Deborah Lehr

China’s future is erasing its past. Over the past twenty years, rapid economic growth alongside mass urbanization has placed a heavy toll on the country’s unique heritage. Tens of thousands of historic sites have been lost to development projects, according to China’s State Administration for Cultural Heritage (SACH), including the destruction of 900,000 villages over the past decade. While these ancient sites can never be recovered, China can better protect and conserve those remaining. And… Show more

China’s future is erasing its past. Over the past twenty years, rapid economic growth alongside mass urbanization has placed a heavy toll on the country’s unique heritage. Tens of thousands of historic sites have been lost to development projects, according to China’s State Administration for Cultural Heritage (SACH), including the destruction of 900,000 villages over the past decade. While these ancient sites can never be recovered, China can better protect and conserve those remaining. And it is in their economic interest to do so. Villages and historic cities can attract tourism dollars, but protection of their heritage can make a city more attractive place to live and more competitive in the long run. Show less

A staggering 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings, and China’s rapid economic growth and ambitious urbanization plans have spurred equally rapid construction. Within China’s reach is one of the biggest levers in limiting carbon emissions: improving energy efficiency within new and existing buildings.

When Egypt recognized the People's Republic of China in 1956 -- the first Middle Eastern and African country to do so -- it ushered the fledgling communist country into the broader international community beyond the Soviet bloc. Six decades later, China is returning the favor. In December, both President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and President Xi Jinping agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership." In practical terms, this new relationship signifies that… Show more

When Egypt recognized the People's Republic of China in 1956 -- the first Middle Eastern and African country to do so -- it ushered the fledgling communist country into the broader international community beyond the Soviet bloc. Six decades later, China is returning the favor. In December, both President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and President Xi Jinping agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership." In practical terms, this new relationship signifies that China has solidified its position with the largest Arab Muslim country through a series of economic and military commitments. Show less

Finally, there is good news from Egypt. During a visit to Washington, D.C. last week, Egyptian Tourism Minister Hisham Zaazou announced that travel to Egypt is up 70 percent this year. Tourists are venturing back to the country despite political turmoil -- casting a vote of confidence in President el-Sisi's efforts to restore economic and political stability since taking office last June. Yet, if President el-Sisi is to successfully revitalize the economy, promoting cultural tourism must be a… Show more

Finally, there is good news from Egypt. During a visit to Washington, D.C. last week, Egyptian Tourism Minister Hisham Zaazou announced that travel to Egypt is up 70 percent this year. Tourists are venturing back to the country despite political turmoil -- casting a vote of confidence in President el-Sisi's efforts to restore economic and political stability since taking office last June. Yet, if President el-Sisi is to successfully revitalize the economy, promoting cultural tourism must be a core part of his strategy.
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In early June, Chinese president Xi Jinping deployed eight SWAT-like inspection teams across China. Unlike that of a typical SWAT team, their mission was bureaucratic: to ensure that local officials were complying with Xi’s ambitious reform agenda, which includes meeting new environmental targets, eliminating unnecessary licenses for businesses, and cutting official spending on travel and entertainment. Armed with expert knowledge of Xi’s reforms, the teams, composed of more than 100 officials,… Show more

In early June, Chinese president Xi Jinping deployed eight SWAT-like inspection teams across China. Unlike that of a typical SWAT team, their mission was bureaucratic: to ensure that local officials were complying with Xi’s ambitious reform agenda, which includes meeting new environmental targets, eliminating unnecessary licenses for businesses, and cutting official spending on travel and entertainment. Armed with expert knowledge of Xi’s reforms, the teams, composed of more than 100 officials, interrogated local officials, raided offices, and pored over reams of data to root out non-conformers.

After ten days investigating China’s wayward provinces, the teams submitted a 1,000-page report with a simple conclusion: local leaders, looking out for their own financial interests, were consistently ignoring directives from Beijing. Show less