CHICAGO, March 17 (Xinhua) -- A stronger RMB would not be a tonic for the U.S. economy or manufacturing and it would be a huge mistake to raise tariffs on imports from China to force a change in the yuan, says a U.S. trade expert on Tuesday.Daniel Griswold is director of the Center for Trade Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, a non-profit public policy research foundation headquartered in Washington, D.C. He is also the author of a new book, Mad about Trade: Why Main Street America Should Embrace Globalization.The trade expert told Xinhua during an exclusive interview, " China has been moving in the right direction since 2005 by allowing the currency to appreciate. Threats from the U.S. government actually make it more difficult for the Chinese government to resume appreciation because it would look as though Beijing was giving in to foreign pressure."Griswold pointed out that a stronger yuan would not be a tonic for the U.S. economy or manufacturing. "China would remain competitive in a broad range of manufactured products even if the yuan were 25 percent higher. The dollar depreciated sharply against the currencies of Canada and the Eruozone after 2002, yet our bilateral deficit with both those regions continued to grow," he added.New York Times' Nobel laureate economist, Paul Krugman, recommended in his latest column that the U.S. impose a 25 percent tariff on Chinese imports unless China appreciates its currency Renminbi. Griswold considers it a huge mistake to raise tariffs on imports from China to force a change in the yuan.Regarding President Barack Obama's new export push to double the U.S. export in the next five years, Griswold believes this goal will raise false expectations.He noted: "The goal will be difficult to realize. It hasn't been done since the 1970s, and that was driven in large part by inflation. It also depends on robust growth abroad, which is beyond the control of even this president. Faster export growth would be good for the U.S. economy, but it will not put much of a dent in high unemployment."When asked what the U.S. government should do to increase its export, the trade expert advised, "the single best policy to promote exports would be for the U.S. government to set a good example by resisting protectionism in our own market."He further explained, "U.S. companies are currently facing sanctions from Mexico, Brazil and other countries because we have failed to live up to our commitments in the WTO and the North American Free Trade Agreement. We are losing export opportunities abroad because Congress has failed to enact trade agreements with South Korea and Colombia, and the administration has failed to exercise leadership in WTO negotiations."In January the U.S. government data showed that the gap between what Americans sell abroad and what they import narrowed unexpectedly. While the usual crowd hailed it as an "improvement," Griswold believes that the numbers point to the slow growth of demand at home and abroad.He said: "We shouldn't read too much into the monthly trade numbers. The smaller-than-expected trade deficit in January could be a warning sign that the economic recovery remains sluggish. Exports were down, and imports down even further."When commenting on the U.S.-China trade relations, Griswold said, "U.S.-China relations remain fundamentally sound. Our commercial relationship is mutually beneficial and among the most important in the world."He further remarked, "American families benefit from affordable consumer products from China, while U.S. companies benefit from exports to China. And all Americans benefit from lower interest rates from Chinese investment in U.S. Treasury bonds." He noted that "the confrontational attitude of the Obama administration is driven almost entirely by domestic politics."Griswold's new book, Mad about Trade: Why Main Street America Should Embrace Globalization, is a spirited defense of free trade which tells the underreported story of how a more global U.S. economy has created better jobs and higher living standards for American workers.Since joining Cato in 1997, Mr. Griswold has authored major studies on globalization, trade, and immigration. He's written articles for major newspapers, appeared on CNBC, C-SPAN, CNN, PBS, and Fox News, and testified before House and Senate committees.
OTTAWA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- China and Canada have officially kicked off a series of celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.As one of the opening events, the China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra (CBCO) staged a 2010 Spring Festival Gala Concert on Monday night at Southam Hall of the National Arts Center in Ottawa.The grand show, which featured over 30 different kinds of traditional Chinese musical instruments, attracted an audience of around 2,000, among whom were senior Canadian officials and Chinese Ambassador to Canada Lan Lijun.Chinese Ambassador to Canada Lan Lijun (C) and President of the Treasury Board of Canada and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway Stockwell Day (R) cut the ribbon for an exhibition marking the 40th anniversary of the Sino-Canadian relation ties in Ottawa, capital of Canada, March 9, 2010Addressing a reception before the show, Ambassador Lan said that the China-Canada diplomatic ties, which were forged on Oct. 13, 1970, have moved forward thanks to the personal commitment of leaders of several generations and concerted efforts of people from various sectors in both countries. "Our exchanges and cooperation in all fields have been growing steadily and exchanges at the top and other levels have increased, " Lan noted.He said that China stands ready to work with Canada, with a strategic and long-term perspective, to seize the opportunity brought by the 40th anniversary to review the past and plan for the future, and jointly forge an even better future.On the same occasion, Canadian Speaker of the Senate Noel Kinsella said it is encouraging to see the two countries continuing to work together in a constructive and cooperative manner."The fact that we were able to put aside our differences at the height of the Cold War and work together for a better future makes me believe that our partnership can withstand the most difficult challenges that might come our way," he said.The Speaker also praised the hard-working Chinese immigrants who endured difficult conditions long before the two countries established diplomatic ties, as they helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway, which played a critical role in history.On the eve of the concert, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper also sent a greeting message, saying that the wonderful evening of beautiful music was a great opportunity to share Chinese culture with Canadians as more than a billion people around the world welcomed the Year of the Tiger."It is a time of great expectations and an occasion to recognize the significant contributions of Chinese Canadians," Harper added.Established in 1957, the CBCO has performed at Konzerthaus Berlin, Lincoln Center, John F. Kennedy Center and Moscow Tchaikovsky Concert Hall over the past five decades. Its world- class Chinese New Year Concert has also become a classic event at the Golden Hall of Vienna since 2003. This is the Orchestra's first visit to Canada.
BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- China has decided to draft new guidelines for poverty reduction through development for the next ten years, according to a statement of an executive meeting of the State Council held Wednesday.The meeting was chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao.Participants of the meeting heard a report on the implementation of China's Rural Poverty Alleviation and Development Program (2001-2010).The statement said that Chinese government has made great efforts to lift the rural poor out of poverty by development in the past decade and has met the United Nations Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to halve the the proportion of people living on less than one U.S.dollar a day "ahead of schedule".Other strides achieved by China are: noticeable improvement in the economic strength and infrastructure in impoverished regions, ecological degradation being brought under control, according to the statement.The country is also said to have made good progress in construction of a social security network, which has been extended to cover the nation's rural areas with the establishment of a minimum living standard system, the new rural cooperative medical system and the pilot old-age insurance system.The statement said China had been charged with an uphill task in poverty alleviation due to factors such as a large impoverished population, frequent threats of natural disasters, deep-rooted conflicts restraining the development of the poor areas.The poverty reduction departments were told to intensify the relief work by integrating the development of urban and rural areas, and uphold the policy of supporting the poor through economic development.The statement also called for great efforts in the forthcoming decade to ensure the rural per capita net income enjoying a higher growth than the national average.Efforts should also be made to gradually improve the health, the living standard, and capabilities of steady progress for the poor, said the statement.
BEIJING, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Saturday sent a message of condolence to his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet over the casualties and property losses caused by the powerful earthquake that struck Chile earlier in the day.Hu, on behalf of the Chinese government as well as in his own name, extended sincere condolences to Bachelet, the Chilean people and government as well as deep sympathies to the earthquake victims.Hu said China was ready to offer emergency relief assistant to Chile to help those affected by the earthquake through their difficulties.Hu said he was confident that under the leadership of the government, Chile would be able to overcome the catastrophe and reconstruct its homeland.A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake rocked southern Chile early Saturday, killing at least 122 people, and Bachelet has declared a "state of catastrophe" in the country.
BEIJING, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- China promulgated a regulation Monday requiring meteorological authorities to conduct research on meteorological disasters, in an effort to reduce the damage from natural disasters like sand storms, blizzards, droughts, typhoons and icy weather.The Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, the Cabinet, said Tuesday in a statement the regulation is designed to better protect people's lives and properties.The regulation, which takes effect April 1, requires meteorological authorities above the county level to conduct research on the frequency, intensity, and impact of meteorological disasters, and to set up a database to better evaluate risks.Schools are asked to teach students how to protect themselves and rescue others during natural disasters under the guidance of educational or meteorological authorities.The regulation also specifies the media's role in the event of meteorological disasters.Media organizations are responsible for the release of disaster warnings and alerts given by the local meteorological centers, the regulation says.Media organizations that fail in their responsibilities, release false information, or release alerts without authorization face fines of up to 50,000 yuan (about 7,322 U.S. dollars), according to the regulation.Media groups must cover the occurrence and development of disasters and emergency situations "timely and correctly", it reads.China is one of the countries most susceptible to natural disasters and 70 percent of disasters occurring in China are meteorological ones, according to the statement.
BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) -- China's top quality watchdog said Sunday it has received complaints from consumers against HP laptops for quality problems.The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine pays close attention to the complaints and has started investigations, said a brief statement posted on the administration's website.The complaints included problems of overheated graphic chips and display screen problems.
