Briefings – Page 1180

China and India Army Held Joint Anti-Terrorist Exercise

On December 6, an opening ceremony for China and Indian Army’s joint anti-terrorist exercise was held at Belgaum anti-terrorist training facility in India. More than 200 army personnel and military experts from both sides participated in the ceremony. Qing Xiangyou, the head from Chinese group, said that the purpose of the exercise is to increase the understanding and trust, and develop cooperation from both armies.

Source: Xinhua, December 6, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/mil/2008-12/06/content_10465104.htm

Briefings | | December 9, 2008 | Geo-Strategic Trend

“Information Security Agents” Recruited Among College Students

College students are being recruited as "Information Security Agents" by the authority among Chinese universities, according to a web document recently disclosed from an official website of Dezhou College in Shandong province. This document details the guideline for "recruitment and administration" to establish a "secret student security team" among "political reliable" candidates. One of the stated missions is "to deeply investigate and monitor the mind status and trend of the faculties and students during important holidays, social and political events". All members conduct one-way communication for secrecy and have a monthly quota of reporting at least three "valuable information" to authority.

Source: Secret China, December 6, 2008
http://211.64.32.2/bumen/bwc/show.php?id=331

Briefings | | December 8, 2008 | Government/Politics

Age Alteration û a Common Practice Among Soccer Players

A recent scandal revealed that the “Chinese Football (Soccer) Association” changed a soccer player’s age to be two years younger. Yao Xiao came from Sichuan. The news was quite an embarrassment to the soccer fans from Sichuan since Yao was regarded as a real proud of those fans because he was claimed to be the youngest player in Chinese soccer history.

In an interview with a senior soccer coach from Liaoning, the reporter found out that the age alteration has been a hidden rule that was commonly practiced in soccer area and is no longer a secret. The practice was driven by the pursuit of winning through a team composed of an older age group because the reward and recognition to the coaches and team management are closely tied to their performance. The age alteration is not only a common practice among soccer players, the article wrote, it is also practiced among basketball players, track teams or even the soccer referees.

Source: Commercial Times, Liaoning Province, December 7, 2008
http://www.sdshang.com/MMM/P_Show.asp?id=7996

Briefings | | December 8, 2008 | Information/Technology

China Launching Another Round of Media Control

The Communist Politburo has issued a directive mandating further control of media as a preemptive strike against potential social unrest in 2009. A Politburo directive cited information from the State Security Department and from military intelligence sources indicating China will face severe challenges and crises because “anti-china forces, domestic and overseas are actively strategizing their activities.” As a result, the Politburo has increased funding for the Communist Propaganda Department and the Ministry of Public Security.

At a meeting towards the end of November, the Party’s Propaganda Department decided to initiate a preemptive strike in anticipation of increasing social unrest in 2009. It has blacklisted 6 print media and all websites except sina.com. In addition, 55 media professionals have also also blacklisted. “You should know that this is China. The Internet has a border. It is not a place where you can exercise your free will. The Internet must be under the control of the Party. It is the Party’s Internet as well as the mouthpiece of the Party,” said Mr. Chen of the Propaganda Department.

Source: Boxun.com, December 4, 2008
http://news.boxun.com/news/gb/china2008/12/200812040011.shtml

Briefings | | December 5, 2008 | Information/Technology

China to Provide Scholarships to New York State University Students

China Ministry of Education will provide 10 scholarships per year from 2009 to 2012 to New York State University. The scholarships will enable undergraduates to study for one year in China. The State’s authorities for administration of overseas Chinese students and related funding will be responsible for admission and enrollment into Chinese universities.

Source: Xinhua, December 4, 2008

http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2008-12/04/content_10456740.htm

Briefings | | December 5, 2008 | US-China Relations

China’s Biggest Concerns of the U.S.- China Trade

Minister of Commerce expressed 4 major concerns during the 5th U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue: textiles free trade, advanced and new technology trade, categorization of China as market economy, trade barriers (antidumping and countervailing duty). Minister Chen indicated at a press event that China’s exports has suffered to a great extent now as result of the financial crisis and that therefore the U.S., China and other countries should step up the opposition to trade protectionism.

Source: Xinhua, December 4, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2008-12/04/content_10457760.htm

Briefings | | December 5, 2008 | US-China Relations

Xinhua: Europe Is Not As United As France Expects

France did not receive the full support from Europe in its move to meet with the Dalai Lama, says International Herald Leader of Xinhua. “Things have not turned out to be what the naïve France expected – it has encountered the pressure from its partners.” The International Herald Leader reported comments from European officials, the UK’s Guardian and think tank analyst that are negative of the upcoming meeting between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and the Dalai Lama.

Source: International Herald Leader, December 1, 2008
http://news.xinhuanet.com/herald/2008-12/01/content_10438145.htm

Briefings | | December 4, 2008 | Geo-Strategic Trend

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