The HRIC Daily Brief is a daily selection of news stories and commentary related to human rights in China, drawn from Chinese- and English-language news and online media sources that we monitor daily. In addition to headlines and source links, HRIC also provides English translation of Chinese headlines.

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

January 18, 2005


Top news of the day

June 4th – prisoners – Zhao Ziyang (趙紫陽)

State media ignores reformist's death
SCMP, January 18, 2005
Beijing released a brief statement on Zhao’s death, but silenced discussion of the topic on internet.
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZMF06HJ3E.html

China defends 1989 crackdown, dismissal of sympathetic party leader
AP, 18 January 2005 (JOE McDONALD)
China on Tuesday defended its 1989 decision to depose former Communist Party leader Zhao Ziyang, indicating there were no plans to honor him in death.
http://www.ap.org


(Please also see Special News Brief on Zhao’s death)


Protests and petitions
Petitioners can lead to criminal charge for outrages behavior
过激信访构成犯罪将究刑责
People’s Daily, January 18, 2005
The new petition regulations reserve the right to put petitioners on criminal charge for outranges acts.
http://politics.people.com.cn/GB/1026/3126582.html


News

Death penalty
Complete abolishment of death penalty still hard in today's China
People’s Daily, January 17, 2005
China may gradually reduce application of death penalty, but a complete abolishment remains difficult in China.
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200501/17/eng20050117_17087
9.html


Education
Education in rural areas should meet their practical needs
乡村需要适应实际生活的“活教育”
China Youth Daily, January 18, 2005
Experts said the realization of 9-year compulsory education is important, but the realization should not be bound by the time, but the flexible and practical content.
http://zqb.cyol.com/gb/zqb/2005-01/18/content_1017647.htm

Environment
Water diverted into Pearl River system to ease salinity problem
SCMP, January 18, 2005
Guangdong authorities began to diverting 900 million cubic meters water into the Pearl River Delta System attempting to ease a water salinity problem in neighboring cities.
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZFYY9HJ3E.html

Food security
China to tighten control on grain production
Xinhuanet.com, January 18, 2005
Although grain production increased in 2004, government would continue to tighten control on grain production through macro-economic policy.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/18/content_2474404.htm

Government – governance and accountability (law)
Draft regulations on disclosing public information to submit to State Council
政府信息公开条例完成草案起草 并上报到国务院
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 18, 2005
Draft regulations on public information disclosure will be submitted to the State Council for study.
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/SinoNews/Mainland/
zxs_2005-01-18_529567.shtml


Human rights – education
People's Daily launches special column to boost human rights education
People’s Daily, January 17, 2005
People’s Daily, a state newspaper, starts to run a column focusing on human rights education since mid January to increase public awareness on human rights issues in China.
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200501/17/eng20050117_170886.html

Labour – work safety and conditions
Watchdog vows to cut workplace fatalities
Xinhuanet.com, January 18, 2005
Work Safety bureau targets dangerous occupations and sectors such as mining and road traffic to improve work safety conditions and reduce fatal accidents.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/18/content_2474376.htm

Political Dissidents

Dissidents under surveillance after death of ousted Chinese leader Zhao
AFP, 18 January 2005
Dissidents and civil rights campaigners said Tuesday the government is watching them more closely after the death of deposed Chinese leader Zhao Ziyang, preventing them from holding commemorative activities.
www.afp.com

Help China's prisoners of conscience
SCMP, 18 January 2005
Tomorrow, Chinese pro-democracy activist and US permanent resident Yang Jianli will be spending his 1,000th day in detention in a Beijing prison.
www.scmp.com

Uighur writer in China arrested for a short story advocating independence
AFP, 18 January 2005
Nurmehemmet Yasin was detained by state security agents in November after he published in the review "Literature in Kashgar", a short story entitled "The Blue Pigeon" advocating independence for Uighurs.
www.afp.com

Public health
Beijing attempts to draft nutrition law as anxiety grows on Chinese’s nutrition conditions
我国居民营养问题日益突出 政府酝酿营养立法
EastDay.com, January 18, 2005
The government considers promulgating regulation on nutrition to ease the worsening nutrition conditions of the general public
http://china.eastday.com/eastday/news/node37955/node37957/node
37979/node47160/userobject1ai804356.html


Resettlement – protests
Police detain housing protesters
SCMP, January 18, 2005
Shanghai police detailed dozens of protesting over housing compensation outside the city’s legislative building yesterday.
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZ8LH8HJ3E.html


Special News Brief on Zhao Ziyang's Death

Mourning of Zhao’s death blocked in Shanghai and Beijing
哀悼赵紫阳 北京拦截 上海抓捕
Dajiyuan.com, January 19, 2005
http://www.epochtimes.com/gb/5/1/19/n785648.htm

News agency says Liu Xiaobo forced to stay home
合众社:刘晓波已被禁止离开家门
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 19, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/SinoNews/Mainland/
2005_1_18_23_12_1_936.html


Interview with Wang Dan speaking about Zhao, June 4th and the Communist Party
【专访】王丹谈赵紫阳、六四与中共
Dajiyuan.com, January 19, 2005
http://www.epochtimes.com/gb/5/1/19/n785015.htm

Aide barred from paying respects
SCMP, January 19, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZJL36HJ3E.html

Why Premier Wan did not visit former boss?
为甚么温家宝不去探望赵紫阳
Dajiyuan.com, January 19, 2005
http://www.epochtimes.com/gb/5/1/19/n785618.htm

Outspoken professor raps official response to Zhao death
SCMP, January 19, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZD9CCHJ3E.html

We were right to banish Zhao in 1989, says Beijing
SCMP, January 19, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZXXCCHJ3E.html

Media curbs reflect fear of dissent
SCMP, January 19, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZTS2AHJ3E.html

Public mourning of Zhao’s death banned on internet
多维追击:官方禁公开悼念「网上灵堂」祭亡魂
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 19, 2005 http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/Forums/BackStage/
2005_1_18_20_53_16_376.html


Beijing Speaks Ill of Fallen Chief, but Private Mourning Is Allowed
New York Times, January 19, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/19/international/asia/19zhao.
html?oref=login


State media ignores reformist's death
SCMP, January 18, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZMF06HJ3E.html

The reformist premier who ended his life as a prisoner
SCMP, January 18, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZVYY9HJ3E.html

A need to address a raw political wound
SCMP, January 18, 2005
http://www.scmp.com/topnews/ZZZFXY9HJ3E.html

In death, Zhao Ziyang is 'finally free'
SCMP, January 18, 2005
http://www.scmp.com/topnews/ZZZKTG8HJ3E.html

