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The article reports on a changing climate for foreigners doing business in China. According to the article the Chinese have gone from welcoming foreign investment in their country to actively discouraging it. The Chinese are building up locally based rivals to the foreign corporations, the author reports. The article surveys Chinese brand name products and finds that China has few global brands. Chinese regulations and law favor local companies in a number of areas such as patent law, innovation and standards.

The article discusses China's foray into Iraq's oil fields. In a very short time, China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC), with revenues of more than $188 billion and a 1.5 million-worker payroll, has won huge stakes in three Iraqi oil fields. Background is given on CNPC, which is run by Jiang Jiemin, and their venture with BP, the British petroleum company.

The articles discusses how lower demand, politics, and technology will result in an abundance of crude oil. Details are given on a joint venture between Dutch Shell, ExxonMobile and the Dutch government to pump the Schoonebeek oil field on the Dutch-German border. Information is given on technologies to extract oil, Iraq's deals with various oil companies and governments, and statistics on conventional crude capacity.

The article discusses the potential decline in China's real estate market in 2010. Real estate prices are at an all-time high in China, fueling fears that the real estate bubble could burst later in the year resulting in an economic downturn similar to the one experienced in the United States in 2008 and 2009.

The article reports on the foreign investment practices of the Chinese government current in late July 2009. The central focus of the article is that the Chinese had invested significant amounts of money in a variety of international businesses. Among other issues the article assesses the impact that Chinese mergers and acquisitions are having on the global economy. INSET: CHINA'S FLURRY OF DEALS.

The article reports on trade between the Middle East and Asia. Khaled Al-Muhairy was a fund manager at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority before starting Evolvence Capital, an asset management firm with $400 million in private equity funds in India. The Gulf Cooperation Council, a group of 6 wealthy Arab countries, has done 55% of its trade with Asia in 2007.

The article offers information about oil trade in Kazakhstan, along with details about Russian, U.S. and Asian involvement in the shipping and exporting process. Plans to diversify the product transportation pipeline through Georgia are described. The article notes that, due to political developments between Russia and Georgia, China may have a better hold on Central Asian oil and natural gas than the U.S. or Russia.

This article reports on issues surrounding the possibility of the U.S. reviving its manufacturing industry instead of relying on Chinese outsourcing for production. Due to a weakened U.S. dollar, rising oil prices that affect shipping rates, and increasing wages in China, the global supply chain has been affected in a way that makes it advantageous for the U.S. to shift some of its manufacturing back to the U.S. INSET: LINKS.

The article discusses how a combination of economic forces and the enactment of a Chinese labor law that took effect on January 1, 2008 are creating difficulties for Chinese manufacturers. The law abolished preferential policies for exporters and significantly raised costs for manufacturers. Increases in commodities and energy prices along with the appreciation of the Chinese currency have reduced profit margins. The financial troubles facing Shan Hsing Lighting and its owner Tim Hsu are examined. INSET: LINKS.

The article reports on the Chinese leaders coming into power who are both business-aware and open to change. President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao will likely rule for another five years, then leaders who came of age during the Cultural Revolution such as Zhou Xiaochuan, will step in. These leaders will have knowledge of the market-based economy and will not have the same mistrust of foreigners that their predecessors had. INSETS: Passing The Torch;Faces To Watch.

The article reports on the problems that may prevent China from becoming a world superpower, including widespread pollution, lack of consumer protection and social services, and bureaucratic corruption. The article blames unstructured economic growth for most of China's problems and explains measures the Chinese government has taken to correct these issues. The article details the shortcomings of the Chinese State Food & Drug Administration (SEPA).

The article discusses the goal among many auto makers to develop an inexpensive car that is affordable to citizens of poorer countries where the middle class is expected to grow. The proposed vehicles would have no frills and would likely be produced in India or China though the quality of the vehicles is unchanged. Tata Motors of India is testing a prototype. Many western auto makers are rushing to develop cheap cars so that they can share in the predicted market boom.

This article presents the rising concerns over labor shortages in many fields throughout the global arena. In China, the migration from the countryside to the city factories has tapered off. Aging populations are not teaching new generations their skills. Employers in 27 countries are using new recruitment strategies and beefing up in-house training and rehiring retirees. Farming is using billboards and television to lure migrant workers. What they aren't doing is increasing wages.

