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The use of inherent defect insurance (IDI) can transfer housing quality risks to insurance companies, alleviate conflicts of interest between consumers and developers and protect consumer welfare. However, the level of IDI penetration is still low in China. Developers, as buyers of IDI, and consumers, as buyers of insured houses, can influence market trends. An analysis is needed with respect to government subsidy mechanisms for developers and consumers to theoretically derive the optimal subsidy end time, amount and order to boost their investment. Therefore, an evolutionary game model is established between developers and consumers to analyse the strategy selection of stakeholders and system equilibrium stability. Then, the game trajectory of IDI market participants is simulated by MATLAB to analyse the effects of government subsidies on the evolution process and results. The results show that the government can set the subsidy end time based on the proportion of developers purchasing IDI and of consumers purchasing insured houses. The government should first subsidize developers to boost the market share of insured houses, thereby avoiding a situation in which insured houses are in short supply. Until developers' purchase probability increases, the government should subsidize consumers to increase their probability of purchasing insured houses. The government can also determine the subsidy amount based on the cost and income of developers purchasing IDI and consumers purchasing insured houses. This research can help the government rationalize and optimize its subsidy policies to encourage developers to purchase IDI and consumers to purchase insured houses and speed up IDI penetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a distributed ledger technology (DLT) application, cryptocurrency has impacted the current financial legal relationship, and its regulation is becoming increasingly important. Some international organizations and countries have ratified laws and regulations concerning cryptocurrency. However, the supervision and regulation of cryptocurrency in China are still encountered some problems, such as consumer protection, the opposition between the global asset flow and the supervision of a single sovereign state, and the difficulty in determining the subject of legal responsibility. To seek solutions to these problems in China, the primary task is to define the legal attribute of cryptocurrency, to balance blockchain innovation and financial risk. At the same time, the regulatory sandbox can be used to regulate blockchain-based cryptocurrency. Among others, the core regulatory measures are establishing the technical standard access system, financing audit registration system, and investor suitability management system of blockchain financial enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safety and risk of fosthiazate as nematicide in cucumber field were evaluated in this study. An analytical method for determining the residues of fosthiazate in cucumber was developed. Mean recoveries and relative standard deviations in all samples ranged 85.3 ~ 95.0% and 5.7 ~ 13.3%. The half-lives of fosthiazate in cucumber root, leaf and fruit were 4.71 ~ 5.50 days, 3.52 ~ 4.78 days and 3.32 ~ 3.96 days. The residues in cucumber fruits were below the maximum residue limit (MRL) in China, based on the application dose of 900 g a.i./ha and the pre-harvest interval of 14 days. The transfer rates of fosthiazate from cucumber root to leaf were 17.48 ~ 46.03%, which were significantly higher than those of root to fruit (8.81 ~ 26.52%). These results indicated that fosthiazate was mainly distributed in cucumber root, and it was difficult to be absorbed by the fruit compared to the leaf. The long-term dietary intake risk assessment results showed that the risk quotient (RQ) ranged 20.04 ~ 36.25% and were less than 100%, which indicated that fosthiazate has a low risk for long-term dietary intake of cucumbers. Overall, our results would be considered as important references for safe and reasonable use of fosthiazate, monitoring and assessing the food safety, and protecting consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Loot boxes are quasi-gambling virtual products in video games that provide randomised rewards of varying value. Previous studies in Western contexts have identified a positive correlation between loot box purchasing and problem gambling severity. A preregistered survey of People's Republic of China (PRC) video game players (N = 879) failed to replicate this correlation. We observed statistically significant but weak positive correlations between loot box expenditure and past-year gambling participation, and between loot box expenditure and impulsiveness. This study cannot prove that loot boxes are not disproportionately purchased by people with problem gambling symptomatology in the PRC or that PRC players are not potentially at risk of loot box-related harms. Instead, the evidence suggests that the relationship between loot boxes and gambling might be weaker in the PRC than in Western countries. We identified multiple unique factors about the PRC that might be affecting this relationship. For example, the lotteries are the only legally permitted form of gambling. More gamified electronic gambling products are unavailable. The limited availability of gambling meant that a low level of gambling participation (n = 87) was observed, which is a limitation of this study. Additionally, the PRC is presently the only country to legally require loot box probability disclosures as a consumer protection measure. Most loot box purchasers (84.6%) reported seeing loot box probability disclosures, but only 19.3% of this group reported consequently spending less money. Most loot box purchasers (86.9%) thought that pity-timers, which increase the winning probabilities of obtaining rarer rewards, are appropriate for implementation. Future loot box research should give greater consideration to differing cultural contexts and novel