China

For days official media had openly discussed flood-related risks. It might take 40 days to pump the mines dry. Few people still hope the 181 miners trapped underground will be rescued. Authorities issue orders banning work underground when rains are heavy but fail to explain why they did not act before.

Leftwing parties in ruling coalition insist on stalling the nuclear agreement with the United States. Opposition parties call for elections. Prime Minister Singh reiterates that the agreement is “historic” and “essential” for the country.

While rescue efforts continue at the two Xintai coal mines relatives of the 181 trapped workers ask for clarification on the fate of their loved ones and for an investigation into the circumstances. 4 days after the disaster hopes fade that they may still be a live.

756 minors at work in the Shandong mine when tragedy struck. Recent heavy rains led to swollen rivers which flooded the mine located beneath an old well. Little hope for missing men.

Despite minimal improvements on Wall Street, the rapid fall of the main Asian markets continues. Those who had invested rush to release their savings in fear of loosing them. Experts: a possible US recession would compromise Asian development due to reduced exports.

During the Sco summit, President Ahmadinejad asks for the creation of a defence system against Washington’s missile shield. Meanwhile China, Russia and central Asia promise greater collaboration above all in the field of energy.

China is sending a delegation to the United States to work out new control measures. More and more US voices are demanding a suspension of Chinese imports. Beijing adopts retaliatory measures against US products.

In July food costs soared, while the increases on export prices remained stable. Economists warn: the cause lies in the development model.

The head of a Chinese toy factory, involved in the Mattel case and forced to withdraw products containing excessive levels of led from the market. Over 10% of Chinese children have too much lead in their blood.

For 4 days a third of all vehicles will be banned from circulation, to reduce air pollution. But it is forbidden to report on subsequent difficulties and their will even be strict controls on Internet forums. Meanwhile the architect of the Olympic stadium denounces the “false smiles” of the authorities who are covering up current problems and past shames.

Joint military exercises between the six-member Shanghai Co-operation Organisation will continue till August 17; fighting terrorists and criminals is one of their objectives. The games are allowing high-ranking officials from all member states to meet. Moscow is building up its fleet and Beijing needs Russian help to contain the United States.

The well-known activist for workers’ rights fears the government is more interested in showcasing the Games than the needs of the population. He cites recent examples in which the authorities censored reports of strikes, and points out the contradiction between officially celebrating physical strength in Beijing whilst doing little against the lack of proper health care across the nation.