China's MIIT seeks to tighten censorship

China is stepping up its campaign against pornography on the Internet , but it has raised concern it is merely an excuse to further control the web. As part of its latest crackdown, the China Internet Network Information Center, known as CNNIC, a semiofficial office that administers China's domain names, has said it will tighten oversight of Chinese domain-name registrations. Already new registrants of domain-names with China's ".cn" suffix are required to show proof they are a government-registered business or organization. It effectively makes it harder for individuals to set up domestic Web sites. [WSJ / Shanghaiist]

The Beijing News has given a deeper insight to the new restrictions and how they may even affect website outside of China. The 22nd December edition reports on the full notice released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), which is framed as a campaign against the proliferation of pornography on mobile devices.

The MIIT notice lists five measures for domain name management. The first measure suggests that a blacklist be drawn up "to prevent the owners of domain names found to be in violation from applying for additional domain names." The second calls for a tightening of the registration procedures "to ensure that all application documents are accurate." The third point is the most concerning however. It says that "Unregistered domain names will not be resolved."

Danwei reports that domestic websites are usually registered with MIIT, but because some of them were in existence before the establishment of the registration system, some websites have not registered. Many foreign domain names have not registered with MIIT. Domain-name resolution may be blocked for these websites, so access from China will be endangered.

Even Beijing News acknowledges a problem may exist for otherwise law-abiding sites. "It will be regrettable if law-abiding overseas websites, part of the world-linking Internet, are inaccessible because they have not filed with MIIT," the paper states. If carried out in full, the new MIIT measures will effectively set up a white-list of accessible sites. Any overseas website that does not submit the appropriate paperwork with a Chinese government agency may well find itself cut off from mainland China.

China's anti-pornography campaign, initiated in August this year, has involved multiple government bodies and state-owned companies including China Mobile Ltd., the country's biggest telecommunications carrier. The crackdown has shutdown thousands of Chinese Internet sites and hundreds more sites viewed by cellphone. Authorities also have begun offering rewards for tips leading to more closures.

Large sites, including Google's Chinese site and Alibaba Group's Yahoo China site have been publicly accused by authorities of facilitating the spread of vulgar content. Both companies made adjustments to their sites after the allegations, without admitting wrongdoing. Earlier in the year there were even restrictions made on the use of language posted on the Internet. Profanity was effectively banned by filters which prevented the posting of such Chinese characters.

The action resulted in an unusual reaction by some Chinese Internet users; the invention of a fictitious animal. The Grass Mud Horse, as it was called, became an instant hit and a symbol of protest against Internet censorship. The animal's name in Chinese, Cao Ni Ma [草泥马], has a similar pronunciation to "Fuck Your Mother" [�你妈]. But due to different characters being employed it passed Internet filters and censoring.

It even spawned a video and song which soon became viral [France 24 / Times]. The phenomena is believed to be partly instrumental in bringing about a block on the video-sharing website YouTube. Nonetheless,  the Grass Mud Horse has only become all the more popular. There are even plush toys and a mobile phone game born out of the Internet meme.

tvnewswatch, Beijing, China

Jack Dee trots through Beijing

It was an unlikely encounter, but the British comedian Jack Dee was spotted recently in the Chinese capital. Most Chinese of course would not have noticed the Kent born stand-up comic, but for one Brit sitting in a Beijing waiting room at a private clinic, he was immediately recognised. Dee was standing rather uncomfortably along with his female Chinese translator when eyes crossed, my informant tells me. A friendly acknowledgment was greeted with a sigh from Dee, not known for being exactly the most cheerful of characters. 

So what was the man who has battled with depression and alcohol doing in a Beijing medical facility, all be it a rather exclusive one? Apparently he had the "trots"! No doubt he'd sampled some unpalatable street food on his travels. It might have been the infamous Chinese spirit known as baijiu which was playing havoc with his guts, but for the fact Dee has tried to remain on the wagon for some months. "Are you doing a show here?" my informant inquires. "Christmas shopping," Dee explains in a tone that expressed more than a little exasperation. His three day trip had been enlightening though. The visit had given him "enough material for an entire series" he said. Little more was forthcoming from the comic, who was much more concerned with his stomach bug. 