consumer protection measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-video-based social media platforms (short-video-based [SVB] platforms) are becoming a common tool for an increasing number of consumers to safeguard their legitimate interests in China. This article examines how Chinese consumers practice video activism by using short videos on Weibo to construct a consumer sphere for themselves to protect their legal demands. By interviewing 56 interviewees including consumers, media practitioners, public relations department (PR) officials, and relevant government officials in China, we find that short videos are more than a visible vehicle on SVB platforms which makes the voices of consumers being heard, but significantly, these platforms create a "consumer sphere" for the consumers who experienced right infringement to defend their rights. The discussion and sharing of these videos unite the consumers to bring the individual issue to the spotlight of the public. We conclude that as more consumers join the queue to share their encounters, a sphere is constructed by the use of mediated tactics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discuses China's Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) and its potential application to companies in Utah. The PIPL covers the gathering, processing, publishing, and transfer of personal data of Chinese residents. The law is applicable to Utah-based companies operating in China as it has extraterritoriality provisions. Other topics include customer consent, notices, and transfer and cross-border transfer transactions.

The increasing use of digital currencies has drawn attention to the need for strict rules to protect consumers and prevent illegal activities. The article will give an overview of existing rules and regulations in terms of certain global perspectives (China, US, EU, etc.) relevant to digital currencies, in addition to setting appropriate models to deal with the difficulties and opportunities presented by this new technology. The report analyzes the regulation environment for digital currencies, weighing the benefits and inconveniences of the current legislation and highlighting the fields that require reform. The paper provides a framework for effective regulation of virtual currencies that incorporates innovation and risk management, protects the interests of all stakeholders and relies on the best global practices. Moreover, it will be carried out a detailed analysis of the differences between Centralized Digital Currency (CBDC) and Decentralized Digital Currency (Cryptocurrencies). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data on 4784 completed mergers and acquisitions in China announced between 2002 and 2016, we find that the adoption of the Chinese Anti-Monopoly Law substantially reduces the shareholder returns for horizontal acquisitions. Based on our findings on reduced post-merger sales and returns, we argue that a loss of market power drives this negative relationship. We also find that the acquiring firms' cost efficiency does not significantly change as a result of the combination, suggesting that the decline in shareholders' wealth after horizontal mergers is not because of reduced cost efficiency. Furthermore, we conduct a series of robustness checks to examine how adopting antitrust law decreases the wealth of producing firms' shareholders. Overall, our results indicate that the government must implement stricter guidelines for antitrust policies to protect consumer welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Who does the law treat as a "consumer" and why does it matter? How should China's notion of a "consumer" best be articulated within the law and applied in practice? This article will attempt to answer these intriguing questions by first focusing on the approach taken to define a "consumer" in China's Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights and Interests before examining the legal notion of a "consumer" in comparative perspective, in order to further understand the competing rationales behind the consumer protection law. This article will explore this Chinese definition of a "consumer" to propose how China's vague and unworkable statutory definition of a 'consumer' should be amended in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, mobile payment services, based on a rapid development of financial technology, have been playing an essential role in Chinese residents' daily life, creating a cashless society. Unlike many advanced countries having a clear legal definition of financial consumers and incorporating consumers of mobile payment services into financial consumers, China, as one of the largest markets for mobile payment services, has not had a clear legal definition of financial consumers with no clarity regarding whether consumers of mobile payment services belong to financial consumers. This article not only provides a legal analysis of consumers of mobile payment services in China, but also outrightly explores the prospective reform of financial consumer protection with reference to other countries' successful experience and standards. By the analysis, this article attempts to find out solution for the Chinese financial consumer protection scheme and argues that the Chinese financial consumer protection scheme has to be well designed to maintain a balance between consumers and mobile payment giants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV)-resistant genetically modified (GM) papaya 'Huanong No.1' has been certified as safe for consumption and widely planted in China for about 18 years. To protect consumers' rights and facilitate government supervision and monitoring, it is necessary to establish a simple, rapid, and specific detection method for 'Huanong No.1'. Herein, we developed a platform based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) coupled with CRISPR-Cas12a for the detection of 'Huanong No.1'. The RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a platform was found to have high specificity, with