His legacy of reform will live on, say analysts
SCMP, January 18, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZNYY9HJ3E.html

History will favour man who opposed crackdown
SCMP, January 18, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZRL8CHJ3E.html

In his words
SCMP, January 18, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZ7M8CHJ3E.html

Wang Dan: it is unfair to ignoring Zhao’s contribution to economic and political reforms
王丹:忽略赵紫阳经改贡献并不公平
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 18, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/SinoNews/Mainland
/2005_1_17_14_2_8_942.html


Tiananmen Mothers: we are saddened with the death of Zhao Ziyang
丁子霖等天安门母亲:痛悼赵紫阳先生
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 17, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/Opinion/2005_1_17
_11_48_50_958.html


Hong Kong politicians and public opinion in favour of a review of June 4th
多维追击:香港政坛及民间促平反六四
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 18, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/SinoNews/Hongkong/
2005_1_17_18_1_49_28.html


Security tight in Beijing after death of purged Chinese leader Zhao
AFP via YahooNews, January 18, 2005
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1530&
amp;ncid=731&e=4&u=/afp/20050118/wl_asia_afp/chinatiananmen
politics


Zhao's Death Presents Dilemma for China
AP via YahooNews, January 18, 2005
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&am
p;ncid=731&e=10&u=/ap/20050117/ap_on_re_as/china_political_ti
ghtrope


Family of China's Zhao Forgoes State Funeral: Source
Reuters via YahooNews, January 18, 2005
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050118/
wl_nm/china_zhao_funeral_dc_1


Vice president visits Zhao at hospital to calm public opinion
領導人探趙 緩民情爭民心
MingPao, January 18, 2005
http://full.mingpaonews.com/20050118/gaa2r.htm

Chinese warily mourn purged leader Zhao
Guardian, January 18, 2005
http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,7369,1392809,00.html?g
usrc=rss


Aide to Late Chinese Party Boss Lashes Out at Regime
Radio Free Asia, January 17, 2005
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/2005/01/17/china_baotong/

Liu Qing: Zhao was like given a life imprisonment
刘青:政府等于判赵紫阳无期徒刑
Voice of America, January 17, 2005
http://www1.voanews.com/Chinese/article.cfm?objectID=8EAE22F
2-B1F7-482D-AF890B4AE43740A3&title=%C1%F5%C7%E0%A3%
BA%D5%FE%B8%AE%B5%C8%D3%DA%C5%D0%D5%D4%D7%CF
%D1%F4%CE%DE%C6%DA%CD%BD%D0%CC%2805%C4%EA1%D4
%C217%C8%D5%29&catOID=C283D8A3-4AB3-11D5-8EC2009027
ACC5C2&categoryname=National%20News#


Zhao Ziyang and China’s political and economic reforms
赵紫阳与中国政经改革
Voice of America, January 17, 2005
http://www1.voanews.com/Chinese/article.cfm?objectID=9F42707A-
6F51-4D7A-BFE7831BD4BD9004&title=%D5%D4%D7%
CF%D1%F4%D3%EB%D6%D0%B9%FA%D5%FE%BE%AD%B8%C4%B8
%EF%2805%C4%EA1%D4%C217%C8%D5%29&catOID=C283D8A3-4A
B3-11D5-8EC2009027ACC5C2&categoryname=National%20News


香港民主界学界对赵紫阳逝世反应
Voice of America, January 17, 2005
http://www1.voanews.com/Chinese/article.cfm?objectID=F4060C02-
41C1-46EF-AEAFAB5B4FB56845&Title=%CF%E3%B8%DB%C3%F1%
D6%F7%BD%E7%D1%A7%BD%E7%B6%D4%D5%D4%D7%CF%D1%F4
%CA%C5%CA%C0%B7%B4%D3%A6%2805%C4%EA1%D4%C217%C8%
D5%29&db=current&CatOID=C283D8A3-4AB3-11D5-8
EC2009027ACC5C2&Categoryname=National%20News


Analysis: the legacy of Zhao to China’s politics
分析:赵紫阳留宝贵政治遗产
Voice of America, January 17, 2005
http://www1.voanews.com/Chinese/article.cfm?objectID=F9474D6
2-6CC9-4638-8C825F981AA4D53C&Title=%B7%D6%CE%F6%A3%
BA%D5%D4%D7%CF%D1%F4%C1%F4%B1%A6%B9%F3%D5%FE%
D6%CE%D2%C5%B2%FA%2805%C4%EA1%D4%C217%C8%D5%29&db=current&CatOID=C283D8A3-4AB3-11D5-8EC
2009027ACC5C2&Categoryname=National%20News


Taiwan’s reaction to Zhao’s death
台湾对赵紫阳逝世反应
Voice of America, January 17, 2005
http://www1.voanews.com/Chinese/article.cfm?objectID=3C7EFD0
0-03F1-4720-B6C60877B4915D44&title=%CC%A8%
CD%E5%B6%D4%D5%D4%D7%CF%D1%F4%CA%C5%CA%C0%B7%
B4%D3%A6%2805%C4%EA1%D4%C217%C8%D5%29&catOID=C2
83D8A3-4AB3-11D5-8EC2009027ACC5C2&categoryname=Na
tional%20News


Beijing’s comment on Zhao a test to the political wisdom of leadership
趙紫陽評價: 考驗胡溫政治智慧
Asia Times Online, January 17, 2005
http://www.atchinese.com/2005/01/0117rep2.htm

Public opinion on internet over Zhao’s death in low profile
趙紫陽逝世 大陸網民低調
Asia Times Online, January 17, 2005
http://www.atchinese.com/2005/01/0117rep5.htm

Zhao Ziyang passes away at 85
Xinhuanet.com, January 17, 2005
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/17/content_2469618.htm

China Gives Zhao's Death Scant Notice
New York Times, January 18, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/18/international/asia/18zhao.html?ex=1263704400&en=5af638704a244a34&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt

Beijing warns on Zhao reaction
CNN, January 18, 2005
http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/01/17/china.zhao.willy
lam/index.html


Zhao: Symbol of shattered hopes
CNN, January 18, 2005
http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/01/17/zhao.obit.ap/in
dex.html


The Prisoner of Conscience: Zhao Ziyang, 1919-2005
Times Magazine, January 18, 2005
http://www.time.com/time/asia/news/article/0,9754,1018129,00.ht
ml?cnn=yes


Ex-Chinese Communist Leader Zhao Dies
AP via YahooNews.com, January 17, 2005
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&am
p;ncid=731&e=2&u=/ap/20050117/ap_on_re_as/obit_zhao_ziyang


