Category Archives: China

Investing in China still pays

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

Stockholm, Feb.6(Greenpost)– What makes economy grow?  Investment. In 1994, I started a program at China Radio International. It was called Investing in China. I chose the music and I wrote every report. At that time, China opened its arms and welcomed any investment she can get.

The early stage investment mostly came from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Japan as well as many other Asian and European and American companies. Mostly overseas Chinese. In 1996, Citrön car from France settled in Wuhan, Hubei Province and Singapore Industrial Park just started to build.

Zhejiang and Jiangsu province were the vanguard of the provinces that attracted foreign investment. It proved that wherever the investment goes, there will be rapid growth.

After five years attracting investment for basic production, China survived Southeast Asian financial crisis. Why? Fan Gang, a famous Chinese economist said China produced a lot of basic products or low end of goods which are necessities, thus it is not affected by economic crisis.

The same is true.  My classmate opened a grocery store and sold milk to local Canadian customers. During 2008 financial storm, she continued to earn money and was not affected very much.  Whenever there is a crisis, it often affects the luxurious products.

In the current world, the production capacity was too much. Why can that happen? I think there are three reasons. One is the wrong calculation or planning of the National Reform and Development Commission. The other is the corruption which means unnecessary projects carried out due to bad intention. The third is the idea of Great Leap Forward to continue to keep fast growth.

The growth is still very fast in China, but the side effects are huge. The environment is a key side effect. The other is the hectic life style.  During the 1980s, Chinese people lived a very cozy, inefficient but kind of slow life while people in America worked 17 hours a day and many democrats didn’t like it.

Now the Chinese worked so hard while people in the west realised that was not sustainable. Many people become old now.

Has China been saturated in investment? I don’t think so at all. There is still room to build schools, kindergartens, hospitals, elderly homes, swimming pools, sports playgrounds and many more.  There will be more need in home services, elderly services, psychological services and good parks in the small towns or countryside.

I believe there will be a trend that more people like to go back to the countryside or remain in the countryside.  Big cities are too big to be comfortable.  Too many cars to avoid smog.

It is also imperative to collect rain water and build artificial lakes wherever possible.

Investment in the poor areas is still necessary. Once every village has safe drinking water, safe decent toilet and good road, swimming pool and playground, or cinema, then I will say China’s development will enter a slow 2 or 3 percent growth.  Thus investing in China still pays, in my opinion.

 

Swedish design in pine for the Chinese market at the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, Jan. 24(Greenpost)– Swedish Wood, Carl Marlmsten Furniture Studies will present their examples of innovative Swedish design in pine for young Chinese people, in the form of nine prototypes manufactured in China.

DesigninPine is a unique collaborative project between the industry body Swedish Wood, Carl Malmsten Furniture Studies (Malmstens), Linköping University and two Chinese furniture manufacturers. At the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair on 7-11 February, the students involved will be presenting their examples of innovative Swedish design in pine for young Chinese people, in the form of nine prototypes manufactured in China.

The aim of the project #DesigninPine is to use Swedish design to support the export of Swedish sawn timber. The project is also about promoting Swedish pine as a natural and renewable material from sustainable forestry – a material that is perfect for furniture production in a world with such a strong focus on a sustainable society.

“The ease of use and visual look of pine makes it ideal for forward-looking design which, combined with the sustainability aspect, is a key factor in raising the status of Swedish coniferous wood, both in Sweden and in export markets such as China,” says Charlotte Dedye Apelgren, Director of Interior and Design at Swedish Wood.

Over a few intense weeks in autumn 2016, the third-year students in furniture design at Malmstens worked to design furniture for the Chinese market, using Swedish pine. The project has also involved the Chinese furniture companies Huari Furniture and Fujian Dushi Homelife Group. They provided knowledge of the young Chinese target group and the market and about industrial furniture manufacture, as well as producing the prototypes.

Despite the geographical distance, the project has involved close collaboration, with discussions on materials, surface treatments, sketches and plans enabling the furniture manufacturers to produce the prototypes that will be unveiled for the first time at the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair.

“Malmstens has long had an ambition to enable the students to work on design assignments in an international arena. This collaboration with Swedish Wood has now made that a reality. In the project #DesigninPine, the students have had to tackle new parameters such as East meets West and the cultural and social differences that entails, as well as adapting their designs for large-scale industrial furniture manufacture,” explains Leó Jóhannsson, lecturer in furniture design at Malmstens.

The furniture project #DesigninPine will be displayed on the Malmstens stand VH01:46 in the Greenhouse during the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair, 7-11 February 2017.

Swedish Wood spreads knowledge, provides inspiration and encourages development relating to wood, wood products and wood construction. The goal is to increase the use of wood in Sweden and in selected international markets through information and inspiration. Swedish Wood also aims to highlight wood as a competitive, eco-friendly and sustainable material. Swedish Wood is a department within The Swedish Forest Industries Federation. Swedish Wood is supported by the Swedish sawmill and glulam industries.

Carl Malmsten Furniture Studies, commonly known as Malmstens, offers four undergraduate programmes: in Furniture Design, Cabinetmaking, Furniture Upholstery and Furniture Conservation. The learning environment maintains an openness between the programmes. The students’ opportunities to collaborate and seek out new solutions ensure a holistic approach and a good understanding of the various aspects of furniture and professional roles. The students have unique opportunities to develop their craft, art and intellect. There is a shared focus on furniture and wood, based on concepts such as material knowledge, quality and sustainability, factors that in the long term may influence, and in the best case improve, people’s everyday lives.

