|14 Francis Fukuyama Qin Dynasty China Is the First Modern State in History|24

PEKING UNIVERSITY

WINTER 2012 Issue 21

Kevin Rudd The Future of Sino-Us Relations Building a 21st Century Pax Pacifica|19 Guan Youfei Medical Sciences for the Betterment of China and the World|14 Francis Fukuyama Qin Dynasty China is the First Modern State in History|24

PEKING UNIVERSITY

WINTER 2012 Issue 21

Contents

02 News & Events

04 Spotlight Beijing Forum 2012: New Thinking in New Reality...... 04 Peking University Library: A Place that Stirs Your Heart...... 07 09 Academic International Conference on High Energy Density Physics Held at PKU...... 09 Editorial Board Professor Zhu Yuxian Honored for Achievement in Cotton Research...... 09 Advisor: Li Yansong, Vice President Achievement Made in Bond-Selective Chemistry...... 10 for International Relations Hepatitis B Virus Receptor Discovered by PKU Doctoral Student...... 11 Chair: Xia Hongwei, Director, IEEE EDS Mini-Colloquium Hosted at PKU...... 11 Office of International Relations Asset-Building Seminar Held at PKU...... 12 Vice-Chair: Yan Jun, Zheng Ruqing, Wang Yong Professor Chen Lei’s Paper Accepted by the Journal of Accounting and Economics...... 12 Professor Wang Sheng Elected Fellow of Collegium Ramazzini...... 13 Coordinator: Luo Ling, Shi Dingli Designer: He You 14 People Guan Youfei: Medical Sciences for the Betterment of China and the World...... 14 Editorial Team:Lim Ruo Shuang, Liu Boyu, Ye Lang: Aesthetics Has Lasting Power...... 16 Theodora Koh, Heng Kangwei, Feng Zhiying, Zheng Zhong: He Never Stops...... 18 Cheng Ying Han, Liu Yiping, Dong Youyuan, Yang Yang, Li Sijia, Gui Shihui, An Tairan, 19 Voice Wang Xing, Zhou Jiajing, and Zhu Xuanhao The Future of Sino-US Relations Building a 21st Century Pax Pacifica...... 19 Features on Beijing Forum 2012...... 22 Photo: Wang Wenquan, Wang Tiantian Professor Francis Fukuyama: Qin Dynasty China Is the First Modern State in History...... 24 Quality Education and Social Responsibility of the University...... 26 Peking University Newsletter is a publication Artistic Life and Chinese Culture from the Perspective of PKUers...... 28 for alumni and friends of Peking University and is produced by the Office of International 29 International Collaboration Relations (OIR). Please feel free to suggest ideas Auckland University Delegation Visits PKU, Launching Food and Health Program.....29 for us to explore in future issues, or suggestion 1st ASEAN Plus Three Rectors’ Conference Held in PKU...... 29 about ways we can improve the publication. Institute for China-US People-to-People Exchange Unveiled...... 30 31 Campus Contact Us 9th PKU ICF: Sharing the Global Dream...... 31 Address: Office of International Relations I-MART, I’M ART!...... 33 Peking University, 100871 Waiting for You in PKU...... 34 Beijing, P.R. China Phone: +86-10-6275-1246 ext. 316 35 Column Fax: +86-10-6275-1240 Living and Studying in Beijing...... 35 Email: [email protected] Love PKU and Discover Beijing...... 36 When Polish Meets Chinese...... 38 Newsletter Online My life in Kyushu...... 41 The Newsletter can be read online at: 43 Giving www.oir.pku.edu.cn 2012 POSCO Asia Fellowship Awarding Ceremony in PKU...... 43 Yu Minhong Meets with New Oriental Bursary Recipients...... 43 The views expressed in this publication are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board. News & Events

03 04

PKU delegation list, the most among all colleges and Department of Philosophy 01visits Russia universities in China. In addition, 04holds its centennial Oct. 19th to 24th Peking University also saw four other celebration projects named as key projects. The Oct. 27th A delegation led by Professor Zhou overall project approval rate reached Qifeng, President of PKU, visited Rus- The centennial celebration of the 63%. sia from October 19th to 24th. At the founding of the Department of Philoso- The major projects under the Na- National University of St. Petersburg phy of Peking University was held at the tional Social Science Fund are consid- on October 22nd, President Zhou met PKU Centennial Memorial Hall on Octo- ered the highest level of governmental with President Nikolay Kropachev, Vice ber 27th. Madam Liu Yandong, member projects in the field of humanities and President Igor Gorlinsky and Assistant of the CPC Central Committee Politburo social sciences in China. The basic President Ekaterina Malyutina. They and State Councilor, and Mr. Yuan Gui- theory group focuses on supporting a shared ideas on improving internation- ren, Minister of Education sent their group of important basic theory and al collaboration between the two uni- congratulation messages. Famous schol- cultural research projects that are sig- versities. The PKU delegation was also ars were invited to participate in the cer- nificant in promoting national culture, warmly received by President Viktor emony. Four PKU Lifetime Achievement as well as benefiting academic growth Sadovnichy at Moscow State University Awards in Philosophy Education were and constructions. on October 23rd. In addition, President also awarded at the celebration. Profes- Zhou was invited to attend the meeting sor Christopher Shields of the Oxford of the IUPAC (International Union of University delivered a speech to express Pure and Applied Chemistry) executive PUHSC centennial his hopes and wishes for the Department celebration held board. 03 of Philosophy of PKU. Oct. 26th On October 26th, the Peking Univer- Eight PKU research projects Opening ceremony of the sity Health Science Center (PUHSC) granted the 2012 National World Ethics Center at PKU 02 celebrated the 100th anniversary of 05 Social Science Fund Oct. 29th the founding of the Peking Medical Oct. 25th School, which was the predecessor On October 29th, the opening cere- The list for the 3rd batch of the major of PUHSC and the first Western-style mony of the World Ethics Center at PKU projects under the China’s National medical school in China. To mark this was held at the PKU’s Stanford Center. Social Science Fund was released on milestone, PUHSC launched a series of The purpose of the World Ethics Center October 25th. A total of eight projects activities, beginning with a celebration is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. It from Peking University are on the at the PUHSC campus. promotes dialogue between different

