China
By Larry Habegger | Permalink |
No Comments | June 25th, 2002 | Trackback
Organized crime and corruption are so endemic that most Chinese feel China is a dangerous place to live, but the country’s crime rate is among the lowest in the world. According to statistics compiled by an Australian researcher, China’s homicide rate is about one-fourth that of the U.S., and one-seventh that of Russia’s. For crimes such as robbery, assault and rape, the rate has remained essentially the same for 2o years.
Post your comment
If you have not commented here before, please take a moment to peruse ourCommenting Guidelines.
China
By Larry Habegger | Permalink |
No Comments | June 19th, 2002 | Trackback
June 4 marks the 10th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown on democracy protesters in which hundreds were killed. Efforts to prevent commemorative rallies have been underway for weeks and there has been speculation that one reason the government allowed demonstrations against U.S interests following NATO’s bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade was to release anger that might have been later directed at the government. If in Beijing on June 4, stay clear of any large gatherings because the government will most likely crush dissent.
Post your comment
If you have not commented here before, please take a moment to peruse ourCommenting Guidelines.
China
By Larry Habegger | Permalink |
No Comments | June 19th, 2002 | Trackback
Passions over NATO’s mistaken bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade are cooling now that President Clinton has apologized and spoken on the phone with Chinese President Jiang Zemin. There were no direct attacks on U.S. citizens during the unrest that followed the incident, but Americans have been experiencing increasing animosity since NATO began bombing Yugoslavia, with Chinese media taking a strident anti-Nato and anti-American stance in its coverage. Conditions should improve, but be aware that Americans may not be as welcome here as they were a few months ago.
Post your comment
If you have not commented here before, please take a moment to peruse ourCommenting Guidelines.
China
By Larry Habegger | Permalink |
No Comments | June 19th, 2002 | Trackback
Thousands demonstrated in Beijing and other cities in the aftermath of NATO’s accidental bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade that killed three people. The U.S. Embassy in Beijing was besieged by protesters, many of whom had been bused in by the government, who were allowed to throw stones at the building and destroy vehicles but were kept back from the embassy gates. Relations between the U.S. and China are strained. Anti-Americanism is on the rise. Consider deferring travel to China until passions cool.
Post your comment
If you have not commented here before, please take a moment to peruse ourCommenting Guidelines.
China
By Larry Habegger | Permalink |
No Comments | June 18th, 2002 | Trackback
Internet access is tightly restricted in China, so proprietors do their best to skirt controls, sometimes with unexpected consequences. Twenty-four people died in a recent fire in an illegal cybercafe in Beijing because the only door out had been bolted by the owner to prevent police and inspectors from entering. Authorities called the tragedy Beijing’s most deadly fire since 1949, and ordered all cybercafes closed until investigations are completed and new regulations can be implemented. The practice of locking customers in overnight is common because cybercafes have special overnight rates popular with students.
Post your comment
If you have not commented here before, please take a moment to peruse ourCommenting Guidelines.
China
By Larry Habegger | Permalink |
No Comments | June 11th, 2002 | Trackback
World Cup mania is reaching into more remote areas if recent riots in China’s southeastern city of Fuzhou and Moscow are any indication. The riot in Moscow began when the Russian team was losing to Japan and drunken fans watching on big screens at Manezh Square near the Kremlin began throwing beer and vodka bottles. The event quickly turned into a riot and many people were injured and numerous businesses were looted before the crowd was brought under control. In Fuzhou, China, the riot started when, because of concerns about the size of the crowd, police switched off the big screen just as China’s match with Costa Rica was about to begin. In their attempt to disperse the crowd, police enraged it, and riots lasted for two hours. If intending to watch World Cup action at outdoor big screen sites, bear in mind that sometimes these events degenerate into violence.
Post your comment
If you have not commented here before, please take a moment to peruse ourCommenting Guidelines.
Travel the World
- RTW Trip Planner
- Search Youth Hostels
- Cheap Air Tickets
- Travel Insurance Guide
- Travel Message Boards
- Adventure Travel
- Cheap Hotels
More WTW
Monthly Archives
BootsnAll Logues
TRAVEL THEMES
DESTINATIONS
SPORTS