China

Hainan Airlines now offering the only non-stop flight between the Northwest and China

June 9, 2008 -- SEA-TAC – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire today helped greet passengers arriving on Hainan Airlines’ new direct passenger flight between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Beijing, and proclaimed today, “Hainan Airlines’ Day,” in Washington.

Hainan’s new flight is the first non-stop commercial flight between the Washington state and China since 1997. “This new direct flight is great economic news for Washington,” Gregoire stated during the celebration. “It comes at a time when other parts of the nation are facing a struggling economy, and airlines are being impacted by high fuel prices and even consolidating or limiting existing flights.”    » read more »

31 May 2008 -- India's economy grew by nine percent last year making it the world's fastest-growing major economy after China.

But the news is not all good. There are worries that high crude oil prices and runaway inflation will slow down growth.

A busy street in Bangalore, India: Photo by Matthew Logelin (CC)

India has pegged economic growth in the last fiscal year at a higher-than expected nine per cent. It is the third successive year that the economy has grown at this pace.    » read more »

27 May 2008 -- Chinese state media say aftershocks toppled more than 420,000 houses Tuesday in China's quake zone, nearly two weeks after this month's devastating earthquake.

The official Xinhua news agency reports that the two temblors, 5.4 and 5.7 magnitude, struck in China's southwestern Sichuan and neighboring Shaanxi province.

Chengdu residents sleeping in tents following China earthquake: Photo by Michal Pachniewski (CC)

An aftershock on Sunday killed at least eight people and destroyed about 70,000 homes.

The death toll from the May 12 quake is already at more than 67,000, and nearly 21,000 remain missing.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, Friday, May 23, 2008 — In response to the devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake that hit China’s Sichuan province on May 12, the American public and corporations have generously supported American Red Cross relief efforts.

“The American Red Cross is grateful for the outpouring of compassion we’ve received from individuals and corporations across the United States,” said David Meltzer, senior vice president, International Services for the American Red Cross. “Thanks to this support, the Red Cross has been able to provide immediate financial assistance to support vital relief efforts for those affected by the earthquake in China.”    » read more »

May 22, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Floppy Friends Horse Toys Recalled by Toy Investments Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Name of Product: Floppy Friends Horse Toys

Units: About 300

Importer: Toy Investments Inc., d/b/a Toysmith, of Auburn, Wash.

Hazard: Surface paint on the toy horse contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.    » read more »

25 May 2008 -- Central China has been struck by a powerful aftershock as the region struggles to recover from a massive earthquake earlier this month that killed tens of thousands of people and left many more homeless. The latest shock killed at least one person in Sichuan province and injured about 260.

Tent city outside a soccer stadium in Chengdu: Many Chengdu residents don't trust their buildings post-earthquake. Photo by Lukas Bergstrom (CC)

Chinese state media say a team of Chinese paramilitary police has arrived on foot at a newly formed lake in central Sichuan province that was created by the 7.9 magnitude earthquake two weeks ago.    » read more »

May 20, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) chaired a hearing today on global internet freedom and corporate responsibility. The hearing examined the role of U.S. internet companies in the suppression of freedom of speech and press in certain countries.

"Freedom of expression is a fundamental right guaranteed to all people and the advent of the internet has allowed billions of people to exercise this right more fully," Durbin said. "But many confront censorship and jail time for expressing themselves online. U.S. technology companies face difficult challenges when dealing with repressive governments, but they have a moral obligation to protect freedom of expression."    » read more »

18 May 2008 -- China has today announced three days of mourning and that the Olympic Torch Relay will pause during this time. Commenting on this announcement, the IOC said:

"These are tragic and testing times for China and the Chinese people. The way the country has come together in solidarity, and the courage shown by those affected and those involved in the rescue efforts can only be admired. The IOC fully supports the decision to pause the Torch Relay while the country mourns. Our thoughts and prayers are with China."