02 Peking University Newsletter 05

08 06

value systems, and attempts to establish needed. Mr. Rudd observed that the University Shenzhen Graduate School a creative and innovative research team. Beijing Forum went with the tide of (PKUSZ) participated in the exhibition This will be done through collaboration building a “Harmonious World.” Per- as part of the Shenzhen delegation. Prod- between local and international scholars. fect mutual understanding between ucts exhibited included in fields such as Through this, the Center hopes to instill Chinese and Western civilizations has a information technology, the Internet, Chinese elements into the field of world long way to go. new energy, new materials, and biologi- ethics, especially global economic eth- cal technology. The exhibition, consid- ics, and increase their significance in the th ered the largest and most influential in world. Exhibition of 18 century 07Western prints its field, is a platform for the hi-tech in- Nov. 9th dustry. This is the ninth year that PKUSZ Former Indian President and has taken part, displaying its outstanding “High Life & Low Life,” the exhibition former Australian Prime technology breakthroughs. 06 of 18th century Western prints donated Minister visit PKU by Donald Stone, Professor of English Nov. 1st to 4th had its opening in Peking University’s Professor Cai Hongbin awarded During the Beijing Forum 2012, Professor Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Art and 09officership to the Econometric Zhu Shanlu, Chairman of Peking University Archaeology on November 9th. Prof. Wu Society Council th Council, met with former Indian President Zhipan, Executive Vice-President of PKU, Nov. 19 Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and former Australian appreciated the kindness of Professor The Econometric Society named PKU Prime Minister Mr. Kevin Rudd. Stone donating his collection of prints Guanghua School of Management Dean st On November 1 , Chairman Zhu met to the Sackler Museum, this donation Professor Cai Hongbin an officer to its with Dr. Abdul Kalam, who was specially marking his sixth donation since 2007. council. The Econometric Society, found- invited to deliver a keynote address at the The exhibition contains works by many ed in 1930, is the world’s most influential opening ceremony of Beijing Forum. Both celebrated Western artists of the 18th cen- society in the field of economics, and has Chairman Zhu and Dr. Abdul Kalam em- tury. attracted top economists from all over phasized the enhancement of cooperation in the world to be its Fellows. The Council nurturing talents to devote to the relationship PKUSZ exhibits in China of the Society is elected by fellows from between the two countries. six regions in the world. Professor Cai, On November 4th, Chairman Zhu 08Hi-tech Fair in Shenzhen Nov. 16th to 21st acting as representative council from met with Mr. Kevin Rudd. He men- the Far East, is the first council member tioned that an internationally recog- On November 16th, the 14th China Hi- from mainland China. Previously, he was nized dialogue stage for cultural and tech Fair was held at the Shenzhen Con- appointed a member into the Society’s academic communication was urgently vention and Exhibition Center. Peking Governance Committee.

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 03 Spotlight

Beijing Forum 2012: New Thinking in New Reality By Dong Youyuan

eijing Forum 2012, marking its ninth anniversary, was successfully B held from November 2nd-4th. The Forum was honored to have received a congratulatory video message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and involved many other distinguished guests. Over 470 leading scholars and experts from more than 40 countries and regions engaged in discussions on various topics concerning the general theme of “The Harmony of Civilizations and Prosperity for All—Challenges and Opportunities: New Thinking in New Reality.” The Fo- rum turned out to be academically fruitful and well-received.

