Week of May 16, 2003
Week
of May 16, 2003
The U.S. and China This Week
INTERNATIONAL: SARS Update
China's struggle to deal with Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome
continues, with government officials taking strong measures in an effort to
deal with the disease. Measures include a ban on international adoptions of
Chinese children, which had previously been allowed to continue. Such adoptions
have been numerous, with some 5, 000 children adopted last year alone. Officially,
however, have clamped down because of increased fears of spreading the disease.
SARS, the mysterious flu-like sickness that has spread rapidly
first throughout the world, has reached a global death toll of 478. The disease,
which is suspected to have originated in Guangdong, a province in southern
China adjacent to Hong Kong, has quickly spread infecting close to seven thousand
people throughout the world. China remains the most severely hit, with deaths
totaling over 200.
The Chinese government has also increased penalties for purposely
spreading SARS, which may now result in the death penalty.
DOMESTIC: Coalmine Explodes in Anhui
A coalmine blast in Anhui province has reportedly killed
sixty-four workers and left 22 missing. Rescuers were dispatched into
the Luling mine, where the explosion occurred, and have been able to rescue
27 people. The Luling mine is one of the largest mines in the province,
employing 7, 000 workers.
Rescuers have yet to report the discovery of the missing
miners. Officials have mentioned, however, that gas continued to leak
from the mine and another explosion is still possible. In an effort to
increase mine safety, the government has closed all mines in Anhui province
until inspections may be conducted to determine if they meet safety standards.
The U.S. and China This Week
uscpf@uscpf.org
Last updated: 17 January 2001
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