Beijing on high alert after the death of Zhao
赵紫阳逝世 北京料将高度戒备
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 17, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/SinoNews/Mainl
and/cna_2005_01_16_22_38_02_084.html


China Confirms Death of Zhao Ziyang
Reuters via YahooNews.com, January 17, 2005
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050117/wl_n
m/china_zhao_dc_6


Rights group persists in the appeal for getting Zhao Ziyang Nobel Peace Prize
人权组织继续为赵紫阳争取诺贝尔和平奖
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 14, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/Forums/BackStage
/2005_1_13_19_41_49_318.html


No coverage on ex-communist chief Zhao’s health conditions in Chinese media
中国媒体没有报道前中共总书记赵紫阳的近况
Radio Free Asia, January 13, 2005
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/xinwen/2005/01/12/zhaoziyang/

Silence on Zhao broken - to deny he has died
SCMP, January 12, 1005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZGQI9HJ3E.html

Deposed Chinese Leader Alive but Ill
AP via YahooNews, January 12, 2005
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&am
p;ncid=731&e=10&u=/ap/20050111/ap_on_re_as/china_deposed_leader


Activist: Deposed China Leader in Hospital
AP, January 11, 2005
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&ncid=731&e=4&u
=/ap/20050111/ap_on_re_as/china_ousted_leader


China Times: Zhao died? Rumors over cover-ups of Zhao’s death
中国时报:赵紫阳病逝?传死讯遭封锁
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 11, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/SinoNews/Mainland
/2005_1_10_20_17_53_348.html



Monday, January 17, 2005

January 15-17, 2005

Top news of the day

Detention – Huang Jinquo (黃金高)

Former party chief sacked for anti-corruption efforts
福建反腐书记黄金高被免职
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 17, 2005
Huang Jinquo, former party chief in Fujian province who was also known for his anti-corruption efforts, was formally sacked by the CPC for corruption allegation.
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/Opinion/2005_1_16_
12_17_31_601.html


June 4th – prisoners – Zhao Ziyang (趙紫陽)
Ex-Chinese Communist Leader Zhao Dies
AP via YahooNews.com, January 17, 2005
Former Chinese Communist Party leader Zhao Ziyang died early Monday morning at a Beijing hospital after being put under house arrest for over 15 years.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&ncid=731&e=
2&u=/ap/20050117/ap_on_re_as/obit_zhao_ziyang






News

Corruption
CPC Central Committee issues outline for anti-corruption work
Xinhuanet.com, January 17, 2005
Party committee issued an outline for the establishment of an anti-corruption work mechanism that serves to punish and prevent corrupt activities by cadres.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/16/content_2468661.htm

Excerpted article: Anti-corruption strategy in 2005
《瞭望东方周刊》:2005,中国反腐战略转折
EastDay.com, January 17, 2005
Anti-corruption efforts in 2004 provided useful insights to the government in advancing anti-corruption strategies and measures in the government and party structure.
http://china.eastday.com/eastday/news/node37955/node37957/node
37979/node47079/userobject1ai802871.html


Death penalty
Death sentence prisoners allowed seeing family before execution
北京准许死刑犯临刑会见家属
Xinhuanet.com, January 17, 2005
Beijing courts allow prisoners on death penalty seeing their family before execution in order to humanizing the image of the court.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2005-01/17/content_2468818.htm

Disaster
Officials urged to modernise disaster warning system
SCMP, January 17, 2005
Civil affairs officials urge the government to modernize existing disaster warning system and step up efforts in information sharing with neighboring countries after the disastrous tsunami struck the region.
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZ9AV7HJ3E.html

Education / Human rights - right to education
Many rural pupils cheated of their right to schooling
SCMP, January 15, 2005
A survey revealed that a large number of students in rural areas had failed to achieve 9-year compulsory education, leaving overall dropout rate to have reached as high as 10 % in some areas.
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZSM1CHJ3E.html

Human rights / corruption
Reforms foiled by corruption, says rights watchdog
SCMP, January 15, 2005
Human rights report said the progress of legal and political reform last year were undermined by official corruption, medial censorship and enduring restrictions on freedom of speech on the Mainland.
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZY33CHJ3E.html

Labour – industrial accidents
Coal mine accidents claim 6,027 lives last year
Xinhuanet.com, January 17, 2005
Official statistics recorded a death toll of 6,027 people in coal mine accidents in 2004, or 6 % lower than the fatalities recorded in 2003.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/17/content_2470139.htm

Politics – CPC
68m cadres kept on the straight and narrow
SCMP, January 17, 2005
CPC unveiled the launch of a three phase-ideological program for the 68 million members to improve cadres’ “progressiveness”.
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZHOKBHJ3E.html

Poverty
"Go-west" speeds up in next five years
Xinhuanet.com, January 17, 2005
The government commits to invest more in the western region in the next five years, focusing on building up domestic infrastructure and improving ecological environment.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/17/content_2469451.htm

Public health
Chinese pay more for medical services
Xinhuanet.com, January 17, 2005
Latest statistics from the Ministry of Health revealed that the rising cost of medicine and medical treatment led to people’s increasing medical expenditure over the past few years.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/17/content_2469272.htm

Public health – HIV aids
Father of private Aids orphanages dies in Beijing
SCMP, January 15, 2005
Zhu Jinzhong, one of the pioneers of private Aids orphanages on the mainland, died of pneumonia last Thursday.
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZGDB8HJ3E.html

Resettlement – protests
Shannxi rural villager protesters jailed for defending the right to land
陕西农民因抵制征地被判重刑
Radio Free Asia, January 16, 2005
27 villagers in Shannxi were given 3 to 15 years of jail terms for protesting against land deal with government.
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/xinwen/2005/01/16/dizhizhengdi/

Rural issues – taxation
Agricultural tax exempted in 22 provinces
中国22省份宣布免征农业税 全面取消将提前实现
People’s Daily, January 17, 2005
Agricultural tax is now exempted in 22 provinces, well ahead schedule stated in Premier Wen’s 5-year plan.
http://politics.people.com.cn/GB/1026/3124700.html

SOEs / Corruption
Firms rapped for inept accounting
SCMP, January 17, 2005
Beijing gets serious in correcting a culture of inept auditing at state-owned companies, starting with a probe into the most recent audits of the mainland’s biggest 181 SOEs.
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZZPKBHJ3E.html

Society / poverty
Low income group under pressure as price level increases
物价上涨使低收入人群感到压力
China Youth Daily, January 17, 2005
A survey revealed low income groups found more difficult to take up increasing price level as compared to last year.