Theme and objectives

Approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education, and under the auspices of the Beijing Municipal Government, Beijing Forum is an annual international forum co-sponsored by Peking University (PKU), the Beijing Municipal Commis- sion of Education, and the Korea Foun- dation for Advanced Studies (KFAS). The theme chosen for this year is “The Harmony of Civilizations and Prosperity for All—Challenges and Opportunities: New Thinking in New Reality.” The three- day event attracted more than 470 scholars and guests from around the world. The year 2012 helds much significance for the world. Many nations, including many of the great powers, went through elections and shifts in power, bringing reach in the short term. It remains a huge the recent occurrences of natural disas- about changes to national policies that challenge to put the global economy ters present a set of challenges yet to be would impact the international system. back on a track of stable and balanced solved. In the wake of the global financial crisis, growth. Moreover, international and However, these changes have provided the world economic system has seen regional hotspot issues are constantly new opportunities for transformation. several positive signs of recovery, but any emerging, and global issues such as food Confronted with these new realities, the significant improvement remains beyond and energy security, climate change and international community has embarked

04 Peking University Newsletter opportunities that arise. Only through Countries, Chinese People’s Institute this can we unfold a new chapter in so- of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Ministry of cial progress. Education’s Education Development This year’s Beijing Forum gathered Research Center, Office of Chinese Lan- scholars and experts from across the guage Council International and China globe to discuss a series of pertinent is- Scholarship Council were also there to sues—how things should have turned grace the opening ceremony. out theoretically, how they turned out in After remarks delivered by several dis- reality, how we could look for solutions tinguished guests, Hans Küng, Professor when addressing uncertainties brought Emeritus, the University of Tübingen; about by the rapid changes in the world Founder and President, the Global Ethic landscape—so as to provide valuable ref- Foundation, Lee C. Bollinger, President, erences to the reforms and development Columbia University; Fellow, the Ameri- of all countries, and to contribute to the can Academy of Arts and Sciences, Adam harmony and progress of the society and Roberts, President, the British Academy; the common prosperity of human kind. Professor Emeritus, Oxford University, and Li Yining, Emeritus Dean and Profes- Opening ceremony sor, Guanghua School of Management, Peking University, delivered keynote The ninth Beijing Forum officially speeches each focusing on a different opened on the morning of November 2nd, topic. 2012 at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. The opening ceremony saw the presence Panel sessions of Madam Yan Junqi, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National With an impressive coverage of top- People’s Congress and President of the ics, including economics, philosophy, China Association for Promoting De- education, city development, and en- mocracy, Mr. Luo Haocai, Vice Chairman trepreneurship, the Beijing Forum was of the 9th and 10th National Committee organized into eight separate panels. of the Chinese People’s Political Consul- The parols: “Rethinking Capitalism in tative Conference, Professor John Byrne, the Post-crisis World,” “Faith and Soci- 2007 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (as a ety: Spiritual Reflections of Global Age,” member of the Intergovernmental Panel “Improve Education in the Changing on Climate Change) and Mr. Du Zhanyu- World Economy: Quality, Equity and an, Vice Minister of Education for China. Efficiency,” “Inheritance of the World Other distinguished guests included H.E. Cities Spirit: Experience and Innova- Dr. Du A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former Presi- tion,” “Construction of Civilizations: dent of India, Mr. Ro Jai-bong, former Communication of Languages and Dis- Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, semination of Classics,” “Innovation and Mr. Park In-kook, Director of KFAS, Mr. Change in the Age of Social Media,” “The Lu Shumin, Vice President of the Chinese Role of Entrepreneurs in the New World People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Economy Profile,” and “The Common Tang Qian, UNESCO Assistant Director- World, Different Perspectives: Germany, General for Education, Professor Zhu Europe, China.” Apart from these, there Shanlu, Chairman of PKU Council and was also a special panel for youths, titled Professor Zhou Qifeng, President of “An Era of Great Transformation: Youth’s on active efforts to push for reforms in PKU. Perspective,” as well as a panel hosted by the global governance system. Some of In addition, delegates from the em- the Harvard-Yenching Institute, named our current theories and thinking can no bassies of Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Bos- “Faith, Society and New Social Media.” longer deal with the new global issues nia and Herzegovina, Myanmar, India The rich topics and marvelous ideas that we face every day. We should thus and Indonesia, also attended the event. are worthy of a book to elaborate on. change our way of thinking and explore Members from the Chinese People’s As- In the following part however, only two new areas for development, seeking new sociation for Friendship with Foreign specific panel sessions are discussed to

