The China Dairy Industry Association says some 90 percent of the families whose children were affected by the contaminated milk have been compensated.
As of yesterday, families of 262,662 children who were sickened after drinking the milk mixed with melamine signed compensation agreements with the dairy companies the association said.
The rest are stuck in paperwork limbo, and the association claims it's because of wrong or untrue registration of names. It adds only a handful of families are still holding out to launch lawsuits.
The Ministry of Health claims six babies died and 296,000 ill with urinary tract infections.
Sanlu Group and 21 other dairy companies have offered 200,000 RMB ($29,236) to those families whose babies died, and 30,000 RMB to those with serious cases like kidney stones and acute kidney failure, and 2,000 RMB for less severe cases.
This announcement comes after two men were sentenced to death for their part in the melamine milk scandal earlier this week.
Zhang Yujun was convicted of running an illegal workshop in Shandong Province and producing some 776 tonnes of melamine.
Geng Jinping was found guilty for adding melamine to raw milk and selling it to dairy companies.
And the former general manager of Sanlu Group, Tian Wenhua was sentenced to life imprisonment for selling the contaminated milk even after she knew melamine was added to it.
The two men were charged under Article 144 of the Criminal Law which is about producing and selling poisoned food; Tian and other dairy executives were charged under Article 140 which is about producing and selling shoddy products, which explains the different sentences.
While the government hopes this is the end of the milk scandal, there are still several families who feel justice still hasn't been served.
They blame the government for not regulating the industry properly, which they believe led to the scandal.
Only time will tell if the dairy companies keep their word and really do make sure their products are safe; they are desperate for business as people still aren't drinking as much milk as they used to.
The whole industry needs to be revamped, but no one really wants to take the lead and are perhaps waiting for government direction...
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Word of the Day: Bu Zheteng
On December 18, President Hu Jintao made a speech marking the 30th anniversary of reform and opening-up drive.
And in it, he used the colloquial phrase bu zheteng which is rare particularly in such a formal occasion.
In his speech, Hu said: "Don't sway back and forth, relax our efforts or get sidetracked, but firmly push forward the reform and opening-up as well as adhere to socialism with Chinese characteristics. In that way, we will definitely achieve our grand blueprint and ambitious objectives [on realizing modernization in the middle of the 21st century]," according to a Xinhua story.
However, translators were caught in a tizzy wondering the best way to translate bu zheteng.
It has the meaning of "stop making trouble" or "stop wasting time".
It gives the impression Hu is lecturing the people as if they are children.
The Chinese ambassador to Namibia Ren Xiaoping weighed in on the matter and she felt it should be "avoid self-inflicted setbacks".
Sounds similar to collateral damage.
Then a few days ago Chinese linguist and translator Ji Xianlin said it should be translated as "no trouble making" which many agreed was pretty much spot on.
Perhaps bu zheteng will fast become the catch-phrase of 2009... because in these bad financial times, we should all do our best to avoid self-inflicted setbacks.
And in it, he used the colloquial phrase bu zheteng which is rare particularly in such a formal occasion.
In his speech, Hu said: "Don't sway back and forth, relax our efforts or get sidetracked, but firmly push forward the reform and opening-up as well as adhere to socialism with Chinese characteristics. In that way, we will definitely achieve our grand blueprint and ambitious objectives [on realizing modernization in the middle of the 21st century]," according to a Xinhua story.
However, translators were caught in a tizzy wondering the best way to translate bu zheteng.
It has the meaning of "stop making trouble" or "stop wasting time".
It gives the impression Hu is lecturing the people as if they are children.
The Chinese ambassador to Namibia Ren Xiaoping weighed in on the matter and she felt it should be "avoid self-inflicted setbacks".
Sounds similar to collateral damage.
Then a few days ago Chinese linguist and translator Ji Xianlin said it should be translated as "no trouble making" which many agreed was pretty much spot on.
Perhaps bu zheteng will fast become the catch-phrase of 2009... because in these bad financial times, we should all do our best to avoid self-inflicted setbacks.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
An Indecent Proposal
These few days young people are fleeing Beijing by the thousands and taking trains home to see their parents for chun jie, or Spring Festival.