Source: IOC

May 19, 2008 -- The Department of Defense purchased relief supplies from FEMA to aid earthquake victims in China. Supplies included food, blankets, water containers, generators, lanterns, tarps and tents.

Less than 24 hours after receiving the request from the United States Pacific Command, FEMA had delivered 17 pallets of relief supplies from its Pacific Distribution Center to the 15th Airlift Wing at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii for transport to aid earthquake victims in China.

The supplies were loaded onto an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane on Saturday and flown nonstop to Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, China. DOD also stocked a second air cargo jet in Alaska with FEMA supplies for delivery to China.

Source: FEMA

5/18/2008 - CHENGDU SHUANGLIU INT'L AIRPORT, People's Republic of China (AFPN) -- Two Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs landed here May 18 carrying nearly 200,000 pounds of relief supplies in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck the region on May 12.

Earthquake relief supplies from the United States are unloaded May 18 at the Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, China: U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Chris

The C-17s were assigned to the 15th Airlift Wing at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Before 2005, C-17s were stationed exclusively in the continental U.S. C-17 squadrons are now operational at Hickam and Elmendorf AFBs.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2008 – World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick said the institution was ready to help the victims of China’s earthquake as he expressed his condolences following the disaster that hit the central province of Sichuan on May 12, killing about 15,000 people.

“The World Bank stands ready to support the Chinese Government in any way it may find useful in the recovery and reconstruction process,” Mr. Zoellick wrote in a May 12 letter to Chinese Premier Mr. Wen Jiabao. “Our thoughts are with the Chinese people at this tragic and sorrowful time,” he wrote.

Mr. Zoellick said the Bank Group would draw on its considerable expertise in catastrophe management and reconstruction.    » read more »

15 May 2008 -- Chinese workers are still trying to reach three mountainous towns in southwestern Sichuan province that were cut off by a huge earthquake that struck the region Monday. Chinese authorities worry that the official death toll of nearly 15,000 could skyrocket unless needed help arrives soon.

Soldiers in Sichuan are pressing more military and civilian helicopters into service, to airlift necessities and help with relief work.

State TV has shown daily reports of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on the scene, talking to survivors, encouraging emergency workers and overseeing relief work.

According to official media, landslides are still blocking efforts to reach 20 thousand residents in three towns near the epicenter of the quake, in Wenchuan County.    » read more »

14 May 2008 -- Tens of thousands of Chinese troops are fanning out across China's Sichuan province in response to a massive earthquake that killed nearly 15,000 people. The military began airlifting quake victims Wednesday from Sichuan's Wenchuan county, the epicenter of Monday's 7.9 magnitude earthquake.

Earthquake victim, China: Photo by Jane Liu (CC)

The injured are being taken to the largest hospital in Sichuan's capital, Chengdu.

Military planes and helicopters also air-dropped more than 12 tons of food and medicine to the affected areas Wednesday.    » read more »

Strengthens Consumer Notifications; Requires Warning Labels for Toys Containing Lead, Magnets and Liquids

May 13, 2008 -- New York Governor Paterson today announced the submission of legislation to keep dangerous toys and other products out of children’s hands.

Galison/Mudpuppy Wire Bound Journals and Calendars Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

The “Children’s Product Safety and Recall Effectiveness Act of 2008” will protect New York children from unsafe toys and durable juvenile products (such as cribs, car seats, high chairs, playpens or other similar items) that may be available to consumers even after they have been recalled.    » read more »

Chicago, IL - May 12, 2008 -- "Michelle and I are deeply saddened by the tremendous loss of life caused by the earthquake in central China. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families, particularly those who have suffered the terrible loss of a child.

USGS shakemap China earthquake

"I am confident that the Chinese people will respond with characteristic determination in providing relief to those who are suffering, and in helping the affected areas get back on their feet. I urge the American people and the international community to do all that we can to help China respond to this catastrophe."

Source: Barack Obama campaign