Hello and Welcome to News and Reports on China Radio International.
In This Edition
People across China welcome the arrival of the Year of the Snake with raucous celebrations despite calls for using fewer fireworks.
World leaders offer their new year's greetings to the Chinese community.
Top leaders finalise EU's seven-year budget plan after over 24 hours of negotiations.
And a huge storm packing hurricane-force wind gusts sweeps through northeast United States leaving hundreds of thousands of homes without power.
Hot Issue Reports
Xi Jinping extends festival greetings to workers, police
People across China welcomed the arrival of the Year of the Snake with raucous celebrations on Saturday night setting off firecrackers in the streets and sending fireworks blazing into the sky to bring good fortune.
Celebrations carried on into the early hours of Sunday, officially the first day of the Lunar New Year.
A plea by the government to set off fewer fireworks to help deal with the country's worsening air pollution seemed to have convinced some people, but still many chose to indulge in this trademark tradition.
Residents of Beijing braved freezing temperatures to let off brightly coloured fireworks, with clouds of smoke in the air, red wrappings from firecrackers covering streets and explosions rattling windows.
Firecrackers are believed to scare off evil spirits and entice the god of wealth to people's doorsteps once New Year's Day arrives.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has extended festival greetings to people who remain at work during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday.
Xi visited construction workers, street cleaners, police and taxi drivers in Beijing ahead of the Spring Festival, which falls on Sunday this year.
"It's the holiday season. I'd like to learn what people are still at work. I know that you can't have a rest even during the holiday, that's why I'm here. I'd like to extend my festival greetings to all of you who are still working during the holiday."
The Chinese leader stopped at a subway construction site in downtown Beijing and walked down to the working platform some 20 meters underground to meet with some migrant workers.
He told the workers that they are an important working force in the country's efforts to become a well-off society.
Xi called on the whole society to care more about the life of migrant workers.
While visiting some street cleaners, the Chinese leader expressed his gratitude to their work as an ordinary Beijing resident.
"Sanitation work is a noble cause. As a Beijing resident, I'd like to thank you for your work on behalf of the city residents. I'd also like to call upon all residents to reduce waste and cut down on the garbage from the source."
World Leaders Wish China Happy Lunar New Year
With the arrival of Chinese Lunar New Year, world leaders have sent their new year's messages to Chinese people as well as those who celebrate the Chinese major festival around the world.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:
"I'm Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations. I'm pleased to send my warmest greetings for the lunar new year.In this year of the snake, let us work together in harmony, for peace, prosperity and health of the planet. Happy New Year!"
U.S. President Barack Obama has also sent his new year's message. According to a statement from the White House, Obama and First Lady Michelle sent their "warmest wishes to all those who will be celebrating the Lunar New Year this Sunday, February 10th."
Obama said in Chinese tradition, the snake represents wisdom, and a thoughtful approach to "tackling the challenges before us."
British Prime Minister David Cameron has also sent his wishes:
"I want to send my very best wishes to everyone celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year, in Britain, in China and all around the world. Britain's link with China are becoming ever stronger and ever deeper.As the most open economy in Europe, I want Chinese investors to know that Britain will remain a voice for openness and a force against protectionism in the EU now and in the years ahead."
He has also expressed his wish to work with China's new leadership.
"General Secretary Xi Jinping recently wrote to tell me that with joint efforts on both sides UK-China relations will continue to forge ahead.I share that determination.I look forward to working closely with China's leaders and people to realize our shared dreams. I hope that the year of the Snake can be a great year for Britain, for China and for us all.Happy New Year!"
NY's Empire State lights up for Chinese Lunar New Year
Meanwhile, the Empire State Building in New York is lighting up the sky with red and yellow, the colours of China, to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year.
The lights will be shining from the top of the building for three nights, starting Friday.
The Consul General of China in New York, Sun Guoxiang, attended the lighting ceremony at the Empire State.
"The Chinese New Year lighting ceremony of the Empire State Building has been conducted for more than ten years. I believe this annual event is held not only for the Chinese community but also for people from all over the world. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our past achievements and look forward to new horizons."
Melanie Maasch, is the Director of Brand Development and Public Relations for the Empire State.
"The Lunar New Year brings in the Year of the Snake, a symbol of rebirth and longevity. It is believed to have the power of bringing good luck and good health to people's lives. Our tower will illuminate the city sky throughout the weekend, bringing good fortune in the New Year for all."
The red and yellow lights at the top of the tower are to represent the longstanding Chinese tradition of letting off fireworks at the turn of the new lunar year.
Vendors worry about "snake merchandise"
The New Year is, of course, the year of the snake, a zodiac animal that is known as a symbol of intelligence and grace. It is even called "little dragon", the most auspicious symbol regarded by the Chinese nation.
But snake is also traditionally not so well-received by some people and this is causing concern for some vendors selling lucky 'snake' merchandise.