The second edition of popular Radio 4 show "I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue" will be broadcast at 6.30pm tonight [UK time]. Chaired by Jack Dee, it was recorded at the Futurist Theatre three weeks ago before his visit to the Orient. Jack Dee's deadpan delivery and moody on-stage persona make him one of Britain's best loved comedians. Much of his view of life will be revealed in his new autobiography called Thanks For Nothing. Soon after his return to Britain he told BBC Breakfast that he dislikes people who don't know how to use a knife and fork, among other things. It would be interesting to know how he got along with chopsticks while in China. As for the widespread use of 'man-bags' in Beijing, which he also despises, that must have driven him crazy.

tvnewswatch, Beijing, China

Miliband: China 'hijacked' Cop15

On Monday China called the outcome of the UN Climate Change summit a "game changer of a deal" and represented a "step forward". While an article on Xinhua conceded that the deal was "not enough, in the battle against global warming", there was little detail or admission that China had played a large part in creating divisions and of not offering to do more in its own effort to prevent the effects of climate change. 

The reporting in Chinese media was in sharp contrast to top headlines in western media. In the Guardian on Sunday, Britain's Energy Secretary Ed Miliband directly accused China for thwarting efforts to bring about a meaningful agreement. "We did not get an agreement on 50% reductions in global emissions by 2050 or on 80% reductions by developed countries. Both were vetoed by China, despite the support of a coalition of developed and the vast majority of developing countries," Miliband wrote in the Guardian. While Miliband conceded that for the "first time developing countries, including China, as well as developed countries have agreed emissions commitments for the next decade," the final deal was probably not enough.

Miliband also criticized the framework and organisation of the summit as a whole, describing it as a "chaotic process dogged by procedural games." Time was also an issue. Negotiations were disorganised and were not properly overseen by leaders, Miliband said. "Thirty leaders left their negotiators at 3am on Friday, the last night to haggle over the short Danish text that became the accord. To get a deal we needed urgent progress because time was running out. Five hours later, we had got to the third paragraph," he said.

Again he pointed another finger at China. "The vast majority of countries, developed and developing, believe that we will only construct a lasting accord that protects the planet if all countries' commitments or actions are legally binding. But some leading developing countries currently refuse to countenance this," Miliband said, "That is why we did not secure an agreement that the political accord struck in Copenhagen should lead to a legally binding outcome."

Miliband went on to say that Britain would make clear to those countries holding out against a binding legal treaty that "we will not allow them to block global progress." Reiterating his criticism of China he said, "We cannot again allow negotiations on real points of substance to be hijacked in this way."

Gordon Brown is expected to add to the criticism later on Monday. In a podcast which is to be posted on the web later, the prime minister is expected to say that at times he feared no deal would be reached at all. It is believed he will accuse a small group of countries of holding the Copenhagen climate summit talks to ransom. The 193-nation conference ended with delegates simply "taking note" of a US-led climate deal that included limiting temperature rises to less than 2°C.

China was the only country mentioned by name, but it is believed Miliband was also pointing an accusatory finger at Sudan, Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua and Cuba which had also tried to resist a deal being signed. It is something which Britain's prime minister is also unhappy about. "Never again should we face the deadlock that threatened to pull down these talks," Gordon Brown will say later. "Never again should we let a global deal to move towards a greener future be held to ransom by only a handful of countries." Although an accord was finally reached between the US, China, India, Brazil and South Africa, it is not legally binding. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the agreement must be made legally binding next year. No-one it appears is holding their breath on that happening [BBC].

tvnewswatch, Beijing, China

China & US clash as Cop15 reaches 'deal'

A major rift formed last night between the US and China after President Obama inferred the Chinese were not doing enough to formulate a meaningful deal. In his short address before delegates yesterday Obama said, "All major economies must put forward decisive targets to cut their emissions." Although China was not mentioned by named it was widely seen as a swipe at China. "We must...review whether we're keeping our commitments and exchange information in a transparent manner," Obama added. This was too much for the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao who left the conference hall and returned to his hotel. As Obama later attended a joint meeting with the Chinese delegation he found himself talking not to the Chinese prime minister but instead a number of low level delegates.

