A daily look at what we’re reading.
– Year of the hard worker? As the Year of the Ox begins, China’s new labor laws have come under pressure from government officials eager to buck the economic slowdown. But in other ways the government has shown a willingness to negotiate with disgruntled workers, and the new laws may have a lasting effect. [China Labour Bulletin]
– Public concern over pollution continues to grow, despite steps to alleviate the problem. [China Environmental Law]
– QQ, the instant messaging program that’s ubiquitous in China but virtually unknown outside its borders, gets an English version. [China Web2.0 Review]
– The subtext behind the reported effort by Chinese officials to extend the reach of state media globally: Greater freedom of speech, or Control 2.0? [China Media Project]
– HSBC keeps a presence in China’s banking sector as others sell out. One argument why that approach may pay off in the long run. [China Economics Blog]
– Some depending on China’s state television for coverage of President Obama’s inauguration last night were out of luck — unless, of course, they are fans of the Arizona Cardinals. [Shanghai Scrap]
– Carlos Tejada