The author discusses the outlook for U.S. markets. A 9% stock market sell-off in China prompted sharp drops globally. He says fears are mounting in the U.S. that the troubled mortgage market could spread to other sectors. He expects a two-front war in 2007 between people fearing recession and stockpickers with visions of high-priced buyouts.

The article focuses on capitalist Yang Yuanqing, the chairman of Lenovo Group Ltd., the leading personal computer company in China. A discussion of Yuanqing's involvement in the development of Lenovo Group into the world's third largest personal computer manufacturer from Legend Group Ltd., which was one of China's first capitalist enterprises, is presented. INSET: Yang Yuanqing.

The article focuses on the concealment of employee exploitation at factories in China. Comments from retailers and factory officials related to the conditions in Chinese factories are provided. Various examples of factory violations including child labor and insufficient wages are discussed. According to the article, factories are able to trick auditors with false records and by hiding additional violations. INSETS: GAMING THE SYSTEM;Nike Factory;Hannah Jones of Nike

This article discusses a growth in China's trade market and its effects on the global economy. Since entering the World Trade Organization in 2001 China has made strides in liberalizing its economy and has signed significant trading deals with the U.S, reducing the U.S.'s trade deficit. However, some American executives are concerned about China's refusal to revalue its currency, its weak enforcement of rampant piracy, and its continued use of weak credit to boost favored industries. INSET: Little Leverage.

The article reports on rising wages in China. A labor shortage is causing employers to raise pay in factories, cutting margins nearly in half for many companies, like Yongjin Group. The high rate of turnover in China is forcing employers to raise salaries by up to 40% in order to ensure they retain qualified laborers. American companies like Wal-Mart and Home Depot will also be affected.

The article profiles Hank Greenberg, who was ousted as chairman and chief executive of American International Group (AIG), the insurance empire he built. Greenberg believes that New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer went after him for political reasons and damaged his reputation in the press. Greenberg is targeting AIG, saying that the company betrayed him. He plans to fight for everything and regards AIG as already diminished. Greenberg refuses to give up any of the $21 billion in AIG shares he controls through Starr International, but his battles are far from over.

The article examines how Swedish retailer Ikea became a global brand. Ikea accounts for just five to 10 percent of the furniture market in each country in which it operates. CEO Anders Dahlvig emphasizes brand awareness and lifestyle. To keep sales growing, Ikea is accelerating store rollouts. The key to the rollouts is preserving the strong enthusiasm that Ikea evokes. The global middle class that Ikea targets shares buying habits. Practices that define Ikea culture include egalitarianism and competitiveness. The company's designers work with in-house production teams to identify appropriate materials and least costly suppliers. Suppliers and designers customize some Ikea products to make them sell better in local markets. INSETS: What a Sweetheart Of a Love Seat;How to Build a Cilt Brand;Swden's Answer To Sam Walton;Need a Home to Go with that Sofa?

Focuses on Chinese President Hu Jintao's trip to Washington D.C. where he will meet with U.S. President George W. Bush. View of many in the West that China, an economically ascendant nation, is destined for superpower status; Details of Hu's scripted trip to Washington, including a speech at Yale University, a visit to the United Nations and Microsoft Corp.'s headquarters; Hu's efforts to balance high-speed economic growth with social stability in China.

Focuses on workers rights in China. Review of how a grassroots movement of activists and lawyers are helping workers to attain their rights as employees; Statistics related to the new labor-rights revolution that is sweeping China; Influence of the Internet and cellular phone technology in the development of workers rights; Development of a network of training centers and legal aid clinics; Comments on the new labor movement from Robin Munro, research director at the China Labor Bulletin. INSET: Silicon Valley East.

Focuses on how American companies are meeting with increased success in China. Recent history of American companies in China, where rising profits were often met with rule changes favoring local players; Results of a survey of U.S. companies regarding their profits in China by the American Chamber of Commerce; Review of the experience of various companies in China, including Motorola Inc. and Delphi Corp.; Suggestion that China's lower costs and surging sales off a better profit climate for many companies than their markets at home.

