Sexiest Man Alive... Not.

By Taviana MacLeod
Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp ain't got nothing on this North Korean dictator. Kim Jong-un was voted "Sexiest man alive" by The Onion, a US based website. This article included a 55-page photo spread of this knight in shinning armour, but the fact that this handsome fellow was voted to be the most wateringly sexy by Americans is not the funnypart...
People's Daily is a English website of the Communist Party in China. They not only quoted The Onion very seriously about this news (that was obvously a SPOOF!) but whithin the article decribed the man to a tee to proove his sexyness."With his devastatingly handsome, round face, his boyish charm, and his strong, sturdy frame, this Pyongyang-bred heartthrob is every woman's dream come true," the People's Daily's English website quoted The Onion as saying. This article was serious for the people of China to see, but is now causing disturbance because China is so embarassed to not have caught on to the joke. The article by People's Daily has since been deleted as much as possible in China but while it was published was nearly the most popular the Chinese website has ever seen. The North Korean embassy in Beijing refused to comment.

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Where is China?

-By Taviana MacLeod

Disputes about maritime territory are ongoing problems between China and it's neighbors. Who's island is who's? Who's fishing where? China has decided to put it's foot down by drawing a big ol' "THIS IS OURS" all over these territories; in the form of dotted lines on it's new passports. The new Chinese passports that are currently being issued in Beijing show the map of China including territories that are being disputed about in the South China Sea and Himalayan land. It even included peices of land that are not claimed by China, but by other countries. India is furious and Vietnam is refusing to stamp passports, insisting to post stamps for travellers on different peices of paper.The Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia are other countries that are very unhappy about this map (that is drawn on page 8 of the passport) because it was done so silently and secretly. They say that it is not part of international standards that passports must meet.  "But it offers a glimpse into the tensions sparked by China's growing heft both economically and military, as well as its increasingly assertive attitude toward territories it has long claimed as its own. " (Larano, Muoi, Thu, 2012) According to an article in the Wall Street Journal. Sneaky, sneaky China.

Falun Gong

By: Kassy Sangster

Falun Gong members handed out homemade pamphlets of their struggles, sang songs of hope and raised awareness about the organ harvesting that has happened to chinese citizens at many chinese gatherings and festivals. Some of these events had police officers who took a step back from their duty to the government and let the them continue their good work.
A man named Zhou was lucky at such events because he got calls from an informant in the police, warning him when raids were coming but many others weren't so lucky. Some who practice Falun Gong get kidnapped and brainwashed, others end up in prisons and some end up at the end of scapels as the victims of live organ harvesting.
Zhou ended up leaving China because the government was determined to imprison him. However there is some hope for the people of China, even if there is none for the Chinese Communist Party, as there has been an increase in protection and support coming from the citizens.

Socialism... with some Chinese Characteristics

This November held the 18th National Congress for the Communist Party of China. The opening ceremony began November 8 and it concluded November 14. The general secretary was Xi Jinping, Vice President who is destined to become the President of China in 2013. The opening ceremony on November eighth was opened with a speech by Hu Jintao, the current President.

All throughout China, the word ‘Reform’ seems to be whispered by all people. It was the theme of Hu Jintao’s message, as he laid out what he thought was a correct reform, using this word over eighty times in this single speech. He stated clearly that a reform of any type in China would begin with a restructuring of the political system. All the same, analysts and critiques are weighing his statements heavily. Reform could mean anything, and Hu stated that the holding up the leadership of the communist party would be a vital part of any change. He later mentioned, “We will never copy a Western political system.”

China is a country that clings to its past while constantly looking forward and demanding change. Since the establishment of communism in the 50’s, it has hardly gone a decade without a reform of some type. Hu has said interesting and provocative words, but his decade of power has made it clear that he does not have the heart of a reformer, which makes this transition to Xi so fascinating. As people debate what form of reform China is facing, they are staring at Xi Jinping and wondering who he is and what change he is bringing.

On November 15, the day after the National Congress ended, the Politburo met to discuss the and analyze their meetings from the previous week. The meeting was presided over by Xi, who made a speech, calling for the Politburo to develop “socialism with Chinese characteristics,” as he seems to fond to call the reform he in eager to implement. In this meeting, the Politburo outlined their blueprint of how, under new circumstances, they would encourage prosperity, advance socialist modernization and “win new victory for socialism with Chinese characteristics” (Whatever that means).