Malmstens has been part of Linköping University since 2000 and is located on Lidingö.

chenxuefei7@hotmail.com, chenxuefei@greenpost.se

2016 Award Winners announced at Stockholm International Film Festival

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, Nov. 19(Greenpost)–Bulgarian director Ralitza Petrova has received the Bronze Horse at the award ceremony upon the closing of the 27th Stockholm International Film Festival.

dsc_4923This year’s Stockholm XXVII Competition jury is producer Annika Rogell, directors Roland Vranik, Wayne Roberts and Frida Kempff, and actress Julia Ragnarsson.

The jury for the Stockholm Impact Award includes directors Sofia Exarchou, Alankrita Shrivastava and Mohammed Hammad. For the Stockholm Documentary Competition the jury members are directors Göran Olsson, Nahid Persson and Anna Persson.

The Stockholm XXVII Short Film Competition jury consists of directors Malin Erixon, Xander Robin and Michael O’Shea.

And for the FIPRESCI, Bettina Hirsch, Mihai Fulger and Murat Emir Eren.

Best film: Godless by Ralitza Petrova
The prize for Best Film goes to an astonishing masterpiece. This is filmmaking of the highest order and marks the arrival of a new great within cinema. A film that will forever live in the hearts and minds of viewers. It is a true work of art and, simply put, is one of the finest films ever made. Best film goes to Ralitza Petrova’s Godless.

Best first film: Sand Storm by Elite Zexer
An important film told with great authenticity and compassion, cinema and the world at large has a new and exciting voice with this film maker. The prize for Best First Film goes to Elite Zexer for her wonderful and wildly poignant Sand Storm.

Best director: Johnny Ma for Old Stone
In the wildly engaging and painfully relevant film, talent of the highest order is shown in full display. The prize for Best Director goes to Johnny Ma for Old Stone.

Best script: Johnny Ma for Old Stone
This script with marked intelligence, one man’s descent brilliantly unfolds in this important and terse moral thriller. The prize for Best Script goes to Johnny Ma for Old Stone.

Best cinematography: Andrei Butica for Dogs
Photographed with incredible restraint and a clear mastery of both artistry and craft, the Director of Photography clearly delivers some of cinema’s finest cinematography. The prize for Best Cinematography goes to Andrei Butica for his cinematography of Dogs.

Best actress: Irena Ivanova, Godless
In this beautiful portray of a struggling woman we follow all her moves with suspense. The actress makes an incredible interpretation, which leaves the viewer almost thinking that she is living the life of her character for real, and we believe every expression that she gives us. Thanks to the her performance, we get a greater insight into the life of a vulnarable person in a corrupt society. The prize for Best Actress goes to Irena Ivanova for her work in Godless.

Best actor: Kévin Azaïs, A Taste of Ink
In this great debut film, we follow a remarkable portray of a young man’s struggle of finding peace with his father. This actor dares to show his most fragile sides in a vulnerable and clear way. He shines in all frames och carries the film through and through. This is an actor we want to see more of. The prize for Best Actor goes to Kévin Azaïs for his incredible work in A Taste of Ink.

Best documentary: Hooligan Sparrow by Nanfu Wang
Not long ago, filmmaking was exclusive for the privileged. Thanks to new technology some few rare talent are able cross the barrier of the establishment and create a fantastic film. In a world speeding into nationalism and corruption we have an opportunity to meet a daring group of women standing up against a system that perpetuate sexual abuse on women and children. With a organic closeness and compassion to subject, seldom seen in the art of film, we are happy to reward Best Documentary to the remarkable achievement of Nanfu Wang with the fantastic film Hooligan Sparrow.

Stockholm Impact Award: Wayne Roberts for Katie Says Goodbye
Katie Says Goodbye is a sensitive, layered and complex, coming of age story of a young American girl. The film displays a clearly female sensitive gaze, without sensationalizing Katie’s heart breaking story. It shows us the complexity of human nature and people and relationships, be they women or men, without judgment. The cinematic style of the film is fresh and subtle, and the performance of Olivia Cooke as Katie is compelling. It leaves you experiencing the innocence, the darkness, the vulnerability and the strength of the lovable Katie. It is a startlingly brave portrayal of a young woman. Through its sensitive handling of the politics of what it means for a woman to have agency over her own body, it challenges age old stereotypes of women.

Best short film: Imago by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez
For the main prize, the film that stood out was for its raw fly-on-the-wall imagery, gripping story, and its roller coaster sense of morality. This film showed us a world we had never seen before, and some of its shocking imagery will stay with us for a long time. The winner of this year’s short film competition is: Imago by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez.

Stockholm Rising Star: Filip Berg
Rising Star 2016 is awarded to a young actor that can easily connect with the audience. He portrays his characters with openness, vulnerability and curiosity – his competence impresses, which has been perceived by the audience in his home country as well as internationally. A ”sharp” actor, with a clear bright future at the screen.

FIPRESCI best film: American Honey by Andrea Arnold
A depiction of being young amongst a mid-western society. With an incredible soundtrack the film perfectly captures hope amongst hopelessness. This years International Critics Prize goes to American Honey by Andrea Arnold.

