BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Han Zheng, Mayor of Shanghai, confirmed here Sunday he would lead a delegation to visit Taiwan in April to promote the upcoming World Expo.The confirmation by Han himself came on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's supreme legislature."I have been expecting for long to visit the Treasure Island of Taiwan," Han said. "Though the exact date has yet to be decided, I hope to make it early April."The mayor said he would take his Taiwan visit as a chance not only to promote the World Expo, which is slated to open on May 1, but to further boost Shanghai's economic and cultural exchanges with Taiwan.Taipei mayor Hau Lung-bin led a delegation to visit Shanghai in June 2008, drawing attention from the media for the improvement of cross-Strait relations between Taiwan and the mainland.
BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Public Security is considering a permanent number for Hong Kong and Macao residents' mainland entry cards for convenience.Currently, the last two of the 11 digits indicate the frequency for card renewals, meaning the number changes when Hong Kong and Macao residents get their cards renewed. That has been an inconvenience for those investing, buying housing, and doing banking business on the mainland.According to a statement released Friday by the ministry, Hong Kong and Macao residents entered a peak period for mainland card renewals last year.Cards for those aged 18 and above are valid for ten years. Cards for those under 18 years last three years.The mainland entry cards began to be used on Jan. 15, 1999.
BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi Thursday discussed with Yu Myung Hwan, his counterpart from the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the six-party process, according to a press release issued after the talks.The statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry said they touched on regional and international issues of common concern during the talks, but it gave no further details on those issues.The two senior officials also voiced their willingness to work together to promote exchanges and cooperation, so as to push forward bilateral ties, according to the release.Yu, who arrived in China late Wednesday, visited the Expo garden in Shanghai before heading to Beijing.Yu met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in the afternoon, during which they discussed China-ROK relations and issues of common concern.Launched in 2003, the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula involve China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the United States, the ROK, Russia and Japan.
BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The decision of the People's Bank of China (PBOC), the central bank, to increase the deposit reserve requirement ratio has drawn worldwide attention and fluctuations in global markets. The PBOC decided on Tuesday to raise the deposit reserve requirement ratio by 0.5 percentage points as of Jan. 18, which analysts translated as a move to manage inflationary expectations and avoid a recurrence of the lending boom. This was the first time that the PBOC adjusted the ratio of deposit that lenders are required to set aside since the end of 2008 and the first increase for the ratio since June 2008. The PBOC cut the bank reserve requirement ratio four times in the second half of 2008 to stimulate growth as the global financial crisis started to weigh on the economy. The adjustment of the reserve requirement ratio, without changing benchmark interest rates, indicated the central bank was targeting inflationary expectations instead of inflation, said Zhao Qingming, a senior researcher at the China Construction Bank. Ma Jun, chief economist with Deutsche Bank (Great China), said that the rise in the reserve requirement ratio has ended the expansionary monetary policy and started a tightening cycle. Global markets took a hit after the Chinese attempt to cool the world's fastest-growing major economy. Chinese equities saw their sharpest dip in seven weeks on Wednesday after the central bank asked lenders to set aside more reserves as record bank lending last year ignited fears of inflation and asset bubbles. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index went down 3.09 percent, or 101.31points, to close at 3,172.66 points. The Shenzhen Component Index lost 2.73 percent, or 364.69 points, to close at 13,016.56 points. Hong Kong stocks shed 578.04 points, or 2.59 percent, to close at 21,748.60 on Wednesday. The Hong Kong market was also dragged by overnight losses on the United States markets. The benchmark Hang Seng Index opened down 1.42 percent and widened its losses to 2.24 percent by lunch break, and further to 2.59 percent by market close. South Korea's financial markets on Tuesday reacted as the Chinese central bank raised the deposit reserve requirement ratio, with the stock markets and foreign exchange rate plunging from the last close. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) and the Korean Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (KOSDAQ) jointly marked a plunge of 27.23 points and 3.65 points, respectively, from the last close. The report from China also affected the foreign exchange market, with the local currency also sliding against the U.S. dollar by 1.9 won. The New Zealand share market also fell on Wednesday after the Chinese move. The share market closed 0.43 percent lower with the benchmark NZSX-50 down 14.1 points at 3,276.2. Canadian stocks fell for the second day, weighed down by a metal and mining sector that was hit by the Chinese central bank's decision to cool economic growth. The S&P/TSX Composite Index declined 126.94 points, or 1.06 percent, to 11,820.18 on Tuesday. Earlier the index shed 173 points to 11, 774, the lowest level this year. U.S. stocks retreated Tuesday, with S&P falling for the first time in 2010, as disappointing Alcoa fourth-quarter results and rising U.S. trade deficit cooled optimism for a strong earnings season and a sustainable economic recovery. Crude tumbled the most in five weeks on concerns that demand from China, the world's second-largest oil consumer, will wane as the government moves to curb lending. Benchmark crude for February delivery fell 1.73 dollars to settle at 80.79 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It's the first time this year a barrel has closed below 81 dollars a barrel. Meanwhile, analysts widely hold that the Chinese central bank's decision is to cast only a short-term, instead of mid-term, stroke on the domestic stock market, as the impact would largely be psychological. Zhuang Jian, a senior economist with the Asian Development Bank, said the adjustment did not indicate a shift in the moderately easy monetary policy, but was an effort to control the pace of lending. Through the reserve requirement ratio increase, the central bank intended to call for balanced lending at commercial banks, which would support economic growth while avoiding higher inflationary expectations, Zhuang said.