amplification signals only present in 'Huanong No.1'. Additionally, the platform was highly sensitive, with a limit of detection (LOD) of approximately 20 copies. The detection process was fast and could be completed in less than 1 h. This novel platform enables the rapid on-site visualization detection of 'Huanong No.1', eliminating dependence on laboratory conditions and specialized instruments, and can serve as a technical reference for the rapid detection of other GM plants. • The RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a platform was first developed for the detection of genetically modified papaya 'Huanong No.1'. • This novel platform enabled the on-site visualization detection of 'Huanong No.1', eliminating dependence on laboratory conditions and specialized instruments. • The detection process was faster than other detection methods and could be completed in less than 1 h. • The developed RPA-CRISPR-Cas12a platform showed highly specificity and sensitivity for 'Huanong No.1' detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China imposed strict restrictions on young people’s participation in videogaming from September 2021. Colder Carras et al.’s commentary (2021) referred to this policy as ‘draconian,’ i.e., ‘excessively harsh and severe.’ However, any opinion on whether this policy is ‘draconian’ is a value judgment, and any judgment on its ‘effectiveness’ ought to be reserved until proven or disproven by empirical evidence. Indeed, the Chinese policy is neither potentially ineffective nor draconian, and is already providing at least one identifiable benefit: enhancing consumer protection by effectively reducing underage players’ monetary spending on videogames, including on randomised, gambling-like mechanics known as ‘loot boxes.’ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Rice is the staple food of most people in China. The fragrance of rice varies from region to region, and high‐quality rice always has a pleasant aroma. To protect consumers from misleading information and fraud, and to serve the interests of high‐quality rice producers, and to develop a rice regional protection system in China, the phenotype of rice grown in different Chinese regions needs to be known. Thus the flavor phenotype of the rice cultivated in China is studied. RESULTS: The volatile organic compounds of rice samples in China have good classification potential and the 37 rice products investigated herein may be divided into three main categories: north‐eastern rice, central and southern rice, and Shanghai rice. Orthogonal projection to latent structure‐discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) model exhibited a good discrimination for rice samples in China. Based on selected distinctive biomarker compounds, data‐driven soft independent modeling of class analogy was successfully applied to identifying the origin of samples. Moreover, the differential volatile compounds identified in this study endow the rice samples with distinctive flavor characteristics. CONCLUSION: The results of this study are valuable in understanding the difference of flavor characteristics of rice grown in different regions of China, and in the identification of geographical origins to develop China's geographic protection product industry. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Machinery is the property of Food & Machinery Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The suitability of complex financial products for household investors is an important issue in light of consumer financial protection. The U.S. Dodd–Frank Act, for instance, mandates that distributors check suitability when selling structured products to retail investors. However, little empirical evidence exists on such transactions. Using data from Hong Kong, we find that investors purchase 8% more structured products, on average, when the suitability is not checked. The effect of suitability checks is more pronounced for less financially literate investors. Moreover, investors tend to buy products with lower risk-adjusted returns when product suitability is not checked. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

China's relatively new merger review system continues trending toward those of the United States and the European Union. However, its merger review will never entirely converge with the Western model from either a competition policy or review methodology perspective. Such divergence from the West, this article claims, is rooted in the decision-making mechanism of China's merger reviews. Traditionally, China's decision-making mechanism has been viewed as a singular review-agency domination like that of the West. In fact, however, China's merger reviews have issued remedies reflecting policies generated by major stakeholders as well as the review agency. These co-decision-makers have balancing relationships that forge an agency-stakeholder, rather than sole agency domination. Today, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), established in 2018, follows a path set by the earlier China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM). This article provides valuable insight into how the new active type of agency-stakeholder domination in China's merger reviews balances both economic and non-economic (political) policies to protect markets and consumers, as well as to be ready to react to the rise of protectionism globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article traces the evolution of China's financial regulatory system, and its trend towards what could be referred to as a 'quasi-Twin Peaks' model. It then outlines the ongoing challenges with the current sector-based framework, including regulatory competition, regulatory arbitrage and inconsistent regulatory mandates. It then proposes a pathway by which China could adopt a true Twin Peaks model. Finally, the article outlines recent developments in consumer protection, and draws parallel with developments in two Twin Peaks jurisdictions: the UK and South Africa. The article concludes by arguing that the adoption