Trafficking
Police in Yunnan detain 30 would-be illegal immigrants
SCMP, January 17, 2004
Border police in Yunnan nabbed a group of Chinese to be smuggled to Japan or Britain via Myanmar.
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZTWB9HJ3E.html

Other - Hong Kong – human rights
Concern over 'erosion of rights' in HK
SCMP, January 15, 2005
Human Rights Watch raised concerns over HK’s human rights condition after universal suffrage for HK had been ruled out by the NPC.
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZ17T9HJ3E.html


Friday, January 14, 2005

January 14, 2005

Top news of the day

Law – legal reform / legal rights
Lawyers can accompany clients in interrogations
检察官询问疑犯律师可在场
BeijingNews.com, January 14, 2005
A prominent legal professor Chen Ruihua (陳瑞華) revealed that suspects’ legal right to have their lawyers' presence when interogate by procurators would very likely be written into the revised Criminal Procedural law.
http://www.thebeijingnews.com/news/2005-1-14/200511412049.html


News

Death penalty
Billionaire sentenced to death for murder
北京亿万富翁雇凶杀人被判死刑
Dajiyuan.com, January 14, 2005
A typhoon in Beijing Yuan Baojing (袁宝璟) was given capital punishment by a Liaoning court for intended murder.
http://www.epochtimes.com/gb/5/1/14/n780131.htm

Government – governance and accountability
95% public opinion incorporated in Nanjing Government Work Report
95%民意写入《政府工作报告》
China Youth Daily, January 14, 2005
Nanjing city government highlighted the important role of public opinion collected in a series of public discussion and consultation in the written up of this year’s Government Work Report, which greatly reflects public concerns on social issues such as traffic jam, rising price level, and etc.
http://zqb.cyol.com/gb/zqb/2005-01/14/content_1015913.htm

Human Rights
Group Criticizes China for Rights Abuses in 2004
Reuters, Jan 14, 2005
Human Rights Watch criticized China as a "highly repressive state" where the government routinely violates basic freedoms
www.reuters.com

June 4th – Arms ban
Straw to discuss arms embargo
SCMP, January 14, 2005
British Foreign Secretary will visit China next week to discuss the possible lifting of the EU arms ban and the recognition of China’s full market economy status.
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZM7P9HJ3E.html

UK pushes for tighter EU arms code
Michael White and Tania Branigan, Guardian, January 14, 2005
Britain is campaigning to tighten the EU's code of conduct on arms sales to authoritarian regimes in return for endorsing the Franco-German drive to lift the European embargo on weapons exports to China.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,5103251-103690,00.html

June 4th – prisoners – Zhao Ziyang (趙紫陽)
Rights group persists in the appeal for getting Zhao Ziyang Nobel Peace Prize
人权组织继续为赵紫阳争取诺贝尔和平奖
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 14, 2005
Human rights groups and right activities continue their efforts in appealing the Nobel Prize committee in reconsidering Zhao for the Nobel Peace Prize after last year failure.
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/Forums/BackStage/
2005_1_13_19_41_49_318.html


Labour – union
US labour union urges China to allow labour form independent labour union
美国劳工组织呼吁中国允许工人成立独立工会
Radio Free Asia, January 13, 2005
The largest labour union in the US criticized China’s strict control over labour union activities in China and urges for China’s effort in approving labour rights in forming independent labour union.
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/shenrubaodao/2005/01/13/laogong/

Union can play an important role in preventing coal mine tragedy
遏止矿难,工会可发挥作用
Nanfang Weekend, January 14, 2005
Labour union can play an important role in preventing coal mine accident through actively involving in monitoring safety conditions and measure in coal mine working areas. Nevertheless, the government and social support, together with cooperation of coal mine management are also important.
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/zm/20050113/xw/sd/200501130
033.asp


Law – legal profession
Ten outstanding young legal experts in China
中国评出十大杰出青年法学家
BeijingNews.com, January 14, 2005
The China Law Society (中國法學會) announced 10 most outstanding young legal experts in China. They are prominent professors and researchers from top Chinese universities.
http://www.thebeijingnews.com/news/2005-1-14/200511412024.html

Migrant workers - abuse
The plight of migrant rural workers
一个打工农民的死亡样本
Nanfang Weekend, January 13, 2005
A migrant rural worker found dead in the quarter after negotiation for delayed work payment with the worker leader. His death revealed the plight of migrant rural workers.
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/zm/20050113/xw/tb/2005011300
01.asp


8 years, the fight in getting back delayed payment of a migrant rural worker
农民工八年讨薪路
Nanfang Weekend, January 13, 2005
A group of migrant rural workers in Chongqing had been fighting for their delayed work payment in the past 8 years, without success. This leads one to hope for the effectiveness effectiveness of recent laws in regulating delay payment to migrant workers, which may ease the unfair treatment of migrant workers in the future.
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/zm/20050113/xw/xz/2005011300
36.asp


Population – one-child policy
The controversy of criminalizing out-law family planning practice
计生政策“上刑”引发争议
Nanfang Weekend, January 13, 2005
Criminalization of out-law family planning practice may be seen as a way to ease the pressure of increasing sex-ratio in the country, experts point out the side-issues should not be overlooked, whose implication can be far-reaching.
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/zm/20050113/xw/szxw1/2005011
30007.asp


Poverty – rural poverty
Xiao Kang (小康) in Guangdong rural villages ranked 5 in the nation
粤农村全面小康居全国第五
Nanfang Daily, January 14, 2005
Survey showed China had realized 16.9% of its goal to achieve Xiao Kang condition in all rural Chinese villages in 2003. At the provincial level, Guangdong ranked 5, followed Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjing and Zhejiang.
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/southnews/dd/nfrb/A03/2005011
40090.asp


A tale of two toilets
Mark Baker, Guardian Weekly, 14 January 2005
This is a tale of two toilets, and two Chinas. A few months ago I used the facilities of the swanky Kerry Centre, a 31-storey business centre in Beijing. I began to doubt China was a developing country.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardianweekly/outlook/story/0,,1389668,00.html

Protests and petitions
An alternative to the controversial revision of petition regulations
信访条例修改欲走“第三条路”
Nanfang Weekend, January 13, 2005
The government would focus on seeking consensus on the scope and framework of the draft amendments of the petition regulations, rather than continuing the discussion of the controversial content of the amendments, seeing as a lead way to achieve progress of petition reform.
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/zm/20050113/xw/szxw1/2005011
30006.asp


