The HRIC Daily Brief is a daily selection of news stories and commentary related to human rights in China, drawn from Chinese- and English-language news and online media sources that we monitor daily. In addition to headlines and source links, HRIC also provides English translation of Chinese headlines.

Monday, August 31, 2009

September 1, 2009

News
Environment
Air Pollution Reducing 'Good' Rains in China: Study
Agence France-Presse (via YahooNews), August 31, 2009
Taiwan
China Fine-tunes Taiwan Protest in Dalai Lama Row
Reuters, August 31, 2009
Human Rights Defender -- Liu Xiaobo (刘晓波)
刘晓波再次获准会见律师 (Liu Xiaobo Allowed to Meet Lawyer Again)
Radio Free Asia, August 31, 2009
Police
Smokers May Face Five Days in Jail
South China Morning Post, September 01, 2009
Protests and Petitions
广西南宁征地纠纷 警方暴力镇压抗议农民 (Guangxi Police Crack down on Protest over Land Grab Dispute)
Radio Free Asia, August 31, 2009
杭州江干区数百公安武警强拆一户居民 (Zhejiang Police Sent to Carry out A Forced Demolition)
Radio Free Asia, August 31, 2009
西安地铁暴力征地 致一老人死亡(图) (A Villager Killed over Land Dispute in Xi'an City)
Radio Free Asia, August 31, 2009
云南陆良一煤矿发生警民冲突 18人受伤 (Villagers in Yunnan Clash with Police over Land Grab)
Radio Free Asia, August 31, 2009
Labor
Privatisation Plan Prompts Strike by 5,000 Workers
South China Morning Post, September 01, 2009
Public Health
Parents Fume at Factories After 200 Kids Sickened
China Daily, August 31, 2009
Corruption
All Industries to Have Bribery 'Black List' in Zhejiang
China Daily, September 01, 2009

August 29-31, 2009

Top News
Multilateral
UN Urges 'Humane Treatment' for Tibet, Xinjiang Detainees
Agence France-Presse, August 28, 2009
http://www.sinodaily.com/2006/090828133804.0edtzlhl.html

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination issued its concluding observations on China’s compliance with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination on Friday, August 28, 2009. The Committee said that China must “carefully consider the root causes” of inter-ethnic tensions within its borders, and identified a range of legislative and policy recommendations. Amongst the recommendations includes the adoption of a comprehensive definition of racial discrimination and the impartial investigation of all allegations of harassment, intimidation, and other acts impeding the work of lawyers.

Related information:
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, August 28, 2009
http://www.unpo.org/images/reports/cerdaugust2009.doc

UN Expert Body Calls for Greater Protections for Ethnic Groups, Rural Inhabitants, and Rights Defenders in China
Human Rights in China, August 28, 2009
http://www.hrichina.org/public/contents/171896

Related news:
联合国促中国给予少数民族、农民和维权律师更大的保护 (UN Urges that China Give Greater Protection to Minorities, Peasants, and Rights Defense Lawyers)
Radio Free Asia, August 29, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/Xinwen/un-08292009193852.html

News
Bilateral Ties
China Issues Rare Rebuke after Burma Border Clashes
Christian Science Monitor, August 30, 2009
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0830/p99s01-duts.html

China Urges U.S. to Halt Surveillance near Its Shores
Reuters, August 27, 2009
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE57Q1ZU20090827

Environment
China's Legislature Endorses Climate Change Resolution
Xinhua News Agency, August 27, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/27/content_11953722.htm
Related information:
全国人民代表大会常务委员会关于积极应对气候变化的决议 (Resolution of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Actively Responding to Climate Change)
National People's Congress, August 27, 2009
http://www.npc.gov.cn/npc/xinwen/rdyw/wj/2009-08/27/content_1516165.htm
Following the Trail of Toxic E-Waste
CBS News, August 30, 2009
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/08/19/60minutes/main4579229.shtml

Hong Kong
UN Calls for Rule on Helpers to Be Scrapped
South China Morning Post, August 29, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=aac8ba1950263210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Human Rights Defenders – Liu Xiaobo (刘晓波)
美国前司法部长要求旁听刘晓波案庭审 (Former U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh Requests to Attend Liu Xiaobo's Hearing)
Radio Free Asia, August 28, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/dissident_liuxiaobo-08282009124648.html

Law
China's Legislature Updates Laws
Xinhua News Agency, August 27, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/27/content_11954498.htm

政强制法草案、可再生能源法修正案草案向社会全文公布征求意见 (Draft Government Functions Law and Draft Amendment of the Renewable Energy Law Released to Public for Consultation)
Xinhua News Agency, August 28, 2009
http://www.jfdaily.com/a/318186.htm
Related information:
行政强制法草案、可再生能源法修正案草案向社会全文公布征求意见 (Full Text of the Draft Laws for Public Consultation)
National People's Congress, August 28, 2009
http://www.npc.gov.cn/npc/xinwen/lfgz/lfdt/2009-08/28/content_1516563.htm
Media
Peasants Harness Power of Net in Battle for Justice
South China Morning Post, August 30, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=2bfdbcd321663210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

云南省委宣传部:禁止媒体随意给民众贴“不明真相”等标签 (Propaganda Department of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee Bans the Use of Certain Phases by Media)
Radio Free Asia, August 29, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/yun-08282009233735.html

Public Health
97%中国人患口腔疾病 (97A% of Chinese Suffer from Oral Disease)
Radio Free Asia, August 29, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/97-08282009231432.html

Lead Poisons Third of Children in Yunnan
South China Morning Post, August 29, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=0d4cf1864f163210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Society
China's 'Unluckiest Generation' Reflects on Cost of Revolution
USA Today, August 31, 2009
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-08-30-chinageneration_N.htm

Taiwan
Dalai Lama Distances Himself from Politics before Trip to Taiwan
Central News Agency, August 30, 2009
http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=1044663

Tibet
四名因示威被捕的藏民被秘密判刑 (Four Tibetans, Arrested for Protesting, Secretly Sentenced)
Radio Free Asia, August 28, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/tibet_humanrights-08282009125406.html