Leading China for the Next Decade

By Taviana MacLeod
On Thursday, November 15  Xi Jinping walked out on stage first after the chinese elections, which suggeted that he had been chosen to lead the country along with seven other men that followed him. He will now be in power not ONLY of China's superpower economy, but of the entire country for the next decade - ten yeards - 10! Which in my opinion is an icredibly long time to run a country of 1,344,130,000 people, which is 1.3 billion people. He vowed to build a ''better life' and seeing as how the previous committee had 9 elite men who help make decisions instead of 7, the tension of decision making is expected to slightly ease. He also appears much more relaxed and at ease the people during his acceptance speech than previous leader Hu. He mentioned: "Under the new conditions, our party faces many severe challenges, and there are also many pressing problems within the party that need to be resolved," Xi said, highlighting corruption and "being divorced from the people".He hopes that exports and manifacting compagnies in the country that are very successful will continue to offer  jobs to the people of China.

China Knock-Offs to the Next Level

By Taviana MacLeod
Worldwide, China is known for it's fake this and fake thats when it comes to almost anything sold in the market. From Gucci purses in new York City's Chinatown to fake Nike, North Face, Gilette razors, DVD's and almost any other merchandise that you can think of is made by the Chinese and sold for cheap. Why? Because it's fake. According to ABC news "Chinese counterfeiting now costs foreign firms an estimated $20 billion a year in lost profits." which is staggeringly high. 

What's even more interesting is that it has recently been found that China is going to a new extreme by counterfeiting  ENTIRE COMPANIES such as Apple and IKEA stores. People who are employed aren't even aware themselves that they are working for a fraud. The stores look like the companies and sell what the original brands do; only fake versions.

Child protection laws in china need to be adjusted

By: Kassy Sangster

This picture was one of more than 700 pictures found on the online album that belonged to the kindergarten teacher Yan Yanhong. This twenty year old uncertified teacher also showed pictures where she had taped the mouths of her young students and in other states of misery.It is cases like this that have people both in and out of China calling for changes to the child protection laws of China. This crime can only be punished under a charge for picking fights and provoking trouble because it is only considered a child abuse if one of the attackers is a relative and could only be a crime of intentional harm if the child was hurt more badly. This women was fired and with her current charge she may face up to 7 years but considering the evidence there is against her cruelty this seems like a small punishment. Stopping crimes like this in the future are important, and the importance of having licensed teachers also comes into question.

Be kind, there is no crime!

By: Kassy Sangster

The citizens of China are not being kind about Japan in the last few months. Not long ago they were smashing up Japanese cars in protest over the Senkaku islands. This tense relationship has not yet changed as when 2,200 Chinese citizens went to Japan to go to the local fireworks festival, they were met with hostility from other Chinese citizens. China wishes to be able to trade with Japan and keep themselves on friendly terms even with this large disagreement between them so they are discouraging the people from acting out this way. The only ones that are actually committing a crime are those who do things like smash up cars out of protest, not the owners of the cars or the tourists who were greeted kindly by the Japanese but yelled at by their own people. It seems surprising that there needs to be such reminders and that the feuds of the country could so deeply affect the people of China!

Canada and China's Strange New Deal

~Cynthia Dawn Roy

 

A great new deal is being signed between Canada and China’s economies. It’s a deal that’s been in the works for 18 years and in February the negotiations were finally wrapped up. Hu Jintao and Steven Harper finally signed the deal September 8 in Vladivostok, Russia.

                For some reason, this pact is now getting criticized by Canadian journalists and investment experts in such a way that wasn’t seen months ago while negotiations were underway. What people are most concerned about is the lack of attention is business pact is getting. This deal has not been debated in the House of Commons and only an hour of committee time has been devoted to its steady. Lawrence Martin commented in the Globe and Mail “Our role is to accept it on faith – to take the government’s word for it.” That’s the sort of mindset Chinese citizens are expected to take … not Canadians.

An investment deal with China and Canada is important and actually necessary. China is rising in power every year and Canada needs to step up and take hold of China’s gains. Canada has raw materials and energy China needs so badly. This deal will give Canadian investors rights and protections they didn’t have before and Canadian firms in China will be treated with more respect.

This agreement may become just as significant as the NAFTA agreement was for Canada, except that NAFTA may be dropped within six-months’ notice. The China deal is locked in for at least 15 years. So why is nobody talking about it?