Public health
Experiment of urban public health system reform to be launched to centralize social resources
城市医疗卫生体制改革试点启动 重点吸引社会资源
YNET.com, January 14, 2005
Ministry of Health announced that urban public health system reform would be launched this year in 3 to 5 designated experiment sites.
http://china.ynet.com/view.jsp?oid=4481200

Religion
Spreading the word
Catherine Armitage, The Australian, 15 January 2005
Modernity has not brought religious freedom to Chinese Christians.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/

Thursday, January 13, 2005

January 13, 2005

Top news of the day

June 4th – arms ban

Arms ban may be lifted, says Jack Straw
SCMP, January 13, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZMEL9HJ3E.html

Portugal Backs Removal of EU Arms Embargo
SCMP, 13 January 2005
Portugal is in favour of lifting a European Union arms embargo on China
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/index.html

News

Corruption / education
Director held over theft of school funds
SCMP, January 13, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZT8VBHJ3E.html

Death Penalty
Three drug traffickers executed in SW China province
Xinhua News Agency, 13 January 2005
Chen Minggang, Sun Shuangli, and Liu Fagang were executed Wednesday in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/13/content_2455340.htm

Education
Excerpted article from Oriental Daily: tensions in university campuses due to poverty gap amongst students
东方日报:中国大学生贫富悬殊冲击校园
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 13, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/Opinion/
2005_1_12_17_11_0_32.html


Environment
Mainland greens mourn crusader who tried to save the Yangtze
SCMP, January 13, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZBV38HJ3E.html

Pipeline starts in Aug to feed gas-starved Beijing
Reuters News, 13 January 2005
PetroChina is set to start up a major pipeline to supply gas to Beijing in August
http://www.reuters.com

Government – governance and accountability
Hotlines set up to report gambling officials
SCMP, January 13, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZN9N5HJ3E.html

June 4th – prisoners – Zhao Ziyang (趙紫陽)
No coverage on ex-communist chief Zhao’s health conditions in Chinese media
中国媒体没有报道前中共总书记赵紫阳的近况
Radio Free Asia, January 13, 2005
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/xinwen/2005/01/12/zhaoziyang/

China tightens Tiananmen security
By Louisa Lim, BBC, 13 January 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4171825.stm
New rules to prevent protests amid worries over the health of Zhao Ziyang

Media – censorship
Featured article from Wang Dan: public incidents and missing follow-up stories
王丹:不知下落的公众事件
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 13, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/Opinion/2005
_1_12_19_19_39_649.html


Law – legal profession
The predicament of Chinese judges
法官的困境
Legal Daily, January 13, 2005
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/bm/2005-01/13/content_177741.htm

Law – legal reform (juvenile justice)
Suggested amendments to Article 17 of the Criminal Law
对刑法第十七条的修改建议
Legal Daily, January 13, 2005
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/bm/2005-01/13/content_177731.htm

Labour- disasters
Ten miners killed in central China coal mine accident
AFP, 13 January 2005
BEIJING, Jan 13 (AFP) - Ten miners have been killed and 17 more injured in Qiaoyan coal mine in Chengguan township on Wednesday in China's Henan province
www.afp.com

Labour – employment market
Guangdong to suspend migrant hiring ban
SCMP, January 13, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZWAN5HJ3E.html

North Korea
Police pull plug on Koreans' conference
SCMP, January 13, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZFV38HJ3E.html

Hong Kong – society
War on want to benefit children and elderly
SCMP, January 13, 2005
http://hongkong.scmp.com/hknews/ZZZDY38HJ3E.html

Hong Kong – politics
Promises, promises: the past seven years
SCMP, January 13, 2005
http://hongkong.scmp.com/hknews/ZZZ19VBHJ3E.html

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

January 12, 2005


Top news of the day

Labour – industrial accidents

25 Killed in China Fireworks Factory Blast
AP via YahooNews, January 12, 2005
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&ncid
=731&e=6&u=/ap/20050112/ap_on_re_as/china_firecracker_deaths


Population – one-child policy
China intends to redress sex ratio imbalance by amending Criminal Law
People’ Daily via ChinaNationalNews, January 12, 2005
http://story.chinanationalnews.com/p.x/ct/9/id/d86316326e53c5b3/cid/93663
00fc9319e9b/


Tibet – religion / political persecution

Tibetan Monk Arrested, Security Tightened After Blaze
Radio Free Asia, January 12, 2005
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/2005/01/11/tibet_fire/


News

Corruption

Suspended death sentence for ex-Qingdao vice-mayor
SCMP, January 12, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZI9I9HJ3E.html

Education – policy
Three areas of concerns over China’s education
关注中国教育的三个问题
Nanfang Weekend, January 6, 2005
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/zm/20050106/xw/sd/200501060057.asp

Gender – marriage
Divorce website shows the secrecy of China’s divorce couples
中国离婚网,这里的离婚静悄悄
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 12, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/EntDigest/Life/2005_1_
11_20_3_41_866.html


Government – governance and accountability / Corruption
Hu fires a warning to corrupt officials
SCMP, January 12, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZ1XRBHJ3E.html

June 4th – EU arms ban
EU could lift arms embargo on China
Guardian, January 12, 2005
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,1388070,00.html?gusrc=rss

June 4th – prisoners Zhao Ziyang (趙紫陽)
Silence on Zhao broken - to deny he has died
SCMP, January 12, 1005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZGQI9HJ3E.html

Deposed Chinese Leader Alive but Ill
AP via YahooNews, January 12, 2005
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&ncid=731&e=10&u=/ap/
20050111/ap_on_re_as/china_deposed_leader


Labour – employment market
New unemployment group comes in the spotlight
中国“新失业群体”浮出水面
Nanfang Weekend, January 6, 2005
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/zm/20050106/xw/szxw1/200501060199.asp

Land policy
Unsettled land dispute for 12 years
一块纠缠了12年的地皮
Nanfang Weekend, January 6, 2005
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/zm/20050106/xw/dcgc/200501060190.asp

Media / public health
Beijing reporters feeling tired: survey
Xinhuanet.com, January 11, 2005
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/11/content_2445475.htm

Population
Population to grow 60m in five years
SCMP, January 12, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZO9K5HJ3E.html

Poverty – rural poverty (poverty gap)
Gap between the haves and the have-nots widens, survey shows
SCMP, January 12, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZRH08HJ3E.html

Public health – health education
Sex education provided in coffee shop in Shenzhen
深圳一咖啡屋提供性教育服务
Voice of America, January 11, 2005
http://www1.voanews.com/Chinese/article.cfm?ObjectID=65B56DFD-A7
38-4629-9905E921BCA4F035


