211/hl_nm/us_tuberculosis_china

Religion
中国维权团体呼吁人大撤销违宪的宗教条例 (China Rights Organization Calls for People's Congress to Abolish Regulations Violating Constitutional Right to Freedom of Religion)
Radio Free Asia, December 11, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/religion-12112008094428.html

Rural Issues
10b Yuan in Farm Aid to Support Rural Population
South China Morning Post, December 12, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=729a7bf8ef62e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Society
Beichuan Couples Find New Love
China Daily, December 12, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/12/content_7297641.htm

State Security
Five on Trial Over State Secrets Theft
Shanghai Daily, December 12, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=384197

Taiwan
Work Rules for Chinese Spouses Nixed
China Post, December 12, 2008
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/china/national-news/2008/12/12/187256/Work-rules.htm

December 11, 2008

News

Corruption
透明国际：俄罗斯、中国等国公司最倾向贿赂 (Russia and China Businesses among Most Prone to Bribery)
Radio Free Asia, December 10, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/huilu-12102008111304.html

Economic Development
社会学家：4万亿投资可能催生新一轮城市化浪潮 (Economic Relief Plan May Spark New Wave of Urbanization, Experts Say)
Xinhuanet, December 11, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2008-12/11/content_10486201.htm

China Nov. Exports down 2.2% in First Fall since June 2001
Xinhuanet, December 10, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/10/content_10484786.htm

Environment
山西年末发生大面积干旱 虫害遭遇十年之最 (Shanxi Hit by Year-end Draught and Worst Pest Attack in Ten Years)
Xinhuanet, December 11, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2008-12/11/content_10486489.htm

China "Cancer Village" Pays Ultimate Price for Growth
Reuters (available at YahooNews), December 10, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081211/wl_nm/us_china_reforms_cancer

Toxic Arsenic Levels Found in East China Rivers
Xinhuanet, December 10, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/10/content_10485729.htm

Food Security
China Considering Compensation for Milk Victims
Reuters (available at YahooNews), December 10, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081211/wl_nm/us_china_milk_compensation

Government
升迁掌握在上级手上，官员有动力对百姓负责吗? (Can Officials Be Responsible to the People When Promotions Are Decided by Superiors?)
Xinhuanet, December 11, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2008-12/11/content_10488144.htm

Human Rights
China Hails 'Progress' but Quells Protest on Human Rights Anniversary
International Herald Tribune, December 10, 2008
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/10/asia/china.php

Related News
Chinese Law Scholars Discuss Human Rights Education on World Human Rights Day
Xinhuanet, December 10, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/10/content_10486030.htm

贵州第四届国际人权研讨会受严密监控　参与人士被要求离开 (Human Rights Seminar in
Guizhou Tightly Controlled, Participants Forced to Leave)
Radio Free Asia, December 10, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/minzhu-12102008093834.html

Labor
Labor Arbitration Cases Soaring in Guangzhou
China Daily, December 11, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/11/content_7292345.htm

Media
New Cards for Journalists
South China Morning Post, December 11, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2c913216495213d5df646910cba0a0a0/
?vgnextoid=4f70155c2912e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=teaser&ss=chi

中国电脑安全技术新规定引起美国担心 (New Chinese Tech Regulations Worry American Observers)
Radio Free Asia, December 10, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/diannao-12102008110730.html

Migrant Workers
124名东北农民工险被“蛇头”诱骗出境 (124 Migrant Workers Tricked into Leaving Country by Human Trafficker)
Xinhuanet, December 11, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2008-12/11/content_10488319.htm

Protests and Petitions
Report on 'Mentally Ill' Farmers Out Soon
China Daily, December 11, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/11/content_7292319.htm

Workers Picket Factory for 3rd Day over Bonuses
South China Morning Post, December 11, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/
?vgnextoid=b601155c2912e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&ss=china&s=news

Social Security
China Grapples with New Social Safety Net
Reuters, December 10, 2008
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE4B94DF20081210?feedType=RSS&fee
dName=worldNews