Canada is eager to create positive relationships with such a powerful state, but Harper’s eagerness is now being carefully watched by economic analysts, who think that Harper may be sacrificing too much to create this positive impression. Critics claim this deal is not reciprocal. This deal may leave Canada vulnerable to the “vagaries of the Chinese system,” as Michael Den Tandt puts it. Canadian investors in China are required to use local suppliers and labour, but Chinese investments in Canada don’t have the same requirements. Clauses like this make Canadian critics uncomfortable, especially since no one wants to talk about this pact.

Uncensored words, could it mean trouble?

By: Kassy Sangster

It is fascinating to see that the citizens of China have had the opportunity to follow the Bo Xilai case since he was outed from his post in the party. Not only that, but get a view of China's organ harvesting practice, as the words "Bo Xilai" and "Organ harvesting" became free for the public of China to search. Practicers of the Falun Gong religion have been imprisoned by the government and it has been said that they have suffered from live organ transplants against their will. This sort of knowledge being passed to the citizens of China has rightfully shocked them. As China is having to be aware of both their public image they present to the outside world, and the image they show to their own people perhaps this sort of forced openness on topics such as organ harvesting will be harmful.

Obama & Romney Trash Talkin' China

-By Taviana Macleod

An article published by Fox News on October 19th, 2012 (which is after the 2nd presidential debate) brings up how both presidential candidates now feel about American trades with China. Romney repeatedly states similar comments directing his point of view: “On day one, I’ll label China a currency manipulator and that will allow me to apply tariffs where they steal our intellectual property and kill jobs. As a result, the crowd cheers in agreement. Obama, along the same lines states : “We have brought more trade cases against China in one term than the previous administration did in two." They therefore, for this one of very few points, share the same view. Both think that within the next 4 years the US should become "tougher" on China.
There are two sides of the spectrum regarding the American people: those who are advantaged by chinese trade and those who are disadvantaged. In Washington alone, 40% of all jobs are partly tied to international trade. Therefore cutting trade would cause the loss of jobs of many Americans. On the other hand, tightening trade could cause even more factories and plants to close than have already been shut down. For example, in Washington,  they've lost 50,000 manufacturing factories and plants over the last decade. That’s about six million manufacturing jobs. So either way some American will be out of work. This is the result of China being such a leader in the game of international trade. 

A problem rising from this is that now chinese people are beginning to feel that the relationship between China and the United-States is becoming less cooperative (shown by the results of a survey given in China). Business leaders in the US are also worried for the simple reason that the majority of profit comes from imports and exports.  The motivation for both candidates now is getting votes, so it's time for the people to stand up and let the state know what they believe should happen.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/10/19/obama-romney-talk-tough-on-china/

Tightening the noose on internet crime

By: Kassy Sangster

China raises the eyebrows of the western world whenever their internet censorship is mentioned. So with that in mind, any success China has had in 'cracking down' on internet crime comes with a degree of scepticism.
There have been close to 9,000 people have been arrested on charges. How serious these convictions are is yet to be said but 3,500 sites have been shut down and 1.88 million messages have been deleted. Some of the charges they mentioned bring people on were for internet porn, fraud, hacking and selling illegal goods.
 One case they had a great deal of success on was in stopping a gang that was blackmailing businesses by threatening to put unwanted posts on the pages. China also has fired employees for doing the opposite, removing unwanted information off the interest for bribes. China has had a firm grip on the internet of the people but with so many arrests it leads one to wonder if the population is finding more ways to evade them. One must also wonder since the rules in China are so strict if perhaps some of these 'internet thugs' would be considered the same threat here as they are there. Perhaps this signals growing discontent, or perhaps just the iron grip of China getting tighter, its hard to tell.

The Fall of Bo Xilai

~By Cynthia Dawn Roy

As the China’s leadership is in the midst of transition, an old story is returning to the international scene. On September 28 it was announced that Bo Xilai would be prosecuted for misusing power, taking bribes, improper sexual relations and other offenses. Though no date has been announced for the trial, people are pleased that the Chinese government is taking this stand and moving forward with the case.

Last month, Bo Xilai, formerly an candidate for the extremely powerful 9-member Standing Committee of the Politburo, was expelled from the Communist Party.

