1.
[China Dialogue] What the smog can't conceal
(English)
http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/show/single/en/4734-What-the-smog-can-t-conceal-
(Chinese)
http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/show/single/ch/4734-What-the-smog-can-t-conceal-
Since
the autumn, a series of polluted "hazes" in cities across China -
and discussion of that now ubiquitous term for fine particulate
matter, PM2.5 - have attracted widespread public attention. So too
has the official response: while urban air pollution fast became a
focus of public anger, the Ministry of Environmental Protection
(MEP), which is responsible for monitoring air quality, took the
opportunity to show its sluggish and bureaucratic side.
2.
[Blog | New Yorker] The Chinese View of
SOPA
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/evanosnos/2012/01/the-chinese-view-of-sopa.html
In
China, the reaction to American protests has ranged from sympathy to
gentle Schadenfreude. A commentator known as Dr. Zhang wrote on
Weibo, the Twitter-like micro-blogging site: "I've come up with a
perfect solution: You can come to China to download all your pirated
media, and we'll go to America to discuss politically sensitive
subjects."
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22896
Burma's President Thein Sein gave his first interview to a member of the foreign media this week (see the interview on Washington Post). Thein Sein proved to be a skillful politician, diplomat and negotiator, as he repeatedly pressed the main talking points he wanted to communicate to his international audience and deftly sidestepped issues that are problematic for his government.
4. [MSMGF] Flying the flag for ladyboys: Thai airline takes on transgender flight attendants
http://www.msmgf.org/index.cfm/id/11/aid/5752
Sringern - or Mew, as she likes to be called - is one of four "ladyboys" working for PC Air, the first Thai airline to employ transgender people. Finding work beyond the entertainment and cosmetic sectors is difficult for Thailand's "third sex", who are said to be more numerous here than anywhere else in the world - so this job, says Mew, is "a dream come true".
5. [The Global Times] Feng shui carried too far
http://www.globaltimes.cn/NEWS/tabid/99/ID/692932/categoryId/42/Feng-shui-carried-too-far.aspx
Officials spend taxpayers' money on an ancient belief system, hoping to advance their careers or change their luck.
6. [The Global Times] Are Uyghurs underrepresented in Xinjiang's government?
http://www.globaltimes.cn/NEWS/tabid/99/ID/692221/Are-Uyghurs-underrepresented-in-Xinjiangs-government-leadership.aspx
Ethnic minorities' share of high-ranking government jobs in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has been a controversial issue, as most of the top posts in local Party committees are often held by Han, China's largest ethnic majority, while minorities usually hold the top administrative jobs. What are the reasons behind this political setup? What can we do to optimize the power distribution system?
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