Public health – health policy
Five key tasks identified for national health care work
People’s Daily, January 12, 2005
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200501/12/eng20050112_170392.html

Public health – HIV aids
Children dying for lack of Aids drug cocktails
SCMP, January 12, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZC9K5HJ3E.html

Religion
Devil is in the detail of new rules on religion, say analysts
SCMP, January 12, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZWWRBHJ3E.html


Tuesday, January 11, 2005

January 7-11, 2005

Top news of the day

Detention – Zhang Lin (張林)

Writers urge to help missing freelance writer Zhang Lin
张林失踪 妻被监控 刘晓波等吁援救
Dajiyuan.com, January 10, 2004
http://www.epochtimes.com/gb/5/1/10/n776085.htm

June 4th – prisoners Zhao Ziyang (赵紫阳)
Activist: Deposed China Leader in Hospital
AP, January 11, 2005
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&ncid=731&e=
4&u=/ap/20050111/ap_on_re_as/china_ousted_leader




News

Corruption
Cadre kills himself by jumping from hotel
SCMP, January 8, 2005

http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZ4799HJ3E.html

408 Beijing government officials charged for corruption in 2004
北京2004年共有408名國家公職人員落入法網
CRI Online, January 9, 2005
http://big5.chinabroadcast.cn/gate/big5/gb.chinabroadcast.cn/3821/2005/
01/09/1385@416937.htm


Death penalty
Gansu official sentenced to death for corruption amounted to 7 million yuan
甘肅“第一貪”涉案金額700萬昨日終審被判死刑
CRI Online, January 10, 2005
http://big5.chinabroadcast.cn/gate/big5/gb.chinabroadcast.cn/3821/2005/
01/11/301@418699.htm


Environment
Draft law encourages more use of renewable energy
Xinhuanet.com, January 11, 2005
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/11/content_2443283.htm

Law change gives pollution victims redress
SCMP, January 7, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZ9AO7HJ3E.html

Gender
Female detectives told to back off
SCMP, January 8, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZL0B5HJ3E.html

1.3b milestone timely symbol of huge gender gap
SCMP, January 7, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZ5AO7HJ3E.html

Gender – abuse / domestic violence
Prevention measures need as extra-marital affairs often come long with domestic violence
重婚包二奶與家庭暴力相伴而生 須防范懲治並舉
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 9, 2005
http://www.1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/mainnews/mainland/zxs_2005-
01-09_526183.shtml


Human rights
Featured article: the quest for individual rights – reading “taking rights seriously 《认真对待权利》” in prison
刘晓波:必须争取个人权利──狱中读《认真对待权利》
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 11, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/Opinion/2005_1_10_
17_57_56_404.html


Labour – employment / union
Union to take measures in helping re-employment of Xiagang (下崗) workers
中國工會將採取措施幫助下崗失業人員再就業
CRI Online, January 9, 2005
http://big5.chinabroadcast.cn/gate/big5/gb.chinabroadcast.cn/3821/2005/
01/09/1385@416949.htm


Migrant workers
Migrant workers' rights better protected
Xinhuanet.com, January 10, 2005
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/10/content_2441259.htm

'Make sure migrant workers get paid'
SCMP, January 8, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZDYR7HJ3E.html

Police – administrative detention
China denies claims over the links of Mao Hengfeng’s labour camp detention to family planning policy
中国否认毛恒凤劳教与计划生育政策有关
Radio Free Asia, January 10, 2005
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/xinwen/2005/01/10/maohenfeng/

Politics
Economists gain influence in the corridors of power
SCMP, January 11, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZJIE9HJ3E.html

Population - urbanization
Urbanization may cause geological disasters
ChinaDaily.com, January 10, 2005
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-01/10/content_407604.htm

Poverty
Poverty standard – a test of social consciousness and government policy
“贫困标准”考验社会良心和政府决策
China Youth Daily, January 11, 2005
http://zqb.cyol.com/gb/zqb/2005-01/11/content_1012714.htm

Poverty – rural poverty (poverty gap)
Action needed now to confront wealth gap
Xinhuanet.com, January 11, 2005
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/11/content_2444365.htm

Poll: Incomes Up in Urban China

AP, January 10, 2005
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=516&ncid=731&e
=10&u=/ap/20050110/ap_on_re_as/china_attitudes


Protests and petitions
Courts may be shielded from petitions
SCMP, January 8, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZWPIBHJ3E.html

It's curtains for popular Silk Market
SCMP, January 7, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZY459HJ3E.html

Public health
Only half of nation able to see doctors
SCMP, January 11, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZ32OBHJ3E.html

Health system faces up to great challenges
Xinhuanet.com, January 10, 2005
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/10/content_2441341.htm

Urban doctors to assist rural services
Xinhuanet.com, January 10, 2005
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/10/content_2440865.htm

Survey adds weight to obesity fears
SCMP, January 8, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZB499HJ3E.html

China to Make Sex-Selective Abortions a Crime
Reuters via YahooNews.com, January 7, 2005
http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050107/hl_nm/
abortion_china_dc_1


Religion
Church prayers may be answered
SCMP, January 8, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZ4799HJ3E.html

Underground church bishop arrested
中国逮捕地下教会主教贾志国
Voice of America, January 7, 2005
http://www1.voanews.com/Chinese/article.cfm?ObjectID=4A95B2A5
-6050-4354-92F1035302DAD88C


Thursday, January 06, 2005

January 6, 2005


Top news of the day

Media – press freedom

RSF criticizes disappointing press freedom conditions in China
【记者无国界】再次对中国新闻自由状况提出批评
Radio Free Asia, January 5, 2005
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/xinwen/2005/01/05/jizhewuguojie/

Political dissidents – imprisonment – Zhang ZhengYao (张正耀) 、Zhang Xianfu (张纤夫)
Chengzhou labour activists sentenced for libel
郑州工运领袖张正耀、张纤夫因言判刑
Dajiyuan.com, January 5, 2005
http://www.epochtimes.com/gb/5/1/5/n771241.htm


News

Corruption

Graft whistle-blower framed, family says
SCMP, January 6, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZ1KBBHJ3E.html

Supreme Court flexes her muscles to put corrupt officials on trial before upcoming NPC meeting
兩高欲建司法權威 人大前掀審貪官潮
AsiaTimesOnline.com, January 5, 2005
http://www.atchinese.com/2005/01/0105rep2.htm

Environment / Resettlement – dam projects
Damming Tiger Gorge
E-magazine, January/February 2005 Vol XVI. No.1
http://www.emagazine.com/view/?2168