Bo’s corruption and political misplay was revealed last February when Bo’s deputy, Wang Lijun, ran to the U.S. consulate in Chengdu and claimed that Mr. Bo’s wife had murdered a British businessman, Neil Heywood. In doing so, Wang had international attention drawn to a very sensitive political issue. Bo’s wife has been tried for this murder and given a suspended death sentence.

The long list of charges against Bo stretches back 15 years. Many Chinese citizens suspect that if international attention had not been drawn to this case through Wang’s accusations that Bo would have never have been accused, but may have succeeded was the leader to replace Hu Jintao, president of China. Instead, Xi Jinping will be stepping into this role.

Hero to zero

By: Kassy Sangster

In February, Wang Lijin a former respected police chief of Chongqing, was sentenced to 15 years of jail for defecting, abusing his power, taking bribes and 'bending the law for selfish means'.
 This light sentence likely surprised most chinese citizens. When the case was being deliberated on citizens actually got a chance to comment on his case, as not all versions on Wang's name were censored, and most believed that Wang Lijin would receive a lifetime in jail or the death sentence. While the commentors were cautious about being able to speak, there was an opportunity to see that the people were confused with what he was being sentenced with as well (link).
 Now that he has been convicted of his crimes (which he didn't attempt to defend himself against), it serves to wonder what advantage China got from not giving Wang Lijin more time or sentencing him to death. That answer lies in his reason for being charged in the first place, Wang Lijin taken from being a hero of China to a traitor when Wang Lijin defected to a US consulate
. He would not have defected without good reason, and that reason was that he had tried to help a powerful offical named Bo Xilai's wife Bogu Kailai cover up a murder. Bo Xilai was previously a member of the communist party of China before Wang Lijin confessed to everything that they had been doing. By offering to help identify other criminals, Wang Lijin reduced his sentence and this may encourage other crooked individuals to give up their bosses in the future.
 Now China is looking at Bo Xilai to be an example on how they are taking down corruption in their ranks (link). Will this make the communist party more solid? Only time can tell

2032: The Future We Want - UNDP video

- By Taviana MacLeod

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEOBJ1LK7kc

The United Nations Development Program recently released this video questioning various Chinese citizens, of many generations, about how they feel China should be like in 20 years from now. According to an article in Want China Times; "The randomly selected members of the public thus had the chance to share their vision for the future with more than 200 world leaders and thousands of delegates engaged in talks on sustainable development at the Rio+20 summit held in June in Brazil." Many requests were quite  reasonable; for instants, not to stretch natural resources to their limit, no war, no terrorism and happy families. On the other hand, some issues that were brought up (most likely without the knowledge of anyone in political power) were quite shocking to hear, for the simple reason that many of these would never be seen as issues in Canada. Education was an important one and as one  women puts it she wishes that "professional success will not be regarded as the main indicator of a person's success." Today, Chinese youth (15-24 years) have a 99% literacy rate and [Unicef, 2004-2008 data ] Chinese children typically start their formal education at age two. [ The New York Times “China’s Winning Schools?” Jan. 15, 2011 ] Many other surprising facts about the strongly intense education system can be spoken about, but how much is all this taking away from a genuinely happy life? If all that is to be done is study in order to get a job, to then work like a beast for the rest of your life... According to me, this is very important but should not be the absolute main priority of the people, nor of the government to in force this on the people.  

Another topic that was brought up was that of the physically or mentally handicapped, which is in fact is something to pay attention to in every country because it is important that all citizens be treated equally regardless. One man says he wishes "That all mute people as well as physically and mentally challenged people can have equal opportunities for education and work."One young girl says; "I hope we will not be restricted to routines like I am."  and another states that "People should dare to be adventurous; chase the girl you like, eat the food you want, make mistakes when you are young."  I believe that although citizens cannot say as they wish about the Chinese Communist Party in power, the way they seam to describe the China they want is simple. A simple and just state where citizens are aloud to just "take it easy".  More than three million people in China had taken part in the online conversation by the end of July to share their vision and make suggestions for a better world in the global The Future We Want campaign via social media. 

Who is this New Leader?

            ~ By Cynthia Dawn Roy

           

            The world is watching China as power is shifting from the hands of Hu Jintao and passing to Xi Jinping, China’s vice-president. This change of leadership in China only happens once every ten years, and China is very eager to prove to all its critics that it can make this change smoothly, though Xi’s Houdini act has already raised questions and reaffirmed doubts. Like most politics in China, this transition has been marked by secrecy and rumours.