Stockholm Lifetime Achievement Award: Francis Ford Coppola
This year’s Stockholm Lifetime Achievement Award winner is one of the greatest directors of our time. His films encapsulate their own era with perfect authenticity, yet remain equally relevant today. From Don Corleone’s epic and corrupt family enterprise, through the dangers of the surveillance society to the apocalyptic wars of the west, his prophetic images and powerful stories have defined cinema for generations. Forever will they provide a common language and inspiration for cinephiles all over the world.

Stockholm Visionary Award: François Ozon
This year’s winner of the Stockholm Visionary Award is the subversive and distinctly poetic François Ozon. With stylistic flair and precision, Ozon is a true master at looking into our inner, always with his trademark dark satire and an introspective looking glass that is passed on to the audience during the course of the film. The 2016 Stockholm Visionary Award goes to François Ozon.

1 km film-scholarship: Frida Kempff, Dear Kid
This year’s 1 km film scholarship goes to a director who believes in the power of the image, her scenes achieve a fine balance between mystery and emotion. Small details in her film bear great importance, the observant viewer is rewarded with complex characters undergoing a stormy inner drama.

iFestival Award: Trial and Error by Antje Heyn
Voted for by the 2015 Stockholm Film Festival audience.

 

Ambassador Chen Yuming Talks about China and the World in Figures

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

STOCKHOLM, Sept. 28 (Greenpost)–A grand celebration  of the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China has been held in the Chinese Embassy in Stockholm.

thumb_dsc_3057_1024Chen Yuming, Chinese Ambassador to Sweden spoke highly about remarkable achievements China made over the past 67 years with interesting figures.

“67 and 6.7. China has traveled a remarkable journey in the past 67 years, increasing its per capita GDP from 35 to 8 thousand US dollars amid the population growth from 400 million to 1.3 billion.” said Chen.

“China has lifted more than 700 million people out of poverty, and increased the size of our middle income group to over 100 million people. China has accomplished just in a few decades what has taken other countries several hundred years to achieve.  As the engine for global growth, how the Chinese economy is doing is a topic of great interest.”

China’s growth rate of 6.7 percent in the first half of the year is still among the fastest in major economies despite of the slowdown.

China’s economic aggregate has exceeded 10 trillion US dollars, steadily contributing about 25 percent to global economic growth.

Ambassador Chen said China will continue to deepen reform and further open up with more efforts being put on innovation, being in harmony, being green and open and share the development put forward by the new five-year plan.

Ambassador Chen also mentioned the 20 referring to the G20 Hangzhou Summit recently held in China.  With the theme of Towards an innovative, invigorated, interconnected and inclusive World Economy, Hangzhou Summit has achieved fruitful results. The G20 Leaders’ Communique Hangzhou Summit and 28 specific outcome documents were issued during the summit. President Xi Jinping attaches more importance to action than mere talking. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon applauds the G20 Hangzhou Summit for its two historic breakthroughs in promoting the sustainable development agenda and tackling climate change.

Ambassador Chen said this year marks the 66th anniversary of the establishment of dilomatic relations between China and Sweden.

“Chinese people often say, a double six brings success.  Several days ago at the China-Swedish Entrepreneurs Round-table, Prime Minister Stefan Löfven said it is the spirits of innovation and cooperation that makes Sweden one of the richest countries in Europe. He hopes that businessmen from China and Sweden can continue to work together. China also looks forward to enhancing cooperation with Sweden in such fields as politics, people-to-people links, trade and investment, innovation, and social governance. ”

dsc_2989He said China is ready to cooperate with Sweden which has joined the UN Security Council in deeper cooperation. The establishment of the China Cultural Center in Stockholm just 28 days ago will serve as a bridge connecting Europe and Asia for better mutual understanding of the two peoples.

Ambassador Chen also quoted Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s speech at the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly that only development can root out the cause of poverty, refugee crisis, war, conflict and terrorism.

He said China firmly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, take political solutions as the right path to tackle hotspot issues, including Syrian and the Korean Peninsular issues. China supports international efforts to address the refugee issue, and will provide 300 million dollars worth of humanitarian assistance.

China is among the first to ratify the Paris Agreement. Chinese peacekeepers are risking their lives for world peace.

Swedish EU Affairs and Trade Minister Ann Linde and State Secretary Annika Söder attended the reception.

dsc_3041Swedish Sinologist Cecilia Lindqvist and Stockholm Business Region’s CEO Olof Zetterberg and many dignitories from other embassies in Stockholm attended the reception.

A total of 300 people including Chinese prominant figures and leaders from various associations attended the reception.

 

Chinese Kunqu Opera welcomed in Stockholm

Xuefei Chen Axelsson

Stockholm, Sept. 22(Greenpost)–Chinese Kunqu Opera the Peony Pavilion was performed by famous Chinese artists in Stockholm to mark the traditional Chinese Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival on Sept. 18th in ABF.

thumb_dsc_2386_1024 Famous Chinese Kunqu Opera artists Gong Yinlei and Qian Zhenrong  as well as Cong Haiyan from Suzhou, Jiangsu province  and Swedish artist Hao Jingxia gave a wonderful performance of the 600 year old a love story  with a special artistic genre.

thumb_dsc_2374_1024The Peony Pavilion is a play written by Tang Xianzu in the Ming Dynasty and first performed in 1598 marking one of the four dreams. It is about love between a woman Du Liniang coming from a higher official family fell in love with a talented man and their meeting in the Moon Festival.

thumb_dsc_2408_1024Kunqun Opera was proclaimed as a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of humanity by UNESCO in 2001.

thumb_dsc_2416_1024Gong Yinlei acted as Du Liniang with her beautiful postures and tones. Qian Zhenrong acted as Liu Mengmei, a handsome and talented man with wonderful voice and beautiful tone.

thumb_dsc_2484_1024It was the first time that Gong and Qian came to Sweden and performed the Peony Pavilion, an ancient Chinese love story.

thumb_dsc_2439_1024Qian Zhenrong said he was very glad to be in Sweden to perform.

