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China's Laborers Lingering in Cities
Keywords:
Research from Australian National University shows steadily improving conditions for migrant workers in China. Migrant workers were able to spend more time in cities- an average of 8.9 years. The hukou sysem ensures migrants return to rural areas when they have to raise a family. About 252 million migrant workers work in factories and construction jobs in urban areas. Migrants with children leave them with grandparents back home. Improving the conditions of these workers is important to reduce the wage and income disparities in China and to reduce inequality. About a fifth of the migrant population now has pension and health benefits. Creating a balanced economy with domestic consumer spending making a larger share of GDP also requires improving wages and benefits of migrant workers. Incoming prime minister Li Keqiang says in a statement on a government website: China "must take migrant rural workers and gradually change them into urban residents. This requires that we push forward household registration reform." If done seriously this will create a new kind of China as these migrant workers are integrated into urban society after years of being shunned and ignored by China's educated middle class. Professor Meng's research at Australian National University of migrant workers shows the proportion of migrant workers with unemployment insurance increased from 11% in 2008 to 21% in 2012. The research shows similiar figures for health and pensions. Improving their living standards also make it attractive for more young people from rural areas to migrate to cities increasing urbanization.
China's future and the experience of Japan and Mexico
05/29/2010
China devotes 3% of GDP to education compared to 5% in developed countries. The underinvestment in education and human capital can lead to stagnation in per capita incomes. This happened in Mexico. The inability to deal with bad loans in the banking system can lead to slowing economic growth. This happened in Japan. The bulldozing of schools of migrant workers reflects a failure to address balanced growth and a breakdown in assigning the right priorities.
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Mexico and China look to trade away old rivalry - The Washington Post
Washington Post 04/18/2013
China's 'Shadow Banks' Fan Debt-Bubble Fears
Wall Street Journal 06/24/2013
China's Silver Linings Playbook
Wall Street Journal 06/24/2013
U.S. Stocks Shrug at China's Woes
Wall Street Journal 07/10/2013
The Slowing of Two Economic Giants
New York Times 07/14/2013
Unrest May Signal New Phase in China Economy
New York Times 05/29/2010
The situation in Guangdong province, Shenzen and other export focussed regions in China- 2008-2014
01/05/2008
The rise of a manufacturing sector based on low wages, migrant workers, lax pollution controls, and export demand, is hit by the decline in demand from the U.S. and Europe with slow economic growth and deficits, worker discontent and rising wages, and stricter environmental enforcement. Growth in the manufacturing secotr in Guangndong provice is estimated at 3.5% for 2012, half the overall growth rate in the province and many manufacturers from Taiwan are closing down older plants that can't compete. Experts in China call for a new type of industrialization baded on technology, R&D and worker training that can compete in the new situation of a resurgence of manufacturing industry in the U.S. and Europe.
Grouped Articles
China: A Billion Strong but Short on Workers
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2013
China Manufacturers Survive by Moving to Asian Neighbors
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2013
China Factories Try Karaoke, Speed Dating to Keep Workers
Wall Street Journal 05/03/2013
Hon Hai to Add Robotics in China
Wall Street Journal 08/03/2011
Strains Show in China's Job Market
Wall Street Journal 06/11/2013
Unrest May Signal New Phase in China Economy
New York Times 05/29/2010
Changes in China's factories in 2010-2013. Changing manufacturing.
01/05/2008
Conditions at Hon Hai and a strike at Honda are part of a changing picture of worker dissatisfaction with wages and discipline at Chinese factories. The period of low prices and worker discipline of the kind that prevailed for several decades of industrialization appears to be closing. The Chinese government is also having second thoughts as America and Europe are no longer the growing markets they used to be, and as it weighs a policy shift to domestic consumption.
