In The News

In Crackdown on Energy Use, China to Shut 2,000 Factories

Keith Bradsher August 12, 2010
Analysts predict that the countries that pursue energy efficiency and green technology – ending their dependence on fossil fuels – will emerge economic winners in the years ahead. Intent on not wasting energy, China applies strict targets on aging factories by ending bank loans, export credits, licenses, land acquisition, even shutting off electricity, reports Keith Bradsher for the New York...

Hot Political Summer as China Throttles Rare Metal Supply and Claims South China Sea

Ambrose Evans-Pritchard August 5, 2010
China holds a monopoly on processed rare-earth minerals, a group of 17 metals with names like thulium and cerium, essential for modern technology. A report from the US General Accounting Service notes that, with businesses lulled by low prices, China has taken the lead in processing the minerals. Writing for the Telegraph, Ambrose Evans-Pritchard links the lock over rare-earth minerals to new...

The Age of Peace

Carolyn O’Hara August 2, 2010
Much attention is directed to nations with low birth rates and aging populations, blamed for diminished economic growth and strained government budgets. Another magazine, Foreign Policy, once even labeled the demographic phenomenon as a “Gray Menace.” But every cloud has its silver lining – and economics is not the only measure for quality of life. Developing nations with “youth bulges,” such as...

How Serious Is the Chinese Challenge? Part I

Bruce Stokes July 13, 2010
There’s no question that China is on the rise, assisted by unprecedented economic growth. This YaleGlobal series explores economic, political and strategic implications for the globe. In the first of a two-part series, columnist Bruce Stokes notes that much of the discomfort in the US or Europe stems from their self-doubt. With strong economic momentum, no debt and one-sixth of the world’s...

Chinese Rating Agency Strips Western Nations of AAA Status

Ambrose Evans-Pritchard July 13, 2010
Credit agencies assign ratings based on the risk of timely payments, and some US agencies have been faulted for underestimating the risk of major Western corporations. Now, China’s Dagong Global Credit Rating Co. demonstrate wariness about debt held by developed nations as well as how western credit agencies like Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s or Fitch evaluate that debt. Dagong emphasizes “...

The Arrogance of Chinese Power

Brahma Chellaney July 2, 2010
According to CIA estimates, China has the largest population, the largest labor force, the greatest number of people fit for military service and the third largest GDP at purchasing power parity. In addition to its massive, sustained economic and military growth, the nation plays an increasingly prominent role in international relations. The US, burdened by debt and two ongoing wars, hesitates to...

Beijing: A Global Leader With 'China First' Policy

David Shambaugh June 29, 2010
Observers have long hoped for new openness and cooperation from a confident China. They scan every international event, from the majestic Beijing Olympics of summer 2008 to the recent G-20 summit in Toronto, for indications of China’s policy direction. If any clear trend is visible, it is that the world’s second largest economy largely continues with a narrow, fluctuating foreign-policy approach...