MOSCOW, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government will firmly adhere to the policy of developing a strategic partnership of cooperation with Russia, said visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping here on Wednesday.Meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday, Xi said China is ready to continuously enhance mutual political trust and advance pragmatic cooperation with Russia, safeguard the collective interest of both countries, and help promote world peace and stability.Last year witnessed the celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia, as well as the hosting of the "Year of Russian language" in China, which brought about new breakthroughs in the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation, Xi noted. Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, March 24, 2010Despite some impact on bilateral trade by the global economic crisis, the quality of bilateral economic cooperation has improved, with trade structure optimized and significant progress achieved in energy sector cooperation, he added."The close interaction and coordination in international and regional affairs between the two countries, the proper handling of common challenges in the complex international situation, and the efficient collaboration on major global and regional issues have safeguarded our collective interest and played an important role in promoting world peace and development," said Xi.After 60 years of development, the relationship between China and Russia now stands at a new historical starting point, said the Chinese leader.This year the two countries will have frequent high-level exchanges, with their leaders holding a series of bilateral and multilateral talks on several important occasions, he said.He expressed belief that such frequent interactions will definitely help further enhance mutual political trust and consolidate the strategic partnership of cooperation.Medvedev, for his part, thanked his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao for inviting some 1,000 Russian youngsters to Chinese summer camps this year.Russia was satisfied with the current development of the Russia- China strategic partnership of cooperation, said Medvedev, who also spoke highly of Xi's visit to the frontier regions of Russia and presence at the opening ceremony of the "Year of Chinese Language" in Russia.Xi's visit has demonstrated China's political will to strengthen regional cooperation and cultural exchange with Russia, and will sure help promote the development of bilateral relations, said the Russian leader.Russia hopes to expand cooperation with China under new circumstances, and the two countries should enhance coordination in global and regional affairs, jointly promoting diplomatic solutions to hotspot issues, said Medvedev.Xi, who arrived in Belarus later on Wednesday, is on a 12-day, four-nation tour that will also take him to Finland and Sweden.
BEIJING, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pledged Wednesday to continue China's support to Jamaica's economic development, saying the two sides should expand cooperation in infrastructure construction, mining and tourism.Wen made the remarks when meeting with his Jamaican counterpart Bruce Golding. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2010. "As the international financial crisis has posed severe impact on China and the Caribbean states, we should help each other, enhance cooperation, and jointly cope with challenges so as to consistently boost our friendly ties," Wen said.China's trade with Jamaica slipped by some 30 percent to 219 million U.S. dollars last year. However, China's imports from Jamaica nearly tripled year on year, according to Chinese custom figures. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (front R) holds a welcoming ceremony for visiting Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding (front L) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2010.He called on the two sides to bolster cooperation in infrastructure construction, mining industry and tourism, and said China is ready to support more cultural, educational and sports exchanges with Jamaica."Jamaica is one of the first countries in the Caribbean region to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, it always adheres to the one-China policy, and the two peoples have friendly feelings toward each other," Wen told Golding, who is on his first official visit to China. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao(3rd L) talks with Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding(3rd R) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2010Wen pledged to boost exchanges with Jamaica at various levels, enhance coordination on international affairs and jointly safeguard the interests of developing countries.On climate change, Wen vowed to strengthen contact with small-island countries in urging developed countries to carry out their obligations of providing fund, technology and support for capability building of developing countries."We comprehend and sympathize with the difficult situation small-island countries, including Jamaica, are in...and will jointly push forward international cooperation (in that aspect)," he said. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (5th R, standing) and Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding (5th L, Standing) attend the signing ceremony of a series of cooperative documents after their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 3, 2010.Golding hailed Jamaica-China exchanges and cooperation in politics, economy and humanitarian fields.He pledged to stick to the one-China policy and voiced hope to expand trade and economic ties, as well as consultation on international affairs, with China.China's prompt humanitarian aid to Haiti after the devastating earthquake last month indicated the friendship between Chinese and Caribbean people, he said.Golding appreciated China's responsible attitude in tackling climate change and pledged to further cooperation with China.Golding arrived in Beijing Monday. During his five-day trip, Golding is also expected to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Vice President Xi Jinping.