And some take the opportunity to bring home their girlfriend or boyfriend to their parents for approval before popping the question.
If sons or daughters come home empty-handed, they may get a hard time from the parental units about time ticking away and their desire to hold a sunzi or grandchild in their arms.
Which is why some young people are now resorting to hiring a girlfriend/boyfriend for the Spring Festival.
In a newspaper article, a young man who works in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province has put out an ad online seeking a "girlfriend" for five days during the new year and he'll pay her 6,000RMB ($878).
He's looking for a girl who has "a kind heart, high level of personal integrity, and good communication skills".
And the response has been swift -- after three days some 400 women are interested in the proposal.
He's even set out a contract, describing the daily schedule, payment method, and safety precautions.
He's not the only one who has done this and apparently more women than men 25-40 years old are seeking someone to put on an act in front of their parents to pretend they're a couple and give the impression they may tie the knot.
What's also shocking is how many people are interested in helping others with their scam, or they're only interested in doing it for the money.
Why are young people going to such lengths to pretend they're in a relationship when they really aren't? Can't they just tell their parents straight out that they have yet to find "the one" or that they're too busy at work to meet anyone? What's wrong with that?
Instead they turn to an elaborate scheme to give their parents some kind of false hope.
Or perhaps they're secretly hoping they will get along with this "partner" and something genuine may blossom during the Spring Festival.
Either way it's crazy desperation that can only lead to more problems that will need more solutions.
And some take the opportunity to bring home their girlfriend or boyfriend to their parents for approval before popping the question.
If sons or daughters come home empty-handed, they may get a hard time from the parental units about time ticking away and their desire to hold a sunzi or grandchild in their arms.
Which is why some young people are now resorting to hiring a girlfriend/boyfriend for the Spring Festival.
In a newspaper article, a young man who works in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province has put out an ad online seeking a "girlfriend" for five days during the new year and he'll pay her 6,000RMB ($878).
He's looking for a girl who has "a kind heart, high level of personal integrity, and good communication skills".
And the response has been swift -- after three days some 400 women are interested in the proposal.
He's even set out a contract, describing the daily schedule, payment method, and safety precautions.
He's not the only one who has done this and apparently more women than men 25-40 years old are seeking someone to put on an act in front of their parents to pretend they're a couple and give the impression they may tie the knot.
What's also shocking is how many people are interested in helping others with their scam, or they're only interested in doing it for the money.
Why are young people going to such lengths to pretend they're in a relationship when they really aren't? Can't they just tell their parents straight out that they have yet to find "the one" or that they're too busy at work to meet anyone? What's wrong with that?
Instead they turn to an elaborate scheme to give their parents some kind of false hope.
Or perhaps they're secretly hoping they will get along with this "partner" and something genuine may blossom during the Spring Festival.
Either way it's crazy desperation that can only lead to more problems that will need more solutions.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Hope Begins Now
In a few hours Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.
Everyone around the world is watching anxiously, waiting for this day to come after eight years of George W. Bush and the Republicans in power.
Obama has invoked Abraham Lincoln in taking an abbreviated train ride to Washington, and will have the theme of Lincoln in his inauguration speech.
America's first black president is calling for all of us to be accountable for our actions and to work together to deal with the numerous challenges confronting us, from the global financial crisis to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
And here in Beijing, many American expats are gathering in bars to watch the swearing-in and swelling with pride. "America is great again," as one said to me.
Many Chinese are speculating over how Obama will deal with Sino-US relations... will he confront China on its human rights record? Will he be protectionist? Or will he try to get China to revaluate the yuan to a higher rate?
At this point in time many believe he won't be too confrontational as the entire US economy is at stake.
He has some top China advisors who will hopefully dole out sagely advice and it'll be interesting to see when Obama visits the Middle Kingdom.
Will he win over China's leaders with his irresistable charm or leave them mystified as to how this dark horse managed to capture the world's imagination with his platform of Change.
Now that will be interesting to watch.
Everyone around the world is watching anxiously, waiting for this day to come after eight years of George W. Bush and the Republicans in power.
Obama has invoked Abraham Lincoln in taking an abbreviated train ride to Washington, and will have the theme of Lincoln in his inauguration speech.