Friday, August 28, 2009

August 28, 2009

News
Government
Beijing Plugs Patriotic Films ahead of Anniversary
Agence France-Presse (via YahooNews), August 27, 2009
XUAR
新疆当局要求干部工人不参加封斋 (Xinjiang Authorities Ban Cadres, Teachers and Workers from Participating in The Muslim Festival of Ramadan)
Radio Free Asia, August 27, 2009
Taiwan
China Opposes Taiwan Decision to Invite Dalai Lama
Associated Press (via YahooNews), August 27, 2009
Environment
China Says Must Reduce Emissions, But Mentions No Targets
Agence France-Presse (via YahooNews), August 27, 2009
Police
上海长宁公安分局又现“躲猫猫”事件(视频) (Detention Center Death Case in Shanghai's Police Substation)
Radio Free Asia, August 27, 2009
Protests and Petitions
Shanghai Residents Protest Train Line Construction
Associated Press (via YahooNews), August 27, 2009
内蒙古退伍志愿兵维权代表被劳教 引数十人上访 (Volunteer Army Retirees in Inner Mongolia Petition Authorities over Their Representative's RTL Sentence)
Radio Free Asia, August 27, 2009
Law
Armed Police Equipped with Broader Power
Xinhua (via Shanghai Daily), August 28, 2009
Public Health
昆明铜都镇二百多村童被查出血铅超标 (More than 200 Children in Yunnan Province Found Elevated Levels of Lead in The Blood)
Radio Free Asia, August 27, 2009
Disasters
Strong Quake Hits Northwest China: USGS
Agence France-Presse (via YahooNews), August 28, 2009
Internet Censorship
Officials Attempt to Suppress 'Human Flesh Search Engines'

Thursday, August 27, 2009

August 27, 2009

News
Bilateral Ties

India on a Tiger Hunt in China
Asia Times Online, August 27, 2009
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/KH27Df02.html

Iraq Approves Controversial Sinopec Oil Rights Deal
Agence France-Presse, August 26, 2009
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gExsBBBJrzCEvEoms2sBkiYneLow

Thousands Flood into China after Myanmar Army Standoff
Reuters, August 26, 2009
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE57P11F20090826

Environment
Pristine River Targeted
Xinhua News Agency, August 27, 2009
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2009/200908/20090827/article_411879.htm

Government
國慶演練 天安門周六禁行 (Tiananmen Square to Close 8/29 for National Day Celebration Trial)
Singtao Daily, August 27, 2009
http://news.sina.com.hk/cgi-bin/nw/show.cgi/9/1/1/1244985/1.html
Related news:
Beijing to Make Sure No Rain on National Day's Parade
China Daily, August 25, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/25/content_8610560.htm
Human Rights Defender – Zheng Enchong (郑恩宠)
上海公安停止对郑恩宠每周例行传唤 (Shanghai Police Cease Weekly Summons of Defense Lawyer Zheng Enchong but Continue Restricting His Movement)
Radio Free Asia, August 26, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/petitioners_shanghai-08262009115408.html

Human Rights Defenders
Uygur Academic Who Disappeared for over a Month Says He Was Freed without Charge
Associated Press, August 27, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=2f1a97e5a3753210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Labor
Five Killed in Bridge Collapse in NW China
Xinhua News Agency, August 26, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/26/content_8620496.htm

Land Policy
广州天河村民示威抗议清拆 (Guangzhou Villagers Demonstrate against Demolition)
Radio Free Asia, August 26, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/land_protest-08262009112708.html

Media
深圳拟立法规范"人肉搜索" 明确互联网站等的责任 (Shenzhen Drafts Legislation on "Human Flesh Search Engines" Incidents)
Southern Metropolis News, August 27, 2009
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/nfjx/200908270006.asp

Public Health
Public Call for Organ Donations
China Daily, August 26, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/26/content_8616938.htm
Related news:
Most China Organ Transplants from Prisoners: State Media
China Post, August 27, 2009
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/china/national-news/2009/08/27/222221/Most-China.htm
Taiwan
Taiwan Risks Row over Dalai Lama
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 27, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8223811.stm

XUAR
China Denies Xinjiang Inmates Killed: State Media
Agence France-Presse, August 26, 2009
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gt2o3-K0Ywoip7q4_HK3e5Ihhv1w

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

August 26, 2009

News
Labor
China Coal Mine Blast Kills 11
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 25, 2009
Public Health
Province Plans Huge Health Cover Scheme
Draft Rules Hope to Raise Transparency in Hospitals
Villagers Face Fight over Evidence of Pollution
Lead Village Closed to Journalists
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 25, 2009
Society
40 Hours A Week on The Internet Could Be Listed as Addiction
XUAR
Xinjiang Denies Date Set for Unrest Trials
Uygur Exile Airs Prison Killing Allegation
China's Hu Visits Xinjiang, No Riot Trials This Week
Reuters via YahooNews.com (Asia Section), August 25, 2009 http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090825/wl_nm/us_china_xinjiang
Whereabouts of "Uyghur Online" Staff Unknown (维吾尔在线人员下落不明 包括央广记者政协人员) Radio Free Asia, August 25, 2009 http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/weiwuerzaixian-08252009180709.html
Military
China Strengthens Internal Security Force
AP via YahooNews.com (Asia Section), August 25, 2009 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090825/ap_on_re_as/as_china_security

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

August 25, 2009

News
Environment
Climate Change on the Agenda of NPC
China Daily, August 25, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/25/content_8611110.htm

Hong Kong
Use Free Speech to Help Tibet, HK Urged
South China Morning Post, August 25, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=6629188e15d43210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Human Rights Defender – Xu Zhiyong (许志永)
Top Chinese Lawyer Bailed amid Debate over Civil Society Role
Australian Broadcasting Corporation, August 25, 2009
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/connectasia/stories/200908/s2666077.htm

Government
中国公布60周年国庆活动具体安排 (Chinese Government Announces Plans of 60th Anniversary Celebration)
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 24, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/simp/hi/newsid_8210000/newsid_8219200/8219295.stm

Labor
11 Dead, Three Missing in China Mine Blast: Govt
Agence France-Presse (via Yahoo! News), August 25, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090825/wl_asia_afp/chinaminingaccident

Land Policy
福州市三坊七巷居民声诉野蛮拆迁遭遇 (Fuzhou Residents Demonstrate against Brutal Eviction)
Radio Free Asia, August 24, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/fujian-08242009163717.html

Law
China's Top Legislature Reviews Draft Law on Government Powers
Xinhua News Agency, August 25, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/25/content_11938060.htm

Draft Law: Armed Police Authorized to Handle Riots
China Daily, August 24, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/24/content_8610017.htm

Judicial System 'on Trial' as Courts Disagree over Villagers' Libel Case
South China Morning Post, August 25, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=d471188e15d43210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Police
Project to Tame Chengguan 'Costly and Ineffective'
China Daily, August 25, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/25/content_8612293.htm

Public Health
Beijing Sends Officials to Track down Culprits behind Poisoning
South China Morning Post, August 25, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=0231188e15d43210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Tibet
China Settles 50,000 Tibetan Nomads in Towns: State Media
Agence France-Presse (via Yahoo! News), August 24, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090824/wl_asia_afp/chinatibetenvironmentnomads

XUAR
Uighur Exile Airs Prison Killing Allegation
Agence France-Presse (via Yahoo! News), August 25, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090825/wl_asia_afp/chinaunrestxinjiangkadeerus

August 22-24, 2009

Bilateral Ties
Obama to Visit China in Mid-November
LA Times, August 23, 2009
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/asia/la-fg-obama-china23-2009aug23,0,210413.story

Out of Africa and into China, Emigres Struggle
Reuters, August 20, 2009
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE57K00K20090821

Civil Society
粵三成NGO入不敷出 (Survey: 30%+ of Guangdong NGOs Unable to Make Ends Meet; 40%+ Operate without Designated Offices)
Ming Pao, August 24, 2009
http://news.sina.com.hk/cgi-bin/nw/show.cgi/94/1/1/1241581/1.html

Corruption
Ex-China Supreme Court Vice Head 'on Graft Charges'
Agence France-Presse (via Google News), August 22, 2009
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jRNgd-vDaPNlIrYwEx7Fg-LpN4RA

Related news:
Supreme Court Judge Sacked for Corruption
Xinhua News Agency (via China Daily), August 21, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/21/content_8601976.htm
Death Penalty
Ex-mayor Gets Death Penalty for Corruption
China Daily, August 21, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/21/content_8602031.htm

Environment
China Drought Leaves 5m Short of Water
China Daily, August 23, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/23/content_8605057.htm

Two Environment Officials Probed in Poisoning: China
The China Post, August 23, 2009
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/china/national-news/2009/08/23/221700/Two-environment.htm

Related news:
Parents of China Lead Victims Fear for Future
Agence France-Presse (via Yahoo! News), August 23, 2009
http://green.yahoo.com/news/afp/20090823/wl_asia_afp/healthchinaenvironmentpollutionunrest.html
Government
'Integrated Delta' Is Not Welcomed by All
South China Morning Post, August 22, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=becaa2a02ed33210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Hong Kong
HK Protesters Demand Release of Dissident
The China Post, August 24, 2009
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/china/local-news/hong-kong/2009/08/24/221814/HK-protesters.htm

Human Rights Defender – Tan Zuoren (谭作人)
專訪:辯護律師浦志強、夏霖 譚作人案庭審成兒戲 (Interview with Defense Counsel Pu Zhiqiang, Xia Lin: Tan Zuoren's Trial Like a Child's Game)
Yazhou Zhoukan, August 30, 2009
http://www.yzzk.com/cfm/Content_Archive.cfm?Channel=ae&Path=227886981/34ae2a.cfm

Human Rights Defender – Xu Zhiyong (许志永)
Without Explanation, China Releases 3 Activists
New York Times, August 24, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/24/world/asia/24china.html

Related news:
Volunteer Lawyer Xu Zhiyong Bailed
Global Times, August 24, 2009
http://china.globaltimes.cn/chinanews/2009-08/460377.html
Human Rights Defenders
艾未未們維權拒絕悲情 (Ai Weiwei et al: We Refuse Pathos in Rights Defense)
Yazhou Zhoukan, August 30, 2009
http://www.yzzk.com/cfm/Content_Archive.cfm?Channel=ae&Path=227886981/34ae1a.cfm

Related news:
專訪:公民藝術家艾未未 這社會最終會被光打開 (Interview with Citizens' Artist Ai
Weiwei: Our Society Will Ultimately Be Brought out into the Light)
Yazhou Zhoukan, August 30, 2009
http://www.yzzk.com/cfm/Content_Archive.cfm?Channel=ae&Path=227886981/34ae1c.cfm
Labor
Widespread Discrimination Makes Job Market even Tougher for Many
South China Morning Post, August 24, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=8a473626af743210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Land Policy
不滿意拆遷賠償 (Wuhan Residents Protest Insufficient Relocation Compensation)
Ming Pao, August 23, 2009
http://news.sina.com.hk/cgi-bin/nw/show.cgi/94/1/1/1240771/1.html

Law
Law for the Times
South China Morning Post, August 20, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=b4ea42e4e0333210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Politics
第十一届全国人大常委会第十次会议召开 (10th Session of Standing Committee of National People's Congress Starts Today in Beijing)
CCTV, August 24, 2009
http://news.cctv.com/china/20090824/106040.shtml

Protests and Petitions
举报干部腐败受打击报复并因上访被劳教 (Jilin Petitioner Wang Zhanhe Sentenced to Reeducation-Through-Labor after Petitioning against Official Corruption)
Radio Free Asia, August 22, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/ju-08212009222314.html

公立医院输血染艾滋 上访者被当局拘押 (Two Henan Petitioners Detained after Petitioning against HIV-tainted Blood Transfusion from a Public Hospital)
Radio Free Asia, August 21, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/aids-08212009092803.html

State Security
Beijing Beefs Up Anti-terror Measures
China Daily, August 24, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/24/content_8607292.htm

Related news:
Beijing to Reactivate Olympic Security Plan for Anniversary
South China Morning Post, August 24, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=e1653626af743210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD
XUAR
China Tries 200 for Xinjiang Riot
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 24, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8217427.stm

司法局通知京律師 (Bureau of Justice Notified Beijing Lawyers to Not Accept XUAR Riot Cases)
Ming Pao, August 23, 2009
http://news.sina.com.hk/cgi-bin/nw/show.cgi/94/1/1/1240768/1.html

Friday, August 21, 2009

August 21, 2009

News
Military
China’s Secretive Military Opens Up in Cyberspace
New York Times, August 20, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/21/world/asia/21pla.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

State Security
800,000 Recruited as Informants in Run-up to 60th Anniversary
South China Morning Post, August 21, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=6809db0deb833210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&ss=china&s=news

Corruption
Police Boss Investigated after Officers Sign Petition
South China Morning Post, August 21, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=275adb0deb833210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Beijing Orders Lower Level Officials to Stamp Out Construction Graft
South China Morning Post, August 21, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=66b9db0deb833210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Green Dam
Green Dam Gets A Youthful Spin
South China Morning Post, August 21, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=c843e73bb8833210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Tibet
拉萨雪顿节气氛紧张 四藏人被判刑(图) (Lhasa Tightens Security Ahead of The Shoton Festival, 4 Tibetans Sentenced)
Radio Free Asia, August 20, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/sizangrenhuoxing-08202009111732.html

XUAR
Kadeer's Family to Be Evicted, Activists Say South China Morning Post, August 21, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=b8fadb0deb833210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Xinjiang to Intensify Security Force for Urumqi Trade Fair
Xinhua News Agency, August 20, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/20/content_11919450.htm

Police Log Evidence from Deadly Ethnic Riots
AP (via SCMP), August 21, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=644ff0f997b33210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Public Health
China Issues Drugs List as Part of Health Reform
AP (via YahooNews), August 20, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090820/ap_on_re_as/as_china_cheaper_drugs

Anger Mounts as Number of Poisoned Children Climbs
South China Morning Post, August 21, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=01dadb0deb833210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD&ss=china&s=news

Police
李蕊蕊强奸案 目击证人被公安胁迫作伪证 (Police Force Witness in "Black Jail" Rape Case to Give False Testimony)
Radio Free Asia, August 20, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/lireirei-08202009093847.html

Human Rights Defenders - Xu Zhiyong (许志永)
知名知识分子就公盟事件联署 谏当局勿饮鸩止渴(视频图集) (Open Letter by China's Best-known Intellectuals Calling for The Release of Xu Zhiyong)
Radio Free Asia, August 20, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/zhimingzhishifenzi-08202009154444.html

Environment
China Backs Down over PepsiCo, Coca-Cola Pollution Claims
AFP( via YahooNews), August 20, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090820/sc_afp/chinaenvironmentpollution

Thursday, August 20, 2009

August 20, 2009

News
Environment
Deaths, Lung Damage Linked to Nanoparticles in China
Reuters (via Yahoo! News), August 19, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090819/hl_nm/us_china_nanoparticles

Law
人大法工委副主任:"出现社会矛盾慎用刑事手段" (NPC Legislative Affairs Commission Vice Chairman Encourages Cautious Use of Criminal Penalties Where There Are Social Conflicts)
Southern Metropolis News, August 20, 2009
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/nfjx/200908200012.asp

中国律师执业存在三大难 (Three Major Obstacles in China's Legal Practitioners' Way)
Radio Free Asia, August 19, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/falv-08192009143836.html

中国行政强制法草案即将进入三审 (Third Review on the Law on Administrative Enforcement to soon Commence)
Radio Free Asia, August 19, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/xingzheng-08192009143256.html

Media
Web Tools Help Protect Human Rights Activists
Reuters, August 19, 2009
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE57I4IE20090819

Public Health
Children Sickened by Lead, Again
China Daily, August 20, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/20/content_8590382.htm

Lead Poisoning Stokes Tensions in Chinese Town
Associated Press (via Yahoo! News), August 19, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090820/ap_on_re_as/as_china_lead_poisoning/print
Related news:
湖南省武冈市文坪镇一家锰矿厂也出现铅污染事件 (Another Lead Poisoning Incident in Hunan)
Radio Free Asia, August 19, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/qianwuran-08192009153018.html
Protests and Petitions
Spy Camera Monitors Family, Woman Says
South China Morning Post, August 20, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=2960a1ca55333210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

China Bans Petitioners in Beijing
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 19, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8210047.stm

Related news:
中政委就加强和改进涉法涉诉信访工作意见答记者问 (CPC Central Political and Legislative Affairs Committee Representative Responds to Questions on the Opinions on Strengthening and Improving Petitioning Work Related to Law and Suits)
Xinhua News Agency, August 18, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2009-08/18/content_11904544.htm

中央政法委通知:各级政府采取措施 方便群众信访案件 (CPC Central Political and Legislative Affairs Committee: All Levels of Government to Take Measures to Facilitate Petition Cases)
Radio Free Asia, August 19, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/xinfang-08192009142736.html

State Security
Laigang Official Investigated in Rio Case
China Daily, August 19, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/19/content_8589672.htm

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

August 19, 2009

Top News of the Day
Human Rights Defender – Xu Zhiyong (许志永)
Chinese Public-interest Lawyer Charged amid Crackdown
New York Times, August 18, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/world/asia/19china.html

Rights defence lawyer Xu Zhiyong (许志永) was formally arrested by Beijing authorities on August 18. Xu, a founder of public interest group Open Constitution Initiative (also known as “Gongmeng”) and director of its Law Research Center, was detained on July 29 on charges of tax evasion. Similarly, Open Constitution Initiative, also under investigation for tax evasion, was officially closed on August 17.

Related information:
Gongmeng Officially Shut Down, Founder Formally Arrested
Human Rights in China, August 18, 2009
http://www.hrichina.org/public/contents/171865

Related news:
Human Rights Lawyer Arrested on Tax Evasion Charges
China Daily, August 19, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/19/content_8586834.htm

News
Bilateral Ties
China Cancels Australia Visit as Relations Sour
Reuters, August 18, 2009
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE57H15020090818

China ‘Rejects’ Japan Navy Visit
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 19, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8208726.stm
Related news:
Warships’ Visit Floats Up Agenda
China Daily, August 18, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/18/content_8580389.htm
Human Rights Defenders
广西维权村民因“非法聚众游行”被判刑 (Guangxi Villager Activist Liang Yonghong Sentenced to Three Years for “Illegally Gathering a Crowd to Protest”)
Radio Free Asia, August 18, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/rights_rural-08182009110339.html

Media
HK Journalist Groups Hit Back at Mainland over Permits Regulation
South China Morning Post, August 19, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=07bedc15f5e23210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

New Law Protects New Media
China Daily, August 19, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/19/content_8585380.htm

《人民日报》记者参加香港七一游行受打压 (People’s Daily Report Who Joined in Hong Kong’s July 1 Demonstration March Harassed)
Radio Free Asia, August 18, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/china_asylum-08182009104514.html

Multilateral
China Crosses WTO Border
Asia Times Online, August 19, 2009
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China_Business/KH15Cb01.html

Protests and Petitions
Order Restored after Factory Protest
South China Morning Post, August 19, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=3df4dc15f5e23210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD
Related news:
China Factory under Guard after Lead Poisoning
Associated Press (via Google News), August 19, 2009
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g7wv0eo5eoz5m7jhnU24w4NIk6GQD9A5Q4P00
抗議醫死人 家屬堵醫院 (Family Members of a Fujianese Migrant Worker Protest outside Beijing Hospital Where He Died)
Ming Pao, August 19, 2009
http://news.sina.com.hk/cgi-bin/nw/show.cgi/94/1/1/1236584/1.html

Taiwan
Taiwan Town, Fearing Toxins, Refuses China Typhoon Aid
Reuters, August 19, 2009
http://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSTP84585._CH_.2400
Related news:
Mainland Official: Mobile Homes Are Safe
China Daily, August 19, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/19/content_8589027.htm
Tibet
Report: 8 Tibetans Jailed over Protests in China
Associated Press (via Google News), August 18, 2009
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iAMqM2_Dwudz52KLQeY2ZKFQq9-gD9A52N682

XUAR
世界伊斯兰大会代表团访问中国新疆地区 (Delegation from the Organization of the Islamic Conference Visit Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region)
Radio Free Asia, August 18, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/Xinwen/xinjiang-08182009170133.html

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

August 18, 2009

Top News of The Day

Police
2 officers walk free in torture killing
China Daily, August 14, 2009
http://www.china.org.cn/china/news/2009-08/14/content_18334728.htm

On August 12, 2009, a court in Jiangxi Province found three policemen and their commander guilty in connection with the death of Wan Jianguo (万建国), who died in August 2008 on his 35th day of detention. Convicted policeman Deng Hongfei (邓鸿飞) was sentenced to 12 years in prison; the commander Xia Xiangdong (夏向东) was sentenced to one year in prison; and two other officers Guo Songlin (郭松林) and Xiong Yu’ er (熊玉儿) were allowed to walk free.


Related information:
Uneven Justice in Case of Policemen and Commander Found Guilty in Death of Detained Man
Human Rights in China, August 17, 2009
http://www.hrichina.org/public/contents/171852

News
Freedom of Speech
Kunming Moots Law to Defend Journalists
South China Morning Post, August 18, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=9ff30a1f80923210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

国庆前控制言论 247人上黑名单 (China Controls Free Speech Ahead of Its 60th Anniversary, 247 Persons Blacklisted)
Radio Free Asia, August 17, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/yanlun-08172009091519.html

Government
More Patriotic Education Urged Ahead of National Day
China Daily, August 17, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/17/content_8577338.htm

Human Rights Defender - Guo Feixiong (郭飞雄)
郭飞雄的律师刘士辉被司法局剥夺执业资格 (Law License of Guo Feixiong’s Lawyer Revoked)
Radio Free Asia, August 17, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/liushihui-08172009161851.html

Human Rights Defender
刘沙沙绝食12日命在旦夕 六维权人士劝食被禁止 (Liu Shasha on Hunger Strike for 12 Days)
Radio Free Asia, August 17, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/liushasha-08172009100519.html

Law
China's Top Legislature to Consider Draft Climate Change Resolution
China Daily, August 17, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/17/content_11897715.htm

Protests and Petitions
香港支联会国庆前活动 抗议北京为国庆打压异见人士 (Hong Kong Group Protests Against Beijing’s Suppression on Dissidents Ahead of National Day)
Radio Free Asia, August 17, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/yijianrenshi-08172009095438.html

陕西勉县政府克扣土地补偿款 上访农民被抓 (Government Deducts Land Compensation in Shaanxi, Farmers on Petition Arrested)
Radio Free Asia, August 17, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/nongmin-08172009170815.html

State-owned Enterprise
Chinese Officials Stress Party Leadership, Anti-corruption Drive in State-run Firms
Xinhua News Agency, August 17, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/17/content_11899509.htm

State Security
China Police Chief Urges All-out Efforts to Ensure National Day Security
Xinhua News Agency, August 17, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/17/content_11899500.htm

Rio Tinto Suspects Meet Their Lawyers
China Daily, August 18, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/18/content_8581622.htm

XUAR
31 Cities' Police Units Deployed to Xinjiang After Riot
China Daily, August 18, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/18/content_8581845.htm

Monday, August 17, 2009

August 15-17, 2009

News
Corruption
Court Confirms Death Decisions on 2 Officials
Human Rights Defender - Xu Zhiyong (许志永)
代理律师首次见到许志永 (Xu Zhiyong Meets His Lawyer for First Time)
Radio Free Asia, August 16, 2009
Environment
China Drafting Development Plan on Energy Conservation, Environmental Protection Industry Xinhua, August 15, 2009
Civil Society
China's NGOs Fear for The Worst
Asia Times Online, August 15, 2009

Public Health
China Plant Stormed over Lead Poisoning of Children
Reuters (UK), August 17, 2009
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE57G1ID20090817

Related news:
China 'Smelter Poisoned Children'
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 16, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8204275.stm

Mass Move Set for Area around Smelting Plant
Xinhuanet (via Shanghai Daily), August 15, 2009 http://www.shanghaidaily.com/sp/article/2009/200908/20090815/article_410782.htm

Media
China to Improve Access for Media
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 14, 2009
Children
18 to Be Tried for Child Rape, Prostitution
Protests and Petitions
Workers Foil Private Takeover of Steel Firm
Reuters (available at YahooNews), August 17, 2009 http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=c047f6f651423210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD
Related news:
Hundreds of Workers Protest at Chinese Steel Plant: Report
AFP( via YahooNews), August 15, 2009 http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090815/wl_asia_afp/chinaprotestlabourpolice

Henan Workers Release Hostage After Four Days
South China Morning Post, August 16, 2009 http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=26f860f98fe13210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD
北京扫荡访民无处栖身 律师替访民写诉状获刑(视频) (Massive Crackdown on Petitioners in Beijing, Lawyer Jailed for Helping Petitioner )
Radio Free Asia, August 14, 2009

Friday, August 14, 2009

August 14, 2009

News
Civil Society

益仁平及爱知行被工商局人员上门调查 (Workers from Aizhixing and Yirenping Investigated by Officials from the Industry and Commerce Department)
Radio Free Asia, August 13, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/china_ngo-08132009114306.html

Government
京18区县机构改革月底完成结合区情设机构 (Restructuring of Beijing's 18 District and County Governmental Organs to Be Completed by End of August)
The Beijing News, August 14, 2009
http://news.bjnews.com.cn/2009/0814/41156.shtml

Green Dam
Green Dam Launch "Not Handled Well"
Xinhua News Agency, August 14, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/14/content_11879750.htm

Human Rights Defender – Tan Zuoren (谭作人)
English-language Papers Report on Activist’s Trial
South China Morning Post, August 14, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=7602b6cc9a413210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD
Related news:
Independent Investigator Put on Trial in Chengdu
Global Times, August 13, 2009
http://china.globaltimes.cn/society/2009-08/457211.html
Labor
环保维权:索赔未果 300员工集体捡垃圾抗议 (Environmental Rights Defense: After Claiming Damages Fails, 300 Workers Collect Rubbish in Protest)
Southern Metropolis News, August 14, 2009
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/nfdsb/200908140078.asp

江蘇化工廠爆炸3死3重傷 (Three Dead, Three Severely Injured after Jiangsu Factory Explosion)
Ming Pao, August 14, 2009
http://inews.mingpao.com/htm/INews/20090814/ca50950k.htm

Media
Action Promised on Detained Reporters
South China Morning Post, August 14, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=6051b6cc9a413210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

U.S. Tests System to Break Foreign Web Censorship
Reuters, August 13, 2009
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE57C5OQ20090813
Related news:
美國新系統破中伊網上封鎖 (New U.S. System Breaks through Internet Blockades in China and Iran)
Ming Pao, August 14, 2009
http://inews.mingpao.com/htm/INews/20090814/ta50841a.htm

Related information:
Feed Over Email Project
http://code.google.com/p/foe-project/
Police
Chinese Policemen Jailed after Detention Center Death
Xinhua News Agency, August 14, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/14/content_11881307.htm
Related news:
“躲猫猫”案一审宣判 看守所两民警分别获刑 (Two Officers in Detention Center Death Case Separately Sentenced)
Xinhua News Agency, August 14, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2009-08/14/content_11881502.htm
Two Officers Jailed for Torturing Suspect to Death
Shanghai Daily, August 14, 2009
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=410621

Politics
四川打人官員閃電復職 (Sichuan Communications Official Sacked for Beating Someone Is Given New Job of Same Stature Five Days Later)
Ming Pao, August 14, 2009
http://inews.mingpao.com/htm/INews/20090814/ca51535c.htm

Protests and Petitions
失地农民上访 索赔获补偿后被判4年 (Hebei Villager Zhang Jianjun Petitions for Land, Receives Compensation, then Sentenced to Four Years in Prison)
Southern Metropolis News, August 13, 2009
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/nfdsb/200908130061.asp

河南政法委书记:不截访、也不许赴京告"洋状" (Secretary of the Henan Provincial Political and Legislative Affairs Committee: Neither Intercepting Petitioners nor Petitioners Reporting to Foreign Journals or Officials Is Permitted)
Southern Metropolis News, August 14, 2009
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/nfdsb/200908130054.asp

Public Health
China Child Lead Poisoning Cases Double to 615: Report
Agence France-Presse (via Google News), August 14, 2009
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5idWZQOOFVCsiSOX1LsfljBEacvDQ

Religion
Chinese Falun Gong Practitioners back to Normal Life
Xinhua News Agency, August 14, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/14/content_11881079.htm

XUAR
China Promotes Xinjiang Armed Police Chief: Report
Agence France-Presse (via Google News), August 14, 2009
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hy8DoBvCFjoZL75bhHlQQC0PyqiA

Thursday, August 13, 2009

August 13, 2009

Top News of the Day

Human Rights Defender - Tan Zuoren (谭作人)
Chinese Police Detain 11 Who Planned to Attend Activist's Trial
Guardian (UK), August 12, 2009
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/12/china-detentions-activist-trial-earthquake

The trial of Tan Zuoren (谭作人), writer and environmental activist, in the Intermediate People’s Court in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, ended without a court decision on August 12, 2009. Before the trial, the well known artist Ai Weiwei (艾未未) and his volunteers were barred from attending the trial as a witness for Tan. Ai was beaten by Chengdu police and detained in his hotel room for 11 hours.

Related information:
Police Beat and Detain Supporters of Sichuan Earthquake Critic Morning before Trial
Human Rights in China, August 12, 2009
http://www.hrichina.org/public/contents/171835

Related news:
HK Reporters 'Detained' in China
AFP (via Sydney Morning Herald), August 13, 2009 http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/hk-reporters-detained-in-china-20090813-eimh.html

Activist on Trial for Subversion
China Daily, August 13, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/13/content_8563471.htm


News
Green Dam
李毅中:不強制電腦裝綠壩 (Installation of "Green Dam" Not Compulsory But Schools And Internet Cafes Still Go ahead: Minister)
Ming Pao, August 13, 2009
http://inews.mingpao.com/htm/INews/20090813/ca41124a.htm

Environment
Factory Closes After 300 Kids Sickened in China
AP (via YahooNews), August 12, 2009 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090812/ap_on_re_as/as_china_lead_poisoning

Greens Hail Rule Giving Watchdog More Clout
South China Morning Post, August 13, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=0f772b2f84f03210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Containers of Hazardous Chemicals Fall from Ship into Yangtze River
South China Morning Post, August 13, 2009 http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=4a887e0639f03210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Human Rights Defender - Xu Zhiyong (许志永)
“公盟”、“许志永”遭大陆网站封杀 (Authorities Censor Words "Gongmeng", "Xu Zhiyong" in Cyberspace)
Radio Free Asia, August 12, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/china_xu-08122009121600.html?encoding=simplified

Internet Censorship
李蕊蕊家人疑遭控制 当局发布消息又删网帖 (Authorities Monitor Family of "Black Jail" Rape Victim, Shut down Websites Reporting Related News)
Radio Free Asia, August 12, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/liruirui-08122009085631.html

Chinese Parents "Shed Tears," Begged for Web Curbs
Reuters via YahooNew.com, August 13, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090813/wl_nm/us_china_internet

Children
Shanxi Police Crack Baby Trafficking Network
Shanghai Daily, August 13, 2009
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=410556

State Security
Rio Tinto Says China Has No Case against Exec
AFP( via YahooNews), August 12, 2009 http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090812/wl_asia_afp/chinaaustraliabritainminingdiplomacyriotintohu

Australia Says 'Internal Pressure' Helped Rio Case
AFP( via YahooNews), August 13, 2009 http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090813/ts_afp/chinaaustraliabritainminingdiplomacyriotinto


Wednesday, August 12, 2009

August 12, 2009

Top news of the day
Human Rights Defender – Tan Zuoren (谭作人)
Chinese Police Detain Supporters of Quake Critic
Associated Press (via Google News), August 12, 2009
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gFyEqcNB-Gm7aOov5sHvjKouNkPQD9A14DCG0

The trial of Sichuan-based writer and environmentalist Tan Zuoren (谭作人) was scheduled to begin Friday morning in the Chengdu Intermediate Court, but eleven supporters of Tan were detained – and two beaten – by police to prevent them from attending the trial. Tan, who has been accused of “subversion of state power,” was detained in March 2009; he was investigating the students who were victims of the May 2008 Sichuan earthquake and the sub-standard construction of the collapsed schools. In February 2009, he wrote a proposal, “5.12 Student Archive,” which called on volunteers to travel to Sichuan to document the cases.

Related news:
谭作人成都受审 王丹要求为其作证 (Tan Zuoren on Trial in Chengdu, Wang Dan Asks to Testify)
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 12, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/simp/hi/newsid_8190000/newsid_8196500/8196558.stm
News
Bilateral Ties
Australia, China at Odds over Uighur Activist
Associated Press (via Yahoo! News), August 12, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090811/ap_on_re_as/as_australia_china_uighur_activist

Civil Society
北京德先生研究所网站被关 (Website of Beijing De Xiansheng Research Institute Shut Down)
Radio Free Asia, August 11, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/de-08112009155555.html

北京公益机构公盟缴纳罚款遭拒 (Gongmeng Tries to Pay Fine but Is Denied by Authorities)
Radio Free Asia, August 11, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/gongmeng-08112009155911.html

Disasters
谁来执掌760亿元地震捐赠 (Tsinghua Investigation Reveals that Possibly 80% of Quake Relief Donations Entered Government Coffers)
China Youth Daily, August 12, 2009
http://zqb.cyol.com/content/2009-08/12/content_2800866.htm

Human Rights Defender – Xu Zhiyong (许志永)
一批中国公民发请愿书要求释放维权律师 (Chinese Citizens Petition the Release of Rights Defense Lawyer Xu Zhiyong)
Voice of America, August 11, 2009
http://www.voanews.com/chinese/2009-08-11-voa45.cfm

Land Policy
Residents Protest Forced Relocation
China Daily, August 12, 2009
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-08/12/content_8557979.htm

山东黑社会人员夜袭商户 民众指受官员指使 (Shandong Shop Owners Attacked by Thugs and Gangsters at Night, People Claim Attacks Were Directed by Officials)
Radio Free Asia, August 11, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/heishehui-08112009105633.html

Law
China's Supreme Court to Standardize Sentences for Criminal Convictions
Xinhua News Agency, August 11, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/11/content_11865090.htm

Population
中国城镇人口明年首超农村 城乡差距拉大 (China's Urban Population Shall Exceed Rural Population Next Year)
Radio Free Asia, August 12, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/chengxiang-08112009092501.html

State Security
China Formally Arrests Rio Tinto Employees
Reuters (via Yahoo! News), August 12, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090812/bs_nm/us_china_rio
Related news:
Rio Employees Face Trade Secrets, Bribery Charges
Associated Press (via Yahoo! News), August 12, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090812/ap_on_re_as/as_china_rio_tinto_employees_detained
Tibet
达赖喇嘛:西藏问题是中国内政 (Dalai Lama: Tibet Issue Is China's Internal Matter)
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 10, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/simp/hi/newsid_8190000/newsid_8194000/8194006.stm

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

August 11, 2009

Top news of the day
Multilateral
UN Panel Questions China on Ethnic Discrimination
Associated Press (via Jakarta Post), August 10, 2009
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/08/10/un-panel-questions-china-ethnic-discrimination.html
Related news:
China Frees 1,200 in Tibet, Holds 700 over Xinjiang
Agence France-Presse (via Google News), August 11, 2009
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iRGyEv-UaN4nkuA23JnG5-ioTQiw

Related information:
UN Expert Body Wraps Up Dialogue with China on Anti-Discrimination Efforts
Human Rights in China, August 10, 2009
http://www.hrichina.org/public/contents/171819
News
Bilateral Ties
Two Sides Differ on Diversion of Plane
Associated Press (via South China Morning Post), August 11, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=c25cb5a2d3503210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Australia Media Brushes Off China
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 11, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8194550.stm

中国威视公司行贿案在纳米比亚开庭审理 (Namibia Bribery Case with Ties to Hu Jintao's Son Goes to Trial)
Radio France Internationale, August 11, 2009
http://www.rfi.fr/actucn/articles/116/article_15394.asp

Civil Society
Baby Milk Powder Victims Lose Legal Proxy
Global Times, August 11, 2009
http://www.globaltimes.cn/www/english/top-news/2009-08/456249.html

Death Penalty
最高人民检察院:死刑案取证禁刑讯逼供 (Supreme People's Procuratorate: Collecting Evidence through Torture Forbidden in Death Penalty Cases)
The Beijing News, August 11, 2009
http://news.bjnews.com.cn/2009/0811/40934.shtml
Related news:
Anti-torture Measures in Works, Paper Says
South China Morning Post, August 11, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=7b0cb5a2d3503210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD
Disasters
Dozens Killed as Typhoons Hit East Asia
Agence France Presse (via Yahoo! News), August 10, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090810/wl_asia_afp/chinataiwanjapanweathertyphoon

Environment
西藏可能成為國家水電開發重點地區 (Beijing Considers Making Tibet a Primary Location for Hydroelectric Energy Development)
China News Service, August 11, 2009
http://news.sina.com.hk/cgi-bin/nw/show.cgi/107/1/1/1227795/1.html

Hong Kong
Hong Kong Activists Protest Crackdown on Dissidents
Associated Press (via China Post), August 10, 2009
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/china/local-news/hong-kong/2009/08/10/219863/Hong-Kong.htm

Human Rights Defender – Xu Zhiyong (许志永)
Arrest in China Rattles Backers of Legal Rights
New York Times, August 10, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/10/world/asia/10rights.html

Law
Senior Prosecutor Calls for Better Evidence System to Improve Justice
Xinhua News Agency, August 08, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/08/content_11848717.htm

Media
China's Internet a Major Concern to Officials
Agence France Presse (via Yahoo! News), August 10, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090810/wl_asia_afp/chinainternetmediagovernment

Police
最高人民法院部署下阶段打黑除恶工作 (Supreme Court Orders the Next Wave of Anti-Crime Operations)
Xinhua News Agency, August 10, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2009-08/10/content_11854653.htm

Protests and Petitions
湖北数千访民群集省府 交通被堵访民被驱赶抓打 (Thousands Petition Hubei Provincial Government en Masse)
Radio Free Asia, August 10, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/hubei-08102009114426.html

Public Health
Lead Poisoning Linked to Smelter near Homes
South China Morning Post, August 11, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=320bb5a2d3503210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

State Security
China Says 2.75 Million Security Cameras Installed
Associated Press (via Yahoo! News), August 10, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090810/ap_on_re_as/as_china_security_cameras

China Seems to Retract Claim against Rio Tinto
New York Times, August 11, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/11/world/asia/11riotinto.html

Monday, August 10, 2009

August 8-10, 2009

Top news of the day
Multilateral
China Blames Unrest on Foreign-Based Separatists
Agence France-Presse (via Google News), August 08, 2009
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gMJH5T96LU_9YI9cXw-eRlGo6Oog

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination began its review of China's progress in implementing its obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination on August 7; the Committee will conclude its review on August 10. Before the Committee on August 7, Director General of the Department of Treaty and Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duan Jielong accused the 2008 unrest in Tibet and 2009 unrest in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on "separatists abroad." Members of the Committee posed questions including those on economic investment in ethnic minority regions and the teaching of minority languages; China is to respond to these questions today.
Related information:
A United Nations, China to Answer Broad Range of Concerns over Racial Discrimination
Human Rights in China, August 07, 2009
http://www.hrichina.org/public/contents/171805
News
Corruption
青島法官涉貪逾億被捕 (Four Qingdao Judges Detained on Graft Charges)
Ming Pao, August 09, 2009
http://news.sina.com.hk/cgi-bin/nw/show.cgi/94/1/1/1226081/1.html

Environment
Algal Bloom in C China Reservoir Affects Drinking Water of 15,000
Xinhua News Agency, August 08, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/08/content_11847923.htm

Beijing Air 'Cleaner' since Games
British Broadcasting Corporation, August 08, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8189921.stm
Related news:
Beijing's Smog Is Back Year after Olympics
Agence France-Presse, August 03, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090804/sc_afp/oly2008chn1yearenvironment
Toxic Villages Look to Hunan for Lessons
South China Morning Post, August 09, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=d1364a9b8baf2210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Human Rights Defender – Guo Quan (郭泉)
郭泉颠覆案审结将择日宣判 (Guo Quan's Hearing Completed; Verdict and Sentencing to Be Later Announced)
Radio Free Asia, August 07, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/dissident_trial-08072009115917.html

Human Rights Defender – Xu Zhiyong (许志永)
当局不允许志永家人会面 香港学生公开质问温家宝 (Detained Activist Xu Zhiyong's Family Not Allowed to Meet with Him)
Radio Free Asia, August 07, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/xuzhiyong-08072009084748.html

Human Rights Defenders
China: Tibetan Dissident Disappears
New York Times, August 07, 2009
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/08/world/asia/08briefs-Chinabrf.html

Labor
Workplace Safety Investigation Targets China's Major Coalmines
Xinhua News Agency, August 08, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/08/content_11846456.htm

Media
广州戒网营里孩子打出SOS (Kids inside Guangzhou Net Addiction Camp Send Out an SOS)
Southern Metropolis News, August 10, 2009
http://www.nanfangdaily.com.cn/tpxw/200908100010.asp

Police
A Rape Claim Puts Focus on Beijing's 'Black Jails'
Associated Press (via Yahoo! News), August 08, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090810/ap_on_re_as/as_china_black_jails

Public Health
300 Children Suffer Lead Poisoning
Xinhua News Agency, August 10, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/10/content_11854691.htm

State Security
China Says Rio Spying Has Cost It Rmb700bn
Financial Times, August 10, 2009
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/cecb1b40-8545-11de-9a64-00144feabdc0.html
Related news:
Rio Tinto Accuser Says Article Was His Own Opinion
Bloomberg News, August 10, 2009
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=auJQaQ2A4FEM
XUAR
Urumqi Acts against Migrants
South China Morning Post, August 10, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=c60d97f091003210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD
Related news:
Riot-Hit Urumqi to Tighten Migrant Population Administration
Xinhua News Agency, August 09, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/09/content_11852637.htm

Friday, August 07, 2009

August 7, 2009

Top News of the Day
Human Rights Defender – Guo Quan (郭泉)
Founder of Chinese Political Group to Be Tried
Associated Press (via Google News), August 06, 2009
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j_RH3fg_q48aTljsVv1r4kLz1oDwD99TB1C03

Nanjing democracy activist Guo Quan (郭泉) will plead guilty at his trial today in Nanjing, Jiangsu. Guo, who is charged with "subversion of state power," is the founder of the China New Democracy Party; he lost his job as an associate professor at Nanjing Normal University after founding the party.
Related news:
郭泉的律师郭莲辉突然被警方传唤 (Guo Quan's Attorney Subpoenaed by Police)
Radio Free Asia, August 06, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/rights_lawyer-08062009112118.html
News
Bilateral Ties
Hack Attack on Arts Site
The Age, August 07, 2009
http://www.theage.com.au/national/hack-attack-on-arts-site-20090806-ebi2.html

Civil Society
China Snares NGOs with Foreign Funding
Chinese Science Monitor, August 04, 2009
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0804/p06s09-woap.html

Environment
Fresh Thoughts
South China Morning Post, August 06, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=e33505ea08ae2210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

June Fourth
十位六四遭打压贵州人士起诉 当局拒绝并传唤相关者 (Authorities Refuse to File Lawsuit of Ten Guizhou Activists who Came under Official Pressure during June Fourth Anniversary)
Radio Free Asia, August 06, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/yijianrenshi-08062009105615.html

Land Policy
上海塌樓 20業主強阻拆遷 (20 Homeowners Block Demolition of Minhang, Shanghai Apartment Building)
Singtao Daily (via Sina.com), August 07, 2009
http://news.sina.com.hk/cgi-bin/nw/show.cgi/94/1/1/1224316/1.html

Law
司法部:做好律师代理敏感案件和群体性事件指导 (Ministry of Justice: We Should Guide Lawyers Representing Sensitive Cases and Mass Incidents)
Xinhua News Agency, August 06, 2009
http://www.gov.cn/jrzg/2009-08/06/content_1385343.htm

Media
Warning over Twitter, YouTube 'Subversion'
South China Morning Post, August 07, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=21d79ed35ffe2210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD
Related news:
网络颠覆:不容小觑的安全威胁 (Internet Subversion: A Threat to Security Not to Be Underestimated)
China's National Defence (via China News Service), August 06, 2009
http://www.chinanews.com.cn/cul/news/2009/08-06/1806701.shtml
Protests and Petitions
China Tells Officials to Keep Unhappy Citizens at Home
Reuters, August 06, 2009
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE5753FI20090806
Related news:
Official Urges Careful Handling of Public Complaints
Xinhua News Agency (via China Radio International), August 06, 2009
http://english.cri.cn/6909/2009/08/06/1821s507161.htm

把解决问题放在首位实现信访形势明显好转 (Put Resolving the Problem at the Forefront to Improve the Petitioning Situation)
Legal Daily, August 07, 2009
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/bm/2009-08/07/content_1134667.htm
"领导干部培训班"代表谈落实涉法涉诉信访工作中央新政 (Representative from the "Leading Cadre Training Group" Speaks on Implementing New Policy on Petitioning Work )
Legal Daily, August 07, 2009
http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/0801/2009-08/07/content_1134733.htm

吉林居民房屋遭强拆 上访遭殴打及拘留 (Jilin Petitioners Whose Homes Were Demolished Beaten Up and Detained)
Radio Free Asia, August 06, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/chaiqian-08062009110504.html

State Security
State of Secrecy
South China Morning Post, August 06, 2009
http://www.scmp.com/portal/site/SCMP/menuitem.2af62ecb329d3d7733492d9253a0a0a0/?vgnextoid=c35505ea08ae2210VgnVCM100000360a0a0aRCRD

Tibet
达赖重申追求真正自治从未寻求独立 (In Geneva, Dalai Lama Reaffirms Desire for True Autonomy in Tibet)
Radio Free Asia, August 06, 2009
http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/dalai-08062009110213.html

XUAR
Uighur Unrest Shows China's Failures: Dalai Lama
Reuters, August 06, 2009
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE57539Q20090806