Society
Girl Fight at College Ends with 6 Stabbed in NW China
China Daily, December 10, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/10/content_7292027.htm

Tibet
Torture Widespread, Routine in Tibet, Report Says
Reuters (available at YahooNews), December 10, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081210/wl_nm/us_china_tibet_torture

December 10, 2008

Top News of the Day
Human Rights Defender
China Arrests a Signer of a Freedom Charter
Los Angeles Times, December 10, 2008
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-chinarights10-2008dec10,0,1100481.story

Beijing police detained Independent Chinese PEN Center President and prominent activist Liu Xiaobo (刘晓波) in the evening of December 8, after Liu signed a public appeal calling for legal reforms, democracy, and the protection of human rights. Liu has yet to be released. The public appeal, “08 Charter,” was released today, Human Rights Day, and signed by over 300 activists, lawyers, civil servants, former party officials, and other concerned Chinese citizens. Another activist and signatory, Zhang Zhuhua (张祖桦), was also detained; Zhang was later released on December 9.

Related information:
Independent Scholars Detained: Start of 2009 Crackdown?
Human Rights in China, December 09, 2008
http://www.hrichina.org/public/contents/85186

08 Charter (English Translation)
December 10, 2008
http://www.hrichina.org/public/contents/85717

News
Bilateral Ties
China Wants Strong Ties with U.S. — as Long as They Don't Interfere with Tibet's Future
Associated Press (via Fox News), December 09, 2008
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,464604,00.html

Death Penalty
淮南原市委书记被判死缓 (Former Huainan, Anhui Municipal Party Secretary Given Suspended Death Sentence)
The Beijing News, December 10, 2008
http://www.thebeijingnews.com/news/guonei/2008/12-10/008@021155.htm

Environment
环保部：部分水源地不合格公众饮水存隐患 (Ministry of Environmental Protection Warns of Hidden Dangers in Drinking Water, Says that Certain Water Sources Are Sub-standard)
China News (via Sina), December 10, 2008
http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2008-12-10/161016821326.shtml

Human Rights Defenders
三十八名上海访民在香港注册冤民大同盟（系列视频） (38 Shanghai Petitioners Form the "Chinese Alliance of the Aggrieved" in Hong Kong)
Radio Free Asia, December 09, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/shangfang-12092008090746.html

民主党人士王荣清被控三大罪状杭州开审 (Trial for Democracy Activist Wang Rongqing Opens in Hangzhou)
Radio Free Asia, December 09, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/minzhu-12092008134054.html

Media
China about to Complete Its Online 'Golden Shield' Monitoring Project
Taiwan News, December 10, 2008
http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=807946

Migrant Workers
中国失业农民工返乡潮带来新挑战 (Return of Unemployed Migrant Workers to Countryside Brings New Challenge)
Radio Free Asia, December 09, 2008
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/immigrants-12092008093824.html

Politics
China Sacks Officials for Overseas Holidays Disguised as Study Tours
Shanghai Daily, December 10, 2008
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=383983

Protests and Petitions
Petitioners Held for Being Obsessive, Says Official
South China Morning Post, December 10, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=8d046cf602c1e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Protest of 1,000 Migrant Workers Turns Violent, Says Rights Group
South China Morning Post, December 10, 2008
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=f4c36cf602c1e110VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

上訪人士到外交部靜坐抗議 (20+ Petitioners Hold Sit-in Demonstration outside Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Ming Pao, December 10, 2008
http://www.mpinews.com/htm/INews/20081210/ca31501i.htm

Rural Issues
30 Years after Reform, China Farmers once Again Hope for Change
Agence France-Presse (via YahooNews), December 09, 2008
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081209/wl_asia_afp/chinaeconomy30yearsfarmerscorrection

Taiwan
Shanghai-Taiwan Direct Flight Date Set
China Daily, December 10, 2008
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-12/10/content_7288135.htm