Celine Dion to Peform at China Central Television’s New Year Gala Show
The Canadian singer will become the first Western artist to appear on the Chinese state broadcaster’s annual festive program, which is the most-watched TV event in the world.
Why China Struggles to Find Soft Power Voice
It’s been almost a year since the U.S. outpost of China Central Television (CCTV) launched under much scrutiny. So far, though, it hasn’t made much of a...
Is China’s Mystery Blogger Xi Jinping Himself?
A mystery blogger who appears to have close access to the daily activities of China's new leader may be the leader himself, say China watchers.
Rupert Murdoch Tweets Chinese “Still Hacking” WSJ
Rupert Murdoch has said that the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper remains under attack from Chinese hackers.
Conversation
02.06.13
Airpocalypse Now: China’s Tipping Point?
The recent run of air pollution in China, we now know, has been worse than the air quality in airport smoking...
Op-Ed: China’s Big Divorce Case Highlights a Hidden Epidemic of Domestic Violence
Kim Lee’s victory over celebrity husband Li Yang is in stark contrast to the treatment handed out to many Chinese women.
China’s People’s Daily Rejects Hacking Allegations by U.S. Media
The official mouthpiece of China’s ruling Communist Party roundly rejected claims of hacking attacks from China by American media outlets, hinting instead at ulterior motives by the U.S.
Barbaraians at the Digital Gate (Editorial)
On a visit to our offices last year, a U.S. lawmaker with knowledge of intelligence affairs explained that, when it comes to cyber-espionage, there are only two kinds of American companies these days: Those that have been hacked, and those that...
Exclusive: Eric Schmidt Unloads on China in New Book
Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt is brutally clear in his new book, “The New Digital Age”: China is the most dangerous superpower on Earth.
Defining the Chinese Dream (Editorial)
Amid growing rivalry with the U.S., Beijing’s diplomats must clearly explain their country’s values to ease the concerns of neighbors.
Conversation
02.01.13
China’s Cyberattacks — At What Cost?
James Fallows: Here are some initial reactions on the latest hacking news.
- We call this ...
U.S. Weighs Tougher Action Over China Cyberattacks
High-level talks with the Chinese government to address persistent cyberattacks against U.S. companies and government agencies haven’t worked, so officials say the Obama administration is now considering a range of actions.
Chinese Hackers Targeted Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal said its computer systems had been infiltrated by Chinese hackers for the apparent purpose of monitoring the newspaper's China coverage.
From Alberta to China, With Nine Kids in Tow
Cory and Michelle Coles, both 36, and nine of their 10 children are flying off to China for nine months with the hope of learning Mandarin and understanding more about the fascinating culture behind the emerging superpower.
Hacking with Chinese Characteristics
The New York Times has come under attack by Chinese hackers just at the very moment that the new Chinese leadership, under Xi Jinping, has pledged to root our corruption before it destroys the Party.
Didier Drogba Leaves China: Inside a Failed Soccer Experiment
The relationship between the star Ivorian striker and the mediocre Chinese team was actually a six-month fling. Now after half a season in a Chinese league better known for poor play and corruption—the “Allegedly Super League,” as the ...
Chinese Hackers Infiltrate The New York Times Computers
For the last four months, Chinese hackers have persistently attacked The New York Times, infiltrating its computer systems and getting passwords for its reporters and other employees.
Media
01.30.13
Chinese Web Erupts With Widespread Calls for Change as Beijing Endures Airpocalypse 2.0
Beijingers are choking on their air—again. Just seventeen days after Chinese cyberspace erupted with complaints about air so...
A Survey of China's 24 Most Corrupt Officials in 2012
The Renmin University Crisis Management Research Center surveyed 24 cases of corruption that became public knowledge on the Chinese Internet in 2012.
Translation of “Finnegan’s Wake” Sells in China
The Chinese version is no easier to read than the original, the loyal-minded translator assures, but James Joyce‘s “Finnegans Wake” has still sold out its initial run in...
Dissident Chen Sure 1-Party China Will Change
“It’s an inevitability of history, whether the party likes it or not,” Chen said. “Once the people are waking up, change is coming for sure.”
Caixin Media
01.28.13
Cleaning Up China’s Secret Police Sleuthing
Wiretapping, email hacking, cell phone tracking, and secret videotaping are just a few of the cloak-and-dagger techniques long employed by police in the course of criminal investigations in China.
But now, for the first time, new rules say...
Dead-end Trail to Bo’s Trial in China’s South
China scotched reports that disgraced politician Bo Xilai’s much anticipated trial would open on Monday, amid chaotic scenes at a courthouse packed with expectant journalists in the south of the country.
Will China Buy a Hollywood Studio?
All of China's recent investment in Hollywood raises the question: Is China positioning itself to buy a major studio? Three reasons why it will, and one why it won't.
Media
01.25.13
Former China State TV Director Bemoans Anti-Japanese Propaganda: “Where’s the Creativity?”
Are Chinese audiences growing weary of anti-Japanese propaganda? It would seem that some, at least, are growing sick of the pathetic villains, superhuman heroes, and lame endings that many Chinese movies and television series about World War II,...
