Unless China dropped a nuclear bomb on Tibet, there was never any doubt in my mind that Mr. Bush would attend the opening ceremony. When he was asked about his decision to attend at a press conference in Japan on Sunday, the President stated that “the Chinese people are watching very carefully about the decisions by world leaders and I happen to believe that not going to the opening ceremony for the games would be an affront to the Chinese people, which may make it more difficult to be able to speak frankly with the Chinese leadership.” He was almost right...

Richard Spencer offers an interesting analysis of Premier Wen Jiabao's role as a good official in the government.

To help celebrate National Day here in China, the Lost Laowai Blog proudly presents a comedic look at significant events in China over the last 57 years of CPC rule. Tongue in cheek doesn't cover it. Parts are just downright stupid - and I wrote it.

This doubles as the official announcement that Lost Laowai (and in turn, Hao Hao Report) now has a blog. Let us know what you think.

The nine-member Politburo Standing Committee (PSC) is generally considered the pinnacle of power in the PRC. (One could argue, however, that the Central Military Commission, which controls the PLA, is nearly as important). So who are the current members of the Politburo Standing Committee?