Taiwan-based optical disc drive (ODD) maker Lite-On IT's factory in southern China is running short of about 800-1,000 workers, about 10% of its regular personnel, due to a prevailing labor shortage in the region and eastern China, according to the company.

via Lite-On IT China factory facing labor shortage.

With the Chinese economy hit hard by the world wide recession, the Chinese government is making the move away from the automobile as a main source of transportation. They are spending more on passenger rail lines and less on highways.

For further reference, also see the WorldBank:

The global economic crisis is an opportunity for China to reorient its growth model away from so much dependence on exports and industry, and more toward dependence on domestic needs. This includes private consumption, but also includes public spending on social services and on enhancing the quality of life through environmental clean-up and public transportation. The stimulus package is certainly a start in this direction.

…and the Gerson Lehrman Group:

At present, China is in the midst of constructing a network of highspeed intercity rail shuttles with speed upto 300 km/h, thus relieving the overtaxed freight lines for the coal transport.  These shuttles with connections to inner city subway systems would increase public transport and lessen the burden on oil import for its auto sector.

Try not to think about the coal-transport elements of the railway investment and instead focus on the very positive funneling of cash into rail and non-automotive public transport infrastructure investments.

Interesting.