Monthly Archives: November 2008

ALERT: American Companies in China: US to Redouble Enforcement of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act:

Posted on November 25, 2008 by Richard

The American Foreign Corrupt Practices Act seeks to criminalize bribery of foreign officials — not of American officials — by regulating and punishing the conduct of Americans doing business globally. In its “Report of the Committee on Banking, Housing and … Continue reading →

Posted in American Faux Pas, Entering the China Market, Legal, Management | 1 Comment

Video Event: The Onion Speaks on the Chinese Court System

Posted on November 20, 2008 by Richard

Have we ever before seen such commentary on the Chinese court system? Or on China, from Westerners? 20 years ago, China was held the object of veneration — perhaps because few knew anything about her. But she is now the … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal, Podcasts | Comments Off

Chinese Government Tells FDA To Enjoy Its Wonderful Vacation Spots

Posted on November 20, 2008 by Richard

In yesterday’s post, we noted the opening of the FDA office in Beijing and the frustration that they are bound to expect. The struggle has begun. “China hopes the U.S. side accepts certificates offered by the Chinese quality inspection department … Continue reading →

Posted in American Faux Pas, Ideas in Chinese Life, Imports and Exports | Comments Off

Another “So What?”: American Food and Drug Administration Announces the Establishment of an Office in Beijing

Posted on November 19, 2008 by Richard

We’re opening up a new era, not just new offices…a permanent F.D.A. presence in China. So claims Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services for the Bush administration. Well, at least there will be a physical presence — but … Continue reading →

Posted in Imports and Exports, Management | Comments Off

Another, Yet Another Email Scam Targeting Lawyers

Posted on November 16, 2008 by Richard

Another scam mail targeting lawyers. Similar content to previous scams: delinquent accounts in the U.S. requiring your legal services to recover. You’ll notice, however, that, in this email, the author has inserted my name, as if to reassure me that … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal, Scandals | Comments Off

The Chinese “Stimulus Package” — A Few Notes from a Political Economist

Posted on November 14, 2008 by Richard

Victor Shih’s always engrossing Elite Chinese Politics & Political Economy blog talks about the Chinese bail-out: There is a rumor that Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a government think-tank, came up with a plan to set up a government fund … Continue reading →

Posted in Banking and Finance, Foreign Exchange, Investment, Scandals | Comments Off

FDA Issues Blanket Detention Order of Certain Products From Chinese Manufacturers

Posted on November 13, 2008 by Richard

Below you will find the relevant text of the FDA’s import detention order of Chinese-made product, as reported by the AP today. Note the breadth of products potentially affected. Physical inspection is not required under this order for detention. (For … Continue reading →

Posted in Imports and Exports | Comments Off

Auto Bailout, Financial Bailout, What Next?

Posted on November 10, 2008 by Richard

Massive non-performing loans that force major financial institutions into insolvency. Significant state investment in manufacturing industries. National governmental leadership in product planning. Taxpayers “profiting” from equity investments in quasi-private enterprises. What nation do you think I’m referring to? Could be … Continue reading →

Posted in Banking and Finance, Investment, U.S. Economy | Comments Off

World Bank Chief Asserts World Trade Has Fallen

Posted on November 9, 2008 by Richard

An update to our earlier post on the contraction of credit used for international trade: According to Mr. Zoellick, the onset of the [credit] crisis caused a “stunning” decline in global trade. “And we believe that you could find in … Continue reading →

Posted in Imports and Exports | Comments Off

Yawn! Another Attorney Scam-mail with Webpage for Effect

Posted on November 7, 2008 by Richard

Here’s yet another example of a scam-the-attorney email. I guess you can call me a collector. Crudely conceived email. Its properties: from Rising Sun reply-to WLung@aggies.com to sunr35@yahoo.com date Wed, Nov 5, 2008 at 11:54 PM subject Your Service Needed … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal, Scandals | Comments Off