China

Chinese Fishing Boat Held Ransom By North Koreans

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Sun, 05/19/2013 - 08:45

Beijing, China -

Tensions have flared up again with North Korea after reports that a Chinese fishing vessel was boarded by North Koreans and detained that boat and crew demanding a ransom be paid.

The boat is owned by Yu Xuejun and it had 16 crew members on board during the incident in which the boat was in international waters when it was stormed by the North Korean maritime police agency.

Xuejun wrote on the Tencent Weibo website that North Korea is demanding 600,000 yuan ($100,000) by Sunday.

North Korea has reportedly claimed the boat was within its territorial waters.

Japanese Flotilla Of 80 People Arrive At Disputed Island With China

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Mon, 04/22/2013 - 18:38

A flotilla of Japanese fishing vessels with 80 people on board arrived at previously disputed islands in the East China Sea known as Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China.

The expedition was organized by the Japanese national group Ganbare Nippon ("Stand Firm, Japan") which said the flotilla would sail around the islands but not actually land on them.

Lat year the group made similar comments, but a group of 10 landed on the island setting off intense friction between the Asian neighbors.

Earthquake In China Kills 102 And Injures 2,200

Submitted by News Desk 3 on Sat, 04/20/2013 - 09:31

A 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck the southwest Chinese province of Sichuan early Saturday. 102 are dead and 2,200 injured. The area is mostly rural and mountainous making reaching it by rescue crews difficult.

State news agency Xinhua is reporting that 6,000 troops are being sent to the region for assistance. Residents in villages near the epicenter are reporting that almost all low rise houses and buildings were destroyed.

New Bird Flu Cases In China

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Sun, 04/14/2013 - 18:46

China has announced more cases of the H7N9 virus appearing this time in the Henan province. The latest strain of the bird flu has killed 11 and infected 51. The World Health Organization is in Shanghei examining patients are ranging in age from 38-77.

As of now there is no source of the infection and concerns are that the virus will spread. The good news is that does not appear to be any human to human transmission.

China Pulls 'Django' From Movie Threaters On Opening Day

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 13:24

China has unexpectedly banned the movie 'Django' on Thursday, opening day, after the movie was heavily promoted inside China.

Though no official reason has been given yet, most expect that the film maker failed to alter enough of the bloody violent scenes to make it more acceptable to the Chinese market such as how far blood spatters.

China is the world's second largest movie market behind the U.S.

American film studios have maintained a practice of editing some scenes so that they are acceptable for showing inside China.

China Flexes Naval Power In South China Sea Dispute With Malaysia Over Territory

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Wed, 03/27/2013 - 10:42

The Chinese Navy has been flexing its muscles again, this time in defense of yet another territorial claim just 50 miles off the coast of Malaysia. Both China and Malaysia claim James Shoal, or Zengmu Reef in Chinese, an island that lays just 50 miles off the coast of Malaysia and1,120 miles from the Chinese mainland.

China Announces 10.7% Increase In Defense Spending Amid Slow Economy

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Tue, 03/05/2013 - 14:37

As China prepares to receive a new premier and change in leadership, it has announced a 10.7% increase in defense spending while forecasting a 7.5% economic growth rate.

China has been increasing its defense spending over the last couple decades by double digit figures, but is still relatively small at $115 billion compared to the U.S. which budgeted $652.2 billion in 2012.

Incoming leader Xi Jinping as publicly stated he wants to bring in reforms to combat corruption, pollution and the economic disparity between poor and rich.

North Korea Planning More Nuclear And Missile Tests

Submitted by News Desk 2 on Fri, 02/15/2013 - 18:01

North Korea has given notice to China, its traditional ally, that it will continue with nuclear tests and missile tests, as many as two this year.

Leader Kim Jong-un, 30, has become apparently stronger and more boastful than his father, demonstrated by the reclusive country demanding that the only way to stop it is if the U.S. will negotiate directly with them.

Chinese officials have indicated they would support another round of sanctions at the U.N Security Council.

Chinese Celebrate Year Of The Snake

Submitted by News Desk 3 on Sun, 02/10/2013 - 13:44

Sunday marks the Chinese New Year with this being the year of the snake. The Snake is determined and smart, according to traditional Chinese beliefs.

People in China and around celebrate with elaborate parades and fireworks at night. The Chinese New Years thought system is based on geomancy, astronomy and folk wisdom of a 12-yearly animal cycle.