Full Contents - August 2006

Revolving doors at the White House
Robert Zoellick's move from government to Goldman Sachs is a blow for America's China policy. But Bush can draw comfort from Hank Paulson coming the other way
Bridging the divide
With cross-strait relations warmer than they have been for some time, investment and logistical barriers are likely to be among the first things to come down
Now is not the time to turn a blind eye
Domestic distractions are no excuse for China to ignore its international obligations. Beijing must counterbalance US reservations and throw its weight behind the UN
Mandelson wields his carrot and stick
A change in the ground rules governing Europe's economic ties with China is set to re-define the trade relationship. But a new grand bargain may be difficult to achieve.
Costs and catches of going green
Natural beauty is part of the price being paid for cleaner energy. Despite Beijing's green policy, it remains to be seen whether China can become a friend to the environment

Risks of an H-share rising
The impending inclusion of H-shares in the Hang Seng Index is a further indication of growing mainland influence over Hong Kong's markets. But where will it all end?

Cash cows
China's dairy industry is ballooning and domestic players are getting in shape to milk it for revenues - with a little help from their foreign friends
Engaging Africa
Wen Jiabao's trip to Africa in June covered familiar energy-for-infrastructure territory but there is more to Sino-African relations than mere resource-grabbing
Coppers on copper
High copper prices have attracted thieves around the world; but as commodities slow down, basic fundamentals may be catching up to market fantasies
Steeling home
Despite slipping up in the negotiations over global iron ore contract prices, China's long-term plan to assert itself in the market may still be alive and well
Playing the ratings game
International ratings agencies have forged domestic alliances to make judgments on creditworthiness - but how far will the regulators let them go?

PODIUM / China's new protectionism
Concerned at the country's continuing dependency on low-end manufacturing, Beijing has started to act - but this may prove costly for foreign investors

Englishman in Yingshan
The weather forecast said thunderstorms for Wuhan. While Yingshan, the start of the walk, is more than 200 kilometers to the east of that city, the weather forecast, one farmer told me, was almost identical, due I guess to the incredible flatness of the Hubei plain. In fact the forecast had already been realized. The air was fresh and the ground was soft after an early morning rain fall, and there was a high cloud layer dappled with blue. It was pleasantly warm and manageably humid. Perfect walking weather for a summer's day in central China.

POLITICS AND SOCIETY / Kim's Independence Day gift
North Korea leader Kim Jong-il delivered China an Independence Day gift on July 4 when he authorized the firing of seven missiles, including one that experts said could hit Alaska, Hawaii or even the US mainland.

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