Grouped Articles
China: A Billion Strong but Short on Workers
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2013
China Manufacturers Survive by Moving to Asian Neighbors
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2013
China Factories Try Karaoke, Speed Dating to Keep Workers
Wall Street Journal 05/03/2013
Strains Show in China's Job Market
Wall Street Journal 06/11/2013
Wall Street Journal 12/21/2011
Unrest May Signal New Phase in China Economy
New York Times 05/29/2010
Wages in emerging markets such as China, Malaysia, Indonesia, after worker unrest- 2010-2014
01/05/2008
Grouped Articles
China Manufacturers Survive by Moving to Asian Neighbors
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2013
China Factories Try Karaoke, Speed Dating to Keep Workers
Wall Street Journal 05/03/2013
Apparel Retailers Confront Tough Options
Wall Street Journal 05/08/2013
The Demanding Off-Hour Escapes of Chinaâs High-Tech Workers
New York Times 07/16/2013
Unrest May Signal New Phase in China Economy
New York Times 05/29/2010
Wall Street Journal 05/29/2010
China's inflation in American pocketbooks as Chinese goods cost more.
02/01/2008
Labor energy costs higher in China and prices of Chinese goods move up. Higher wages in China and other emerging markets afte worker unrest.
Grouped Articles
Made in China Is Getting Expensive
Wall Street Journal 08/10/2012
China’s Inflation Hits American Price Tags
New York Times 02/01/2008
A Night at the Electronics Factory
New York Times 06/18/2010
The Canton Fair: The China price
Economist 05/23/2011
As Wages Rise in China, Trading Companies Face Higher Costs
New York Times 05/31/2011
U.S. Shoppers Foot Bill for Soaring Pay in China
Wall Street Journal 12/15/2011
Changes in China's export driven economy
11/08/2007
China's policymakers are shifting the economy from a manufacturer of low cost goods by increasing worker protections, wages and environmental controls towards more innovation and technology added product which are made respecting workers and the environment. Inflation and the stronger yuan are speeding up this shift.
Grouped Articles
China Manufacturers Survive by Moving to Asian Neighbors
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2013
China Factories Try Karaoke, Speed Dating to Keep Workers
Wall Street Journal 05/03/2013
Wall Street Journal 05/29/2010
How China Lost Its Mojo: One Town's Story
Wall Street Journal 09/16/2013
Robots May Revolutionize China's Electronics Manufacturing
Wall Street Journal 09/24/2013
Yuan's Rise Hurts China's Exporters
Wall Street Journal 01/20/2014
China's National Peoples Congress meeting- 2011-2012
03/05/2011
Changes in policy at the Congress meeting in favor of increased spending on social programs and improving conditions for lower wage earners. Increases in food prices, democracy movements in the Arab world and rising disparity between incomes of urban and rural areas, poor job creation by state owned companies in capital intensive industries, result in a change in policies. Skepticism about the implementation of these policies based on past experience.
Grouped Articles
Inflation to Color China's Congress
Wall Street Journal 03/05/2011
Rightly targeting income inequality - The Washington Post
Washington Post 12/08/2011
In China, will transition bring real change? - The Washington Post
Washington Post 02/11/2012
Foxconn to Raise Salaries for Workers by Up to 25%
New York Times 02/18/2012
China Speeds Economic 'Transformation'
Wall Street Journal 03/06/2012
Donât Believe Chinaâs Promises
New York Times 05/04/2012
Tom Orlik on wealth distribution in China and why increasing consumer spending would require higher incomes for the lower middle class and rural households
01/07/2010
Orlik cites a study by a Chinese university which shows 10% of the households has over 80% of the wealth, and over 50% of the households have little or no savings. This suggests that there is not much room to increase consumer spending on education, healthcare, and consumer goods for these households as incomes are too low. This may account for the insecurity felt by a large majority of households about the future. It also shows that rebalancing the global economy would require rebalancing within China, reducing inequality and improving incomes for the middle class to increase consumer spending.
Grouped Articles
Wall Street Journal 07/01/2013
The Slowing of Two Economic Giants
New York Times 07/14/2013
Wall Street Journal 07/15/2013
New York Times 12/18/2011
Survey in China Shows a Wide Gap in Income
New York Times 07/19/2013
Wall Street Journal 11/06/2013
The World Bank and the Development Research Center (DRC) Report "China: 2030"
01/06/2008
A government Chinese think tank, the DRC, and the World Bank collaborate to write a report on the best future direction for China's economy. World Bank president Zoellick's suggestion for writing this report was endorsed by Li Keqiang, who will become the new prime minister of China.