            Questions continue to rise concerning Xi’s 15 day absence. On Wednesday September 19, Xi met with U.S. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta, his first meeting with a foreign official since returning to the public scene. Tung, vice-chairman of the Political Consultative Conference said officially that Xi hurt himself in sports, but he is now recovered and back to work. He also said that the health of a senior leader is not a public issue in China.

 

            Across China, Xi is known as the ‘Crown Prince,’ a nickname given to him because of his father’s involvement with the politics of China. Xi Jinping’s father was Xi Zhongxun, vice-premier under the leadership of Mao Zedong. After showing his support remembering a former comrade and party martyr, Xi was stripped of all leadership positions and sent to prison and rehabilitation.

(Right: Xi Zhongxun)

(Below: Xi Jinping is to the left, age 5. Beside him is his younger brother, Xi Yuanping and their father Xi Zhongxun)

            During this time, Xi Jinping was sent to work in the countryside, and when he ran away to Beijing he was captured and sent back. When he was finally able to return to Beijing he found favour with the Communist Party’s youth league. From 2002-2007, Xi was appointed the executive secretary of the Secretariat (a bureaucratic body that helps manage political work), the same position Hu Jintao once held.

            As leader of the Chinese Communist Party, Xi is expected to tackle income inequality in China and prepare for economic hardship. He’s also expected to build up a sense of security for the people. Chinese officials seem confident that Xi will be a capable leader. Xi will likely be holding this position for two five-year terms. Hu Jintao will still continue for another term with control over military as chairman of the military commission.

Dear China, Where is Xi?

~ By Cynthia Dawn Roy

One of the last pictures taken of Vice President Xi before he disappeared

Rumours are running amuck as the world is looking to China, a country that is striving to display firm political stability, and wondering what on earth has happened to Xi Jinping.

           

            Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping was last seen by the public eye on September 1, and during that time he has missed meetings with Singapore’s Prime Minister, the U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and an appointment that had been scheduled with the Danish Prime Minister. Foreign journalists had been invited to a photo appointment between Xi and the Prime Minister of Denmark, but on Monday, Chinese foreign ministry claimed that the meeting had never been scheduled and other officials met with the Danish leader.

            It is unlikely that all the government officials know as little as they claim to, but no one is talking. This is causing rumours across the country to rise up in swarms. Common speculation as to Xi’s disappearance blame it on a back injury Xi got while playing soccer or swimming. Some wonder if he may have had a mild heart-attack. The most dramatic rumour being spread included the Vice President being injured in a car accident staged by a military official in a revenge plot.

            This year represents a year of dramatic change in China’s politics, as leadership will be shifting from President Hu to Vice President Xi in a couple of months. NewYork Times reported that Xi was chosen internally as “the presumptive heir to Mr. Hu as the leader of the Communist Party, head of state and chairman of the top military oversight body” five years ago. Political analysts say the transition is still likely to happen… but as long as Xi stays missing, no one can guess what this year will hold for China.

New criminal law will seal records for China's youth

By: Kassy Sangster

Youth in China will soon be reaping benefits from a new criminal law which will be starting January 1st, 2013. This law, for better or for worse will hide the criminal record of minors who have had sentences that have been less than 5 years long. 

This will allow individuals who previously struggled to get a job or go in the military or get into university to apply without having to reveal their criminal past, which the current law enforces. While employers can still find the record by going to the police and applying to see them, it will certainly add an extra danger to hiring. Some have complained that it will be a security risk, as knowing ahead of time that someone has stolen before can be crucial in catching them again faster.

 However for those out there that want to leave the past in the past and continue on with their lives as honest citizens, the black mark of a juvenile record is something they will be very glad to part with.

Clinton’s visit: Positive… yet no one’s budging

~ By Cynthia Dawn Roy

Clinton and President Hu

Hillary Clinton’s visit with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang and President Hu on Wednesday seems to have been a peaceful and encouraging one, though what was actually accomplished is still to be seen. Both Clinton and Yang had very positive things to say about their visit. Hu explained that China is eager to maintain and strengthen communications and coordination with the United States and Clinton echoed that she was proud of the strength and resilience of the relationship.