There were also battles been Chinese and US media as they tried to enter the negotiating room. CNN reported that as officials and journalists attempted to enter a room where President Obama and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao were planning to meet in Copenhagen they were caught in a chaotic scene that left nearly the entire US press pool outside. According to the news channel White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and National Security Council Chief of Staff Denis McDonough were also nearly prevented from entering. Gibbs attempted to gain access for American reporters after Chinese cameramen, photographers and journalists pushed into the room. However, Chinese security behind then blocked the entrance to US media attending the event. To exclamations from the Chinese of "no photo" and "no press," Gibbs responded, "Hold on. Hold. I've got to get my American guys in because everybody else got in…. My guys have to get just like your guys got in. This is a joint meeting, and my guys get in or we're leaving. …" According to the report one US photographer was able to gain access to the room though no US television or print reporters were allowed in to cover the event.

As for Obama he also seemed put out by the proceedings. On finding that Wen Jiabao was absent he reportedly snapped, "It would be nice to negotiate with somebody who can make political decisions." Last ditch efforts were being made last night to bring the two leaders together. But the intransigence by the Chinese to further their commitment to cut emissions remains a major issues. China's chief negotiator Su Wei has insisted China is "fully committed" to creating a meaningful deal. However, this is tempered by China's insistence on setting its own framework and rules. There is little movement by China in offering to set emissions targets, and little transparency in what it intends to do. Even if a deal is made, Obama is likely to anger the Chinese further by suggesting the use of US satellites to monitor China's CO2 emissions and check its compliance to any agreed measures. 

In other quarters there has also been a lack of major commitment. The EU has backed away from reducing its emissions from 20% to 30%. In addition some European leaders have added their voice to a chorus of criticism directed at China for not doing enough. Last night French president Nicholas Sarkozy pointed a finger at China saying that they were responsible for hold up a deal. Amongst other nations there was a general feeling that any deal would not amount to much with particularly critical statements coming from Brazil and Venezuela. 

By the time ran out at the climate summit Obama announced that he had made a "meaningful and unprecedented" climate change deal with China and other key nations that was expected to be sealed before the president headed home from the Copenhagen summit late Friday. "For the first time in history, all major economies have come together to accept their responsibility to take action to confront the threat of climate change," Obama told reporters.

The president said he met with leaders from India, China, Brazil and South Africa, and said, "we agreed ... to set a mitigation target to limit warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius."

However, it's a non-binding goal, and the emissions targets "will not be by themselves sufficient to get to where we need to get by 2050," Obama declared. It was, he added, a first step, and that for many countries "this is going to be the first time in which even voluntary they offered up mitigation targets." For many environmentalists, it is too little too late [Independent / BBC / CNN]

tvnewswatch, Beijing, China

Cop15: Obama, we must "act together"

In a 15 minute address to delegates at the Climate Change summit in Copenhagen, US President Barack Obama has called on all nations to act together decisively to curb carbon emissions and prevent a global catastrophe. "This is not fiction, this is science," he said in his opening remarks, seemingly directed at climate change skeptics. Obama then pledged his commitment to seek an agreement. "I come here not to talk, but to act," he told delegates.

In an attempt to appease his electorate at home he said that moves to find greener sources of energy would not affect the economy. "Changing the way we produce and use energy is essential to America's economic future," Obama insisted, "it will create new jobs as well as industry."

Turning to delegates representing 192 countries from around the world he urged them to reach a consensus and work to find a meaningful agreement. "We will all be more secure if we act together," Obama declared, "All major economies must put forward decisive targets to cut their emissions." There was no direct finger pointing, but amid his comments were thinly veiled messages targeted at certain countries with whom the US have been at loggerheads in recent days. Widely interpreted as being a nudge at China, he said, "We must...review whether we're keeping our commitments and exchange information in a transparent manner."

He spoke of the commitment the United States was making in an attempt to help the poorest of nations. Yesterday Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that the US was to pledge $100 billion each year to help developing nations, though she did lay out a condition that the money was contingent on reaching a global deal that met its criteria. Today, Obama reiterated that commitment and called on others to offer their support. "We must have financing that helps developing countries adapt," Obama said.
 