福建键seo排名
ZURICH, Switzerland, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang arrived here on Monday, kicking off his formal visit to Switzerland. He will also attend this year's World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos.During the past 60 years, Li said in a written statement upon arrival, the bilateral relations between China and Switzerland have enjoyed tremendous progress, with frequent top-level official exchanges, fruitful cooperation in trade and economy, deepened exchanges in various fields and smooth communication and coordination in dealing with international and regional issues.Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang delivers a speech during a dinner party held by the Economiesuisse, the Swiss Business Federation, at Zurich, Switzerland on Jan. 25, 2010. Li Keqiang arrived here on Monday for a four-day official visit to Switzerland, during which he will also attend this year's World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in DavosSwitzerland recognized the People's Republic of China in 1950, becoming one of the earliest countries in western Europe to do so and to establish diplomatic ties with the new China, Li noted.The development of bilateral ties enjoys great potential and has a broad prospect, he added.Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (L) shakes hands with Gerold Buehrer, president of Economiesuisse during a dinner party held by the Economiesuisse, the Swiss Business Federation, at Zurich on Jan. 25, 2010. Li Keqiang arrived here on Monday for a four-day official visit to Switzerland, during which he will also attend this year's World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in DavosDuring the visit, Li is scheduled to hold talks with Swiss President Doris Leuthard and WEF President Klaus Shwab, and will have a dialogue with leading figures in the business circle.The Chinese vice premier believed that his visit will help further mutual political trust, enhance the traditional friendship, elevate bilateral trade and economic cooperation to a higher level, and continue to push the ties forward.Prior to the trip, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei briefed the media that Li will exchange opinions with the Swiss authorities on bilateral relations, sum up the successful experiences of the development of bilateral ties for the past 60 years and discuss new ways on furthering the ties in order to inject new impetus into bilateral cooperation in various fields.In his planned address at the WEF annual meeting, Li will mainly brief participants about China's domestic economic situation, the Chinese government's policy, the achievement made through China's efforts to deal with the economy and society.Li will also elaborate China's stand on some global issues such as global governance and the world's joint response to climate change, and call for an all-round, sustained and balanced growth of the world's economy. Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (L) and Gerold Buehrer, president of Economiesuisse step into the room during a dinner party held by the Economiesuisse, the Swiss Business Federation, at Zurich on Jan. 25, 2010. Li Keqiang arrived here on Monday for a four-day official visit to Switzerland, during which he will also attend this year's World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos
BEIJING, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- China's yuan-denominated individual home mortgage lending rose 1.4 trillion yuan (204.98 billion U.S. dollars) in 2009, up 47.9 percent from the previous year, said a report issued by the People's Bank of China, the central bank, on Wednesday.The growth rate was 37.4 percentage points higher than the previous year, said the report on China's investment flow in 2009.Meanwhile, the yuan-denominated property development lending gained 576.4 billion yuan in 2009, up 30.7 percent year on year, and the growth rate was 20.4 percentage points more than the previous year, the report said.The total mid-term and long-term loans in foreign and domestic currency expanded 7.1 trillion yuan in 2009, up 43.5 percent from the previous year, and the growth rate was 23.4 percentage points more than the previous year.The short-term loans in foreign and domestic currency expanded 2.3 trillion yuan, up 758.5 billion yuan from the same period last year.Industrial mid-term and long-term loans in foreign and domestic currency added 1 trillion yuan among China's major financial institutions, up 26 percent from the previous year.Infrastructure mid-term and long-term loans in foreign and domestic currency expanded 2.5 trillion yuan, up 43 percent from the same period last year, according to the report.The central bank said on Jan. 15 that China's new yuan-denominated lending in 2009 hit a record 9.59 trillion yuan (1.4 trillion U.S. dollars), almost double that of the previous year.
