hat Does the Rise in RMB Interest Rates Signify？

ON October 28, 2004,the People‘s Bank ofChina took a U-turn and, after almost a decade of reductions, announced a 0.27 percent increase in RMB interest rates. This superficially inconsequential rise caused quite a stir on the international market. Mining stock plummeted,as did the prices of metals and crude oil futures. This reflexive investor response is just one indication that the Chinese economy has become a major driving force for global economic growth. Its huge demand has sustained high prices for oil and other staple commodities on the international market, international speculators itch to pour their hot money into China, and overseas investors too see it as a potential Klondike.     

The Irresistible Internet——For Better or for Worse,the Internet Changes Lives

Less restricted by social mores and institutionalized authority, the Internet is a democratic and impartial organ of law and order far more effective than newspapers or television. In the real world, not everyone with an opinion can be heard, hence the “silent majority.“ But on the Internet, they can speak, be listened to and find motivation to act.     

China＇s Cool Handling of Avian Flu

ON January 27, 2004,the China National Avian Flu Reference Lab confirmed that in Dingdang Town, Long‘an County,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region a duck had died of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. In contrast to the SARS epidemic last year, this occurrence has been handled coolly and efficiently by the Chinese government and people in general.     

Chinese Foreign Trade Law Updated

ON JulY 1.2004revisions toChina's ForeignTrade Law,madein view of its burgeoning trade andbooming economy,came into force. China's foreign trade volumereached US ＄366.6 billion in 1994,     

Monkey King —Prime Candidate for 2008 Olympics Mascot

IS the monkey an appropriate 2008 Olympic mascot? No one will know for sure until next year. Now that the Chinese Seal has been officially designated as the 2008 Olympics emblem, the games' mascot has taken over as     

Sea, Sand and Blooming Business

THE cure for cancer has so far proved elusive,and with 10 million people diagnosed eachyear, the need for medical and pharmaceuticalcompanies to come up with results is crucial.One Chinese company, the Yantai MedgennCorporation, in Yantai, Shandong Province, hopes tobe getting close with its genetic medicine, YH-16. Thiscompany will be putting its product on the market next