“We are glad that we can perform the traditional Chinese Kunqu Opera here for Swedish audience and many Chinese audience. ”

The performance was performed in Chinese, but there is translations on the screen so that the Swedish audience can also understand.

thumb_dsc_2524_1024The wonderful performance was not only a good enjoyment for the Chinese in Sweden, it was loved by many Swedish opera lovers.  Mikaela Kindblom is one of them.

thumb_dsc_2513_1024“I love it, it is very beautiful. I have friends telling me about the stories. This is the second time we are here. ”

The concert hall was full with about 400 audiences including Chinese Ambassador Chen Yuming,  his wife Bai Xiaomei and Education Counselor Dou Chunxiang as well as many opera fans.

 

 

Hebei environmental delegation visits Sweden

STOCKHOLM, Sept. 12–About two years ago, Sweden-China Bridge in cooperation with Swedish Royal Seaport, Hammarbysjöstad and Enköping Kommuns environmental department invited two Chinese delegations to visit Sweden. Their visits were real fruitful visits.

两年前的10月14日-20日,河北代表团刘永乾经理,李云霞经理,秦志晖经理访问瑞典的哈马碧,皇家海港新城和恩雪平环境部。

10月20-26日河北环境和清洁能源代表团的李立景经理,李蕾和李闪经理考察了哈马碧, 皇家海港新城和恩雪平。

The first delegation, composed of Liu Yongqian, Qin Zhihui and Li Hongxia, visited Sweden on October 14-20 and the second delegation, composed Li Lijing, Li Kan, and another Li.

The following are photos of the visiting.

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垃圾桶好像橱柜,干净整洁。Rubbish bin looks like a furnature, clean and tidy.

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老城改造的典范。

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秋天来了,天气不冷不热,飞禽来皇后岛的草坪来吃草。看这些家伙平时以为是鹅,因为它们晃来晃去。但是,想走的时候,它们就都会飞了,穿过河流,湖海,落到它们想落的地方。它们走过的地方,人就很难在走了,因为它们名留下一片片青屎!

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皇后岛在深秋,格外肃穆,安静,美丽。

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秋老虎的太阳很毒。我被晒成了这样。

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蓝天绿草和清水,让人心醉!

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小熊因为老婆生孩子,没有赶上大队,只好自己来了。

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林荫道宽敞明亮。

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中国宫在皇后岛的密林深处。

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在这里,我们都吃得干干净净,没有一点点的浪费。

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斯德哥尔摩的赛格广场,地标性建筑,就像是北京的天安门了吧。

图文/陈雪霏

DayMe Home AB Participates in Maison Object in Paris

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson

Stockholm, Sept. 5(Greenpost)-As a home design company in Sweden, DayMe Home AB are participating in Maison Object in Paris for the first time and its environmentally friendly home products are welcomed by many dealers at the ongoing exhibition.

image1DayMe Home AB pays great attention to Chinese market development and cooperation. Last year, its CEO Jasper Zhang began to try to combine the Swedish design with Chinese traditional dyeing technology to realise mass production with modern technology and provide the public with many environmentally-friendly home products.

sdr”C’est tres jolie! C’est beau!” It’s really beautiful! Many French people exclaimed when they saw the children’s clothes and touched them gently.

The staff of DayMe felt very proud to tell the dealers that babies can ”eat” these clothes without any worries of chemicals.

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During the exhibition, DayMe’s children and home products characterised by environmentally-friendly concept and fashion design attracted a lot of dealers from many countries including Danmark,  France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Russia, South Korea, Spain and the United States.

sdrJanice Liang, Operation Manager of DayMe explained to Green Post in a written interview that the cotton used to make these clothes is 100 percent natural and organic from the field. It has won GOTS certificates.

 

”The dyeing process uses natural plants-extracted dyeing material and even its additives are extracted from plants and minerals,” said Janice.

”Those who are familiar with textile industry call it an environmental technology revolution in textile industry. China’s traditional herbs Radix is an important component in dyeing material. Different colors are extracted from different plants, but almost all the dyeing materials use radix, thus it not only has no heavy metal, fragrances, formaldehyde or fluorescent agents, but also can somewhat resist bacteria,” said Janice.

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”The virtue of our plant dyeing technology is obvious. First, it avoids the discharge of poisonous waste water because it uses supersonic vibration technology in dyeing process. It substantially reduced the environmental impact from the production process and in a way protects the earth we all rely on. Due to the use of radix and turmeric herbs as dyeing material, the products can resist bacteria to certain degrees, ” said Janice.

”I thought only Chinese people knew that some herbs can resist bacteria. But when I talked with many dealers from various countries, I found they all have recognised that some herbs have the function of resisting bacteria. Mothers don’t need to worry about their babies ’eating’ the clothes because there is no chemicals in it,” Liang said it with a kind of pride.

”Secondly, it’s also a blessing for allergic children because it doesn’t have any source to cause allergy,” said Liang.

