China Syndromes

This story from China Daily describes two invasive insects causing problems in Northern China. The American white moth (Hyphantria cunea) attacks the foliage of trees, while the red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens), also native to North America, prefers the bark of pine trees. There appears to be great concern about the possibility of the insects eventually spreading to Beijing. The article also mentions that China's top political advisory body submitted a proposal indicating that invasive species cost the country almost $7 billion annually. A similar article was posted last week at the Beijing Portal.