In The News

China's Space Weapons

Ashley J. Tellis July 25, 2007
In early 2007, a Chinese ballistic missile slammed into an old weather satellite in space. The space test offered a reminder that the ability to destroy satellites is one method for countering US military superiority. US military strength stems from an ability to deliver accurate, strong firepower from great distances, impossible without intricate space satellites and ground installations that...

Chinese Media Star Gives Starbucks a Jolt

Mitchell Landsberg July 19, 2007
When Starbucks coffee shop opened in the Forbidden City seven years ago, China was striving to join the international economic community. Now, the country’s citizens are divided about adopting international trends versus preserving cultural and historical heritage. Rui Chenggang, a television anchor, wrote a blog entry protesting a Starbucks in the Forbidden City, claiming that it “trampled over...

China Shutters Nonprofit Newsletter

Nicholas Zamiska July 17, 2007
Chinese government officials recently ordered a stop to publication of “The China Development Brief.” This newsletter, read by many NGO representatives around the country, covers a range of human-rights topics, from AIDS to environmental issues. Founding editor, Nicholas Young, reports that his organization was under scrutiny in recent ears and suspects the closure is part of a broader political...

China's Diplomatic Gain Is Taiwan's Loss

Edward Cody July 13, 2007
Taiwan and China compete for diplomatic alliances. Taiwan often finds itself on the losing end of the competition, especially as China becomes more integrated in the global political and economic systems. Costa Rica’s decision to create diplomatic relations with China shocked politicians in Taiwan. Analysts expect other Central American countries, such as Nicaragua, to follow Costa Rica’s lead....

Nuclear Friends in Need

Teresita C. Schaffer July 12, 2007
India and the US continue to struggle over how to implement a landmark nuclear pact. Agreed to by leaders in 2006, the deal would allow the US to sell nuclear fuel and technology to India for its civilian program and end India’s status as a “nuclear outlaw,” explains Teresita Schaffer, director of the South Asia Program with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. But some tricky...

Taking Stock

July 5, 2007
As shares on the Chinese stock market fall due to a government decision to raise share transaction taxes, experts warn that the decline is only temporary. China’s share prices quadrupled over the past 18 months. Furthermore, the World Bank predicts that China’s economic growth for 2007 will reach 10.4 percent. But the Chinese market is not invincible. Perhaps the greatest risks to the Chinese...

The Life of the Chinese Gold Farmer

Julian Dibbell July 4, 2007
World of Warcraft, produced by Blizzard Entertainment, is one of the most profitable massively-multiplayer-online (MMO) games in history. Players collect currency to buy weapons and other gear to fight monsters, by looting or selling items to other players. At a normal playing rate, the process of collecting currency, known as “the grind,” takes about four months to complete. However, Chinese...