Grouped Articles
Beijing Signals a Shift on Economic Policy
New York Times 05/24/2013
Wall Street Journal 07/01/2013
The Slowing of Two Economic Giants
New York Times 07/14/2013
Wall Street Journal 07/15/2013
Wall Street Journal 03/29/2010
Fixing a Perception Gap for the Underappreciated G-20
Wall Street Journal 08/27/2013
Apple and working conditions at factories of suppliers in China 2010-2014
01/15/2009
Conditions at Foxconn factories in China. Foxconn is a key supplier for Apple products.
Grouped Articles
China Factories Try Karaoke, Speed Dating to Keep Workers
Wall Street Journal 05/03/2013
Apparel Retailers Confront Tough Options
Wall Street Journal 05/08/2013
Hon Hai to Add Robotics in China
Wall Street Journal 08/03/2011
Wall Street Journal 05/29/2010
The Demanding Off-Hour Escapes of Chinaâs High-Tech Workers
New York Times 07/16/2013
The Rise of a Chinese Worker's Movement
BusinessWeek 06/10/2010
The Fair Labor Association and the audits of Apple supplier Foxconn's factories in China
01/05/2008
Grouped Articles
China Factories Try Karaoke, Speed Dating to Keep Workers
Wall Street Journal 05/03/2013
Hon Hai to Add Robotics in China
Wall Street Journal 08/03/2011
The Demanding Off-Hour Escapes of Chinaâs High-Tech Workers
New York Times 07/16/2013
The Rise of a Chinese Worker's Movement
BusinessWeek 06/10/2010
Why Apple and Others Are Nervous About Foxconn
BusinessWeek 06/03/2010
Experts Say Audit of Apple Supplier Foxconn Was Thorough
New York Times 03/30/2012
Labor unrest in China
01/05/2008
Grouped Articles
China Factories Try Karaoke, Speed Dating to Keep Workers
Wall Street Journal 05/03/2013
Hon Hai to Add Robotics in China
Wall Street Journal 08/03/2011
Factory Riot Spotlights Breaking Point in China
Wall Street Journal 09/26/2012
China's Laborers Lingering in Cities
Wall Street Journal 12/30/2012
In Chinese Factories, Lost Fingers and Low Pay
New York Times 01/05/2008
Foxconn: How to Beat the High Cost of Happy Workers
BusinessWeek 05/05/2011
The U.S., China, and 'Rebalancing' the World Economy
01/07/2010
'Rebalancing' is the idea that China will consumer more US goods and export less to the US, reducing the lopsided trade imbalance between the two countries. China's government continues its focus on exports and infrastructure in 2009-2011. China's banking system focusses on lending to state-owned companies and the system does not have the attitude, incentives or the mechanisms and experience to increase lending to consumers or small business. Experts say rebalancing is doubtful without serious changes in the banking system and government policy which are not likely.
Grouped Articles
Wall Street Journal 07/15/2013
New York Times 12/18/2011
Economist 03/31/2010
Fixing a Perception Gap for the Underappreciated G-20
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US-China trade relations: Speak less softly, carry a stick
Economist 09/25/2010
Adidos and Hotwind? In China, Brands Evoke Foreign Names, Even if They’re Gibberish
New York Times 12/26/2014
China- inflation, the currency, and economic mismanagement, the situation in 2010-2012
01/07/2010
Efforts to strengthen the currency are being resisted by export interests. Inflation is hurting consumers who are limited to earning 2.75% interest on savings, with the interest rate spread designed to help banks earn their way through bad loans made during the stimulus lending binge. A massive reallocation of resources away from consumers and towards lending to state-owned companies which create overcapacity in industries and engage in real estate speculation. Far from rebalancing the world economy this will affect internal growth in China.
Grouped Articles
Wall Street Journal 07/15/2013
China Inflation Rises to a 19-Month High
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Wall Street Journal 09/04/2010
An Accord (and Lessons) to Remember
Wall Street Journal 09/21/2010
World Bank Deletes Critical Passage on China
Wall Street Journal 07/05/2015
New York Times 01/20/2011
China's migrant workers.
01/05/2008
The situation for migrant workers before and after the crisis, and after stimulus efforts.
