Of Machines and Men

Oriental Outlook

January 1

Robots are being increasingly employed in China owing to rising labor costs. Oriental Outlook magazine examines the market prospects of China's robot industry as well as its problems and challenges.

According to the China Robot Industry Alliance, China has overtaken Japan as the world's largest user of robots. In 2014, 36,860 industrial robots were sold in the Chinese market. As the market grows, more robot-manufacturing companies are springing up. By September 2014, there had been 428 robot-related companies in China, 175 of which were established in the year.

Some industrial experts say China's robot industry faces two main problems. The first is that some manufacturers cannot develop the complicated application system which must be installed before a robot can be operated.

The second problem is that many companies don't have the technology for producing key components for building robots. Importing these parts adds to production costs, putting Chinese robot makers at a disadvantage when competing with foreign rivals. To become more competitive, Chinese robot companies should seek a breakthrough in both areas.

Age of Entrepreneurship

South Reviews

January 1

Starting one's own business has become fashionable and a "cool thing" in China. With preferential policies from the government and other favorable conditions, start-ups are sprouting. South Reviews magazine looks at the reasons for this phenomenon, as well as the problems start-ups still face.

Some of the current reform measures, including streamlining administration and lowering thresholds for fledgling businesses, have fostered the growth of start-ups. In addition, China's progress in urbanization in the last 30 years has provided an ideal breeding ground for them. 

The magazine says it is now easier to create a business. However, the potential for business start-ups in China is still limited. First, they abound in only a few select sectors such as the Internet industry; thus they can hardly be expected to have an effect on shaping China's overall economic structure. Second, there is a dearth of start-ups oriented toward original technological innovation. The majority imitate or even copy their foreign peers.

Property-shopping Abroad

China Newsweek

December 25, 2014

More and more Chinese are choosing to purchase property abroad as some large Chinese cities have placed buying restrictions in a bid to cool the real estate market. The United States is the hottest destination for Chinese property buyers, and China has replaced Canada as the biggest overseas buyer in the U.S. property market. Chinese property buyers also top the list of overseas buyers in Australia. Small European countries such as Cyprus are becoming new targets for Chinese buyers.

China Newsweek looks at the reasons behind the phenomenon and the risks. Emigration, children's education and investment are the top three reasons for Chinese buying property abroad. According to a survey by fang.com in 2013, 44 percent of the Chinese who bought property abroad did it for emigration, 24.6 percent for the education of their children, and 23 percent for investment.

But although purchasing property abroad provides a new channel for investment, it may have hidden risks. Chinese buyers may not know the distinction between a residence permit and permanent residence and may be cheated by brokers. Besides, as they are unfamiliar with the housing market abroad and face linguistic obstacles, they could run into trouble while negotiating contracts or calculating taxes. Therefore Chinese buyers should be more careful while investing in property abroad.

A 'People's War' on Smog Needed

Global Times

January 13

The average level of tiny particulate matters less than 2.5 micro-meters in diameter (PM2.5) decreased by 4 percent in Beijing in 2014, compared with 2013, according to data from the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau in January. 

Tackling smog requires long-term and systematic efforts. China has already started campaigns against pollution. But while the government has shouldered its responsibility to tackle the crisis in response to public demand, the public should also show its determination to fight pollution alongside the government. In November, when Beijing hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, the municipal government halted production at polluting enterprises and enforced tough traffic controls to ensure good air quality. Despite the inconvenience this caused and the grudges generated, Beijing had blue skies during those days. People realized that both government policies and public support were needed in the battle against pollution.

Many people are skeptical about whether China can fulfill its promises to curb pollution. It is too early to say what achievements have been made. PM2.5 levels in Beijing still remain quite high and people are expecting a turnaround.