Government – governance and accountability
Audit storm to point to 6 major areas
今年审计风暴剑指六大重点
Nanfang City News, January 6, 2005
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/southnews/dd/dsb/18/200501060215.asp

Media – internet
Chinese authorities call for increased surveillance of the Internet
AFP, January 6, 2005
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/050105/afp/050105170822hightech.html

Media – press freedom
TV chief comments on lawsuit with Falungong
赵致真对法轮功起诉做出回应
Voice of America, January 5, 2005
http://www1.voanews.com/Chinese/article.cfm?objectID=0C7ED130-6007-4A19-ADDB92F772ABA83A&title=%D5%D4%D6%C2%D5%E6%B6%D4%B7%A8%C2%D6%B9%A6%C6%F0%CB%DF%D7%F6%B3%F6%BB%D8%D3%A6%2805%C4%EA1%D4%C25%C8%D5%29&catOID=C283D8A3-4AB3-11D5-8EC2009027ACC5C2&categoryname=National%20News

Migrant workers – migrant children
Worrying health conditions of children among the floating population
流动儿童的健康状况堪忧
YahooNews, January 6, 2005
http://cn.news.yahoo.com/050105/305/27we1.html

Politics – CCP
China's CPC starts internal education campaign
People’s Daily, January 6, 2005
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200501/06/eng20050106_169768.html

Population – one-child policy
Hopes on family planning policy - from punishment to reward
对计划生育从罚到奖的进一步期待
Beijing News via YahooNews.com, January 6, 2005
http://cn.news.yahoo.com/050106/346/27wt4.html

China on the list of countries with low reproduction rate
我国迈入低生育水准国家行列
China Youth On-line, January 6, 2005
http://news.cyol.com/gb/news/2005-01/06/content_1009803.htm

Population – urbanization
Beijing residential population reached 15 million, including 3.5 million floating population
北京实际居住人口突破1500万 流动人口超过350万
Beijing Youth Daily via YahooNews, January 6, 2005
http://cn.news.yahoo.com/050106/346/27wqm.html

Protests and petitions
Silk Market traders stage last-day protest
SCMP, January 6, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZREL7HJ3E.html

Draft amendment to regulation on petitions passed in principle
People’s Daily, January 6, 2005
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200501/06/eng20050106_169769.html

Resettlement – protests and petitions
Workers riot over plan to demolish building
SCMP, January 6, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZ2CK7HJ3E.html

WTO / Law
WTO entry promotes concept of "rule by law" in China: NPC official
People’s Daily, January 5, 2005
http://story.chinanationalnews.com/p.x/ct/9/id/3624aa20948d8982/cid/9366300fc9319e9b/

Other - Tibet
Tibetan monk reported arrest
一藏族喇嘛遭拘捕
Radio Free Asia, January 5, 2005
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/xinwen/2005/01/05/lama/

Other – Hong Kong – Politics
Pro-Beijing lawmakers reject opposition's bid to blast government report for rejecting full democracy in Hong Kong
AP via Yahoo News, January 6, 2005
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/050105/ap/d87e1g3g0.html

Wednesday, January 05, 2005

January 5, 2005


Top news of the day

Media – censorship

A cold winter for the Chinese media: closure of China Reform magazine (rural edition)
中国传媒过严冬:《中国改革》农村版停刊
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 5, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/SinoNews/Mainland/
2005_1_4_13_2_32_532.html


Protests and petitions
Silk Market stallholders in last-ditch protest
SCMP, January 5, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZNN15HJ3E.html


News

Death penalty
Death sentences commuted for arms smugglers in Tibet
SCMP, January 5, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZQT8BHJ3E.html

Gender – discrimination
12 year-old boy losts case against Education Bureau on sexual discrimination dispute
12岁男生状告教育局“性别歧视”案终审败诉
Legal Daily, January 5, 2005
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/bm/2005-01/05/content_174990.htm

Gender – sex workers
Chinese villages export their daughters
New York Times via International Herald Tribune, January 5, 2005
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/01/03/news/china.html

Human rights - education
Mobilize the society in promoting rights seeking amongst youngsters
动员全社会力量 推进青少年维权
Legal Daily, January 5, 2005
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/bm/2005-01/05/content_174967.htm

Law – legal rights
Let more litigants get assistance from lawyers for their cases
让更多的当事人有律师协助诉讼
Legal Daily, January 5, 2005
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/bm/2005-01/05/content_175049.htm

Political dissidents – Yang Tianshui (楊天水)
Pledges to the release of Yang Tianshui mobilized on internet
海外发起网络联署要求释放杨天水
Radio Free Asia, January 4, 2005
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/xinwen/2005/01/04/shifang/

Political dissidents – Guo Qinghai (郭慶海)
Dissident writer speaks about the CCP after 4-year imprisonment
坐牢四年 郭庆海出狱谈中共
Dajiyuan.com, January 5, 2005
http://www.epochtimes.com/gb/5/1/5/n770225.htm

Police – administrative detention – Mao Hengfeng (毛恒鳳)
Mao Hengfeng’s conditions in re-education camp worsening
毛恒凤遭迫害处境未改善
Radio Free Asia, January 4, 2005
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/xinwen/2005/01/04/maohengfeng/

Resettlement – protests and petitions
A thousand Shenzhen protesters clash with police over forceful eviction
多维详讯:深圳皇岗千人示威反迁拆多辆警车被砸
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 5, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/SinoNews/Mainland/
2005_1_4_18_42_23_819.html


Public health – HIV aids
Aids orphans face little sunshine
SCMP, January 5, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZR0Z8HJ3E.html

Tibet
Fire Razes People's Hall in Sichuan, Arson Suspected
Radio Free Asia, January 4, 2005
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/social/2005/01/04/tibet_fire/

Xinjiang
Featured article: Xinjiang and democratization
陈破空:新疆问题与民主化
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 5, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/Opinion/2005
_1_4_15_25_37_558.html

Tuesday, January 04, 2005

January 4, 2005


News

Corruption

China ranks 71 in World Corruption Perception Index, death penalty and anti-corruption efforts count
04中国内地清廉指数全球排71 死刑非反腐最利器
EastDay.com, January 4, 2005
http://china.eastday.com/eastday/news/node37955/node37957/node37979/
node45507/userobject1ai769457.html


Environment – dam projects
Landslides pose a bigger threat
SCMP, January 4, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZURN7SC3E.html

Government – governance and accountability
Reasons of poor local governance system in Chinese villages
“村官没人管”的制度原因
China Youth Daily, January 4, 2005
http://zqb.cyol.com/gb/zqb/2005-01/04/content_1007976.htm

