Forbes: China’s Slowdown In Coastal Provinces Forces Migrant Workers To Go Home– We’ve seen this before, most recently in 2008/9. Not something the government wants to see, for a variety of reasons.

Associated Press: China steps up stimulus spending at local level– Details on the estimated $130 billion spending in Changsha, which were unveiled on Wednesday, got a lot of press attention for some reason, including this article.

MarketWatch: China seen launching massive stimulus via provinces. Question: Who’ll pay for it?– Another Changsha story.

And as we enjoy another rainstorm here in Beijing, the commentary over the government’s handling of the last one still trickles in:

Global Times: Anger over non-local denied relief goods– Have flood victims been refused assistance because they don’t have a Beijing residence permit?

WantChinaTimes: Netizens brainstorm survival skills after Beijing’s deadly flood — Some harrowing tales and how folks are preparing for the next disaster, which usually involves hoarding things that may/may not be useful for survival.

Latest Sinica Podcast: A Torrential Rainstorm– Kaiser Kuo and pals address the flooding in this week’s show.

Etc., Miscellany, and Leftovers:

The Interview: Joseph S. Nye | The Diplomat– Interesting chat with Joe “Soft Power” Nye on a variety of topics, including China’s soft power and the U.S. “Asia Pivot” policy.

Bloomberg: China’s Biggest Brands Try to Raise Their Profile– Always a favorite topic. The branding strategies of Haier, Huawei, ZTE and other Chinese firms with global ambitions.

Dow Jones: Volkswagen to probe China patent-violation reports — Oops. Looks like VW’s local partner here was taking some liberties with their patented technology, a violation of patent law and the underlying license agreement.