CHINA BEING CHINA AGAIN

From Media Connect Asia:

China imposes strict rules in online games; bans foreign investments
By Eduardo Sioson
Oct 12, 2009

Biz IT ran a story by Xinhua on China imposing protectionism on its online gaming industry by blocking the entry of foreign investors through a joint notice by the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) and the National Copyright Administration.

According to the notice by China’s press and copyright authorities, foreign companies are banned to invest in the country’s online game operations whether it is a wholly owned enterprise, partnership and cooperatives. Likewise, foreign investors are not allowed to offer technical support in relation to China’s online gaming business.

The new regulation, which aims to put a stop on illegal operators and prevent the proliferation of unhealthy contents, also restricts local operators from running an online gaming business without securing a permit from the GAPP.

Earlier, authorities had managed to close down 45 foreign online game operators who don’t have an approval from the regulators.

SEAIR brings relief goods to Batanes

Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) brings relief goods and basic commodities to Batanes in response to the food shortage in the province. Food supplies declined at an alarming rate when Typhoon “Pepeng” stopped cargo planes and ships from delivering provisions to the island.

“SEAIR, in cooperation with the provincial governor of Batanes and the Ateneo Professional Schools , is launching special cargo flights to transport much-needed supplies to our northernmost province,” said Avelino Zapanta, SEAIR president. The added flights are also carrying relief packs containing rice, canned goods, powdered milk, sugar, noodles and biscuits.

The airline also announced that it will continue accepting donations for Typhoon Ondoy flood victims as well as aid for the Batanes food shortage until October 16. Zapanta said contributions in kind or in cash will be accepted and duly acknowledged by SEAIR from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Mondays to Saturdays.

The following venues receiving donations are: SEAIR ticketing office, Room 202 Lao' Center Building, 1000 Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road) corner Makati Avenue, Makati City; SEAIR Domestic Airport office, Terminal 1, NAIA, Pasay City; SEAIR Cebu office, Door # 3 YMCA Building Jones Avenue,
Cebu City; SEAIR SM Clark, Unit 166 SM City CSEZ, Clarkfield, Pampanga; and SEAIR Caticlan, Caticlan Airport. For more information on how you can help, please contact SEAIR Call Center at 849-0100.

Some 1,772 families in Batanes were affected by Typhoon Pepeng and the food shortage. This is composed of 311 families from Uyugan, 214 from Itbud, 122 from Imnajbu, 149 from Ivana, 64 from Mahatao, 162 from Basco, 320 from Sabtang and 430 from Itbayat.

SEAIR is also participating in a food distribution program to provide thousands of flood victims in Marikina and Tanay, Rizal with fresh hot meals.