China Manufacturer
China (includes Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau)
Due to an economic downturn and high unemployment, the Government has reduced the amount of foreign labor to give job priority to local residents. In a 2001 incident, approximately 40 workers from mainland China were detained after a standoff with their employer over compensation and abrupt dismissal. Some of the workers were deported before a judicial decision could be made on their labor-related claims. In another case, after dozens of foreign workers suddenly were laid off by a garment manufacturer, they petitioned the Government over being paid a fraction of their wages. In response the Government's Labor and Employment Affairs Bureau took action to mediate the pay dispute. The Government claimed that, since the workers' contracts had expired, their removal was lawful. However, a Labor and Employment Affairs Bureau official stated to the press that the dismissal of the workers was "unreasonable" and that the workers' demands were fair. There were no such demonstrations during the y ... [Read More]
China (Includes Hong Kong and Macau)
In 2000 due to the economic downturn and rising unemployment, the government instituted a policy to reduce the amount of foreign labor in order to give job priority to local residents. In an incident in November, approximately 40 workers from mainland China were detained after a standoff with their employer over compensation and abrupt dismissal. Some of the workers were deported before a judicial decision could be made on their labor-related claims. In another case, after dozens of foreign workers suddenly were laid off by a garment manufacturer, they petitioned the Government over being paid a fraction of their wages. In response, the Government's Labor and Employment Affairs Bureau took action to mediate the pay dispute. The Government claimed that since the workers' contracts had expired, their removal was lawful. However, a Labor and Employment Affairs Bureau official told the press that the dismissal of the workers was "unreasonable" and that the workers' demands were fair. ... [Read More]
Congressmen Propose Measure To Address China Currency Issue - US Department of State
"As a former manufacturer, I understand the opportunities of free trade," Chocola said. "Without a level playing field, our manufacturers are at a significant disadvantage. This bill results in not only free trade, but fair trade by making sure China plays by the rules." ... Chocola said China's currency policy puts U.S. manufacturers at a "significant disadvantage." ... [Read More]
U.S. Hopes for Open Skies Agreement with China, Official Says - US Department of State
On January 28, a group of six of China’s state-owned carriers agreed to buy 60 Boeing 787 airplanes, which are being developed for delivery beginning in 2008. Discussions are under way to finalize contracts. That same day, China Southern Airlines signed an agreement with European manufacturer Airbus to buy five A380 “superjumbos” and in February began to take delivery of four medium/long range A330-200 aircraft. Other signs of the booming aviation market are the plans of the first private Chinese airlines to offer domestic flights, according to news reports. The first of these, Okay Airways, launched its maiden flight on March 11. China’s aviation authorities have agreed to the setup of three other private carriers. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Text: Deputy USTR Shiner to Visit China
"America's manufacturers, entertainers, engineers and scientists continue to lead the world in innovation and creativity. It is absolutely critical that their legal rights to their inventions, brand names and product reputations are respected and protected by our trading partners," Shiner said. "President Bush and his Administration are highly focused on the importance of intellectual property protection to American businesses, workers and their families. Improving IPR enforcement in China is a key objective, given the tremendous challenges IPR infringement in China is posing to both American and Chinese interests. We welcome the leading role Vice Premier Wu Yi is taking on intellectual property issues, and I look forward to working with her to strengthen China's IPR enforcement regime." ... [Read More]
Commerce Chief Urges China To Protect Intellectual Property - US Department of State
SECRETARY GUTIERREZ: Well, China is beginning to transition from a manufacturer of commodities to an innovator. We heard that in China in the past, most applications for patents were from foreign companies. Last year for the first time Chinese patents constituted the majority of the applications. That means that the protection of individual property is also in China's interest, because they in turn will have intellectual property that they will want to defend. So it is in their interest. ... [Read More]
Chinese Weapons Proliferation Threat a Major U.S. Concern - US Department of State
The official said some of the Chinese entities sanctioned under U.S. law are repeat offenders -- serial proliferators. The state-owned manufacturer China North Industry Corporation, or Norinco, is one. China Great Wall Industry Corporation, another state-owned company with links to China's military, is another. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Text: China Should Take Tougher Stance Against IPR Piracy, Wayne Says
When our discussions with China are not successful, we do not hesitate to use the full range of tools made available to us as a result of China's WTO accession. The United States filed, and was able to successfully resolve, the first-ever dispute settlement case brought against China at the WTO in the semiconductor VAT case in 2004, preserving for U.S. manufacturers a $2 billion export business to China. Similarly, we have used the special textile safeguard when appropriate, both in 2004 and this year. Chinese leaders do not like our use of this remedy, but it was something we all know they agreed to as part of their WTO accession. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: U.S. Trade Panel Imposes Duties on Color Televisions from China
A U.S. color television manufacturer and trade unions, which filed the case, welcomed the decision. They said that the rapidly growing imports from China -- according to the Commerce Department, they climbed from $23.9 million in 2001 to $276.4 million in 2003 -- threatened to destroy a viable U.S. industry. ... [Read More]
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