Sinica Podcast
01.25.13
The Call-in Show
from Sinica PodcastSo our show this week isn’t technically a call-in show, given the lack of phones in our studio, but it is as close as we can get it, so thanks to everyone who sent us a pre-recorded question. We had a lot more responses than we expected, and the...
Former Porn Star is China’s Hottest New Politician
Actress Diana Pang, known for starring in “Erotic Ghost Story–Perfect Match,” caused a stir by attending the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Congress in Gansu.
China’s Intelligence Reforms?
The Chinese Communist Party is aware of the need to improve governance and recent rumors include a possible change of contols over the Ministry of State Security.
Media
01.23.13
A Map of Two Chinas
On Friday, China’s National Bureau of Statistics announced that income inequality in the country exceeds a warning level set by the United Nations.
China’s...
Ex-China Leader Steps Back, Fueling Speculation
A decade after Jiang Zemin stepped down as China’s top leader he has used the death of a former rival to signal that he may allow his political shadow to recede.
(Editorial) Fate of the World Rests with SIno-U.S. Ties
The gap between the strength of China and the US will narrow. Previous experiences in international politics will be viewed as realistic reasons to exacerbate tensions between the two sides. This is a dangerous era.
How Social Networks Skirt Censorship in China
WeChat, the social network owned by Tencent—China’s largest listed Internet company—provides a way around the traditional text-based censorship rained down upon users by the state.
An Overture from China Has Yet to Win Hollywood
In September, China’s Dalian Wanda Group chairman and president said he would invest $10 billion in the U.S. To judge from the deal-making pace, it may take a while.
Crime With Chinese Characteristics
A review of “The Civil Servant’s Notebook,” the first book by popular novelist Wang Xiaofang to be translated into English.
Apple and China: A Match Made in Heaven?
China has long played a major role in Apple’s success after it moved much of its manufacturing from the U.S. to China and other Asian nations in the 1990’s.
China’s ‘Lamborghini’ Coefficient
According to China's first official Gini coefficient figures in a decade, China today is more equal than in 2003.
In China, Discontent Among the Communist Party Faithful
Some Chinese say that they are starting to realize that a secure life is dependent on the defense of certain principles, perhaps most crucially freedom of expression.
Tell-All on the Internet Fells Chinese Official
China's top guardian of Communist literature is said to have provided a woman with a fellowship at his research institute in exchange for $1,600. The sex and jewelry came later.
The Drums of War: China and Japan Square Up
Watch Chinese TV these days and you might conclude that the outbreak of war with Japan over what it calls the Senkaku and China the Diaoyu islands is imminent.
In China, Can Pollution Spur Media Transparency?
The Chinese press often puts the best spin on Beijing's pollution problem, questioning the accuracy of air-quality measurements and dismissing concerns as "fog."
Media
01.16.13
Their Horizons Widening, China’s Web Users Look Abroad — And Want More
Last week, Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt urged North Korean leaders to embrace the Internet....
China Pledges to Curb Auto Emissions, Reduce Air Pollution
The Ministry of Environmental Protection pledged to cut vehicle emissions, the source of about a quarter of China's air pollution, but didn't explain implementation plans.
China Allows Media to Report on Air Pollution Crisis
The wide coverage of Beijing’s brown, soupy air, which has been rated “hazardous” or worse by monitors since last week, was the most open in recent memory.
China's Press Freedom Goes South
Censorship is commonplace, but is usually more subtle, with directives described over the phone rather than by email (where it leaves a trail).
Exposing the ‘Hazardous’ Pollution of Beijing
Cityscapes are part of a daily collection of photos of seven cities, four in China and three in the United States published on the website China Air Daily.
Apple CEO: China Will Be Biggest Market
Apple has said sales in China more than doubled in 2010 and 2011 though growth has slowed in the past year.
China Firm Buys Naming Rights to Landmark Hollywood Theater
Chinese TV maker TCL paid $5 million to rename Grauman's Chinese Theatre
(Editorial) Why Southern Weekly Said “No”
The road to freedom of expression as guaranteed in Article 35 of China’s Constitution will be a long one.
China's Twitter Goes Hollywood
A weibo message from Brad Pitt set off a buzz this week, and he’s not the only overseas star invading the microblog.
Sinica Podcast
01.11.13
The Southern Drama
from Sinica PodcastMere months after China’s handling of the Eighteenth Party Congress suggested the country would undergo a peaceful leadership transition, the issue of freedom of the press surged to attention this week after a censored editorial in Southern...
A Retailer Discovers China’s New ‘It‘ Girl: Grandpa
Retired Farmer Becomes Fashion Sensation; He's 5-8, Thin and Looks Great in Crimson
A Bowl of Hot Porridge: A Song for Southern Weekend
The Beijing News published a loving tribute, yes, to porridge. In particular, to the porridge of the south. But it is really a song of love and support for Southern Weekly.
China Censorship Protest "Living in Truth" (Opinion)
Protests erupt following a strike by journalists at a Chinese newspaper whose editorial on free speech was censored. Unlike most other protests in China, this one is about living in the truth.
Solzhenitsyn, Yao Chen, and Chinese Reform
When a Chinese ingénue, beloved for comedy, doe-eyed looks, and middle-class charm, tweets Solzhenitsyn's words, we may be seeing a new relationship between technology, politics, and Chinese prosperity.