of an overarching framework for consumer protection in banking products and payment services underscores the need for a unified framework that applies to all products and services in the financial sector, including those administered by the CSRC in the securities sector. It also highlights the benefits of separating market conduct and consumer protection regulation, from macro-prudential and micro-prudential regulation, and provides additional support for the argument that the ultimate destination to which China should march, is the Twin Peaks model of financial regulation. This would be in line with the emerging direction of China's regulatory agency reform, and would better accommodate ongoing financial innovation and cross-sector cooperation and integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While China's medical tourism industry is increasingly standardized and institutionalized, the relevant research assessing its legal risks is still absent. This paper aims to evaluate the risks of medical tourism from the legal perspective by exploring the conflict between the developing new practice and the existing legal system, summarizing the legal risks in medical tourism, and proposing measures and suggestions to mitigate such risks. The empirical research method is employed to review the legal risks in Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, which is the pioneering project of China's development within the medical tourism industry. These research methods include collecting the latest medical tourism policies and regulations, judicial decisions, and on-the-spot investigation of the Pilot Zone. It is found that the legal risks in medical tourism activities are mainly concentrated in the administrative, civil and litigious legal relations, and concern four major subjects which are regulators, medical operators, tourism operators and consumers. For regulators, their administrative supervision has not been well in place before and during medical tourism activities, and there remain legal gaps in regulation. In terms of the protection of consumers' substantive rights, service providers and operators may evade their responsibilities by exploring the vacuum area during the transition from the old laws to the new ones, and the conflicting provisions exist between the special laws and general ones. Concerning the protection of consumers' litigation rights, there are many obstacles for consumers to safeguard their interests through litigation in a foreign land. In this paper, medical tourism activities are identified among four legal subjects and involving three types of legal risks, in the hope to help improve the overall understanding of medical tourism from the legal perspective, and put forward targeted suggestions on the potential legal risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese consumer finance has been booming recently, especially since 2014. However, research on this topic is scant. This study presents an updated analysis, providing original, significant contributions for academics, investors, and policymakers. We explore five perspectives: (1) macroeconomics: policies adopted by the Chinese government to enhance economic growth through promoting personal consumption; (2) financial market: China's different types of consumer finance institutions and their financing; (3) consumers: improvements in financial inclusion and consumer protections; (4) regulations in the context of supply-side structural reforms; and (5) potential areas for future academic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the appearance of consumer law, its norm production landscape has been highly diversified and fragmented among the countries. The features of "lawlessness in some sectors" and "the lack of efficiency and effectiveness of national legal systems" give rise to the proliferation of norm producing originated by other bodies such as international organizations, industries, traders and even hybrid entities composing the public, the private and the civil society. There are many variations and differences in consumer law and policy between the Global North and the Global South. In recent years, harmonization of standards, codes of conduct and good practices have already taken place through international organizations and global businesses. In relation to harmonization of consumer laws among different countries, there have been skeptical views regarding such feasibility taking into account varying levels of institutional development. Thomas Bernauer explains "variation of consumer protection standards across countries may be a source of trade disputes." Starting from the past decade, harmonization of consumer law has been achieved or at least advocated at regional levels. Harmonization easily starts within a region since regional integration creates opportunities for approximation of legal infrastructures. The EU is a very successful case in harmonizing consumer laws further guaranteed by a strong judicial system. In Latin America and in Asia, harmonization projects are ongoing and similar initiatives have also been supported. Whilst acknowledging the existing fragmentation and variations of consumer law worldwide, the author highlights the converging environment of consumer protection due to challenges brought by the globalization and advocates the feasibility of the harmonization approach from the perspective of a dynamically emerging and transitional economy such as China. At the outset, it explores the underpinnings of the consumer law which is a fairly modern legal intervention. China, like other countries, has been modernizing its consumer law by adopting a human-centred, rights-centred and social values-centred approach. Then, it examines the more important role played by emerging countries, particularly in areas such as global B2C e-commerce, telecommunication, financial services and mass tourism, and examines international dialogues and cooperation with active participation by the developing countries including China. There is a need for harmonization of consumer