Law / CCP
Party must not be above the law, says chief justice
SCMP, January 4, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZ2RN7SC3E.html

Labour
Firms fined after failing to pay workers on time
SCMP, January 4, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZASN7SC3E.html

Public health
Birth defects on the rise in China
UPI via Washington Times, January 3, 2005
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050103-045546-6602r.htm

Resettlement – protests and petitions
Peasants in upstream fight to halt dam
SCMP, January 4, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZGC57SC3E.html

Monday, January 03, 2005

December 31, 2004 – January 3, 2005

Top news of the day

Labour – protests

Workers jailed over pay protest released
SCMP, January, 3, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZJ6K7SC3E.html

Political dissidents – imprisonment – Yang Tinshui (楊天水)
Dissident writer sentenced for subversion
異 見 作 家 被 控 顛 覆 政 權
Apple Daily, January 3, 2005
http://appledaily.atnext.com/template/apple/art_main.cfm?sec_id=15335&showdate=20050103&art_id=4557724



News

Corruption

21 billion yuan recovered since graft revelations
SCMP, December 31, 2004
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZ8IH7SC3E.html

Disaster

China offers extra US$60.5m aid to tsunami victims
SCMP, December 31, 2004
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZ0UI7SC3E.html

Food security / land policy
Searching for pieces of land for farming
寻找可以耕种的土地
Nanfang Weekend, December 30, 2004
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/southnews/zt/2004zmnztk/2004zggs/200412300108.asp

Gender / poverty
A gender study shows women the majority of the poverty population
从中国妇女研究会了解 贫困人口女性占“多数”
Xinhuanet.com, January 3, 2005
http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2005-01/03/content_2409985.htm

Gender – status
Struggling conditions of rural women
中国农村妇女处境艰难
Voice of America, January 1, 2005
http://www1.voanews.com/Chinese/article.cfm?objectID=6E3159DA-9408-4CB7-925B48F2747A5718&title=%D6%D0%B9%FA%C5%A9%B4%E5%B8%BE%C5%AE%B4%A6%BE%B3%BC%E8%C4%D1%2805%C4%EA1%D4%C22%C8%D5%29&catOID=C283D8A3-4AB3-11D5-8EC2009027ACC5C2&categoryname=National%20News

Government – governance and accountability
Nanfang Weekend’s People of the year - Li Jinhua(李金華)
李金华——二00四南方周末年度人物
Nanfang Weekend, December 30, 2004
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/southnews/zt/2004zmnztk/2004zgrw/200412300043.asp

Government – fiscal / poverty
Fiscal reform to favor the poor in China
People’s Daily, December 31, 2004
http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200412/31/eng20041231_169289.html

Labour
Survey on living conditions of rural migrant labour in Pearl River Delta region: when will machine finish eating up human jobs?
珠三角农民工生存状况调查:机器吃人何时了?
Eastday.com, January 3, 2005
http://china.eastday.com/eastday/news/node37955/node37957/node37979/node45365/userobject1ai767129.html

Labour – industrial accidents
10 died in coal mine blast in Hunan
湖南煤矿爆炸10人死亡
Radio Free Asia, January 1, 2005
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/xinwen/2005/01/01/meikuang/

Land policy
2004 - The “storm” sweeping across China’s land
2004,土地风暴
Nanfang Weekend, December 30, 2004
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/southnews/zt/2004zmnztk/2004zggs/200412300109.asp

Law
88 laws, regulations take effect
Xinhuanet.com, January 2, 2005
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/02/content_2408076.htm

Media – press freedom
Lawyer in Chinese Libel Trial Slams Court's Conduct
Radio Free Asia, December 30, 2004
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/2004/12/30/china_libel/

Population
Latest statistics show Chinese population reach 1.3 billion on January 6
统计局最新数据:到1月6日中国总人口将达13亿
Chinesenewsnet.com, January 3, 2005
http://www1.chinesenewsnet.com/gb/MainNews/SinoNews/Mainland/zxs_2005-01-03_523740.shtml

Population – one-child policy / gender gap
Gender gap 'a critical national issue'
SCMP, December 31, 2004
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZQ5Y6SC3E.html

Politics
Pressing issues that will make 2005 a challenging year for leadership
SCMP, January 3, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZAE07SC3E.html

Protests and petitions
Petitions at Tiananmen Square on the New Year Day
元旦期间天安门广场出现多起上访事件
Radio Free Asia, January 2, 2005
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/xinwen/2005/01/02/shangfang/

Public health / environment
Pollution is taking a heavy toll on children
SCMP, January 3, 2005
http://china.scmp.com/chimain/ZZZTM17SC3E.html

Public health – HIV aids
Gui Xien (桂希恩): it is not difficult to discover aids village
桂希恩:发现艾滋村并不难……
Nanfang Weekend, December 30, 2004
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/southnews/zt/2004zmnztk/2004zgrw/200412300047.asp

Resettlement – forceful eviction
Cadres disciplined over university land scam
SCMP, December 31, 2004
http://china.scmp.com/chitoday/ZZZVWG7SC3E.html

Religion – Falungong / Media - internet
China Arrests 11 Falun Gong Members for Posting Torture Photos on Internet
Voice of America, December 30, 2004
http://www.voanews.com/english/2004-12-30-voa17.cfm

Rural issue – credit and loans
Internal control of rural credit cooperatives to be improved
农村信用社内控机制应予完善
Legal Daily, December 30, 2004
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/bm/2004-12/30/content_173614.htm

Social security
National Civil Affairs conference emphasizes the establishment of a social security mechanism in urban areas
全国民政会议强调要初步建立城乡社会救助体系
EastDay.com, January 3, 2005
http://china.eastday.com/eastday/news/node37955/node37957/node37979/node45430/userobject1ai767457.html

Society
Harmonious society: sense of public and public adminstration
和谐社会:公共性与公共治理
China Youth On-line, January 3, 2005
http://zqb.cyol.com/gb/zqb/2005-01/03/content_1007742.htm

Three Gorges
Re-settlers of the Three Gorges reach a million
三峡移民“逼近”百万
Xinhuanet.com, January 3, 2005
http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2005-01/03/content_2410238.htm

Other - Tibet
China may commute death sentence on Tibetan monk to life term
被判死缓西藏喇嘛可能改无期徒刑
Voice of America, December 30, 2004
http://www1.voanews.com/Chinese/article.cfm?ObjectID=AD4D0235-1D24-488E-B0623E6DB46F1050