AsiaCast

Asia Cast for Saturday 10th January

In this Bulletin…

- Sichuan Earthquake survivors left out in the cold;

- Japan-China talks of disputed gas fields break down; and

- Taiwan offers temporary visas to 109 Tibetans.

But first, here’s our SOH focus on China

**********************

As the Chinese Chinese New Year approaches, many victims of last May’s Sichuan Earthquake have been left out in the cold and are still living in makeshift shacks and tents.

Very little of the millions of dollars of disaster relief is reaching those who need it. Donated supplies have also not been distributed and food is rotting in storage.

According to residents of Sichuan Province, some houses are now being built, but with little help from the authorities people are having to spend their own money.

One victim of the disaster told New Tang Dynasty TV that people are only receiving a fraction of the money the regime promised them, and only then if they had a good relationship with local officials.

**********************

As China’s job crisis deepens, university graduates, some with masters degrees, are competing for positions as housekeepers.

The Family Services Association of Guangdong Province said that from August to December 2008 they received 500 to 600 applications for housekeeping and nanny jobs each month. Over 90 per cent of applicants were college graduates, including 28 with master degrees. 

Earlier this week state-run media reported that the monthly wages of between 2000 and 7000 Yuan (US$300 to 400) were now enough to attract many into working for wealthy families.

**********************

And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

**********************

A warning about forged bank notes has been issued by China’s central bank ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. 

The bank said 100-yuan notes bearing the “HD90″ serial number have been reported in 10 provinces. They have also been found in Hong Kong. 

A People’s Bank of China statement said low-quality counterfeit detectors did not always manage to spot the fakes. 

But it said the telltale signs could be spotted with the naked eye, and urged people to be vigilant. 

“Though mostly counterfeit 100-yuan notes [about US$14.60] are not too hard to make out, people should be careful as cash transactions during the Spring Festival are high,” the bank statement said. 

**********************

Talks between Japan and China over disputed gas fields in the East China Sea have stalled with no visible progress being made.

Japan’s Vice-Foreign Minster Mitoji Yabunaka and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Guangya, held the meeting behind closed doors in Tokyo, as part of efforts by Asia’s two biggest economies to ease years of tensions. 

“We held candid talks for four hours and a half,” Japan’s foreign ministry said in a one-page statement after the talks. 

But Jiji Press, quoting anonymous sources, reported that the two sides failed to narrow the gap in the renewed row over a gas field, called Tianwaitian in Chinese and Kashi in Japanese. 

**********************

You’re listening to Asia Cast on the SOH Radio Network

**********************

Taiwan has just granted 109 Tibetans who have been staying in the country without legal status temporary alien resident certificates which could lead to them gaining permanent residency.

On behalf of the National Immigration Agency , Kao Su-po, minister of the Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission, presented the certificates to the Tibetans, most of whom came to Taiwan between 1999 and 2008 on Indian or Nepalese passports.

“I believe that before long, the Tibetans will get their permanent residency and will then be able to work legally in Taiwan and obtain their own health insurance cards,” Kao said.

Last month, they staged a sit-in at Liberty Square in Taipei, pleading for the government to grant them legal status.

**********************

In an attempt to preserve and popularize their traditional martial arts forms Sikhs in northern India recently held a ‘Gatka’  competition, reports New Tang Dynasty TV.

Twelve teams from across the state participated in the Akal Khalsa Sports Competition to demonstrate their skills. 

The one-day event was part of a celebration to mark the birthday of a Sikh religious figure.

“Nowadays youngsters are giving more importance to other sports like cricket, football and other games”, said Sandeep Singh from the Chandigarh Gatka Sports Association. “We want to encourage the youth of today to take up Gatka as a sport”, he added.

**********************

And now for our Divine Performing Arts quote of the day by Clyde McNell of Toronto, Canada.

**********************

Experience true Chinese culture like never before as Divine Performing Arts presents classical Chinese dance and music in gloriously colorful and exhilarating shows.

The Divine Performing Arts world tour is coming to a city near you soon. Don’t miss out, visit www.divineperformingarts.org today.