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 05 Spotlight

make the best of the limited space and Other scholars also put forward their from Peking University explained how provide the reader with the most on-the- ideas through their speeches. Undeni- young students could do their part in spot experience possible. ably, the center of the world’s economy view of the challenges and opportuni- In the afternoon of November 2nd, has shifted. Whether capitalism is dying ties of this era. The younger generation the panel on economics, “Rethinking or “Paper Gold” is the right way out, should always keep an open mind and Capitalism in the Post-crisis World” fea- there remains much room for further dis- an observant eye to tackle the emerging tured more than 30 scholars from China, cussion. threats of this age so as to advance hu- India, the United States, the United King- In the morning of November 3rd, man welfare. dom, Korea and Japan, to name just a the panel arranged specially for youths, few. Spread the lasting and wide impact titled “An Era of Great Transformation: Closing ceremony of the 2008 financial crisis on the world’s Youth’s Perspective” opened in the Tan economy was discussed. The diverse Siu Lin Center for International Stud- The Ninth Beijing Forum was brought group of scholars analyzed it from dif- ies of Peking University. Students from to an end on the morning of November ferent perspectives and provided various the University of Pennsylvania, Tokyo 4th at the Yingjie Overseas Exchange Cen- opinions with regards to the causes of University, the University of Oxford, ter at Peking University. Among those this crisis. The panel was organized into Cambridge University, Yale University, who graced the occasion were Mr. Kevin two parts, “Capitalism and the Financial Cornell University, Peking University, Ts- Michael Rudd, former Prime Minister of Crisis” and “Diversity of Capitalism.” inghua University, Fudan University and Australia, Mr. Park In-kook, Director of Justin Yifu Lin from Peking University, other institutions of higher learning from KFAS, Mr. Fu Zhifeng, Deputy Director of delivered a speech entitled “The Interna- home and abroad exchanged ideas in the Beijing Municipal Commission of Educa- tional Monetary System and the Global half-day forum. tion and Professor Zhu Shanlu, Chair- Financial Crisis.” In his opinion, the Dr. Li Yansong, Vice President of man of PKU Council. Professor Wu Zhi- cause of the crisis was the imbalance of Peking University, gave an opening ad- pan, Executive Vice President of Peking the global economy, which was caused dress, expressing a warm welcome to the University, hosted the closing ceremony. by having the US dollar as the only cur- participants. He then pointed out that Mr. Rudd, Chairman Zhu, Mr. Park rency for international reserves. He thus changes were both an opportunity and and Mr. Fu each delivered a speech. proposed a reform of the international a challenge to the current global society. Chairman Zhu extended his apprecia- monetary system. Professor Lin put for- Students, as the key force of the world tion and gratitude to scholars and guests ward a solution called “Paper Gold.” reconstruction in the future, had the re- who contributed to the Beijing Forum. He explained that “Paper Gold” can be sponsibility to lead the world toward a He highlighted the significant role that used as a kind of global reserve currency better era. Professor Chang Hsin-kang, universities played in the development of that is issued by international monetary former president of the City University of human civilization. sovereignty agencies, linked to gold, and Hong Kong, and Yip Lu Xun, Chair Pro- At the end of the closing ceremony, convertible to all national reserve curren- fessor of Peking University, also delivered Chairman Zhu, appointed by the Orga- cies with a different fixed exchange rate. speeches, conveying the idea of harmoni- nizing Committee and Academic Com- In this way, conflicts between national ous co-existence of nature and human mittee of the forum, released informa- interests and the consequence of using society. tion concerning the tenth Beijing Forum a national currency as the global reserve In the panel, themed “Our Future and declared the closing of the 2012 currency can be avoided. Path in the Era of Changes,” students Beijing Forum. Chunli Li from Aichi University of exchanged their ideas on the livelihood The tenth Beijing Forum will be held Japan divided all the capitalist economic and overall welfare of humankind. in 2013. At this stage, the Academic entities into five categories, the neo- Larissa from the University of Sao Committee of Beijing Forum is welcom- liberal model, the social democratic Paulo started with the “Rio+20” Summit, ing scholars and experts from around model, the Continental model, the providing insights into the irreconcilable the world to contribute their suggestions Mediterranean model, and the East Asian contradictions between environmental and proposals on the “annual theme of model. In his speech titled “The Diver- protection and economic development. Beijing Forum 2013” through the online sity of Capitalism and Bureaucratic of She pointed out that there was still a long proposal system (http://www.beijingforum. Pluralism,” through comparison of the way to go before the conflict between org/html/node/680-0.htm) based on their advantages and disadvantages of the vari- these two issues could be resolved. It is of particular insights into the world’s ongo- ous models, he provided a comparative significant importance that public aware- ing and emerging important issues and macro perspective to rethink the gover- ness and recognition of the dire state of topics concerning world harmony and nance of economy in the post-crisis era. the current situation be raised. Xiao Xue prosperity.

06 Peking University Newsletter Peking University Library: A Place that Stirs Your Heart By Liu Yiping

“I cannot think it unlikely that there is such a total book on some shelf in the universe. I pray to the unknown gods that some man—even a single man, tens of centuries ago—has perused and read this book. If the honor and wisdom and joy of such a reading are not to be my own, then let them be for others. Let heaven exist, though my own place may be in hell. Let me be tor- tured and battered and annihilated, but let there be one instant, one creature, wherein thy enormous Library may find its justifi- cation.”