America's first black president is calling for all of us to be accountable for our actions and to work together to deal with the numerous challenges confronting us, from the global financial crisis to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
And here in Beijing, many American expats are gathering in bars to watch the swearing-in and swelling with pride. "America is great again," as one said to me.
Many Chinese are speculating over how Obama will deal with Sino-US relations... will he confront China on its human rights record? Will he be protectionist? Or will he try to get China to revaluate the yuan to a higher rate?
At this point in time many believe he won't be too confrontational as the entire US economy is at stake.
He has some top China advisors who will hopefully dole out sagely advice and it'll be interesting to see when Obama visits the Middle Kingdom.
Will he win over China's leaders with his irresistable charm or leave them mystified as to how this dark horse managed to capture the world's imagination with his platform of Change.
Now that will be interesting to watch.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Booming in the New Year
The big booms have already started.
Yes -- the fireworks and firecrackers are being set off in the prelude leading up to Chinese New Year which starts on Monday January 26.
As soon as it's dark you start hearing the thunderous booms -- but now that I think about it -- some idiots also set them off during the day.
Some places forbid setting fireworks and firecrackers off mainly to avoid having to clean up the endless bits of red paper, but that doesn't mean they can't be set off nearby, resulting in the noise pollution setting off car alarms and freaking out house pets.
Meanwhile traffic's been really light now that most students are off and traveling back to their hometowns. Our office will have fewer staff each day as the lucky ones manage to secure train tickets, making Beijing easier to get around and quieter, well sort of.
In supermarkets people are buying up expensive liquors and chocolates to give as gifts to loved ones, or carrying giant plastic jugs of peanut oil and corn oil to take home.
Subway carriages are packed with people and their luggage; they all disembark at the Beijing Railway Station stop.
The rest of us left behind are either trying to save money and celebrating the Spring Festival away from home, or waiting until the official holiday starts to go on trips.
This year will be bitter sweet for many who have lost their jobs and have to go home; after the Year of the Ox begins, that will give the true indication to how the Chinese economy really is faring and more importantly, how the government will react to what looks like pretty dire straits.
Yes -- the fireworks and firecrackers are being set off in the prelude leading up to Chinese New Year which starts on Monday January 26.
As soon as it's dark you start hearing the thunderous booms -- but now that I think about it -- some idiots also set them off during the day.
Some places forbid setting fireworks and firecrackers off mainly to avoid having to clean up the endless bits of red paper, but that doesn't mean they can't be set off nearby, resulting in the noise pollution setting off car alarms and freaking out house pets.
Meanwhile traffic's been really light now that most students are off and traveling back to their hometowns. Our office will have fewer staff each day as the lucky ones manage to secure train tickets, making Beijing easier to get around and quieter, well sort of.
In supermarkets people are buying up expensive liquors and chocolates to give as gifts to loved ones, or carrying giant plastic jugs of peanut oil and corn oil to take home.
Subway carriages are packed with people and their luggage; they all disembark at the Beijing Railway Station stop.
The rest of us left behind are either trying to save money and celebrating the Spring Festival away from home, or waiting until the official holiday starts to go on trips.
This year will be bitter sweet for many who have lost their jobs and have to go home; after the Year of the Ox begins, that will give the true indication to how the Chinese economy really is faring and more importantly, how the government will react to what looks like pretty dire straits.
An Enlightened Government?
In an interesting move, the Chinese government yesterday announced it will restore or rebuild 12 churches, mosques and temples in Beijing.
Yang Xiaodong, a Beijing Religion Bureau official said the municipal government will spend 12 million yuan ($1.75 million) so that Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Buddhists and Daoists will have better access to places of worship.
For instance, it seems many of the churches are not well maintained, or in some cases, like the Changxindian Church in southwest Beijing was used as a warehouse in the 1950s and 1960s.
And so the government is trying to help meet the huge demand for religions these days in the Chinese capital.
Father Matthew Zhen Xuebin, secretary-general of the Catholic Church of the Beijing Diocese says there are 50,000 to 60,000 Catholics in Beijing, but only 20 Catholic churches , eight downtown and 12 in the suburbs.
"The number of Catholics is growing as people enjoy more freedom to choose their religions and because more foreigners are coming to Beijing," Zhen said.