With regards the creation of a working agreement, President Obama set out three points which should be adhered to; mitigation, transparency and financing. "It is a clear formula," he said, "but we are running short on time," he warned. "At this time the question is whether we will move forward or split apart, whether we prefer posturing to action," Obama continued. 

"The time for talk is over. This is the bottom line... we [the US] have made our commitments and we will do what we say...but there must be movement on all sides," the American president declared, "We must choose action over inaction... let us meet our responsibility to our people and to the future of our planet."

It remains to be seen if the US president's appeal will fall on deaf ears. Some may see his declared commitment as being somewhat hollow and lacking any real substance. In the coming hours it will take some strong diplomatic efforts, especially between China and the US, to pull something from this shambolic conference.

tvnewswatch, Beijing, China

Google wraps up Chrome for Xmas

Internet search giant Google is attempting to promote its Chrome browser by offering it as a Christmas present! The service is essentially an e-card, allowing the sender to enter a recipient's e-mail address, and attach a photo or video. The idea is that people might send it to friends and relatives, who may be unaware of the range of existing alternative browsers. "If you're looking for gift ideas, why not wrap up Google Chrome with one of our shiny themes and give the gift of super-fast browsing? Google Chrome is so simple to use, even your granny will love it", Google says.
 
Since its launch last year Google Chrome has failed to take a significant share of the browser market. Less than 5% of Internet users currently browse with Chrome despite its speed, especially when compared to Internet Explorer and Firefox. However Chrome is the fast growing browser and has crept up slightly in the last few weeks to third place in the browser wars. NetApplications' measurements of browser usage share, which track which browsers individuals use based on visits to the company's network of Web sites, gave Chrome the third-place spot after Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Mozilla's Firefox for the week ending 12th December. According to a Computerworld story published on Tuesday, Chrome had a 4.4% share compared to Safari's 4.37%.

Even though 0.03 percentage points still is a lot of people in the real world, it is a small fraction. Weekly statistics also vary considerably. Although Firefox cleared 25% share in one week of November, it averaged only 24.72% for the overall month. Regardless of the precise details the Chrome trajectory is upward. Its November usage share was 3.93% to Safari's 4.36%. And although Google has relied on word of mouth for promoting its original online search product, its active role in promoting Chrome as a Christmas present may find new users if not more fans. The e-card can be accessed from givechrome.com though by late afternoon in China site appeared inaccessible. Sending Christmas greetings with the help of Google is evidently too subversive for authorities here to allow.

tvnewswatch, Beijing, China

Cop15: Binding agreement 'unlikely'

As world leaders arrived in Copenhagen Thursday, the Danish presidency of the climate summit in Copenhagen been seen to play down expectations of a comprehensive deal emerging from the meeting. While officials said progress could be made, an international agreement may have to wait until a 2010 meeting in Mexico, it has been suggested.

Talks are deadlocked at the climate summit with less than two days left to run. Developed and developing nations remain at odds as to who should cut emissions, how deep cuts should be, and how much aid should go to poorer countries. "We are fighting like mad and we haven't given up, but we will need help from world leaders. They must put their money where their mouth is. Otherwise it'll be very difficult," one source told the Danish newspaper Politiken. Meanwhile Yvo de Boer, the UN's top climate official, admitted Wednesday evening that negotiations had unexpectedly stalled and said that the next 24 hours would be crucial.

There have been small signs of progress in some quarters. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the meeting her country was prepared to work towards mobilising 100 billion U.S. dollars a year for developing countries. On Thursday, Clinton told delegates, "In the context of a strong accord in which all major economies pledge meaningful mitigation actions and provide full transparency as to those actions, the U.S. is prepared to work with other countries towards a goal of mobilizing 100 billion dollars a year to address the needs of developing countries." But she made it clear, as did Japan on Wednesday when announcing a specific figure for assistance, that the money was contingent on reaching a global deal here that met its criteria.

Clinton was only one of 130 world leaders expected to join the talks on Thursday. Also addressing the summit on Thursday was Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who said he feared "a triumph of form over substance" at the outcome of the UN climate summit. Others called on leaders to make the climate talks work and bring about a consensus. Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged the summit to "summon up the greatest level of ambition" when he spoke to delegates. "The success of our endeavours depends on us forging a new alliance," he said. "In these few days in Copenhagen which will be blessed or blamed for generations to come, we cannot permit the politics of narrow self-interest to prevent a policy for human survival."