- Jorge Luis Borges, “The Library of Babel”

n the newly released book 100 Reasons founded in 1902 then attached to the library was for a time housed 15 separate to Fall in Love with Peking University, Imperial University of Peking. During the buildings, making it rather inefficient for I the University’s Library ranks fourth period of the 1919 May 4th Movement, management and book circulation, until on the list along with the Weiming Lake Peking University became one of the 1975, when a new library building was and Boya Tower. centers for revolutionary activities. Some completed in the center of the campus. What is there not to love this li- of the revolutionary leaders, such as Li Then during the University’s centen- brary? Every year, people from all over Dazhao and Mao Zedong, worked in the nial anniversary in 1998, another grand the world visit this shrine of culture, library. Many well-known scholars, in- building was added, marking the new not just because of its long history, but cluding Zhang Shizhao, Yuan Tongli and dawn of the library’s progress towards also because of the essence of Chinese Xiang Da, once held the post of library modernization. Well-known Hong Kong culture that this library represents. As director. entrepreneur, Honorary Doctor of Peking the 100th anniversary of the Peking Uni- In 1952, after the nationwide restruc- University, Mr. Li Ka Shing sponsored the versity Library nears, it is a good time turing of colleges and universities, Peking construction. for us to look back to the history it has University was relocated to the Yenching gone through. University campus. The library moved Library paradiso over as well and the Yenching University The history of a “Centennial Book City” Library was incorporated into the Peking “I have always imagined that Paradise University Library. With a vast collec- will be a kind of library.” The Peking University Library was tion and limited spatial conditions, the - Jorge Luis Borges, “Poema de los Dones”

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 07 Spotlight

This is exactly what He Fang had of his life—the library. he started thinking about possible in mind when he started scripting the What is the best way to display the improvement of a good library-reader story about the library dream of three attractions of the library and portray it relationship. As a place where people generations. He Fang, a student of the as a well-oiled machine whose various from all over the campus flow in and School of Art of Peking University, is parts make it work? He Fang’s origi- out, the Peking University Library still director, script writer, screen writer and nal idea was that “We can smell the has a long way to go. editor of a video in celebration of the library.” But it was abandoned because 110 th anniversary of Peking University of the scarce possibility of realizing Library. such a plan. This led them to the cur- When I think of the library In this short video, accompanied rent idea of showing a girl’s wholesome by melodious music, a girl carrying a experience of hearing the library. In ad- While the video is a concise reflection heavy recorder goes through every spot dition to the peculiar action of record- of collective feelings about the library, in the library. She records a mesmer- ing, reveries and extensions are applied the words and sentiments expressed in izing piece of music comprising of to visualize the theme. pages of writing will then leave a striking elements such as the tapping of feet, He Fang was excited in the op- impression on people. the beep of swiping cards, a soft pom portunity of exploring every inch of As its 110th anniversary approaches, produced by a book dropping and any the library. He went to a lot of places Peking University Library appealed to the other sound that she can find in the that he had never set foot in, includ- faculty and students of the University, as library. Just when everyone else is in- ing the balcony and even the section well as the library staff, to write about trigued by the intention of this girl, she for ancient books. This led him to their experience with this holy place. brings the recorder back to her grand- think about the components of a Many heartfelt gratitude and feelings are father who has dedicated his whole life good library. During the plotting of thus revealed. to the library and replays the whole the video, he went on an exchange Chen Pingyuan, Professor of Chinese thing. Indulged in the recording, the program with Yale University. After Literature at Peking University expressed grandfather once again revisits the love close observation of the Yale library, his deepest thanks. “The moment I realized how indispensable the library has been for me was during a lecture in Har- vard. I spoke of how I asked my graduate students to touch, literally, and comment on at least two outdated paper periodi- cals. I hope to, by doing this, deepen the students’ understanding of this medium and strike a note to them what it means to read history.” Upon that, the lecture host Professor Leo Lee spoke banteringly that this is not an experience that others can copy, but a privilege only PKU scholars can boast. Also, stories of romance and growth are told. Romantic encounters in the library, smiles exchanged between lov- ers and the slipping of secret messages between pages are a few of those unfor- gettable memories. The cramming during exam periods, nervousness before major job interviews and the making of life decisions are some of those other important college experiences happening in the library daily. This is a place which stirs the hearts of people.

08 Peking University Newsletter Academic

International Conference on High Energy Density Physics Held at PKU By Chng Luey Chun

he International Conference on sity physics to High Energy Density Physics share their research (ICHEDP) was held at Peking Uni- findings, and to T th st versity (PKU) from the 18 to the 21 of encourage young October. Jointly organized by the Center scholars to develop for Applied Physics and Technology, their interest in the and the Laboratory for the Quantitative area of high energy Simulation of High Energy Density Phys- density physics. ics, the conference attracted top scholars The conference in the field from over twenty countries, was also supported including the United States, the United by the Beijing In- Kingdom, France, Japan, Italy and Spain. stitute of Applied This was the first ever academic confer- Physics and Com- ence on high energy density physics held putational Math- in China. ematics, the China The conference aimed to provide a Academy of Engineering Physics, PKU’s Science Foundation of China and PKU’s working platform for local and foreign State Laboratory for Turbulence and College of Engineering. scholars in the field of high energy den- Complex Systems, the National Natural