CRI's He Fei reports.
Reporter: Zodiac mascots and decorations are a must on the New Year shopping list for many Chinese households.
However, the Year of Snake, which begins on Sunday on the lunar calendar, has made some vendors worried about their business.
"Well, this one looks like a worm with a long coiling tail."
"This snake model is so appalling; I don't think my grandchildren will be happy to receive it as a gift."
"Snake is not that popular as an animal, so it is hard for us to pick up the right items for this year. we have to make the order about half year ahead of the Spring Festival to guarantee the shipping and cost."
Li Zhiwei, is a vendor at Beijing Tianyi Wholesale Market. He says he can tell from the first glimpse whether the product will be a hit or a bust.
He says popular mascots have one thing in common: they don't resemble the real snake.
"I like this Beauty Queen Snake baby doll."
"The porcelain saving-box dubbed as Fu Lu Shou or Fortune, Luck and Longevity, is shaped as a snake but more similar to a chubby baby boy if you look closely. I've sold 3 thousand pieces already in a week."
Besides the shopping mall, Chinese people like to visit temples during the holidays:
Bell ringing and a sincere praying and worshipping are believed by many to be able to bring a year's good fortune for families and friends.
For CRI, I'm He Fei.
EU Leaders Agree on Seven-Year Budget Deal
Again, Happy New Year to all those who observe the traditional Chinese lunar calendar!
In other news....
Top leaders of the European Union have finalised the bloc's seven-year budget scheme after over 24 hours of negotiations.
The scheme involves a total spending cut of 34 billion euros compared to the last period.
The budget aims to strike a balance between southern Europe's much needed infrastructure spending and farm subsidies and northern Europe's belt-tightening demands.
Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen:
""We are very satisfied. We could reach a compromise on new priorities. We will spend more to innovations and research, for instance, and the European Network Facilities but also to youth unemployment."
Officials say that over 12 billion euros is to be cut from the last budget proposal made in November when leaders were unable to make an agreement.
This is the first ever cut from the EU's budget.
The European Parliament must now approved the deal which could prove difficult as president Martin Schulz says that he will not accept excessive cuts.
UN Called on Lebanon to Set up More Refugee Camps
The United Nations Refugee Agency has called on the Lebanese government to set up more refugee camps to brace for an influx of Syrians escaping the conflict.
A UNHCR representative in Lebanon, Ninette Kelley, says that current shelter accomodation will soon not be enough:
"We have advised the government that it may be the time to start having at least two transit sites where people are transitionally processed, they could receive safe accommodation and initial assistance until other accommodation can be found. As a start, that would be a good thing."
Kelley says that they have contigency plans in place for an expected influx of Syrian crisis refugees but needs the Lebanese governments permission to set up new camps.
The UN says that more than 600,000 Syrians have fled into neighbouring countries since the beginning of the 22 month long conflict.
Light News
France Has Paid Ransom for Hostages
The former US ambassador to Mali says that France paid a ransom of 17 million euros for hostages taken by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb two years ago.
Vicki Huddleston, who was posted in Mali between 2002 and 2005, says that the money helped fund militant activities in the region.
"France paid ransom for the release of these hostages. The alleged amount is 17 million. The ransom, like other ransoms paid, were paid indirectly, ended up in the hands of the Malian government and then were turned over at least part of it to the Salafists."
The former ambassador says that the ransoms allowed al-Qaeda's North Africa branch AQIM to flourish in Mali.
The hostages Huddleston refered to were taken at the Arlit uranium mine 2010.
Major Snow Storm on Track for Northeast of the US
A huge storm packing hurricane-force wind gusts has swept through the northeast United States.
The snow storm has left more than 650-thousand homes and businesses without power and roads blocked.
More than two feet or 60 centimetres of snow has fallen in the New England region.
The three major airports serving New York City, as well as Boston's Logan Airport, were closed.
Blizzard warnings are in an area affecting over 40 million people with Boston expected to bear the brunt of the weather.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the effects won't be like Superstorm Sandy but urges residents to stay home:
"The first is stay off the city streets. Stay out of your cars and stay in your homes while the worst of the storm is on us. That's for your own protection during potentially hazardous outdoor conditions."
Meanwhile, scores of highways have been closed and over 3,000 flights have been cancelled across America's northeast.
The National Weather Service says that up to three feet of snow could be dumped in the storm that's a combination of two weather systems from the polar and sub-tropical jet streams.
Areas of Canada, in Ontario and Quebec are also expected to be affected.
UK to Test All Beef Products
UK food authorities have ordered all beef products to be tested after horsemeat was found in beef lasagnas sold by food manufacturer, Findus.
This comes just weeks after it was discovered that horse and pig DNA was found in burgers.
British Food Minister, David Heath:
"We have a massive problems on our hands. It's a massive problem caused by companies perhaps not taking sufficient trouble to make sure that what they are selling is what they say on the label. We got to investigate that. We got to find out if there's criminality involved."