U.S. President Barack Obama is due to attend the final day of the summit on Friday, when world leaders will attempt to flesh out a strategy to deal with climate change after the end of 2012, when obligations run out under the landmark Kyoto Protocol. There had been some rumors circulating that President Obama might not attend, though these were dismissed by Hillary Clinton. "The President is planning to come tomorrow. Obviously we hope there will be something to come for," she said.

Developing countries, led by China, have accused host Denmark of a lack of transparency by suggesting language for the agreement without full consultation by all sides on the 194-nation summit. China told participants that it saw no chance of reaching an operational accord this week, an unnamed official told Reuters news agency. 

Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen has taken charge of the Wednesday-Friday segment involving heads of state and government. He took over the role after Danish minister Connie Hedegaard resigned as president of the UN climate change summit yesterday. Denmark said it was trying to simplify several complex draft negotiating texts to help the world leaders to agree on a deal. However many observers and media analysts say the process appears to be in disarray with nations refusing to agree with the Danish prime minister's demands that they should negotiate on a slimmed down text.

Containing emissions to a level associated with a temperature rise of no more than 2°C is a stated aim of the larger nations at the COP15, but the poorest and most vulnerable nations say emissions should be contained to a level associated with a temperature rise of 1°C or 1.5°C. The chance of reaching agreement on these issues seems unlikely at best. On a more promising note Japan has promised poorer nations 15 billion dollars over three years if a deal is made. The amount would be added to the 10.6 billion dollars pledged over three years by the European Union. Another pledge also came from a six-member group - Australia, France, Japan, Norway, the UK and U.S. - which will collectively commit 3.5 billion dollars over three years to combat deforestation.

The failure of leaders and delegates to come to any consensus led to much frustration within the Bella Center amongst NGOs and environmental activists. Some staged sit-in protests but were later ejected by security. NGOs have also complained that they have been unable to properly voice their concerns or discuss ideas with delegates due to restrictions on numbers. 

A member of one NGO that had travelled from China to attend the summit told tvnewswatch some of their party were refused entry. "Two of us just entered the Bella Center before the UN notice of not allowing in any NGOs with a secondary card," the NGO member said. "I and the fourth one were barred, unfortunately. However, I slipped in just when the policemen turned to another direction."

Security on Thursday was much tighter and a third card issued by the UN was required for attendees. Numbers had also been cut down to only 1,000. As heads of state arrive to sign any possible agreement, security has intensified to prevent any further trouble seen on Wednesday when protesters clashed with police.

tvnewswatch, Beijing, China with additional reporting from worldnewsreview at the Cop15 in Copenhagen, Denmark

Cop15 creates massive carbon footprint

By the end of the Copenhagen climate talks more carbon emissions will have been generated than in any previous climate conference, new figures released this week indicate. Despite efforts by the Danish government to reduce the conference's carbon footprint, around 5,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide will be created by the summit and a further 40,500 tonnes created by attendees' flights to Copenhagen. The staggering amounts are almost that of some small countries' carbon dioxide output in a whole year. 

Delegates, journalists, activists and observers from almost 200 countries have gathered at the summit and their travel and work will create 46,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide, most of it from their flights. This would fill nearly 10,000 Olympic swimming pools, and is the same amount produced each year by 2,300 Americans or 660,000 Ethiopians, based on U.S. government statistics about per person emissions in 2006.

The figure for the flights was calculated by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, while the domestic carbon footprint from the summit was calculated by accountants Deloitte, Deloitte consultant Stine Balslev said. "This is much bigger than the last talks because there are many more people here," she said, adding that 18,000 people were expected to pass through the conference center every day. "These are preliminary figures but we expect that when we do the final calculations after the conference is over, the carbon footprint will be about the same," she said.

Deloitte included in their calculations emissions caused by accommodation, local transport, electricity and heating of the conference center, paper, security, transport of goods and services as well as energy used by computers, kitchens, photocopiers and printers inside the conference center. Accommodation accounted for 23 percent of the summit's greenhouse gas emissions, while transport created 7 percent. Seventy percent came from activities inside the conference center, she said.