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Liang said from the design perspective, it has the Nordic style of being simple, practical and taking users’ experience into consideration.

”Sweden is a country that pays great attention to environmental protection. As a Nordic brand of children clothes and home products, to be environmentally friendly and comfortable are our priorities, and maybe that’s why many dealers pay attention to us at Maison Object exhibition,” said Liang.

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Janice Liang shows dyeing process with natural dyeing material in Stockholm exhibition.   Photo by Xuefei Chen Axelsson

Earlier this year, DayMe Home products aroused great attention from Swedish industries when it participated in the Formex exhibition in Stockholm.

And now it is participating in the Maison Object exhibition in Paris to introduce its new technology and products to its European dealers for the first time.

Maison Object  in Paris is a famous home products exhibition in the world and has a long history.

Photos provided by Janice Liang.

 

Progress made in Bandy and Hockey exchange between China and Sweden

By Xuefei Chen Axelsson and Perka Holmström

STOCKHOLM, Aug. 31(Greenpost)– Progress has been made in Bandy and Hockey cooperation and exchange between China and Sweden recently, said Perka Holmström,  one of the driving forces for cooperation between Sweden and China in Bandy and Hockey. 

Match i Vilda Väsby - med Shouting Zhang (1)” We made a “Pioneer Journey” for China’s Bandy and Hockey delegation from Harbin Sports University to a large part of our skating sports unique roots,” said Holmström. 

The Chinese  delegation consists of Harbin Sports University’s Sports Director Li Bindong who basically is responsible for all Olympic Medal Candidates – 3 World Cup Bandy and Ice Hockey Women, Xiao Jinqui (China Team Captain a copy of Salming), Zhang Huiri (14 year old), Du Yuchen 11 years (which became world famous with the song “Welcome to Beijing”) … Yue Qingshang, (Double Olympic Curling Medal) …and also the Sport Director for Qiqihaer University Zhang Shousheng.” said Holmström.  The following is a vivid and interesting travel log with important information about the Swedish-Chinese communication and exchange:

Bandyskridskor och Summering i Arlanda“Thursday – As our main base was in Vällingby (The first modern suburb in Sweden build 1950) … We started with Hässelby Kälvestas hockey training for 04 or where Daniel’s younger brother Leo Zhang guided three Chinese Women’s World Cup players … We also spent time with Värmdö J18 and Gustavsberg Bandy in the Archepelago… where it became the most physics as the ice unit took the day off. It was almost like in China, but we could show how to sharpen skates for both Bandy and Hockey – and also got an sharpener with us … so thanks to Värmdö Hockey and Gustavsberg Bandy.”

China group in ABB Arena Friday became Rink Bandy training, with Hammarby’s Women on the Classic Zinken … and then we saw Daniel Zhangs debut for Värmdö J18 in Ice Hockey, a game in the “Wild Väsby Ice Rink” … Yes it became a victory 4-1 for Daniels new team, and the China Bandy Captain approaching Ice Hockey World Championship too.

Saturday offered a visit to the historic Västerås. Nowadays it is named ABB Arena but for us mortals, it is – Rocklunda Forever. VSK Bandy with Legend “Lillis” Jonsson took care of us and we could both “Train Bandy with Mr Hans Johansson and Lillis” and then see the Elite teams VSK and Tellus, make the season premiere game, where the profile Pelle Fosshag, now the Somali National coach suddenly appeared and kept us company in the stands … On the way out of the hall, we met up with Jens Nielsen .. the Danish hockey legend rooted in Leksand, that has promised to lead a Danish Bandy Team in the World Cup 3 February against Iceland… He is now responsible for Leksands J20 in Ice Hockey, so he invited us to watch the match Västerås vs Leksand …. Unfortunately, the judges never showed up, so after 45 minutes we had to leave Rocklunda …

image001  On Sunday and Monday our “King” a little figuratively stepped into the game with visits to Drottningholm and Slottet..Of course also Operakällaren, Cafe Opera and the famous Fungus at Stureplan came in place … where FIBs Leif Klingborg and Hasse Johansson together with Bandy friend Göran Gezelius meet up with Vanessa and the Taishan Group Crew for the Classic “Kräftfest”… Yue Qingshang, could also conclude that there was no ice in Sundbyberg Curling Hall ..

China group in ABB Arena Tuesday early morning… Travel to Sandviken – Göransson Arena, Ice Time with Bandy  School… .Then quickly to Gävle and Brynäs for Hockey Training and Lunch … Back to Sandviken and Press Conference with World Cup organizer Magnus Roos and Wenche Yaman, FIBs Bo Nyman and Arne Anderstedt. Then SAIKs club director Per Söderlund took us on a regular team training with the A Team. We concluded with dinner with the Municipal Peter Kärnström and Ulf Gillström, Head of Culture and Leisure in Sandviken – We left the city with a Standard for twin town Chengde. Yes it was where  SAIK Bandy went for Winter Classic 2015 and where Women’s World Cup will take place in 2018, and hopefully also some Olympic Games will take place in Chengde 2022 – before a much needed night of sleep was offered on Högbo Bruk …

 Bo Nyman concluding meeting Sandviken

* Wednesday first a short trip to Sundborn – for the great Swedish Painter Carl Larssons Farm and after that Sports Ewa, where 4 pair of Bandy Skates was presented by CCM. Then the Bus took off to the Classic Edsbyn Bandy Club and first indoor Arena in Bandy, made in just wood… Edsbyn lined up with Elis and Siv Johansson, Ola Johansson and Keka Robertson for training with the A-Team … and where legend Magnus “Kuben” Olsson invited the ladies on a very own ride on the ice ….

