Tag Archives: China

Business/Economics, International

Which tourists spend the most money in Japan? Hint; it’s not those from the United States

The Japan Tourism Agency released its 2010 survey about who spends the most vacation money in Japan. Guess what, tourists from the United States didn’t even make the top three (probably a sign of how bad our economy is).

The survey looked at foreign spenders as groups, and as individuals.

In the group category China came in first, followed by South Korea, then Taiwan.

In the individual category the French came in first, then the Russians. The Chinese and Indians tied for third.

In the case of the Chinese, 49% go to Japan just to shop.

What’s the most purchased item, by tourists?   Japanese confectioneries.

Business/Economics, International

Honey Bees dying in China, lack of water

It’s not only crops that are suffering in China, because of drought. Bee keepers say they’re losing their bees as well.

Honey production is down due to a decrease in flower pollen production, thanks to climate change. Bee keepers say it will also mean a decrease in bees, because pollen is their food.

China has the largest rapeseed field in the world. Rapeseed is used to make canola oil. Farmers there say drought keeps seed production too low for use in canola oil production. It also keeps rapeseed flower growth too low for the bees.

International

China to build bigger Navy, it’s the New Cold War baby!

In a report issued by the Chinese Navy, it is clear they expect some kind of military confrontation in the future, with the United States.

The report was released March 31.  It calls for increasing China’s ability to present a strategic deterrent and launch counterattacks at sea.  The report is also clear about who they think they might have to launch counterattacks against: The United States.

Their reasoning is that the United States is reinforcing its regional military alliances, and increasing its involvement in Asian security affairs.

Chinese military officials are hoping their government will increase spending on more high tech weaponry. Welcome to the New Cold War.

Fukushima

China bans radioactive ship from Japan

On 21 March, a ship of the Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd, arrived in Xiamen, China.  After inspection by port officials it was discovered that the ship had “abnormal” levels of radiation on the deck, and surface containers.

The ship, the MOL Presence, had passed within 67 nautical miles (124 km) of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, on its way to China.

The ship is on its way back to Kobe, Japan.

 

International, U.S.

Libya working to get support from China

A Libyan government official said they will discuss oil contracts with China, India, Russia and Brazil.

This is to gain support against “neo-crusaders”, taking military action against Libya, through the UN resolution.

China has already condemned the military operation against Libya.  20,000+ Chinese were evacuated from Libya at the end of February.

Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh said he wanted to see Libyans make their own decisions “free of outside interference.”  India evacuated 18,000 workers from Libya.

Will Russia resume weapons sales to Libya?  Russia stopped weapons sales, but only on the condition that military action would not be taken against Libya. “In Moscow, we regret this armed action within the hastily passed UNSCR Resolution 1973,” said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich.

Brazil’s newly elected president, Dilma Rousseff, said Brazil expects more of the United States, criticizing American protectionism. Brazil opposes military action against Libya. Brazil has also evacuated citizens from Libya.

Brazil, Russia, China and India are now the world’s strongest economies.

Business/Economics, Idaho

Hoku Turning to China to Help Finish Pocatello Plant

13 October 2010

Hoku Corporation has taken on several millions of dollars in loans, from Chinese banks, in order to finish construction of their Pocatello, Idaho, polysilicon plant.   That’s according to information on Hoku’s website.

Also, Hoku has amended its construction contract with JH Kelly.  A result of delays due to Hoku having difficulty with funding the construction.

Hoku Corp. produces fuel cell membranes, photovoltaic systems, and hopes to produce polysilicon for solar panels at the new Pocatello facility.

Hoku has made several supply agreements with companies based in Asia, but, those agreements hinge on the completion of the Pocatello plant, and, successful demonstration of polysilicon production.  Those agreements have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars of pre-payments by the Asian companies.

Hoku is hoping to get production started by the end of the year.

Business/Economics, International

Lowe’s Defective Drywall, China Strikes Again

Anyone who bought drywall from Lowe’s prior to July 27, 2010, and it was defective causing damage or injury, could collect a settlement payment.

Lowe’s has made a settlement offer in a lawsuit, that will be heard for approval by a Georgia Superior Court on November 19th.

Faulty drywall can emit sulfur gas, which can damage electrical wiring, or anything using copper like air conditioner coils, as well as make you sick. Copper items might require replacing, as well as the drywall. Some cases involve homeowners who rebuilt their homes after damage by Hurricane Katrina. It seems most of the drywall came from China.

The bad drywall wasn’t sold just by Lowe’s. A local supplier in Florida was successfully sued, for the same issue, bad drywall from China.

Lowe’s settlement offer is in the form of gift cards ranging from $50.00 to $2,000.00. For cases with more than $2,000.00 in damage Lowe’s will add up to $2,500.00 in cash. Anyone who thinks they are entitled should visit www.drywallsettlement.info. Be advised there is a lawsuit in Louisiana that is targeting the Chinese manufacturer of the drywall, and attorneys in that case have challenged the Georgia/Lowe’s settlement.

A warning to building contractors; some legal sources say contractors could be sued for using the defective Chinese drywall. The most common, and obvious, sign of the bad drywall is the sulfur smell, which is like rotten eggs.