laws in the Mainland China, Macau and Hong Kong regions. China has made some progress on its own, but achieving harmonization in the wider region presents particular challenges. The author hopes that the harmonization would be achieved not only by creating consistency of rules but also by coordinating enforcement across borders. In conclusion, the author seems optimistic for a possible universal model law, which contains the minimum legal requirements and standards of consumer protection and mechanisms to strengthen cross-border cooperation to maximize the harmonization of consumer protection worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has made great efforts to deploy distributed solar photovoltaics. However, concerns have arisen regarding the implementation of associated policies, where some low-income consumers fell into debt after installing solar photovoltaics panels on their rooftops. To understand how and why this dilemma occurs, this study investigates 101 court decisions addressing disputes related to rooftop solar photovoltaics projects. It argues that unfavorable interpretations against consumer's interests, manipulative practices by solar installation companies following specific bank loans, and a piecemeal planning approach are significant attributes. As a result, this study proposes recommendations for further advancing residential solar photovoltaics from the aspects of loan review procedures, the legal framework construction, and the planning approach. [Display omitted] • In-depth analysis of court judgments related to residential distributed solar photovoltaics. • Identifying factors contributing to the gaps of policies related to residential distributed solar photovoltaics. • Providing an analytical framework for protecting consumer interests in residential rooftop solar photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is actively promoting traceability systems in the agricultural sector, yet widespread adoption among farmers remains limited. As farmers play a pivotal role in these systems, their perceptions significantly shape their participation in them. The aim of this study is to explore the differences in farmers' perceptions of the technological characteristics of the traceability system. Based on the diffusion of innovations theory, this study uses the Q methodology to analyze and categorize farmers' perceptions of the technological characteristics of the traceability system. Research has identified the presence of four distinct groups of farmers with different perceptions of technological characteristics. These groups respectively maintain a positive view of the traceability system, recognize its potential in environmental conservation, emphasis the importance of authentic traceability information, and expect governmental support. However, they generally perceive participation in the traceability system as incompatible with their abilities, knowledge, and available resources. Moreover, they generally recognize the traceability system's role in protecting consumer health. The findings of this study provide practical insights for promoting the traceability system in agriculture, guiding its implementation and adoption. It also highlights the importance of considering farmers' perceptions and resources when improving new technologies, providing theoretical support for sustainable agricultural development. [Display omitted] • The research identified the presence of four distinct groups of farmers with different technological characteristics. • We extended the diffusion of innovations theory by incorporating multidimensional factors into farmers' perceptions. • For various groups of farmers with differing perceptions, policy makers must tailor their policies accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic reform in China has led to the emergence of a consumer society. Concomitant with the development of the consumer society comes a growing power of the consumers in the marketplace. This is occurring in the form of consumers' rising awareness of their rights and increasing readiness to take the companies to court to protect their rights. The author describes seven litigation cases pertaining to consumer issues that involve multinational corporations operating in China. The author identifies some general characteristics that cut across the cases, along with suggestions and managerial implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional wisdom suggests that an ideal intellectual properly (IP) regime should consider various interests, such as incentives for creators and inventors, social access to creative works, market competition, and economic development. Nevertheless, the interest of consumers has long been neglected in IP policy-making. This article systematically reviews recent Chinese court decisions on IP and explores their implicit consumer policy implications. The article reveals that the Chinese courts have occasionally embedded consumer policy considerations when applying the Copyright Law, Patent Law, Trademark Law, and the Anti-Unfair Competition Law. Moreover, this article illustrates how policy goals underlying the IP regime and consumer protection law are consistent or supplementary with each other in the implementation of different categories of IP laws. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Are China's fake-fighters (打假, dajia) heroic consumer activists or morally dubious profit-seekers? Do they make the marketplace safer for ordinary consumers by using the law to "fight" fake, dangerous and falsely advertised goods, or benefit only themselves through the exploitation of legal loopholes? Since the 1994 Consumer Protection Law introduced a fiscal incentive that made fake-fighting a viable career, its practitioners have struggled to define their work against these stereotypical characterisations. In this empirical article, I show that fake-fighters reject criticisms of their motivations while at the same time avoiding censure by party-state authorities wary of activism couched in terms of rights by framing their work as a practice of moral citizenship. Fake-fighters believe it is their responsibility to highlight potential dangers in the marketplace, disseminate legal knowledge, and, crucially, prompt the government to enforce pre-existing laws to better protect consumers and advance national development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel LAMP primers set specific for escolar was designed. • The visual MB-LAMP assay was sequence-dependent and contamination-free. • The novel assay allows visual detection of target DNA as little as 1 pg in 25 min. • The novel assay can also be used as a point-of-care molecular diagnostic technique. • Escolar was found to be widely sold under the umbrella term of white tuna in China. Species adulteration has become a main reason for the unexpected exposure to escolar, which is often related with the gastrointestinal disease called keriorrhea. Sensitive and accurate identification of escolar is required to protect consumers from commercial and health frauds. The present study established a visual and rapid method for escolar detection using LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) in conjunction with a MB (molecular beacon) probe. The visual MB-LAMP assay demonstrated high specificity and superb sensitivity (1 pg DNA) for escolar and low to 0.1 % (w/w) simulated adulteration could be detected within 25 min. Additionally, method validation on commercial products highlighted the umbrella term of white tuna for escolar on Chinese market. All these results indicated that the MB-LAMP method is a useful tool for rapid, sensitive and convenient detection of escolar and can also be used as a point-of-care molecular diagnostic technique since it does not require the expensive equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil energy subsidies are intended to protect consumers by lowering energy costs, but they come at a substantial cost by damaging other pillars of sustainable development. Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies has caused heated academic and policy attention in developing countries; nevertheless, the implications of fossil fuel subsidies remain controversial. The novelty of this research is the first to empirically investigate the impact of fossil fuel subsidies on energy-saving technological change. To this aim, we adopt the price-gap approach, DEA method, and IV-Probit model to estimate these effects using China's provincial data from 2003 to 2017. The results show that fossil fuel subsidies still exist in China with significant differences in fuel types. Based on our findings, technological progress exhibits an energy-saving bias between energy and capital, while a labor-saving bias between energy and labor. As for the interaction, fossil fuel subsidies significantly impact energy-saving technological change. Therefore, some strategic measures are required to reform fossil energy subsidies and promote energy-saving technologies in China. • Impact of fossil fuel subsidies on energy-saving technological change is examined. • Fossil fuel subsidies exist in China with significant differences in fuel types. • Biased technological progress is observed. • Fossil fuel subsidies significantly impact energy-saving technological change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Loot box spending was positively correlated with problem gambling and problem videogaming in China. • Loot box spending was negatively associated with impulsiveness and only weakly positively correlated with sensation seeking tendencies and past-year gambling participation. • Loot box spending was not correlated with worse mental health and negatively associated with psychological distress. • The Risky Loot Box Index was the best predictor for loot box spending and is an effective cross-cultural tool for assessing potential loot box harms. Loot boxes can be bought with real-world money to obtain random content inside video games. Loot boxes are viewed by many as gambling-like and are prevalently implemented globally. Previous Western and international studies have consistently found loot box spending to be positively correlated with problem gambling. Previous Western studies presented mixed results as to the correlations between loot box purchasing and gambling-related risk factors, mental wellbeing, and psychological distress. A large-scale survey of adult video game players from the People's Republic of China (PRC) (N = 2601) was conducted through Tencent Survey. The positive correlations between loot box spending and problem gambling, and between loot box spending and problem videogaming, were successfully replicated. However, other potential risk factors (i.e. , impulsivity/impulsiveness; binary past-year gambling participation status; and sensation-seeking tendencies) either did not positively correlate with loot box spending or only did so weakly. Contrary to expectations, high impulsivity was negatively associated with loot box engagement. The Risky Loot Box Index (RLI) most strongly positively correlated with, and was the best predictor in multiple linear regression models for, loot box spending. The RLI may be effective at measuring loot box harms cross-culturally. A surprising weak positive correlation was found between loot box engagement and PRC players' mental wellbeing, and high psychological distress unexpectedly negatively predicted loot box purchasing. Although gambling-like, the risk and protective factors of loot boxes are seemingly different, meaning they should rightfully be treated as novel products. Cross-cultural research can contribute to a better understanding of loot box harms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the interactions between international economic law, consumer policies and consumers' access to water in China. Other topics are the water investment market in the country, water privatization governance, as well as the right to water and consumer protection as cited in the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Dispute (ICSID) case 'Urbaser v. Argentine Republic.'