image006Chinese delegation could also offer the Legendary Chinese “Welcome to Beijing” with Du Yuchen – inside the A Teams dressing room – almost a bit Bandy Music – before the trip returned us to Stockholm…Actually we were so fast that Legendary “Järven” just got us on telephone when we passed Bollnäs. Of course I then told the group the story of the Bandy Legend “Snoddas”… also some more Bandy Music… 

image009 Thursday … Offered Barkabys Outlet and an intensive search of the Ice Time and a Sharpener to do the Bandy Radie – before US Vice President, Joe Biden was in Stockholm… However, we received a contribution of 4 pair of Bandy Skates from Ekerö IK’s strongman Bertil Sundberg, in the small late hours, and I had time to thank for the loan of the bus for the journey from “Sweden’s Happiest Club” Ekerö IK started 1921 – the same year that Ice Hockey in Sweden also started… ..

image003 Friday .. We could conclude the “Testing of the new skates with 4 meter radie at Arlanda Wings Ice Rink, close to the Airport thanks to Club President Johan Karlsson… under the supervision of Bandy Pioneer and Sirius profile Janne Sjonemark who also work in the group around me and Hans Johansson for China Bandy …. Before they went home …

 Bo Nyman concluding meeting SandvikenFinally we meet Taishan who has been involved in several parts of the journey, an initiative by Vanessa Folkesson.. As one of the world’s largest suppliers of Sports Materials, just delivered mayor pieces to the Rio Olympics, they kindly asked to be involved in Bandys process to the Olympics 2022…

image010 Here are now also a number of projects they are interested in, developing both Bandy and Ice Hockey as well as other Winter Sports in skiing and skating – Perhaps we will see a “Developed Bandy Rink” already in the Bandy World Cup 13-16 October.

image007 China Bandy – Has 4 major important steps to take this Season….

image011*First Bandy School will start in Harbin Sport University already this season

*China Open Bandy Winter Classic in Chengde 30 December-1 January (Both Woman and Men)

*World Championship in Sandviken/Trollhättan 23-28 of January for Mens Team

*A blue print to the first University League with 5 Teams is in the process…

image004**In Ice Hockey – Kunlun Red Star will play their first KHL Game in Khabarovsk Thursday 1 september and we hope to see them play in Beijing 29 December 14.30 when meeting our Asia League competitor Amur from Khabarovsk…. Hopefully Nordic Vikings and Hokay will be back in Asia League next season…. , said Holmström.

image006 (1) * Thanks to Athletic Clubs in Sweden from Nordic Vikings … VSK, Hammarby, Sandviken, Edsbyn, Tellus, Brynäs Leksand, Väsby, Arlanda Wings, Värmdö, Gustavsberg, Hässelby Kälvesta .. Sandviken City and many major sporting personalities … Yes, in principle only the Ice Hockey Referees called absent on this trip….. But in total as an old Swedish Prime Minister once said in shoot notice “Our preparedness is good” …

On the other side in China, a lot of preparation for Bandy and Hockey are also going on. Please look at some of the photo records:

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So Ying Da and his son are also involved in Bandy and Hockey!

All the photos are provided by Holmström.

The South China Sea nine-dash line

Stockholm, July 15(Greenpost)–The South China Sea territorial disputes between China and its neighbours can be partly traced to an internal map published by the Republic of China government in 1947 that included an “eleven-dash line” enclosing much of the waters. China did not explain the significance of the line at the time. It was adopted by the People’s Republic of China government after the Communists came to power two years later. Then, in 1953, China unveiled a new map with a “nine-dash line” that covered a slightly smaller area of the South China Sea, losing two dashes that ran through the Gulf of Tonkin between China and Vietnam.
The US remained silent on the “nine-dash line” until February 2014 when Daniel Russel, a top state department official, said China should clarify its meaning.
Trefor Moss, 12 September, 2013:
Diaoyu/Senkaku islands … administered from Taiwan long before Japan annexed them.
China arguably has a decent case regarding Scarborough Shoal. Here’s one important element of the case: China publicised its claim in 1948, and it took the Philippines five decades to object and counter with a claim of its own. Prima facie, that strengthens China’s claim quite substantially.
On the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA):
From wikipedia:
The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) is an intergovernmental organization located at The Hague in the Netherlands. The PCA is not a court, but rather an organiser of arbitral tribunals to resolve conflicts between member states, international organizations, or private parties. It should not be confused with the International Court of Justice which is the primary judicial branch of the United Nations, while the PCA is not a UN agency.
1899
The court was established in 1899 by the first Hague Peace Conference. The Peace Palace was built for the Court in 1913 with funds from American steel magnate Andrew Carnegie.
Unlike the judges from the International Court of Justice who are paid by the UN, members of the PCA are paid from that same income the PCA earns.
South China Morning Post, 14 July, 2016:
The Permanent Court of Arbitration rents space in the same building as the UN’s International Court of Justice, but the two organisations are not related.
Members of «the court»:
Most of them come from countries unfriendly towards China – and most of these countries are characterized by heavy American news domination:
Many «international courts» are also dominated by American lawyers. Here is one reasons:
From Yale Law School guide (2012):
This guide provides information regarding some of the courts outside of the U.S.—international tribunals and intergovernmental courts, as well as national courts—where current law students and graduates may find temporary positions, paid and unpaid:
On UNCLOS
Huffington Post on UNCLOS: China, the Philippines and the Rule of Law
The threshold question really is whether the PRC can be bound by UNCLOS courts and tribunals, including its arbitral panels. The PRC ratified UNCLOS in 1996, but in 2006 the Chinese government filed a statement with UNCLOS saying that it “does not accept any of the procedures provided for in Section 2 of Part XV of the Convention with respect to all the categories of disputes referred to in paragraph 1 (a), (b), and (c) of Article 298 of the Convention.” These provisions of the Convention refer to “Compulsory Procedures Entailing Binding Decisions” issued by at least four venues: the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea, the International Court of Justice, an “arbitral tribunal” which may refer to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), and a “special arbitral tribunal.”
While there are venues available for the resolutions of disputes under the UNCLOS regime, the PRC does not wish to be bound by its compulsory processes — the ICJ and PCA included.
The PRC knew this day would come. Its 2006 statement effectively served as a “reservation” against any binding outcome of UNCLOS’s grievance procedure in the future.
Maps:
By LPJ: «The South China Sea Arbitration: A Chinese Perspective», most part of the book are accessible through Google Books:
From page 193:
(By Demetri Sevastopulo )