Grouped Articles
China: A Billion Strong but Short on Workers
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China Factories Try Karaoke, Speed Dating to Keep Workers
Wall Street Journal 05/03/2013
The Demanding Off-Hour Escapes of Chinaâs High-Tech Workers
New York Times 07/16/2013
Why Apple and Others Are Nervous About Foxconn
BusinessWeek 06/03/2010
Wall Street Journal 05/29/2010
In China, Unlikely Labor Leader Just Wanted a Middle-Class Life
New York Times 06/13/2010
Urbanization and China's problems in 2010- 2015 with migrant workers, the "hukou" system and the need for agricultural land
02/03/2009
Grouped Articles
Beijing Puzzles Over Urban Growth
Wall Street Journal 05/09/2013
China’s Vision for a ‘New’ Urbanization
Wall Street Journal 05/09/2013
Wall Street Journal 09/26/2011
Chinaâs Great Uprooting: Moving 250 Million Into Cities
New York Times 06/15/2013
The Demanding Off-Hour Escapes of Chinaâs High-Tech Workers
New York Times 07/16/2013
China's Gleaming Ghost Cities Draw Neither Jobs Nor People
Wall Street Journal 08/08/2013
Recruiting service workers in China
03/14/2012
Grouped Articles
China: A Billion Strong but Short on Workers
Wall Street Journal 05/02/2013
China's Wage Hikes Ripple Across Asia
Wall Street Journal 03/14/2012
Wall Street Journal 03/16/2012
Labor Shortage Complicates Changes in China's Factories
New York Times 03/30/2012
China's Laborers Lingering in Cities
Wall Street Journal 12/30/2012
Worker conditions at factories of suppliers in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, China and other developing countries
01/05/2008
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Some Retailers Rethink Their Role in Bangladesh
New York Times 05/01/2013
Bangladesh Buries Dead Amid Protest
Wall Street Journal 05/01/2013
China Factories Try Karaoke, Speed Dating to Keep Workers
Wall Street Journal 05/03/2013
Apparel Retailers Confront Tough Options
Wall Street Journal 05/08/2013
Hon Hai to Add Robotics in China
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The Rise of a Chinese Worker's Movement
BusinessWeek 06/10/2010
China wage increases and government policy to promote domestic consumption.
01/05/2008
Wage increases of 20% at Hon Hai and upto 100% at Honda factories in China from wages that were kept low for the export market, are now the trend in China. The government policy is shifting to encourage such wage increases to promote domestic consumption and reduce an overreliance on export markets for growth. This is happening just as trade tensions are increasing with the USA.
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Beijing Signals a Shift on Economic Policy
New York Times 05/24/2013
Honda's Long-Haul Dilemma in China
Wall Street Journal 06/24/2010
Interview With Japan Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada
Wall Street Journal 09/02/2010
Yuan's Rise Hurts China's Exporters
Wall Street Journal 01/20/2014
China Will Keep Growing. Just Ask the Soviets.
New York Times 10/24/2014
Adidos and Hotwind? In China, Brands Evoke Foreign Names, Even if They’re Gibberish
New York Times 12/26/2014
China's jobs situation, unemployment, stimulus and growth strategies in 2012-2015
06/04/2012
The excess demand for labor in China in 2012 compared to the excess supply of labor during the global financial crisis of 2008-2009. This has implications for stimulus spending plans, with the measured and selective response in 2012. Another factor is inflation with a 20% rise in wages in the manufacturing sector in 2011, according to the China statistics bureau, so that a large stimulus risks losing the benefits onf anti-inflationary steps taken in 2011-2012. High growth was intended to keep social stability, with excess demand for labor in 2012 this is less of a priority.