Reports on the automobile industry in China. Information about compact cars made by Chery Automobile Co. and Honda Motor Corp.; How Korean and Japanese autos imported to the United States have competed with domestic small cars in price and quality; Companies that are planning to export cars made in mainland China to western markets; Indication the Chinese government subsidizes or offers incentives to domestic companies such as Chery and Geely Auto; How the Detroit automobile industry will compete; Expansion of American car companies in the Asian market; Outlook for the Chinese auto industry.

Reports on why Taiwan is an important piece in the global economy. Location of several companies; How the country's technical company's should hit $122 million in revenues in 2005; The impact of Taiwan's relations with China; Statistics; Details of Taiwan's technological industry; How Taiwan is the real developers of China's semiconductor industry.

Examines Lenovo Group Ltd.'s deal for IBM's PC unit, which has led to a merger of talent and possibly a threat to Dell. Background on Lenovo, a subsidiary of Legend Holdings Ltd. in Beijing, China; View that Lenovo's strength is its unusual nature; Ways that the two companies complement each other; Efficiency of Dell's direct-sales approach and build-to-order manufacturing; Lenovo's marketing philosophy; How Lenovo is combining the two operations; Lenovo's plan to change the dynamics of the PC business; Details of the merger; How Legend co-founder Liu Chuanzhi is preparing to give up command of the company he has led for 21 years; Outlook for the partnership of executives Steve Ward and Yang Yuanqing.

Examines the global counterfeit business. Perception that the industry is out of control; Examples of counterfeit products on the market; Concerns of multinational companies; Scale of the threat; Efforts by multinationals to stop the spread of counterfeits; Suggestion that China is key to any solution; Difficulties slowing down counterfeiters; How the global counterfeit industry is starting to rival multinationals in speed, reach and sophistication; Diversification of sourcing and manufacturing across borders by counterfeiters; How the goods end up in the legitimate supply chain; Profits; Challenges getting cooperation from China; Legal sanctions; Counterfeiting's connection to organized crime. INSETS: THE GLOBAL COUNTERFEIT INDUSTRY...;...AND THE KEY STEPS TO FAKING IT.

Discusses why U.S. manufacturers should worry about competition from China. Impact of Chinese imports on American manufacturing; Concerns of manufacturers and workers over China's low wages and high technology; Signs of a possible massive shift in economic power; Dispute over the economic relationship between the U.S. and China; Issue of outsourcing; Question of America's huge trade deficit; Observation that U.S. companies are no longer investing in new capacity at home; China's enormous domestic market and expansion of their export base; China's competitive advantages; How key elements of the U.S. industrial base are eroding; Areas where the Chinese have huge ambitions, including digital technologies. INSETS: THE CHINA CHALLENGE;THE CHINA PRICE.

Focuses on the depreciation of the U.S. dollar against foreign currency. Reasons for the depreciation, including the U.S. trade deficit and hints that Japan, China, and other Asian countries may be willing to countenance an appreciation of their currencies; Lack of concern from the U.S. government, serving as an invitation to sell the dollar; Concern of European Union leaders for their economic recovery due to the depreciation of the dollar and the appreciation of the euro; Wariness of foreign investors to finance the United States' current account deficit.

Reports on the success of several brands in China. Expectation for many Chinese brands to go global and become successful; Speculation on whether brands such as Haier, TCL and GOME will be as successful overseas as they are in China; Analysis of the cellular telephone industry; Efforts of Chinese companies to conduct more research to develop new products.

Focuses on Yao Ming, who is going into his third season with the NBA. The potential of the Houston Rockets center who was born in Shanghai; His popularity as a spokesman for various products, including Pepsi; How he spent his 24th birthday with coach Anthony Falsone; Idea that he could influence bilateral trade between the United States and China; The timing for Yao to promote products in China; His "star power"; Purpose of the two NBA preseason games against the Sacramento Kings in Shanghai and Beijing; Concern that Yao could be overexposed; Career highlights with the NBA; Deals he has made in the United States and China; Managers of the Yao enterprise: Bill A. Duffy, Bill Sanders, John Huizinga, M. Erik Zhang; The five-year marketing plan of Team Yao; How the team developed at a business school; Yao Ming's views on his earning power; Indication that he lives in a gated community in Houston; The agreement he had to make with China in order to play in the U.S. INSETS: RED STARS RISING;YAO MING;THE YAO EFFECT.