Professor Zhu Yuxian Honored for Achievement in Cotton Research By Li Sijia

he 2012 Award Presentation Cere- the State Council of China put forward a researching for a long time, they finally mony of the Ho Leung Ho Lee Foun- project to cultivate high-quality cotton in discovered the best way to grow cotton in dation (HLHL) was held in Beijing China, which attracted his attention. He a laboratory environment. T th on October 29 . Professor Zhu Yuxian of has devoted himself to cotton research The second problem lay in how to Peking University (PKU) was honored the since then. analyze the cotton fiber genes. They had Science and Technology Progress Award for The journey of scientific research is previously assumed that controlling increasing the fiber length of China’s cot- never smooth sailing. Professor Zhu and genes of cotton were limited, so it would ton by 3 mm. his team encountered and overcame be easy to find out the dominant control- Professor Zhu is a professor in the many difficulties in the process. The first ler of fiber growth. But the experiment School of Life Sciences at PKU, the direc- challenge was in growing cotton in the turned out to be much more complicat- tor of the State Key Laboratory of Protein laboratory. They had to figure out the ed. After much trial and error, Professor and Plant Gene Research, and a member best illumination intensity, photoperiod, Zhu turned to the biochemical pathway of the Chinese Academy of Sciences since temperature and humidity to make sure of high expression instead of single gene 2011. He has been teaching at PKU since that cotton grown in different seasons expression. In 2005, Professor Zhu’s 1991, specializing in cloning and expres- could have the same plant size, number team used bioinformatics software to sion research of plant genes. In 1998, of flowers and growth potential. After study the metabolic pathway of specific

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 09 Academic

high expression of fiber growth and found ethylene to be the most prominent biochemical pathway. Then there came the third puzzle: how does ethylene control the growth of cotton fibers? They first tried apply- ing ethylene to cotton ovules, hoping to increase the synthesis of very long chain fatty acids, but failed. By thinking and experimenting in the reverse way, they finally discovered that very long chain fatty acids can increase the biochemical synthesis of ethylene, and that ethylene controls the growth of cotton fiber by adjusting the biochemical synthesis of peptic polysaccharides. Through these research findings, Profes- sor Zhu and his team successfully increased the fiber length of China’s cotton by 3mm. This tiny increase means a huge difference. Although China ranks first in world cot- high-quality machine-woven cloth. There- cotton research in China. ton production, China imports raw cotton fore, this achievement helps to reduce from America because the fiber of China’s China’s reliance on American cotton and cotton is 3mm shorter than required for represents one step towards world-class

Achievement Made in Bond-Selective Chemistry By Li Sijia

n the 11th of November, the es- lished online in Nature Chemistry [Ying Irvine and Professors Laura Fabris and say titled “Submolecular Con- Jiang et al., Nature Chem. DOI: 10.1038/ Guillermo C. Bazan from the University O trol, Spectroscopy and Imaging NCHEM.1488 (2012)]. The research of California, Santa Barbara. of Bond-Selective Chemistry in Single was conducted by research group led One of the key challenges in chem- Functionalized Molecules” was pub- by Doctor Jiang Ying from the Interna- istry is to break and form bonds selec- tional Center tively in complex organic molecules for Quantum that possess a range of different func- Materials at Pe- tional groups. To do this at the single- king University, molecule level not only provides an who collabo- opportunity to create custom nanoscale rated with Doc- devices, but offers opportunities for the tor Qing Huan in-depth study of how the molecular from the Insti- electronic structure changes in individ- tute of Physics ual reactions. In the research, they used at the Chinese a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) Academy of Sci- to induce a sequence of targeted bond ences, Professor dissociation and formation steps in sin- Wilson Ho from gle thiol-based π-conjugated molecules the University adsorbed on a NiAl (110) surface. Fur- of California, thermore, the electronic resonances of

10 Peking University Newsletter Academic the resulting species were measured by bond and its non-local influence is fun- functionalized molecule, but also reveals spatially resolved electronic spectros- damentally important for determining the changes in the molecular electronic copy at each reaction step. Specifically, the electron transport in thiol-based structure associated with bond dissocia- the STM was used to cleave individual molecular junction. tion and formation, providing crucial acetyl groups and to form Au–S bonds This achievement not only opens up evidences for orbital hybridization in by manipulating single Au atoms. A the possibility of submolecular control of chemical transformation. detailed understanding of the Au–S the bond-selective chemistry in a single

Hepatitis B Virus Receptor Discovered by PKU Doctoral Student By Cui Jingyuan

ecently, the Li Wenhui team lion people are killed by hepatitis from the National Institute B and related diseases every year. R of Biological Sciences (NIBS) Although the discovery of the hepa- discovered the Hepatitis B virus titis B virus can be traced back four receptor, and their research paper decades, knowledge on the cell sur- was published in eLife. Yan Huan, a face receptors was discovered only doctoral student from both Peking recently. University and NIBS, is one of the The hepatitis B virus and hepati- article’s first authors, together with tis D virus cannot effectively infect Zhong Guocai. host cells until they are combined According to current statistical with the cell receptors. There is no data, there are over 350 million doubt that the discovery will help chronic hepatitis B patients around to provide a clearer picture of the the world, of which 15 million are hepatitis B virus infection process, also infected by the hepatitis D and is thus beneficial to the treat- virus. Although an effective hepa- ment of hepatitis B and its related titis B vaccine exists, nearly 1 mil- diseases.