Recurrent food safety scandals in the Chinese marketplace present a threat to a government that appears unable or unwilling to keep its citizens safe. The party-state has responded to this threat with the development of laws and institutions framed as initiatives for the protection of consumers that task consumers with the responsibility for safe consumption. The message of the Chinese consumer welfare apparatus is that consumers who make the right choices can buy with assurance, a message that emphasizes consumer self-protection while de-emphasizing the role of the government in regulation and law enforcement. The "Consumer Confidence System," a small initiative spearheaded by a Beijing-based consumer protection organization, is one example of the non-centralized sources of such messages. While the ostensibly independent project purports to promote consumer rights by certifying trustworthy businesses and tunneling the fees paid by these member businesses into online resources for consumers, it functions to depoliticize issues of consumer safety by framing safe consumption as a matter of vigilant consumers making the right choices. This paper investigates the operation of this organization and explores the dissemination of its messages as part of a mode of regulation by which the state and its agents attempt to manage the contradictions of Chinese capitalism. Its specific contribution lies in a richer understanding of the tensions produced when a strong authoritarian state coexists with a flourishing but poorly regulated market economy. By examining how dispersed efforts by the state at shaping a specific consumer subjectivity have been rejected by Chinese consumers, the case also shows that not all state-led discourses are successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has become the world's trademark powerhouse with the largest number of trademark registrations for goods and services. Parallel to the new rise is the explosion of scandals concerning trademarked goods, causing numerous deaths, massive hospitalizations, and consumer defection from domestic brands. Instead of having a trademark law with consumer protection as the cornerstone, China's new Trademark Law will cement China as the world's manufacturer of trademarks. This Article is the first to critically examine China's new Trademark Law. The new law mainly centers on creating procedural measures for more trademark registrations, maintaining China's trademark registration powerhouse status, and perpetuating China's obsession with metrics-based reform. Metrics obsession will neither instill public trust in Chinese brands nor encourage public consumption to meet China's national economic goal of stimulating moderately high growth. This Article suggests a return to trademark fundamentals for the safety of the public in China and the world. Only quality and safe trademarked products from China will truly cement its status as the world's trademark powerhouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Saffron as a high value spice is prone to mislabeling of origin. • Stable isotopes and bioelements are used to discriminate Iranian and Chinese saffron. • Chemometric models show good country and regional discrimination of saffron. Origin verification of high-value saffron is essential for fair trade and to protect consumers' interests and rights. A traceability method using elemental content (% C and % N) and stable isotopes (δ 13C, δ 2H, δ 18O, and δ 15N) combined with chemometrics was developed to discriminate saffron from Iran and China and classify major domestic production areas in China. Results showed that Iranian samples had lower % C and % N contents but higher δ 13C values than Chinese origin saffron, with δ 13C acting as an important variable for origin discrimination. Moreover, δ 2H and δ 13C isotopes were found to be important variables to classify Chinese regional saffron origin. Two supervised pattern recognition models (PLS-DA) developed to classify Iranian and Chinese saffron, and regional Chinese saffron had a discrimination accuracy of 85.0 % and 80.2 %, respectively. These models provide the basis for a new regulatory inspection procedure to verify saffron origin and label claims, minimizing fraudulent mislabeling and adding value to saffron from specific regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is currently in the process of establishing a stricter regime of banking consumer protection. Improvements to the existing framework are necessary so that regulatory authorities can adequately respond to the problems and challenges posed by the rapid transformation of the financial market. This article argues that an adequate legal framework and effective institutional structure are two inseparable components of effective financial consumer protection regulations. It proposes that a dedicated law on financial consumer protection to rationalise and streamline current legislations is essential and urgent. The mandate and function of the China Banking Regulatory Commission on consumer protection should be made explicit. The Banking Consumer Protection Department should also be granted adequate independence for the selection and allocation of personnel, funds and other resources to avoid conflicts between prudential supervision and consumer protection regulation. It further recommends that both intra-agency and inter-agency coordination are crucial elements for minimising regulatory burden and promoting consistent regulatory treatment across the financial sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the post-GFC era, a lack of financial consumer protection is a systematic risk. However, Chinese financial consumers will find it difficult to seek redress for harmful conducts by financial services providers. This paper will consider why Chinese consumer laws are not able to provide much assistance to financial consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores on the provisions for personal information security in the telecommunication industry in China. Topics discussed include the administration of Internet information services, the collection of information in providing telecommunications business services and the importance of consumer protection in the telecommunications and Internet industries.

