The Shanxi Provincial Communication Administration recently issued a new regulation restricting mass text messaging (Short Message Service) over cell phones. The regulation mandates that information service providers must self censor, while government approval is required for dissemination of content pertaining to national security and social unrest.
Briefings - 1220. page
Beijing Opposes Politicizing the Olympics
At a press conference held on August 6, 2007, Jiang Xiaoyu, one of the executive vice presidents of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games said, "We disagree with the attempt to politicize the Olympics. We are opposed to such a practice."
Xinhua on Four Major Problems of Poverty
On July 30, 2007, Xinhua republished an article from China Economic Times on poverty in China. The article discusses four major problems pertaining to poverty in China: 1.) The widening disparity in income; 2.) Inadequate medical care in poor regions; 3.) Rural poverty and 4.) Poor people being deprived of socio-economic welfare benefits.
Xinhua Reports: China’s Private Security Guards are “Evil, Black Thugs”
Statistics provided by the China Ministry of Public Security show there are a staggering 2.30 million private security workers in China, far surpassing even the number of policemen in the entire country. Over half of them are not subject to any government regulation. Their names are not on file with the public security authorities and they have little training. Hired by private companies, “they do not abide by the law, but follow the money and do whatever their employers tell them, thus playing the role of ‘evil, black thugs.’”
Shougang: Falun Gong and Banned Religious Believers Not Allowed to Drive for Olympics Delegations
The Shougang Group (The Capital Steel Group), the third largest iron and steel company in China, is recruiting vehicle drivers from its employees for the Olympics. These drivers will serve members from the International Olympics Committee, delegation leaders from overseas, sponsor representatives and other international dignitaries. Applicants who are Communist Party members and Communist Youth League members are preferred while those who have been involved with Falun Gong and other banned religious groups will be excluded.
Party School Article Discusses Foreign Corporations’ Evasion of Corporate Social Responsibility
The May 2007 issue of Zhejiang Provincial Party School’s Data Communication discussed how foreign-owned companies evade their corporate social responsibility in China, and proposed counter-measures to address the problem.
Corruption and Mismanagement Blamed for the Central Government’s Loss of Funds
Li Jinhua, the Auditor General of China’s National Audit Office, stated that in 2006 the central government had questionable losses in the amount of 12 billion yuan due to corruption and mismanagement.
Pork Safety Concerns Chinese Consumers
Chinese consumers are worried about the unhealthy ingredients added to their daily food. This worry is reflected in a recent Internet BBS posting about unethical pig feeding and the heated discussion it caused in Internet forums across China.