IEEE EDS Mini-Colloquium Hosted at PKU By Cui Jingyuan

he Mini-Colloquium on Advanced Electronics Engineering and Computer Liu Zhiwei from Taiwan University, Asso- Technology of Micro- and Nano- Science (EECS) as part of the 10th anni- ciate Professor Cao Yu from Arizona State T electronics by the Institution of versary celebration series of PKU EECS. University and other well-known schol- Electrical and Electronics Engineers Professor Huang Ru, Vice Dean of ars gave speeches on nanoscale MOS Electron Devices Society (IEEE EDS) was PKU EECS, hosted the colloquium. Dr. device of random telegraph noise, phase held at the Micro-nano Electronic Build- Kin P. Cheung from the National Insti- change memory, semiconductor memory ing in Peking University (PKU). The col- tute of Standards and Technology, Dr. circuit, high mobility germanium-base loquium was hosted by the United States Chung Lam from IBM Watson Research semiconductor devices, as well as large IEEE, and undertaken by the Institute of Center, Professor Zhang Mengfan from scale system chip circuit aging, modeling Microelectronics from PKU’s School of Taiwan TsingHua University, Professor and simulation.

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 11 Academic

Asset-Building Seminar Held at PKU By Gui Shihui

rom the 16th to the 18th of Novem- ber, an international seminar titled F “Lifelong Assets Building: the Strat- egy and Innovation in Asia” was held at Peking University. Experts in the field of economics from 14 Asian countries and regions gathered at Peking University to discuss the strategies involved in asset- building. The seminar focused on issues like national policy on asset-building, sav- ings for teenagers, social enterprises, as well as innovations and research on asset-building. The experts also extensively discussed the ways to develop a more comprehensive asset- building system in which all members in the society can take part by sharing for Social Development at Washing- of China’s Social Work Research their experience. ton University in St. Louis, pointed Center, stated that asset-building is Liu Zheng, Director of the De- out that several countries in East a rather new topic in social policy, partment of Social Work in the and Southeast Asia had already and is significant in actual practice Ministry of Civil Affairs of China, implemented policies that target the as well. It can bring many benefits stated that the Chinese should learn accumulation of assets in families to the poor in particular, and thus from foreign experience and apply it and communities. This seminar pro- should be valued in China. to the development of social work. vided an opportunity for different This international seminar was For instance, the theory of asset- countries to learn from each other, co-hosted by China’s Social Work building has been incorporated into thus promoting innovations in vari- Research Center at Peking University, policies for social relief, social se- ous regions. Hopefully, in the fu- the Hong Kong Polytechnic Univer- curity and social welfare in several ture, most countries will adopt the sity, the Center for Social Develop- foreign countries, and excellent eco- asset-accumulation policy for the ment at Washington University in St. nomic and social benefits have been entire population. Louis, the Center for Social Develop- recorded. Professor Wang Sibin, who is ment Asia at National University of Professor Michael Sherraden, the from Peking University’s Depart- Singapore and China’s Association of founder and director of the Center ment of Sociology and the director Social Work and Education.

Professor Chen Lei’s Paper Accepted by the Journal of Accounting and Economics By Gui Shihui

ecently, Professor Chen Lei from Country Differences in Cost Behavior” and Professor Dmitri Byzalov, both from the Department of Accounting, get accepted by the world-class Journal of Temple University, USA. R Guanghua School of Management, Accounting and Economics. This paper is Cost behavior is one of the basic core saw his paper “Employment Protection the fruit of a collaborative effort by Pro- concepts in management accounting and Legislation, Adjustment Costs and Cross- fessor Chen, and Professor Rajiv Banker cost management. A reasonable model

12 Peking University Newsletter Academic of cost behavior is indispensable to effec- duction (for example, firing employees) tive cost analysis and decision making. is higher, so managers would be more Recent research indicates that simple cautious when making decisions that symmetry assumptions in traditional cost might cause a smaller decline in opera- models (the relative variation range of tion cost and bring greater cost stickiness. cost change is not influenced by the way These discoveries have evidenced the portfolio changes) have neglected vital cost behavior theory of microeconomics. economic factors. Therefore, Professor Other remarkable breakthroughs of this Chen and his partners choose to focus paper, such as the further explanation on asymmetrical cost behavior. and analysis of the theoretical relation- Professor Chen Lei’s research first ship between adjustment cost and cost combined the theories of labor econom- behavior, are conducive to enhancing the ics with that of cost accounting, and gave basic theory of cost management. a detailed discussion on the influence It is not the first time Professor Chen that trade-induced cost would exert upon has had his paper published in world- the cost management behavior and de- class journals. One of his papers “Pre- cision of an enterprise. The paper puts dicting Earnings Using a Model Based forth a research hypothesis on the rela- on Cost Variability and Cost Stickiness” tionship between adjustment cost and (with Rajiv Banker) was published in cost stickiness. Through analyzing statis- academic journal The Accounting Review of the teaching staff published in 2011, tics of 15,000 companies released by Or- previously. Guanghua School of Management holds ganization of Economic Cooperation and The publication of Professor Chen’s the lead amongst local business schools Development (OECD), they found out paper reflects the international academic in terms of the quantity and quality of its that in countries with strict legislation, research ability of Guanghua School of academic papers. the adjustment cost in labor resource re- Management. With 62 SCI/SSCI papers

