In The News

Xi Strengthens Ties With Latin America

Yu Bing June 7, 2013
By 2012, China was a bigger trading partner than the US to 128 countries, while the US was ahead in 72 – a reversal from seven years ago when the US was ahead in 124 nations and China in 70. President Xi Jinping, unlike his predecessors, is broadening Chinese focus on a range of practical matters around the globe, reports Yu Bing for the Washington Post, and this includes strengthening ties with...

Discovery of Rogue GMO Wheat Raises Concerns Over Controls

Carey Gillam, Julie Ingwersen June 3, 2013
Genetically modified wheat, supposed to be destroyed long ago, was found in an Oregon field and could disrupt the $8 billion US wheat export market. US consumers may shrug abut GM crops, but other countries fear accidental contamination of their crops. Japan and South Korea promptly suspended orders for US wheat. “The wheat was developed years ago by Monsanto Co to tolerate its Roundup herbicide...

Brazil Closer to Boeing on Jets Deal

Brian Winter May 31, 2013
During a trip to Brazil, US Vice President Joe Biden suggested that the two largest economies in the Americas could become closer trading partners – and he urged Brazil to seal the deal with a purchase of at least 36 Boeing military jets. Aviation firms in France and Sweden are also contenders for the Brazil contract. Biden assured President Dilma Rousseff that, because of recent budget cuts that...

The China Factor in Global Rice

Samarendu Mohanty May 31, 2013
Traces of cadmium found in Chinese rice samples are expected to boost imports. In recent years, China has been a major importer of rice despite strong domestic production. Rice expert Samarendu Mohanty offers two possible reasons in the Asia Sentinel: Foreign rice is less expensive than Chinese rice, and “the government is trying to expand rice production to keep up with demand, but the rapidly...

Chinese Hackers Linked to Attack on Australian Spy Agency

Neil Hume May 29, 2013
Secrets are not secure on the internet, with hackers intent on prying into every online nook and cranny. An Australian Broadcasting Corporation documentary claims that Chinese hackers have stolen the blueprint for Australia’s new intelligence agency before it even opens, reports Neil Hume for the Financial Times. China is Australia’s largest trade partner. “The report also claimed several...

University Logos Become Weapons in Debate Over Textile Factory Working Conditions

Howard Schneider May 29, 2013
School pride is no longer limited to donning clothes with university names, colors and mascots – and students increasingly check labels to ensure that their clothing is not made in a land where worker abuse is rampant. Yet global supply chains can quickly regroup, relocate and rename. “A single garment might combine parts, labor, fabric and other elements from several countries, complicating...

Half of EU Members “Oppose China Solar Tariffs”

May 28, 2013
The EU, as China’s biggest trade partner, is divided over imposing tariffs on Chinese solar panels. The UK and Germany, along with other EU member states, are at odds with pro-tariff France and Italy. Tariff supporters argue that Chinese-made solar panels are being sold below cost in Europe, also long regarded a global leader in promoting alternative energies. Germany’s position is curious,...