Pipeline Explosion Turns Focus to China’s Urbanization Problems

Published on Author ottman

A recent pipeline explosion in Qingdao left over 50 dead, with 136 injured and nine people still missing.  Regulators and the pipeline’s operator have been passing the blame back and forth since the accident.  Authorities have reported that the explosion was caused by severe human error and a dereliction of duty. Yang Dongliang, director of… Continue reading Pipeline Explosion Turns Focus to China’s Urbanization Problems

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New Regulations Implemented to Improve Chinese Tourist Behaviour

Published on Author ottman

On October 1, 2013, the Chinese government attempted to implement a new set of regulations to curb corruption in domestic travel and ease the burden on tourists in China. The combination of rising incomes, a less restrictive passport regime, and softer spending limits has caused the number of Chinese traveling at leisure to grow tremendously… Continue reading New Regulations Implemented to Improve Chinese Tourist Behaviour

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Two Buried Proposals in Party Document Could Help Change Chinese Government

Published on Author ottman

After the much-anticipated publication of China’s “Third Plenum” a few weeks ago, the document proved to be bolder than anticipated in the economic world.  Xi Jinping is attempting to push through the changes that have stalled over the past 10 years or so. The document states, “We should let labor, knowledge, technology, management and capital… Continue reading Two Buried Proposals in Party Document Could Help Change Chinese Government

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OECD Gives China Top Rating Among Emerging Economies

Published on Author ottman

In the most recent forecasts from the OECD, China fared the best among emerging-market economies.  This is in part due to China’s policy adjustments that confront a changing global outlook.  GDP in China is predicted to rise 7.7% this year and 8.2% in 2014.  Small fiscal stimulus should revive domestic demand. The report reads, “Growth… Continue reading OECD Gives China Top Rating Among Emerging Economies

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China’s New Reforms: Bad News For Markets?

Published on Author ottman

Last week, China unveiled its largest reform agenda in nearly 30 years with the goal of transitioning China into a more free-market consumer economy.  This would imply fewer social controls, reduced power for state-owned giant companies, the removal of price controls and caps on interest rates, and transitioning towards more yuan convertibility.  The plan also… Continue reading China’s New Reforms: Bad News For Markets?

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Analyzing China’s Latest Foreign Investments

Published on Author ottman

Just in the past few days, Chinese conglomerate Fosun International has agreed to pay $725 million for 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, a skyscraper near Wall Street, which was commissioned by David Rockefeller and completed in 1961.  Also, a company called Greenland based out of China recently invested in a big development in Brooklyn, and Zhang… Continue reading Analyzing China’s Latest Foreign Investments

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Student Sues High School for $41.7 Million After Contracting Tick-Borne Disease in China

Published on Author ottman

Just in the past year, a fellow classmate of mine at The Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT was awarded a settlement of $41.7 million after she contracted a tick-borne illness on a school trip to China that left her unable to speak and brain-damaged.  She sued Hotchkiss for failing to ensure the students took all… Continue reading Student Sues High School for $41.7 Million After Contracting Tick-Borne Disease in China

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China’s export growth exceeds August expectations

Published on Author ottman

China’s recent economic slump may be nearing its end.  This past August, China’s industrial output, manufacturing, and exports all exceeded their expected growth.  After suffering two disappointing quarters, this is good news for the Chinese economy.  Shipments of exports rose 7.2% in August, though it was only predicted to rise 5.5%.  This news came just… Continue reading China’s export growth exceeds August expectations

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