Top story: China rejects the ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal in the South China Sea Arbitration

STOCKHOLM, July 12(Greenpost)–Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected the Arbitral Tribunal’s ruling on the South China Sea on July 12, 2016.

The following is the full text translation of Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China on the Award of 12 July 2016 of the Arbitral Tribunal in the South China Sea Arbitration Established at the Request of the Republic of the Philippines

2016/07/12

With regard to the award rendered on 12 July 2016 by the Arbitral Tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration established at the unilateral request of the Republic of the Philippines (hereinafter referred to as the “Arbitral Tribunal”), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China solemnly declares that the award is null and void and has no binding force. China neither accepts nor recognizes it.

1. On 22 January 2013, the then government of the Republic of the Philippines unilaterally initiated arbitration on the relevant disputes in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines. On 19 February 2013, the Chinese government solemnly declared that it neither accepts nor participates in that arbitration and has since repeatedly reiterated that position. On 7 December 2014, the Chinese government released the Position Paper of the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the Matter of Jurisdiction in the South China Sea Arbitration Initiated by the Republic of the Philippines, pointing out that the Philippines’ initiation of arbitration breaches the agreement between the two states, violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and goes against the general practice of international arbitration, and that the Arbitral Tribunal has no jurisdiction. On 29 October 2015, the Arbitral Tribunal rendered an award on jurisdiction and admissibility. The Chinese government immediately stated that the award is null and void and has no binding force. China’s positions are clear and consistent.

2. The unilateral initiation of arbitration by the Philippines is out of bad faith. It aims not to resolve the relevant disputes between China and the Philippines, or to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, but to deny China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. The initiation of this arbitration violates international law. First, the subject-matter of the arbitration initiated by the Philippines is in essence an issue of territorial sovereignty over some islands and reefs of Nansha Qundao (the Nansha Islands), and inevitably concerns and cannot be separated from maritime delimitation between China and the Philippines. Fully aware that territorial issues are not subject to UNCLOS, and that maritime delimitation disputes have been excluded from the UNCLOS compulsory dispute settlement procedures by China’s 2006 declaration, the Philippines deliberately packaged the relevant disputes as mere issues concerning the interpretation or application of UNCLOS. Second, the Philippines’ unilateral initiation of arbitration infringes upon China’s right as a state party to UNCLOS to choose on its own will the procedures and means for dispute settlement. As early as in 2006, pursuant to Article 298 of UNCLOS, China excluded from the compulsory dispute settlement procedures of UNCLOS disputes concerning, among others, maritime delimitation, historic bays or titles, military and law enforcement activities. Third, the Philippines’ unilateral initiation of arbitration violates the bilateral agreement reached between China and the Philippines, and repeatedly reaffirmed over the years, to resolve relevant disputes in the South China Sea through negotiations. Fourth, the Philippines’ unilateral initiation of arbitration violates the commitment made by China and ASEAN Member States, including the Philippines, in the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) to resolve the relevant disputes through negotiations by states directly concerned. By unilaterally initiating the arbitration, the Philippines violates UNCLOS and its provisions on the application of dispute settlement procedures, the principle of “pacta sunt servanda” and other rules and principles of international law.

3. The Arbitral Tribunal disregards the fact that the essence of the subject-matter of the arbitration initiated by the Philippines is issues of territorial sovereignty and maritime delimitation, erroneously interprets the common choice of means of dispute settlement already made jointly by China and the Philippines, erroneously construes the legal effect of the relevant commitment in the DOC, deliberately circumvents the optional exceptions declaration made by China under Article 298 of UNCLOS, selectively takes relevant islands and reefs out of the macro-geographical framework of Nanhai Zhudao (the South China Sea Islands), subjectively and speculatively interprets and applies UNCLOS, and obviously errs in ascertaining facts and applying the law. The conduct of the Arbitral Tribunal and its awards seriously contravene the general practice of international arbitration, completely deviate from the object and purpose of UNCLOS to promote peaceful settlement of disputes, substantially impair the integrity and authority of UNCLOS, gravely infringe upon China’s legitimate rights as a sovereign state and state party to UNCLOS, and are unjust and unlawful.