Grouped Articles
Strains Show in China's Job Market
Wall Street Journal 06/11/2013
U.S. Stocks Shrug at China's Woes
Wall Street Journal 07/10/2013
I.M.F. Tells China of Urgent Need for Economic Change
New York Times 07/17/2013
Wall Street Journal 03/05/2014
In China, Beijing Fights Losing Battle to Rein In Factory Production
Wall Street Journal 07/16/2014
Chinese Steel Expert- N Way Out for Mills Caught in Crackdown
Wall Street Journal 07/16/2014
China's increasing support for low-income housing- 2010-2012
01/21/2010
Grouped Articles
In China, Sobering Signs of Slower Growth
New York Times 03/05/2012
Beijing Directs More Funds Toward Affordable Housing
Wall Street Journal 03/10/2011
China: Subsidized, Not Subprime
Wall Street Journal 03/26/2011
Affordable-Housing Delays Threaten China's Economy
Wall Street Journal 06/11/2011
Beijing’s migrant workers: School’s out
Economist 09/03/2011
China Turns Predominantly Urban
Wall Street Journal 01/18/2012
China's prime minister Li Keqiang
01/06/2008
Grouped Articles
China Previews Rising Leadership
Wall Street Journal 08/22/2011
Beijing Signals a Shift on Economic Policy
New York Times 05/24/2013
Chinaâs Economy, Back on Track
New York Times 10/04/2013
Li Keqiang Named Chinaâs Prime Minister
New York Times 11/15/2012
Xi Jinping Offers Few Hints of a Shift in Direction in China
New York Times 11/15/2012
Ex-Leader Wins in Beijing Power Play
Wall Street Journal 11/16/2012
Apple and Foxconn
05/29/2010
Apple's audit of working conditions at Foxconn factories in China.
Grouped Articles
Apparel Retailers Confront Tough Options
Wall Street Journal 05/08/2013
Foxconn Tries to Move Beyond Appleâs Shadow
New York Times 05/06/2013
Hon Hai to Add Robotics in China
Wall Street Journal 08/03/2011
Wall Street Journal 05/29/2010
Why Apple and Others Are Nervous About Foxconn
BusinessWeek 06/03/2010
To Woo Apple, Foxconn Bets $3.5 Billion on Sharp
New York Times 03/30/2016
Faces in China's factories as growth slows in 2012-2013 and in 2015
10/01/2012
Grouped Articles
China Factories Try Karaoke, Speed Dating to Keep Workers
Wall Street Journal 05/03/2013
China Will Keep Growing. Just Ask the Soviets.
New York Times 10/24/2014
China’s ghost towns point to nation’s waning fortunes - The Washington Post
Washington Post 08/24/2015
China’s Shift Away From Industry Drains Life From a Steel Town
Wall Street Journal 09/08/2015
Wall Street Journal 10/01/2012
China's Laborers Lingering in Cities
Wall Street Journal 12/30/2012
Foxconn (Hon Hai) and labor unrest- 2011-2013
06/03/2010
Grouped Articles
Hon Hai to Add Robotics in China
Wall Street Journal 08/03/2011
Why Apple and Others Are Nervous About Foxconn
BusinessWeek 06/03/2010
The Rise of a Chinese Worker's Movement
BusinessWeek 06/10/2010
Hon Hai to Boost China Work Force to One Million This Year
Wall Street Journal 08/18/2010
Apple Supplier Foxconn Says Fight at Plant Spread Into Larger Unrest
Wall Street Journal 09/24/2012
Foxconn Factory in Taiyuan, China, Is Closed After Worker Riot
New York Times 09/23/2012
China's Frugal Consumer
01/04/2010
Grouped Articles
Why the Chinese don’t spend : The New Yorker
New Yorker 01/04/2010
China Aims to Transform a Nation of Savers Into Spenders
Wall Street Journal 01/07/2010
Gadget Giant's Evolution: Make, Then Sell
Wall Street Journal 08/21/2010
U.S. poverty rate reaches 15.1 percent - The Washington Post
Washington Post 09/13/2011
Wall Street Journal 10/04/2011
Shoppers S-t-r-e-t-c-h Their Dollars: Stick to Lists, Shun the Brand Names
Wall Street Journal 10/04/2011
Levels of U.S. imports and the rebalancing of the economies of the U.S. and China
12/11/2010
Grouped Articles
Cities Adapt With Mixed Results
Wall Street Journal 09/27/2011
Wall Street Journal 07/15/2013
New York Times 12/18/2011
U.S. Trade Gap Widens on Surging Imports
Wall Street Journal 05/06/2015
Dollar’s Rise Lifts Imports and Widens Trade Gap
New York Times 05/05/2015
Asian economies: Importing pessimism
Economist 12/11/2010
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