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Study Times: Internet Becoming a Tool for Party Building

Study Times,a weekly newspaper published by the Party School of the CCP, urges local Party branches to take on the challenge of using the Internet for Party building. The paper suggested that the Internet can be a tool for Party propaganda.  For example, the Party branch in Tongxin County, Guizhou Province, invites Party members, wherever they are throughout the country, to have access to a training platform on a Party Building Website and to select the Party courses that would benefit them the most.  The call is out for the Internet to become a “platform leading and influencing factor for mainstream ideology.”  In Dongwan County, Guangdong Province, 12 online Party branches were established to track and connect Party members. Everyone is asked to participate in the online Party study program.

Source: Study Times, September 20, 2010
http://www.studytimes.com.cn:9999/epaper/xxsb/html/2010/09/20/01/01_26.htm

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

Sharp Increases in Housing Prices Attributed to Dominance of State-Owned Enterprises

The state’s intervention in the market, China’s “invisible hand,” is putting pressure on private sector real estate developers, while encouraging a state monopoly in the real estate market. This leaves little hope for housing prices to fall, says China Youth Daily. 

Tightening bank credit lines, coupled with the rejection of second offerings in the stock market, are dramatically narrowing the financing sources available to local real estate developers. 

On the other hand, State-owned enterprises are expanding rapidly and their monopoly has become obvious.
 

China Youth Daily further suggests, “Obviously, when a monopoly exists, it will be much easier for the central government to reap benefits from this market. Therefore, falling housing prices, which is what people foresee, will never materialize.” 

Source: China Youth Daily, September 21, 2010
http://zqb.cyol.com/content/2010-09/21/content_3416171.htm

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources

Changing the Public Image of the Chinese Military — Show a Soft Side

The Chinese military should improve its image in the international community "to attract and convince a global audience [of its peaceful intent]," says a Study Times article. The key is to adopt a soft approach when disseminating information about the military. 
 

The suggestions are: 1) Focus on civilian readers and progress from “readable” to “pleasantly readable,” rather than preaching. 2) The content should include soft peripheral stories appealing to the public, along with hard, main messages, so as not to trigger resistance. 3) Narrate stories gently and charmingly – be up close and personal when explaining military actions. Through the soft approach, “the pleasant image will gently sneak into the mind of the audience. It is beneficial to narrow the communication gap, bring the audience into the military’s fold, and help them understand the real intent behind the communications."

Source: Study Times, September 6, 2010
http://www.studytimes.com.cn:9999/epaper/xxsb/html/2010/09/06/12/12_47.htm

Briefings | | |   Defense/Military

Regulations on Radio Control Issued

China is implementing a nationwide, cross-province, cross-autonomous-region, and cross-municipality control of radio transmissions.  

The State Council and the Central Military Commission jointly published the "Regulations for Radio Control," which will become effective on November 1, 2010.  

According to the regulations, which consist of 13 articles, during the period of radio control, organizations and individuals having, using, or managing radio stations, radio transmission equipment, and non-radio-equipment radiating radio waves must follow the orders and directives.  

The military electromagnetic frequency spectrum control authority is responsible for implementation of the regulations. Various government entities are required to assist with the implementation.  

Penalties for any violation of the regulations range from shutdown to revocation of license, forfeiture of equipment, and criminal penalties.

Source: Xinhua, September 6, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2010-09/06/c_13481181.htm

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

Study Times: China Cannot Afford 5% to 6% Inflation

Inflation in China has been driven by constant food price adjustments and a 10%+ food price increase, which puts excessive pressure on low-income residents, resulting in major social upheaval, said a Study Times article.  

The article disagrees with some Chinese economists who advocate a moderate annual inflation of 5% to 6%. While the Consumer Price Index (CPI) may remain low, food prices have increased significantly, pushing the CPI upward.  

The populace can’t adjust to the 5% to 6% CPI increase because of the veiled food price increases. In 2004, 2007 and 2008, the CPI increased 3.9%, 4.8% and 5.9% respectively. “These are the three years when the populace was most unhappy about existing price controls."  

Should food prices increase by more than 3%, "major social problems will ensue," said the article. 

Source: Study Times, September 6, 2010
http://www.studytimes.com.cn:9999/epaper/xxsb/html/2010/09/06/12/12_43.htm

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources

Another Round of Training for the Party Organizing Directors

Over 430 directors of the Party’s local organization departments from throughout China are gathering in Beijing for 4 days of intensive training. Senior leaders of the Organization Department of the Party’s Central Committee are responsible for the lectures. From September through November 2009, eight such training sessions were held.  “After a recess of 9 months, a new round of training began. Such a short recess is rare.” In early 2010, the Organization Department of the Central Committee issued a directive that mandates annual training for local directors.

Source: News of the Chinese Communist Party, August 30, 2010
http://cpc.people.com.cn/GB/164113/12574039.html

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

Urbanization Continues to Erode Farmland

More farmland will be lost as urbanization in China advances. The urban population, which is currently at 46.8%, will increase to 54% by 2015, to 65% by 2020, and close to 70% by 2030, according to Ma Xiaohe, Deputy Director of the State’s Academy of Macroeconomic Research under the National Development and Reform Commission. 

“Given the reality of more people and less land, so many people moving into the city will certainly require a lot of land … Furthermore, due to the urbanization process, more highways have to be built, water and utilities are a great part of what is needed, and public service facilities have to be set up. This, in turn, will reduce farmland even further.”  


He concluded that China is facing an unprecedented challenge in preserving farmland and preventing food shortages.

Source: Huanqiu, August 30, 2010
http://china.huanqiu.com/roll/2010-08/1058881.html

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources

Soaring Housing Prices Responsible for Rising Food Prices

The fundamental cause for rising food prices are the soaring housing prices, according to Yin Zhongli, official from the State’s think tank, the Institute of Finance and Banking, which is under the domain of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.  

He suggested, “Bad weather and international markets may have touched off the food price hike but the fundamental cause is soaring house values. Even when the weather improves, inflation is unlikely to improve. Housing prices driven by inflation are emerging.” He warns that if the housing prices remain unchanged, wages may double.  


“Unless the authorities provide low-income housing, the housing prices driven by inflation will persist for a long time.”

Source: Caijing, August 30, 2010
http://blog.caijing.com.cn/expert_article-151340-10445.shtml

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources