The media have reported over the last couple of days on the new leadership which emerged at the end of the 17th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, held every five years.  The focus of the comments was on the nine-man (still no women) Standing Committee of the Politburo.  There are differences of opinion as [...]

The EU-China relationship has entered a worrying period. Beijing needs to take seriously European concerns, particularly when expressed by the EU Trade Commissioner, Peter Mandelson, who has consistently resisted protectionist pressures and has been seen as friendly disposed towards Beijing. The EU sells more goods to Switzerland than to China. The trade deficit between the [...]

The German Chancellor’s meeting with the Dalai Lama caused strong negative reactions in Beijing. Why did Merkel hold this meeting? What does it mean for Sino-German relations? The meeting can now be viewed with the warm reception in Washington of the Dalai Lama this week when President Bush presented hm with the Congressional Gold Medal. [...]

Some of French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s public utterances understandably worry Beijing. What will be the changes in Sino-French relations as result of Sarkozy succeeding the Sinophile, Jacques Chirac? Concern is expressed about Sarkozy’s pro-American policy and greater pragmatism in his attitude towards China. Sarkozy’s absolute priority is domestic reform and everything he says and does [...]

One of the great things about claiming to be a China expert is that no-one will categorically refute what you say. China is the source of many contradictory and confusing conclusions. The western media report that either China is on the verge of imminent collapse or on the brink of economic and political dominance. China [...]

this is the beginning of an unknown journey for me. i hope that you find i have something worthwhile to say and that you will bear with me until I professionalise my blogging. stanley crossick