Here is an article on the stance of China when it comes to reducing CO2 emissions.

Excerpt:

"China and the U.S. are jointly responsible for more than 40 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. China’s emissions are outpacing that of the U.S., but Beijing argues that a large chunk of this is caused by export- driven manufacturing and has suggested that purchasing countries should be responsible for tackling those emissions."

It seems to me that the simplest way for the purchasing countries to "tackle those emissions" is to put a carbon tax on all imports from China. Is this really what the Chinese government wants?

From this article.

"China's latest suggestion would see its own huge export sector be exempted from any new treaty.

Beijing argues that rich nations buying Chinese goods bear responsibility for the estimated 15-25% of China's carbon emissions that are created by its production of exports."

To this I say... why not? Let the countries importing Chinese goods pay for Chinese C02 emissions.

And I suggest getting the money for that by leveling tariffs on Chinese goods. It's only fair.

The Chinese government continues to mess up on the PR front in the run-up to the Olympics.

By denying the visa for Joey Cheek, they have (a) increased global attention to the troubles in Darfur and (b) made themselves open to claims that they want to sabotage the chances of the American team of winning medals (especially since John Creek won silver and gold medals at the last winter Olympics). Apparently, the Chinese government really does not care about how they present themselves to the rest of the world, as long as they can look good in front of their own citizens.

On a related note, I fully approve of making Lopez Lomong the American flag carrier. This kind of "up yours!" gesture is the only one the Chinese government deserves at the moment. Of course, a bigger gesture would be Bush not showing up for the Olympics after all...

China censoring Internet access at Olympics

This is stupid. If they had just eased up on the Internet access for journalists issue, the visiting journalists would have concentrated on the preparation for the Olympics instead, and given China much better opportunities to impress the world. Instead, they have pissed off the international press corps and made sure that the last week before the Olympics will be full with coverage of Chinese censorship. Can this really be what they wanted?

I realize that most officials in the Chinese government aren't used to journalists who don't have to take a hint from the government, but with all those people educated at Western government surely someone should have predicted the consequences...