Ran to party as there was no transportation unless you are in the Politburo or a princess. I am neither (…yet). I arrived quite hungry and you could feel the ‘countdown’ vibe. Hundreds of security types speaking into collars. It was a good gathering for UK Pavilion launch. Consul General Carma Elliot welcomed everyone. Thomas Heatherwick, who designed the UK pavilion and looks like a big hair ball, made animated presentation. (more…)
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The thunder of the fireworks practice for EXPO in Shanghai has just abated. I am sitting overlooking the Bund contemplating a hectic day. I have always run to the Bund (or riverbank) as soon as I hit Shanghai. Maybe it is because it is one of the few places in urban China where you can still feel the wind in your hair. Maybe its because of the multifarious passers by that remind you of the complexity of the city. Maybe it is because this is where I called my Dad four years ago to debate the benefits of living in Beijing or Shanghai. He told me openly (and as it transpired accurately) that “if you want money stay in Shanghai, but if you want real China go to Beijing.” Shanghai, or the ‘Paris of the East’ may not be ‘real China’ but it is the best of everything Asia has to offer (at a price). If you have money anything is possible. If you are poor you will spend your time looking up and no-one will smile back. The nightclubs make London look like a backwater. The height of the buildings belittle New York. The fashion conscience residents make Parisians look parochial. (more…)
Share this Post[?] Monday: Had dinner with lawyer friend who has worked in China for twenty years. I saw the long distance codes flash up on his iPhone. Everyone calls China now. It no longer waits to woo the outside world. EXPO will ram home this reality. Whilst my friend was taking his call I surveyed the Shangri-la, Pudong Shanghai, buffet. Having lived out of a case for seven years in Asia I have seen some of the best buffets in the world, but this hotel has to win hands down. (more…)
Share this Post[?] A Chinese city’s massive appointment of officials has left the local government in hot water as netizens (online bloggers etc) and media question potential misconduct in the move. In late January, 89 officials were appointed to new posts in various government departments – at least three of which were newly established last year – according to a statement on the website of Handan city in Hubei province (China Daily, March 5). The central government in Beijing is trying to rout out corruption in the Provinces. The State Council launched a revamp of ministries and committees in March 2008. Regional Governments are allowed to follow suit under their own schedules. However, online criticism of unnecessary appointments is growing stronger. (more…)
Share this Post[?] Please join us for the launch of the Second Edition of the Charitarian magazine. Vice-Mayor Wang Liwei, Editor of the Charitarian, will speak on “What is the role of foreign companies and NGO’s in China in 2010?” To hear the latest news from Mr. Wang, after his attendance at the Ministry of Civil Affairs meeting held in Beijing last week and the Asia Media Conference, join us at Today Art Museum on Thursday evening. He will provide an up to the minute report on the role foreign companies and international NGO’s are expected to play in China’s development in the next five years. As China grows in global stature the Government are committed to reducing the domestic wealth gap through the development of charitable foundations and social enterprises. Wang Liwei will outline the legal infrastructure and incentive schemes that will underpin this process.
This will be a fairly intimate gathering with a background of inspiring modern art. Hot food and drink will be provided and we encourage you to stay behind and chat informally with Wang Liwei; he will feedback your views to central government to contribute to the development of sustainable international business and domestic civil society in China.
A hot buffet and drinks will be served in the hope that you can stay to enjoy the art and chat with the diverse crowd that this event often attracts.
Thursday 15 April, 6:30 – 9:00 pm
Main Entrance of Today Art Museum
Theme: What is the role of foreign companies and NGO’s in China in 2010?
Speaker: Vice-Mayor, Wang Liwei, Editor of the Charitarian
Cost: 150 RMB includes a buffet and drinks and a free copy of the Charitarian 2nd Edition. All proceeds will go Haiti Beijing Student Appeal.
No Press coverage allowed. Thank you.
RSVPs are essential. This is an invite only event. Please register here.
Share this Post[?] Beijing – Clare Pearson is no ordinary lawyer.
Half an hour before a scheduled meeting at a downtown café last Thursday, she was already sitting comfortably in a corner table, typing furiously on a compact laptop. 
With her brows locked in a concentrated frown, fingers skipping across the tiny keyboard, and body leaning slightly towards her computer screen, Pearson skillfully segregated herself from the noisy crowd, occasionally turning to her notebooks to flip through pages filled with seemingly illegible scribbles.
To read the complete article by Nini Suet, click here.
Share this Post[?] Pearson, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager of DLA Piper UK LLP Beijing, says being different can lead to social isolation, especially if you do not conform to certain etiquette. “In London, drinking and going to the pub is a form of social bonding, which most lawyers do after work. As I don’t drink, I didn’t fit into this social scene, so I carved out different social circles for myself.” In China, she adds, lawyers are extremely tolerant of social differences, and they are good at embracing diversity, unlike the situation in Britain, which remains a relatively conformist society. (more…)
Share this Post[?] After three years as a strictly Chinese language magazine the Charitarian has published its first English edition.
The Magazine aims to coverage issues that could be helped by a concerned public.
It aims to bring such stories to the English speaking world for the first time.
Jeremy Nuttall reports. (more…)
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