The article explores on the interim regulations for the administration of Internet information services in China. Topics discussed include the healthy and orderly development of Internet culture, the dissemination of information services through Internet and the importance of Internet security to promote consumer protection.

This paper analyses the Trilateral Investment Agreement (TIA), the Bilateral Investments Agreements ("BITs") and the BIT programme concluded among China, Japan, and Korea. The relative weight of the outgoing direct investment among these three countries has continuously and sharply increased. Japanese and Korean BITs focus on seeking to liberalize as well as protect their overseas investment due partly to the relatively small domestic markets. China has largely embraced global norms of the treatment of foreign direct investment (FDI) but still takes a more defensive posture than Japan or Korea on the conclusion of BITs. While these three countries has taken an important, albeit symbolic, step for regionalism in deciding to conclude a trilateral investment agreement, BITs still play a very important role so far. This paper examines these three countries' substantive clauses on the protection of FDI under BITs and the TIA. It conducts a comparative and qualitative research, an approach not seen in existing literature, on the investment treaty protections offered by three East Asian countries. This research would be useful for the further development of IIAs or FTAs among these countries, especially for China in light of its relative weaker investment protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses legal issues regarding regulations of personal care products in the U.S., European Union and China. Topics discussed include changes in the regulation related to chemical substances found in the personal care products, no effective legislation passed by the U.S. and lack of effective enforcement of the law in other two countries; and need of strict laws to protect consumers.

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is an important imported commercial product in China. This study comprehensively evaluated the quality of EVOOs imported from different countries into China based on chemical parameters and sensory attributes. Multivariate statistics were used to authenticate their geographical origins. 71.8% of the oils failed to meet the current official standards at inland and abroad established for commercial EVOO category. Pyropheophytin, defect attributes, peroxide value, and K 270 were above the limits in 32%, 24%, 23%, and 5% of the failed samples respectively, while free acidity, K 232 and delta K were above the limits in 4%. Fatty acids and delta ECN42 were beyond the limits in 2% of the failed samples. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) based on fatty acids and triacyglycerols succeeded in identifying the origin of olive oils. 3.5% of the total might be mislabelled the geographical origin. The main quality problems of the analyzed oils include oxidation, counterfeiting with refined oils and origin fraud. Considering the results and the fact that most EVOOs in China are imported from other countries, chemometrics combined with critical quality attributes should be an ideal way of EVOO quality control, protecting consumers from frauds. • Quality of commercial imported EVOOs in the Chinese market was studied. • 71.8% of the analysed oils failed to meet the current official standards due to oxidation and counterfeiting. • Chemometrics with fatty acids and triglycerides are useful for EVOO origin classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First elementomic determination of the country of origin of rice amongst China, India, and Vietnam based on ICP-MS elemental profiles. • Using K-nearest neighbours to improve the accuracy of the ICP-MS elementomic models. • Method developed to combat fraud in rice where flavour compounds are added to enhance the smell. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the food industry and consumers, with production gaps, shipping delays, and changes in supply and demand leading to an increased risk of food fraud. Rice has a high probability for adulteration by food fraudsters, being a staple commodity for more than half the global population, making the assessment of geographical origins of rice for authenticity important in terms of protecting businesses and consumers. In this study, we describe ICP-MS elemental profiling coupled with elementomic modelling to identify the geographical indications of Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese rice. A PLS-DA model exhibited good discrimination (R2 = 0.8393, Q2 = 0.7673, accuracy = 1.0). Data-driven soft independent modelling of class analogy (dd -SIMCA) and K-nearest neighbours (K-NN) models have good sensitivity (98%) and specificity (100%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the recent financial crisis badly hurt the Western banking sector, commercial banks in China appear to have weathered the storm rather well. Nevertheless, the shadow banking system – a culprit of the crisis – also exists in China and recently has taken a turn for the worse. Wealth management products, one form of shadow banking, not only pose systemic risks to the banking sector but also raise concerns about consumer protection in the shadow banking sector at large. This article examines the systemic risks created by the proliferation of wealth management products and sheds light on the underlying logic of the policy responses adopted by Chinese regulatory authorities. While these regulatory tools are designed to address systemic risks surrounding wealth management products, the financial regulatory framework needs to be further improved to promote both financial safety and market liberalisation, thereby protecting consumer rights in the financial sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]