China’s Space Program: Options for U.S.-China Cooperation
on May 21, 2008
China has a determined, yet still modest, program of civilian space activities planned for the next decade. The potential for U.S.-China cooperation in space—an issue of interest to Congress—has become more controversial since the January 2007 Chinese anti-satellite test. The test reinforced concerns about Chinese intentions in outer space and jeopardized space assets of more than two dozen countries by creating a large cloud of orbital space debris. Some argue that Chinese capabilities now threaten U.S. space assets in low earth orbit. Others stress the need to expand dialogue with China. This report outlines recent activities and future plans in China’s civilian space sector. It also discusses benefits and trade-offs of possible U.S.-China collaboration in space, as well as several options to improve space relations, including information exchange, policy dialogue, and joint activities.
Twelve Suggestions for Dealing with the Tibetan Situation, by Some Chinese Intellectuals
on May 15, 2008
At present the one-sided propaganda of the official Chinese media is having the effect of stirring up inter-ethnic animosity and aggravating an already tense situation. This is extremely detrimental to the long-term goal of safeguarding national unity. We call for such propaganda to be stopped.
China’s Protestants
A Mustard Seed for Moral Renewal?
on May 14, 2008
The number of religious believers in China continues to grow almost exponentially, far outpacing population growth. Of the officially tolerated faiths, Christianity has grown at the fastest pace. As of 2005, Christians were approaching 5 percent of the population, four-fifths of them Protestants, all with virtually no public support or access to China’s mass media—and with the majority not registered with the government. Unregistered Christians may be the largest autonomous social group in China. This report describes Christianity’s growing reach in China and analyzes the relationship between the state and religious organizations.
Communicable Disease Risk Assessment and Interventions
Sichuan Earthquake: the People’s Republic of China
on May 1, 2008
Communicable disease risk assessments are written and produced rapidly in response to acute humanitarian emergencies resulting from natural disasters, sudden conflict or civil strife. Risk assessments identify the communicable disease threats faced by the emergency-affected populations, prioritize interventions and provide policy guidance and information sources for the control of communicable diseases relevant to the emergency context. The target audience are health professionals involved in communicable disease prevention and control response activities for the affected populations.
WHO-China Country Cooperation Strategy, 2008-2013
on May 1, 2008
The World Health Organization and the Government of the People’s Republic of China have been working together to improve the health of people throughout China for many decades. The first Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) in China covered the period 2004 to 2008. This second CCS is unique in that it is the first to be signed jointly by WHO and the Government of China. The Country Cooperation Strategy presents a common vision of priority health areas for WHO-China collaboration in the coming five years. At its core, WHO and China cooperation aims to strengthen the national health care system to meet the needs of its people, and ensure that all Chinese citizens have access to essential health care, especially the most disadvantaged and those living in rural and remote areas.