At the same time, nothing was actually accomplished through Hillary’s visit. There were two major issues that were discussed; the conflict in Syria and the quarrels Asia continues to have about several small islands. Besides the problems China has been having with Japan defending the Diaoyu islands, there are also several other islands China has claimed that is causing tension in Vietnam, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. The U.S. has claimed to take no sides on the matter, but it is clear that if the conflict implodes, the United States will defend their allies. Washington’s offer to aid in multilateral negotiations was harshly refused by China, who told the U.S. to mind their own business.

Several newspapers have accused the U.S. of using the conflict in the South-eastern seas for their own advantage, but Clinton insisted that Washington only wanted the disputes to be handled in a diplomatic manner. Neither Clinton nor Hu was willing to waive in the South China Sea debate.

Will crime strain relations between Africa and China or bring them closer?

By: Kassy Sangster

37 Suspected  Chinese criminals took the walk of shame back to Bejing from Angola in late August.

The gangs were taken down by both the Angolan and Chinese police on charges of kidnapping, thievery, extortion and more. Four of the victims, Chinese women who were forced into prostitution, also came back to China. The men had lured these women to Angola with offers of high paying jobs and then stole their passports so they couldn't return.  While there is a sense of relief at these men being locked away and these women being able to go free, its understandable that China is worried about the effects on their national image. It is not very often that a country has to answer a cry to take their citizens out of another country. A cry which they heard from their very own Chinese Embassy. China's joint task force with the Angolan police has had success, they have closed 48 cases together, they obviously are bringing these 37 suspects to court and they have rescued 14 victims from forced prostitution. However there have been multiple kidnappings that have scared the Chinese citizens in Angola and 5 deaths that have business owners leaving. Some of the men go as far as to hire bodyguard protection. Seeing as China and Africa are building a strong relationship together, this fear and crime that is coming from the interaction could very well effect the business of China.

Frenemies Prepare to Defend Diaoyu Islands

~By Cynthia Dawn Roy

            Recent disputes about a small string of islands between China and Japan has been labelled “one of the biggest rifts in years between East Asia’s two most powerful countries.” Though they’ve been economic partners for years, both Japan and China claim to have owned these resource-rich island-waters for centuries, and they are prepared to fight for it.

            This quarrel was awakened a month ago when Chinese citizens sailed to the islands from Hong Kong and were deported by Japanese coast guards back to China. Since then, the conflict has been rousing the Chinese people to take action, stand up for their country and display their national pride. There have been riots in 25 Chinese cities, burning Japanese flags and smashing Japanese cars.

            Meanwhile, as citizens are flaunting their anti-foreign displays, Beijing has also made their stance on the Diaoyu Island debate clear. The Chinese military is well prepared to defend their rights to the islands. Sr. Colonel Geng Yansheng, spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, says, “The Diaoyu islands and their affiliated islands have been Chinese territory. China’s military has the determination and the capability to safeguard its national sovereignty and national integrity. The army has the confidence to carry out its duty.”

            The Japanese maritime enforcement powers are also being strengthened to defend their rights to these islands’ resources. 

Build bridges where you can - but draw lines where you must

 ~ By Taviana MacLeod

Since July 2011, six major bridges have collapsed in China according to Chinese Xinhua news agency. The most recent event occurred on August 24^th  when the Yangmingtan Bridge in Harbin City (15.42 km long and eight lanes wide) killed three people and injured five. What’s really surprising about this is the fact that this multi-million dollar bridge was built only nine months ago – the same amount of time that the 1,344,130,000 people of China spent being carried around in their mother’s tummies. It was said, according to BBC news, that Shoddy construction and over-loading have been blamed for the incident and that other bridges and roads will now be checked around the country. The New York Times states that “many in China have attributed the recent spate of bridge collapses to corruption…”… meaning that these problems may be due to political dishonesty of the state. Only a week prior to this, on August 15^th, a road in China's northeastern city of Harbin collapsed, creating a 10 meter deep hole that killed two people. Another example of this is the Wuyishan Gongguan Bridge that opened in 1999 which collapsed under a tour bus carrying 23 people on July 15, 2011 in the city of Wuyishan. Could it all be about the politics?... Considering that the Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years ago and is still standing, you’d think that the Chinese could build a bridge that can stay up!

Built over 2,000 years ago

OR

Built 9 months ago

A video reporting the bridge collapse can be seen here: http://fox2now.com/2012/08/24/bridge-collapses-in-china-after-being-open-less-than-a-year/