Are there really that many foreigners coming to Beijing who are Catholics? Or are they an excuse for the government to save face and fix up the churches?
Nevertheless, Zhen is probably referring to the number of Catholics who go to government-sanctioned churches; there are probably thousands more in underground churches.
But even then the numbers he cites indicates how many people are turning to some kind of higher spiritual being for guidance in their daily lives.
Seems like government doctrine doesn't quite have that mystical feeling that gives people a sense of wonder and awe.
Yang Xiaodong, a Beijing Religion Bureau official said the municipal government will spend 12 million yuan ($1.75 million) so that Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Buddhists and Daoists will have better access to places of worship.
For instance, it seems many of the churches are not well maintained, or in some cases, like the Changxindian Church in southwest Beijing was used as a warehouse in the 1950s and 1960s.
And so the government is trying to help meet the huge demand for religions these days in the Chinese capital.
Father Matthew Zhen Xuebin, secretary-general of the Catholic Church of the Beijing Diocese says there are 50,000 to 60,000 Catholics in Beijing, but only 20 Catholic churches , eight downtown and 12 in the suburbs.
"The number of Catholics is growing as people enjoy more freedom to choose their religions and because more foreigners are coming to Beijing," Zhen said.
Are there really that many foreigners coming to Beijing who are Catholics? Or are they an excuse for the government to save face and fix up the churches?
Nevertheless, Zhen is probably referring to the number of Catholics who go to government-sanctioned churches; there are probably thousands more in underground churches.
But even then the numbers he cites indicates how many people are turning to some kind of higher spiritual being for guidance in their daily lives.
Seems like government doctrine doesn't quite have that mystical feeling that gives people a sense of wonder and awe.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Paying a Heavy Price
The parents of one of the first children to die from drinking contaminated milk received compensation from Sanlu Group Co.
Yi Yongsheng and Jiao Hongfeng in Gangu County, Gansu Province, lost their five-month old son on May 1 last year after suffering kidney failure from the milk mixed with melamine.
The couple received 200,000 RMB ($29,000), in return for not suing the already bankrupt company.
The lawyers for the couple claim if they went to court, the most they could probably get is 200,000RMB, and that "legal procedures are too complicated for them, which made them decide to take the money".
One wonders if the lawyers were really working in the best interests of their clients, or someone told them the case wouldn't go anywhere and it was best to cut their losses now.
It seems Yi and Jiao are not educated people and the court procedure would be a difficult and overwhelming thing for them to go through.
If it had happened to a couple with tertiary education and were white-collar workers, they would probably try to go all the way through the courts to get some kind of justice and put everyone in the hot seat.
In the meantime, one hopes Yi and Jiao don't burn through that money too fast -- while the amount is a big number for them, it should represent the earnings their son would have made were he still alive.
However, it doesn't seem much and will never replace their little boy.
What is even scarier is wondering if all China's food producers will learn from this deadly mistake and not try to make a quick buck over killing people.
But methinks it will only be a matter of time before another scandal erupts again...
Yi Yongsheng and Jiao Hongfeng in Gangu County, Gansu Province, lost their five-month old son on May 1 last year after suffering kidney failure from the milk mixed with melamine.
The couple received 200,000 RMB ($29,000), in return for not suing the already bankrupt company.
The lawyers for the couple claim if they went to court, the most they could probably get is 200,000RMB, and that "legal procedures are too complicated for them, which made them decide to take the money".
One wonders if the lawyers were really working in the best interests of their clients, or someone told them the case wouldn't go anywhere and it was best to cut their losses now.
It seems Yi and Jiao are not educated people and the court procedure would be a difficult and overwhelming thing for them to go through.
If it had happened to a couple with tertiary education and were white-collar workers, they would probably try to go all the way through the courts to get some kind of justice and put everyone in the hot seat.
In the meantime, one hopes Yi and Jiao don't burn through that money too fast -- while the amount is a big number for them, it should represent the earnings their son would have made were he still alive.
However, it doesn't seem much and will never replace their little boy.
What is even scarier is wondering if all China's food producers will learn from this deadly mistake and not try to make a quick buck over killing people.
But methinks it will only be a matter of time before another scandal erupts again...
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