British food inspectors say that between 60 to 100 per cent of Findus lasagna samples were horsemeat.
Findus says it has withdrawn its pre-packaged lasagna as a precaution.
Findus France has also withdrawn ready-prepared dishes such as lasagna bolognese and shepherd's pie that claimed to have 100 per cent beef products.
New Zealand And Australi Reach Refugee Deal
New Zealand and Australia have reached a deal that New Zealnd will resettle 150 refugees from Australia every year starting in 2014.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard says that this deal may affect asylum seekers that are being held in Australia's offshore processing centres on Manus Island and Nauru.
"This is a regional problem. What we do in detection and disruption, intelligence gathering is shared with and affects New Zealand. We are happy to make those efforts, we are happy to share the benefits of those efforts. It shows that this is a regional problem and the more you cooperate, the more you do together the better it is."
New Zealand takes 750 asylum seekers every year and this 150 it will take from Australia will be within that number.
Last year Australia relaunched it's so-caled "Pacific Solution" asylum seeker policy, announcing it would send those arriving by boat to Manus Isalnd and Naura detention centres.
People detained in these centres can wait up to five years with no guarantee of final settlement in Australia.
NASA Says Asteroid Will Get Closer to Earth
NASA has announced that an will pass closer to Earth than the TV satellites that surround the planet.
NASA says that the celestial visitor has no chance of impacting the Earth and is known as 2012 DA14.
A group of amatuer astronomers discovered the asteroid in Spain last year.
NASA astronomor Donald Yeomans says there's nothing to worry about:
"We understand its orbit extremely well and we can say with great confidence that there is no chance of hitting the Earth and the chances of hitting the satellite are negligible."
2012 DA14 is about the size of an Olympic swimming pool and will come as close as 17 thousand miles from Earth.
Television, weather and communications satellites fly about 500 miles further away.
In 1908 a comet or asteroid exploded over Siberia levelling over 80 million trees over 2,000 square kilometres.
Yearend keyword: New leadership
February 10th is New Year's day on the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. While the whole country indulges in a festive mood, CRI rerun a series of yearend reports,a look at some of the key words about China which have jumped from the headlines through the course of 2012.
Last year brought about a major restructuring of the top political echelon here in China. As such, today's keywords are "new leadership."
Su Yi has more.
Reporter: "Everybody has their own aspirations and pursuits. We can say that everyone has a dream. Now, we are all talking about the Chinese dream. In my opinion, the greatest Chinese dream in modern China is to realize the rejuvenation of our nation."
Xi Jinping led the new Communist Party of China Politburo Standing Committee visiting China's National Museum just days after one of the world's most important leadership transitions in November.
The group, led by the newly-elected Party chief, made a stop to look at a fresco depicting China's history over the last 200 years.
Earlier that week, the new 7-member standing committee made their debut to be introduced to the world at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing following the Party's key 18th National Congress.
What came as somewhat of a surprise to the hundreds of reporters in the room that day was Xi Jinping's informal style.
Many in attendance later wrote that his casual demeanor reinforced people's impression of the new Party chief as a down-to-the-earth individual.
In the following weeks, down-to-the-earth language and work style have been reflected in top party documents.
The new leadership has rolled out eight specific rules rejecting extravagance and reducing bureaucracy.
The new rules include fewer traffic stoppages for officials' vehicle convoys, shorter and to-the-point government meetings and less media coverage of officials' activities.
Apart from the more pragmatic work style, the new leadership has also adopted a zero-tolerance stance against corruption.
Wang Qishan, another new Standing Committee member and the Party's anti-corruption chief, says no single official, even - quote - "trustworthy ones" should be exempt from anti-corruption inspections.
On top of promoting self-discipline and anti-corruption, the new leaders have also been trying to shape their vision of China's future.
During a recent visit to South China's economic powerhouse of Guangdong Province, Party chief Xi Jinping made it clear there is no way the new leadership will give up the country's reform and opening-up policy.
This was highlighted in the city of Shenzhen, where Xi Jinping paid tribute to the statue of pioneer reform leader Deng Xiaoping.
In fact, most of China's new leaders have experience in governing the country's most-economically robust regions, including Zhang Dejiang in Zhejiang, Yu Zhengsheng in Shanghai and Zhang Gaoli in Tianjin.
Vice-Premier Li Keqiang had cut his teeth in Henan and Liaoning before being elevated to the Politburo Standing Committee 5-years ago.
"Amid the profound changes taking place in our society and our country, only reform and opening-up can solve the structural problems that are hindering economic restructuring."
The transition of power in China in 2012 has not brought about sudden policy shifts or uncertainty that some had been predicting.
Instead, the transition has brought with it a pragmatic approach to governance and a determination to keep the country developing through systematic reform.
For CRI, I'm Su Yi. |