Free lunch for Europe? – Controversy over reports of China bailing out Italy

After Standard & Poor’s (S&P) downgrade of the US’ credit rating, the big question among Asia watchers was: will China save the world (economy) once again? And indeed, the government has given a hand to smaller economies such as Portugal, Spain and Greece.

Hero pig of earthquake cloned

(AFP) – A heroic pig who survived more than a month buried under rubble after the 2008 earthquake in China’s Sichuan province has been successfully cloned, according to a report.

NBA forward Martin bolts for China

(AP) – Kenyon Martin becomes the third Denver Nuggets free agent to sign a contract to play basketball in China this season.

Chicken tariffs on US legal

(AP)– China said Wednesday that tariffs it imposed on imports of US chicken last year are legal, after the US filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization saying Beijing violated international trade rules.

Stuck in megalopolis – Controversy over Beijing having higher living costs than New York City

A recent article by the People’s Daily is trying to refute a recent claim made by Mercer, a consulting and outsourcing firm, that Beijing has a higher cost of living than New York City.

What makes a city livable? – Opinions divided after Beijing named the country’s most livable

Is a city with low crime rates, profound culture background and easy access to health care or education good enough for people to live in? The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) thinks so.

Make China happy? – Multinational enterprises ponder new expansion strategy

While cheap labor and a massive number of consumers can still lure foreign investors to do business in China, many are realizing that jumping into the deep end can be a shortsighted approach.

Water the biggest crisis in China?

What is the biggest challenge that China faces? Corruption, the gap between the rich and poor or the rapidly aging population? No. A closer look suggests that the greatest threat may well be lack of access to clean water.

Saving the world, twice? – Majority of Chinese believe the country should help itself first

With the US’ recent credit troubles and the threat of another global financial meltdown on the horizon, all eyes are again on China. The question, again: despite problems of its own, will the world’s second largest economy rise up to save the developed world?

Brand hijacking? – Fake Apple and Ikea copycats in Kunming cause concern

The exact same glowing apple-shaped logos, enthusiastic employees in blue T-shirts and beautiful gadgets on display for customers to play with – but the store in Kunming, Yunnan Province wasn’t authorized by Steve Jobs.