移动端关键词排名优化
WASHINGTON, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The efforts by U.S. legislators to pressure China to reform its currency is to make China a scapegoat of the U.S. domestic politics, and may actually hurt the U.S. economy, according to articles published by U.S. well known media in recent two days.The Wall Street Journal said Thursday that U.S. lawmakers "want to make the yuan a scapegoat and risk a trade war with China," referring to the U.S. Senators' bill proposed Tuesday to call for China to appreciate its currency yuan.Under the pressure of the election year and high unemployment, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer and four other senators unveiled a legislation to threaten China for punitive duties on goods from China if it does not let yuan appreciate against the U.S. dollar.The China-made clothes are sold at a Marshalls store in New York, the United States, March 18, 2010. The Americans may find that the appreciation of China's RMB will increase their living cost, as many goods they have been consuming are made in China"China is right to resist these calls, not least because a large revaluation could damage China's growth," the Wall Street Journal said in its Review and Outlook column. "China has helped to lead the global economy out of this recession, and the world needs that to continue."
BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao urged scientific development of the Binhai New Area, an economic powerhouse in north China, when joining a panel discussion with lawmakers from Tianjin Municipality.It is urgent to accelerate the transformation of the economic development pattern and promote growth led by innovation and driven by internal impetus, Hu told the deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's supreme legislature.Lying between Beijing and the Bohai Gulf, the Binhai New Area, with a population of 1.4 million, is an economic engine that drives the development of the country's north. Chinese President Hu Jintao talks with deputies to the Third Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) from Tianjin Municipality, in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2010.The new area should play a leading role in the country to implement the scientific outlook on development and focus on improving people's livelihood and solving problems that the public care the most, Hu said.The city should seek coordinated social and economic development, and continuously strengthen its capabilities in urban planning, construction and management to build Tianjin into an international and modern city where people enjoy living.Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, joined a panel deliberation on the draft amendment to the Electoral Law with lawmakers from the southwestern Yunnan Province.He said the electoral system is an important basis of the people's congress system and an important content of the socialist path of political development with Chinese characteristics."We must bring into better play the advantages of the electoral system with Chinese characteristics," Wu told the deputies.While joining a panel deliberation with NPC deputies from the eastern Shandong Province, Premier Wen Jiabao called for balanced development between urban and rural areas.The province should make efforts to expand export of its farm produce and help manufacturing businesses go through difficult times and upgrade their production capability, Wen said.Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), joined a panel discussion of political advisors from science and technology circles.Jia said science and technology workers should make efforts to advance innovation and contribute to the country's transformation of economic growth pattern.Speaking to NPC deputies from Fujian Province, Li Changchun, a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, called for vigorous publicity efforts on the transformation of the economic development pattern.Vice Premier Li Keqiang told NPC deputies from Hainan Province to continue the efforts in developing the island into an international tourism destination.He said the province should develop tropical agriculture and marine economy, and strengthen energy conservation and environment protection.Zhou Yongkang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, joined the deliberation of the government work report with deputies from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.He said the region must "seize the historic opportunity, as the central authorities' conference on the work of Xinjiang approaches, ...to build a prosperous, harmonious and stable society in Xinjiang."The annual full sessions of the CPPCC National Committee and NPC opened in Beijing last Wednesday and Friday.
BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The quality of China's agricultural produce including vegetables, domestic animals and aquatics was improved in 2009, the Ministry of Agriculture said Monday.The ministry released an annual report based on monitoring results of agricultural products, saying 96.4 percent of vegetables had met safety standards in 2009, up 0.1 percentage points year on year.The rate was 99.5 percent for domestic animals, up 0.8 percentage points, and 97.2 percent for aquatic products, up 1.5 percentage points.The monitoring of fruits, mushrooms and tea, for the first time in 2009, found 98 percent, 95.2 percent, and 94.8 percent of products in the three categories met standards.In 2009, the inspections became more detailed, covered more categories, and were carried out in 259 large and medium-sized cities, compared with only 36 major cities previously, the ministry said.The ministry said it would step up the control over the use of prohibited pesticides and veterinary drugs in 2010 in order to further improve the quality and safety of agricultural produce.
HONG KONG, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The relationship between the United States and China has been growing despite potential friction over trade and other issues, said Clark T. Randt Jr., former U.S. ambassador to China, at a lecture in Hong Kong on Friday.Randt said the potential trade friction, which should not be surprising given the dire economic situation and the upcoming mid- term elections in the United States, was more likely to come from the Congress rather than the administration.Randt, who had been U.S. ambassador to China from July 2001 to January 2009, said it was not surprising that the two countries should have disagreements given the differences in history, culture and the values."But the important thing is to keep in mind ... the awareness on both sides of the very important strategic interests we share," he added.The leaders in both Washington and Beijing understand that the two countries share strategic interests on many topics, Randt said, adding that he was "sure that the United States policy towards China has not changed.""More and more Americans are trying to know China, though the Chinese people still know the United States better than the Americans know China. There are currently 11,000 to 12,000 Americans studying in Beijing," he said.