"We have been forced to put up some temporary buildings in order to provide the delegation rooms because the number of participants is so much larger than expected," Balslev said. "For instance the US delegation has ordered an area that's five times as big as last year." The temporary buildings housing delegation offices are not well insulated and are warmed by oil heaters, so this area is the most wasteful, she said. 

The COP15 conference has attracted criticism for the size of its carbon footprint, with reports of hundreds of limousines being driven in from Sweden and Germany to meet the demand from embassies. So many private jets have arrived at Copenhagen that some have had to fly to other airports to park. One American pressure group has posted a video on YouTube of delegates arriving at the Bella Centre by chauffeur-driven car rather than taking the fast, clean Metro or the free shuttle bus from the city center. Some have been filmed exiting their cars just around the corner from the entrance, and one appears to be taking a bicycle off a bike rack only to ride the last few hundred metres.

There has also been raised voices over the refusing entry to thousands of delegates to the conference. Many people who caught flights to Copenhagen, and apparently fully cleared to attend the COP15 climate conference, have found themselves left out in the cold. On Monday, the United Nations announced that thousands of representatives of accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who had not yet been admitted to the conference would not be admitted for the rest of the week.

The stated reason was "security concerns" though for some it appeared to be a clear lack of planning. The UN has accredited 45,000 people for a building with a capacity of 15,000. NGOs applied months in advance for the credentials necessary to be admitted to the climate conference. "To give credentials to 45,000 people while choosing a building that holds 15,000 people is insane, although the United Nations, to be fair, has never been known for competence," Amy Ridenour, president of the conservative National Center for Public Policy Research, said.

Ridenour also called it a "travesty" that the COP15 conference was supposedly about reducing the burning of fossil fuels and yet those who had come to attend weren't admitted to help solve the Earth's problems. "If 30,000 people fly to Copenhagen for no reason, doesn't that put unnecessary greenhouse gases into the atmosphere?" she asked.

Ridenour has formally asked the UN, which is allowing some NGOs to have multiple delegates inside while others are permitted none, to limit each NGO to one representative as long as space limitations remain a concern. "Some of these NGO delegations are from rich countries like our own, but for some NGOs, raising the funds to attend a conference in Copenhagen is a real financial hardship," Ridenour said, "The least the UN can do is let in at least one member of these delegations, so all of their money won't be wasted."

On Monday, the UN announced it would allow each accredited NGO to have four members attend the conference, and it said it would send an e-mail to each NGO with new credentials, but according to Ridenour, this had not happened. 

"We are an accredited NGO, and our delegation stood out in the cold for eight hours Monday, but we have received no e-mail from the United Nations containing the new credentials needed to get in on Tuesday. My inquiry to the United Nations has met with no reply, and the conference starts in less than an hour," she blogged on her group's Web site Tuesday morning.

By Wednesday there was still no sign as to whether any real agreement would be made in cutting carbon emissions. There has been a lot of debating, a few skirmishes between police and rioters, and a great deal of hot air vented by delegates. On Wednesday morning snow was beginning to settle as temperatures dropped to less than 2°C in Copenhagen. Whether this cools off the delegates sufficiently and motivates them in drawing up a working agreement can only be guessed at.

tvnewswatch, Beijing, China with additional reporting from worldnewsreview at the Cop15 in Copenhagen, Denmark  

Cop15 president resigns

Danish minister Connie Hedegaard has resigned as president of the UN climate change summit in Copenhagen. The reason for her resignation is unclear but she will be replaced the prime minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen. The climate change talks have yet to reach an agreement and remain deadlocked over emission cuts and financial aid for poorer countries.

Before she stepped down she told delegates that they must make the COP15 a success saying that they have to choose between "Fame or shame" and between "Action or stalemate". Hedegaard, a conservative politician, was appointed climate minister in 2004. She was first elected to Denmark's parliament in 1984 and was at the time the country's youngest MP.

UN climate chief Yvo de Boer says Hedegaard will continue to lead informal talks but Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen will now be the formal head of the conference. Hedegaard said it was appropriate for Løkke Rasmussen to preside with so many heads of state and government taking part.