Examines the search for the brightest innovators world wide. Looks at a Microsoft facility outside Beijing, China where bright young inventors are developing many innovative programs; Comments from Microsoft Research Senior Vice-President Richard F. Rashid that they chose to open the center in Beijing because of the wealth of technical talent there; How innovation is increasingly a global game; Ability of companies to shop the world for intellectual property needed for new products; Example of how diffuse the innovation process has become; The availability of technology which allows even small companies to create best selling products. INSET: The World's Rising Innovation Hot Spots.

The article looks at corporate growth for General Motors Corporation in China, as of 2004. Imagine a General Motors Corporation (GM) that could start from scratch. It would not be saddled with billions in pension and health-care costs. This GM would be something like the well-oiled machine that was building new plants and boosting its United States market share throughout the early 20th century. That, in a nutshell, is GM in China. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer G. Richard Wagoner Junior is doubling down his bet on the world's fastest-growing car market. But Wagoner is taking a big risk. He is betting that the Chinese economy will keep roaring along at its present torrid pace, at a time when many analysts believe China is set to slow, or maybe even overheat. Over the past decade, nearly every major automobile company has jumped into China with both feet.

Presents speculation about whether the overheated Chinese economy is headed for a crash. Signs that China may be growing too quickly, including shortages of steel and electricity and the sharp rise in the luxury residential market; Examples of lavish infrastructure projects; Report that President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao have been signaling since last summer that it is time to ease up on growth; Statistics on the growth of the Chinese economy; Impact of the yuan's cheap international exchange rate on the Chinese economy; Concerns that China's financial system is not sophisticated enough to handle the growth; Concerns that a crash in the Chinese economy could have a major impact on global markets; Details of efforts by the Chinese government to engineer a soft landing; Details of the Chinese financial system; Concerns about impact on the economy of bad loans.

Reports on potential problems as a result of China's rapidly growing economy. Primary concern which is that China might be forced to slow down its economy; Misallocation of resources that is leading to overbuilding; China's real problem which is that it is stuck between a command economy and a market economy and capital allocation is still largely state-controlled; Analysis of problems that could result if China takes steps to slow an overheated economy.

Argues that China cannot be blamed for job losses in the United States. Loss of millions of manufacturing jobs in the U.S.; Moves in Congress to impose punishing tariffs on U.S. imports from China; Interdependence of U.S. and China's manufacturing; Pressure on U.S. companies to capitalize on cheap labor and fast-growing economy in China; Compliance with World Trade Organization regulations; Decline in U.S. manufacturing employment since 1979; Importance of fostering a good relationship between the U.S. and China.

Discusses the peaceful protest by half a million people in Hong Kong, China to oppose a national security law. How the protestors demanded the resignation of Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa; Consideration of Article 23 of Hong Kong's Basic Law, the legislation that enables officials the power to regulate dissent, the press, and organized religion; Resignation of James Tien, a key Cabinet member; How protestors blame Tung for the economic downturn in China. INSET: NINE MONTHS OF ANGER.

Reports on the business and economic implications of the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) worldwide. Factors contributing to the SARS epidemic; Negative effects on business operations and economic conditions worldwide; Industries affected by the epidemic; Strategies to counteract the negative effects of SARS on businesses.

This article explains the impact of China as an economic superpower on international economic relations. The industrial integration of China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong accelerated after China's entry into the World Trade Organization. The Chinese government realized its goal of absorbing Taiwan would be achieved faster by cooperation.

Focuses on MTV (Music Television) Networks International, owned by Viacom. Global reach of the network which has stations in over one hundred countries; Revenues of the company; Proposed reasons for the success of the company, including the universal appeal of music; Role of MTV Networks International president, Bill Roedy, in expanding the network; How MTV has helped local acts become famous around the world.

Analyses China from an economic and foreign relations standpoint. China's bid to join the World Trade Organization; Plans in China to offer financial services, to reduce import duties, and to allow foreign ownership of banks and other companies; China's potential as a manufacturing giant; Attempts to create a consumer class in China; Views of Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu Rongji on the role of foreign trade in China's development.