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday called for international efforts to promote the sound recovery and sustained development of the world economy in the post-crisis era.In a keynote speech delivered at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in the eastern Swiss ski resort of Davos, Li said the theme of the meeting "Rethink, Redesign, Rebuild" embodies the spirit of cooperation and innovation to discuss means of world economic development in the post-crisis era.He introduced the measures China had taken to deal with the international financial crisis, its achievements and China's intended follow-up economic policies.The vice premier said the crisis did not change the fundamentals and long-term positive trend of China's economic development.Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang delivers a speech in the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 28, 2010"Last year, we acted with resolve and confronted challenges head-on, and succeeded in ensuring steady and fast economic growth. As we draw plans for this year, we are confident that we can stay on top of the complicated situation and maintain steady and fast growth of the Chinese economy," said Li."Looking ahead, we are well positioned to achieve long-term, fast and steady economic growth."China needs to follow a scientific outlook on development -- accelerating essential transformation of economic growth pattern, intensifying strategic adjustment of economic structure and endeavoring to explore new development models, he told the world's leading business executives and political leaders.As a responsible and big developing country, China will stick to its unswerving path of peaceful development and mutually beneficial opening-up strategy, work together with other countries to promote the building of a harmonious world with sustained peace and common prosperity, he said.The international community had scored initial achievements by working together to cope with the financial crisis, which struck over a year ago, he said.Countries, whose fates are closely connected with each other, should further share responsibility and enhance cooperation under the complicated situation.Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang delivers a speech in the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 28, 2010. Li laid out a five-point proposal regarding world economic recovery and sustained development in the post-crisis era."First, we should continue to work together and prevail over the crisis. In a globalized world, the economies of all countries are interdependent and mutually reinforcing," said the Chinese vice premier.The policies of one country can well impact those of others. Only when global economic recovery is achieved can the recovery of national economies be secured, he said.The recent concerted responses by various countries have reduced the severe impact of the international financial crisis and prevented the occurrence of a serious recession, he said.The crisis is not over yet and the foundation for economic recovery is still weak. Continued cooperation among countries is needed to avoid twists and turns and reduce risks in the course of recovery, said Li."Second, we should promote more open market," Li said. The international community should firmly fight protectionist practices, translate commitments into real actions and continue to advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, he added."Third, we should promote balanced development of the world," said Li. Efforts should be made to strengthen South-South cooperation and North-South cooperation, improve international mechanisms to promote balanced development, scale up assistance to developing countries and realize the UN Millennium Development Goals on schedule so as to deliver the benefits of development to people in all countries."Fourth, we should jointly tackle major challenges. This is our urgent task if we want to ensure sound recovery and sustained development of the world economy," he said.The international community should coordinate actions to meet global challenges like climate change, energy security, food security, public health security and major natural disasters, he said."Fifth, we should improve the structure of global governance," Li said. It is universally recognized that there is a need to improve current structures and develop a more fair and efficient structure of global governance that reflects changes in the global political and economic landscape.The principle of equal participation and inclusive cooperation should be followed in improving global governance. It is imperative to raise the voice and representation of developing countries, said Li.Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang delivers a speech in the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 28, 2010A country's right to choose its own development model should be respected, and the primary role of the United Nations and relevant agencies and the constructive role of the Group of 20 should be given a better play, he said.
LONDON, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi made four proposals Thursday on the Afghan reconstruction at the London Conference on Afghanistan."Afghanistan's reconstruction process had gone through twists and turns," Yang said in a speech. "The successful elections held by the Afghan people opened a new chapter in the history of the country."Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi speaks to the media after the one-day London Conference on Afghanistan in London, capital of Britain, Jan. 28, 2010. Yang Jiechi spoke highly of the London Conference on Afghanistan concluded on Thursday with security, economic development and governance topping the agendaOn the next stage of Afghan reconstruction, Yang made the following proposals: The international community should help create enabling conditions for safeguarding the security of the country and its people and help the country achieve economic development.His other two proposals were that the international community should help Afghanistan improve governance and enhance coordination and cooperation in helping Afghanistan."The international community should continue paying attention to Afghanistan and offer greater support and assistance to that country," he said. "It should help Afghanistan strengthen its sovereignty, ownership and development capacity." Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (L) speaks to the media after the one-day London Conference on Afghanistan in London, capital of Britain, Jan. 28, 2010Yang emphasized that China will help the Afghan people embark on the path of peace, stability and development as early as possible.