From the Interpreter’s Booth

A Sinica Podcast

By Kaiser Kuo & Jeremy Goldkorn on January 12, 2015

This week on Sinica, Kaiser and Jeremy are joined by Lynette Shi and William White, two globe-trotting adventurers who've found unconventional careers navigating the shoals of the professional interpretation circuit in China. So whether you’re considering a career in interpretation and want the inside story on how to do it, or are just curious what two of the working greats consider the most unexpected and hilarious moments of their careers, join us for this show.

In China, Projects to Make Great Wall Feel Small

By David Barboza on January 12, 2015

The plan here seems far-fetched—a $36 billion tunnel that would run twice the length of the one under the English Channel, and bore deep into one of Asia’s active earthquake zones. When completed, it would be the world’s longest underwater tunnel, creating a rail link between two northern port cities.

Economy, Politics, Society, Urban Life
Construction, Infrastructure, Urban Planning

Compilation of Xi Jinping’s Anti-Graft Remarks Published

By Xinhua on January 11, 2015

A circular issued jointly by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and the CPC's discipline agency asked Party officials to take the essence of the remarks to heart and behave in line with the decisions so as to ensure an effective counter-corruption drive.

Law, Politics, Religion
Xi Jinping, Anti-Corruption, Government Officials

From ‘Made in China’ to ‘Made in Africa’

A China in Africa Podcast

By Eric Olander & Cobus van Staden on January 9, 2015

A growing number of Chinese companies are looking to outsource production overseas in a bid to lower costs and meet Beijing’s increasingly stringent environmental laws. Ethiopia and South Africa are among the beneficiaries of this new trend as Chinese apparel, textile, and even steel companies move their production offshore. However, the outsourcing of Chinese manufacturing to Africa presents both opportunities and challenges.

China’s Polluters Hit with Biggest-Ever Fines

on January 9, 2015

Two days before a new environmental law came into effect, six polluting companies in Jiangsu were ordered by the province’s highest court to pay 160 million yuan ($26 million) in restoration costs for illegally dumping almost 25,000 tons of chemical waste into two rivers in 2012.

This is the biggest ever award in a public interest environmental lawsuit in China, with the media describing the amount involved as "astronomical," although the fines are small when compared with Japan, the E.U., and the U.S.

Drawing the News: Wo Shi Chali (Je Suis Charlie)

By Anne Henochowicz on January 9, 2015

Chinese cartoonists and netizens have responded quickly to the slaying of cartoonists and editors at the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo yesterday. Masked gunmen entered the offices of the journal and fired automatic weapons at staff in an editorial meeting, killing at least 12 people, including editor-in-chief Stéphane Charbonnier (pen name Charb) and cartoonists Bernard Verlhac (Tignous), Georges Wolinski, and Jean Cabut (Cabu).

Arts, Media, Politics, Society
Charlie Hebdo, Social Media, Arts, Politics

Sri Lankan Poll Upset a Blow to China’s Indian Ocean Plans

By Natalie Obiko Pearson on January 9, 2015

Mahinda Rajapaksa, who tightened ties with China during his decade-long rule, conceded defeat today in Sri Lanka’s closely-fought presidential election. His successor Maithripala Sirisena used his campaign to criticize the island nation’s increasing economic dependence on China.

Economy, History, Law, Politics
Sri Lanka, International Relations, Investment, Elections