4. China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall under no circumstances be affected by those awards. China opposes and will never accept any claim or action based on those awards.

5. The Chinese government reiterates that, regarding territorial issues and maritime delimitation disputes, China does not accept any means of third party dispute settlement or any solution imposed on China. The Chinese government will continue to abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including the principles of respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity and peaceful settlement of disputes, and continue to work with states directly concerned to resolve the relevant disputes in the South China Sea through negotiations and consultations on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law, so as to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Source: Foreign Affairs Ministry of People’s Republic of China.

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Top story: China’s stance on its Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights and interests in the South China Sea

STOCKHOLM, July 12, (Greenpost)- Chinese government has issued a statement on its stance on the South China Sea.

The following is the full text of the statement:

Statement of the Government of the People’s Republic of China on China’s Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights and Interests in the South China Sea

2016/07/12

To reaffirm China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, enhance cooperation in the South China Sea with other countries, and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea, the Government of the People’s Republic of China hereby states as follows:

I. China’s Nanhai Zhudao (the South China Sea Islands) consist of Dongsha Qundao (the Dongsha Islands), Xisha Qundao (the Xisha Islands), Zhongsha Qundao (the Zhongsha Islands) and Nansha Qundao (the Nansha Islands). The activities of the Chinese people in the South China Sea date back to over 2,000 years ago. China is the first to have discovered, named, and explored and exploited Nanhai Zhudao and relevant waters, and the first to have exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over them continuously, peacefully and effectively, thus establishing territorial sovereignty and relevant rights and interests in the South China Sea.

Following the end of the Second World War, China recovered and resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao which had been illegally occupied by Japan during its war of aggression against China. To strengthen the administration over Nanhai Zhudao, the Chinese government in 1947 reviewed and updated the geographical names of Nanhai Zhudao, compiled Nan Hai Zhu Dao Di Li Zhi Lüe (A Brief Account of the Geography of the South China Sea Islands), and drew Nan Hai Zhu Dao Wei Zhi Tu (Location Map of the South China Sea Islands) on which the dotted line is marked. This map was officially published and made known to the world by the Chinese government in February 1948.

II. Since its founding on 1 October 1949, the People’s Republic of China has been firm in upholding China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. A series of legal instruments, such as the 1958 Declaration of the Government of the People’s Republic of China on China’s Territorial Sea, the 1992 Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, the 1998 Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Exclusive Economic Zone and the Continental Shelf and the 1996 Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China on the Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, have further reaffirmed China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.

III. Based on the practice of the Chinese people and the Chinese government in the long course of history and the position consistently upheld by successive Chinese governments, and in accordance with national law and international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, China has territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, including, inter alia:

i. China has sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao, consisting of Dongsha Qundao, Xisha Qundao, Zhongsha Qundao and Nansha Qundao;

ii. China has internal waters, territorial sea and contiguous zone, based on Nanhai Zhudao;

iii. China has exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, based on Nanhai Zhudao;

iv. China has historic rights in the South China Sea.

The above positions are consistent with relevant international law and practice.

IV. China is always firmly opposed to the invasion and illegal occupation by certain states of some islands and reefs of China’s Nansha Qundao, and activities infringing upon China’s rights and interests in relevant maritime areas under China’s jurisdiction. China stands ready to continue to resolve the relevant disputes peacefully through negotiation and consultation with the states directly concerned on the basis of respecting historical facts and in accordance with international law. Pending final settlement, China is also ready to make every effort with the states directly concerned to enter into provisional arrangements of a practical nature, including joint development in relevant maritime areas, in order to achieve win-win results and jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

V. China respects and upholds the freedom of navigation and overflight enjoyed by all states under international law in the South China Sea, and stays ready to work with other coastal states and the international community to ensure the safety of and the unimpeded access to the international shipping lanes in the South China Sea.

Source: Website of Chinese Ministry for  Foreign Affairs.

Photo: Chinese in Sweden celebrates Dragon Boat Festival

STOCKHOLM, June 3(Greenpost)–Chinese in Sweden has celebrated the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival with  grand performances. The festival will fall on June 9th according to Chinese lunar calendar.

Dragon Festival performance
Dragon Boat Festival performance by Arctic Choir.      all the photo taken by Jan Peter Axelsson.

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Wujing and Eva Nilsson.

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Sweden China Cultural Association

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Nico, Xing Weitao, Wu Yifei from China-Europe Cultural Association

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Russian National Association in Sweden

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Greek Cultural Association

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De Mulan Gustafsson

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Zhou Hong and Chen Pengpeng

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Sweden China Cultural Association

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Wang Shuyu.

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Swedish Chinese Cultural Exchange Association

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Zhang Ruyue, Wang Weimiao, Wang Weixiao, from China-Europe Cultural Association

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Ukrainian Cultural Association in Sweden. IMG_0766

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Children from Sweden China Cultural Association

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Dragon Boat Festival poem reading program by Hunan & Hubei Association in Sweden and Tianjinese Federation in Sweden.

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The perfomances were organized by Hunan and Hubei Association in Sweden and Swedish Chinese Cultural Exchange Associaiton and supported by China-Europe Cultural Association, Sweden China Cultural Association, Chinese Teachers Association, Associations from Russian, Greek and Ukrainian communities in Sweden and sponsored by many companies and individuals.

Text by Xuefei Chen Axelsson,  Photo by Jan Peter Axelsson.