Beijing: A movable feast for the 21st Century

The year 2001 has been a year of celebrations. Beijing won its bid to be the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games, China’s national football team won its ticket to the 2002 World Cup, and then finally lastmonth China got its pass to the World Trade Organization.

To globalize or not

The telltale imprint of globalization impacted on the Beijing artistic scene in 2001. It seemed that in all major art forms, including Beijing Opera, musicals and even avant-garde music, the images on the stage turned out to be more and more similar as the melding of different cultural artistic traditions filled audiences’ eyes.

Experts’ art impression about 2001

“I find it’s very apparent that there have been more and more young directors. As far as Inow, at least ten young directors have shown their first movie to the public this year. Many non-governmental sponsors have invested in their movies.

“Made in Japan” – No more guarantees

The Mitsubishi PAJERO V31 and V33’s potential brake failure made these two models sound like terminators on roads to Chinese people. The crises resulted directly from fatal design flaws. According to test reports issued by the NEEIQB (National Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau), brake fluid leaks caused by friction between the brake sensing valve and the brake fluid transmission valve could occur during the course of normal driving.

Bye-bye, 2001! Hello,2002!

As the year changes, how are expats doing in Beijing?

What were their stories in 2001?

What are their plans for 2002?

China’s long march to the World Cup

After 44 years of struggle, China finally realized the long held dream of qualifying for the World Cup Finals, to be held in Japan and South Korea next year. In October this year, at the seventh attempt, success finally came China’s way. And under the leadership of a Yangjiaolian (foreign coach). China’s rejoicing boiled over, and people took to the streets in celebration.

View from the touchline

Many of the current players and coaches participated in both the 1993 and 2001 campaigns. They all acknowledged the great changes Milu had brought to them.

The impacts of September 11 – Terrorist attacks on American society and culture

The September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington caused an immense shock to American society. Its impacts on American socio-cultural psychology far surpass the material damages it caused. The first major war in the 21st century has to a greater extent changed the orientation of American politics, diplomacy, society and culture.

WTO calls for business credit

The great changes started on November 11, when Shi Guangsheng, Chinese Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation signed his name at Doha. Chinese enterprises suddenly encountered worldwide competition. Distinguished economist Zhang Weiying of Peking University ironically pointed out that credit standing is just the core competitive strength of Chinese business together with complementary information assets.

Eyewitnesses to Beijing’s Olympic triumph

Beijing’s long, successful march to an Olympic bid may be one of the most significant events for China and even the world in2001. No words can fully describe the explosion of joy from millions of Chinese on that unforgettable July 13 when victory was achieved.