Earlier in the day protesters attempted to enter the summit venue. Danish police fired tear gas on several hundred demonstrators trying to force their way into the buildings and at least 100 were arrested according to reports. Many environmental activists are angry over the the lack of progress on a new climate deal. Images broadcast live on Danish media site Ekstra Bladet [pictured above] showed police in riot gear pushing hundreds of demonstrators into adjacent fields.

The climate change conference is being widely seen as a failure by many activists before it has even come to a conclusion. Comments on forums and on Twitter have accused leaders from all nations of not doing enough. One person summed it up in a rather disparaging comment on the Guardian website, saying, "Is it just me or is this whole jamboree turning into the mother of all shambles?"

tvnewswatch, Beijing, China

Beijing prepares for Christmas

Well it's that time again. Christmas, that is. And Beijing has been preparing for this western festival for weeks. And just like in the west there is just as much commercialism surrounding this Christian festival. In the Tianyi market, in the north-west of town, Santa Claus toys, Christmas trees and a whole plethora of other festive stuff has been on sale for weeks. In Sanlitun, a popular haunt for expats and foreign visitors, the area is bedecked with lights and there are larger than life entertainers in costume posing for photos at weekends. In many other parts of the city, Merry Christmas, Season's Greetings and Happy X'mas adorns department stores and shops.

There are few reminders, if any seen, that the annual holiday relates to the birth of Jesus. Pictures of Santa and of large snowmen are everywhere, but any hints that this is connected to three wise men, a bunch of shepherds and a small baby in a barn are somewhat lacking. China after all is not a Christian country, despite the best efforts of many missionaries in the past. Just as often seen in the west, the religious context has moved over to make a profit. 

And there are vast profits to be made it seems. In the commercial areas of the city the department stores are packed with shoppers. Despite the huge disparity of wealth dividing Chinese society, there are many young Chinese, as well as some older ones, who have money to spend. And there are big efforts made to pull in the shoppers. Beijing's New World Department Store has spent 400,000 RMB ($51,000) on its huge 28 metre high, 16 metre diameter Christmas tree in an attempt to lure in custom.

Hotels and restaurants have also rolled out plans to attract people this festive season.  Some have been preparing since May, according to the China Daily. The traditional Christmas feast features highly on many calendars. And some venues are charging extortionate amounts. Beijing Landmarks Towers is offering a meal which will set customers back some 3,688 RMB ($470), though there is a party thrown in with renowned artists like Guo Degang and Yu Qian set to perform.

Other bars and venues are offering a slightly cheaper menu however. The Union Bar & Grille will have Christmas dinner on the 24th and 25th December, with Caesar salad, pumpkin soup, a choice of barbecued chicken or honey-glazed ham with black-eyed peas, sweet potato, stuffing, and gravy, and apple pie for 220 RMB ($32).

Branches of Blue Frog in Sanlitun and Shunyi districts have Christmas dinners on the 24th and 25th for 298 RMB ($43). For that customers will be served a mushroom soup, a mixed leaf salad, a choice of roast turkey and fixings or pepper sirloin steak, pumpkin cheesecake, choice of coffee, tea, and soft drink, as well as a glass of wine. The popular Irish bar, Paddy O'Shea's has a three-course turkey dinner, on the 24th and 25th, for 150 RMB ($22) which  includes a drink and the Schoolhouse at Mutianyu Great Wall will feature roast goose for its Christmas Eve dinner as well as some Christmas carolling!

For a more lively bash the Hard Rock Café hosts a Santa Rock Christmas on the 24th, with a buffet dinner and free flow house pour according to the flyer. Prices for this event start at 880 RMB ($128). But for those interested in something more traditional there is a gathering of Christmas carolers every Sunday at 6pm outside the Kempinski Hotel in Liangmaqiao Lu. And there is a recital of Handel's Messiah at the International School of Beijing on 19th December with tickets priced at 200-300 RMB ($29-43 RMB).

Official estimates suggest that only about 2% of China's 1.3 billion population is Christian. The true figure may well be higher, but for most people in China, expats, foreign visitors or indigenous residents, Christmas is not a religious holiday. It is instead a popular commercial holiday, during which a large amount of money is spent and an enormous amount of food and drink is consumed.

tvnewswatch, Beijing, China