Professor Wang Sheng Elected Fellow of Collegium Ramazzini By Chng Luey Chun

rofessor Wang Sheng from Pe- king University’s School of Public P Health was elected a fellow of the Collegium Ramazzini in 2012. The Collegium Ramazzini is an international academy, currently comprising 120 members from over 40 countries, dedicated to the advancement of the study of occupational and environmental health issues. Membership in the Collegium Ramazzini is extended to internationally renowned members of the occupational and environmental health community who have demonstrated great merit in their contributions to both the scientific and societal realms. Named after the sixteenth century the Collegium Ramazzini was conceived Cesare Maltoni and other eminent scien- Italian physician Bernandino Ramazzini, and founded in 1982 by Irving Selikoff, tists.

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 13 People

Guan Youfei: Medical Sciences for the Betterment of China and the World By Wu Shaojie

e is known around campus as sociate Dean of the School of Basic disease is the field that Professor Guan Shenxiaoguan (renal tubule), a Medical Sciences and a distinguished has dedicated himself to for the past H peculiar nickname likely to have professor with funding support from the twenty years. However, he confessed that been bestowed upon him by his students. Changjiang Scholars Program and the he did not have a specific area of interest While the nickname may seem strange National Science Foundation for Distin- until his post-doctoral period. “That’s be- when taken out of context, it is actually guished Young Scholars. He is also the cause I wanted to discover my interest as a witty reference to both his name and chief scientist leading a national team I practiced,” he said. profession. He is Professor Guan Youfei, focusing on fatty liver disease and hyper- It was this thirst for knowledge that Chair of the Department of Physiology lipidemia research supported by the “973 enticed Professor Guan to go to the and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Program,” also known as the National United States for further studies after Medical Sciences of Peking University. Basic Research Program, and holds mem- obtaining a doctoral degree in China. Born in 1965 in Yangzhou, Jiangsu, bership positions in various renowned When asked about the reason why he Prof. Guan obtained his doctoral degree national and international professional went abroad, Professor Guan’s answer in kidney disease studies from Beijing societies, including the Chinese Society was straightforward. “I went abroad be- Medical University (now Peking Univer- of Physiology, American Society of Ne- cause I wanted to have access to the fron- sity Health Science Center, or PKUHSC) phrology, and the International Society tiers of medical sciences, to know what in 1994. Following that, he went abroad of Nephrology. modern medical sciences is all about, as to undertake post-doctoral research in well as its achievements and challenges.” the Division of Nephrology at Vanderbilt The recognition of the gap in medical University in the United States, where he Overseas experiences research between China and developed stayed until 2002. countries was one critical motivation that Currently, Professor Guan is the As- As revealed by his nickname, kidney drove Professor Guan, then 29, to go to

14 Peking University Newsletter “ Every teacher, regardless of his title, should always prioritize his teaching responsibilities. ”

Professor Guan doing research in the lab

Vanderbilt University. graduate students. “We are now an institution with a For Professor Guan, the experiences at Professor Guan has always sought to strong global reputation—it is a mile- Vanderbilt have had profound influences find ways to accommodate the different stone, but we still need to transcend what on him. “Not only did I find my area of strengths of his academic staff. “There we have achieved,” he said modestly on interest during this period, I also found are teachers who are better at teaching the centennial anniversary of PKUHSC. the training I received very useful and and teachers who are better in research. This is an issue which he feels calls for essential for my subsequent endeavors,” We have to respect their strengths,” he constant emphasis, and he stresses that he said. Despite a considerable number said. “It is necessary to establish a more PKUHSC should have a sober recogni- of training centers in China, most of the flexible system where teachers are able to tion of the gap between first-class medi- stations are too small and inefficiently utilize their talents.” Yet there is one ma- cal institutions and itself with respect to managed, leaving most of China’s medi- jor obstacle Prof. Guan finds difficult to medical theory, technical innovations, cal research teams to be comprised main- overcome: the overemphasis of research clinical methodology and pharmaceuti- ly of Ph.D. candidates or master’s degree publications, in particular the number of cal research and development. candidates. In his opinion, the training articles in SCI (Science Citation Index) In fact, this is the way that Professor of post-doctorates in China is one area publications, when determining teachers’ Guan educates his students, encouraging which China’s medical institutions have remuneration and promotion. “It forces them to make the best of their limited to improve if they are to make break- teachers to spend an excessive amount of time. “As medical students, you have to throughs in medical research. “Given time in relatively low-end research with sacrifice a lot of leisure time for better the talents of our students, there might rather limited results,” he says. Professor academic achievement, because in the be some fair contributions. However, if Guan believes the foremost mission of future the lives of many people will be we were to count on these students who a university is to cultivate generations of in your hands,” he once said to medical are still in their early stages of training, high-quality and high-level talents. In his students, teaching them to have a greater it’s absolutely unimaginable,” he directly view, the disproportionate inclination of sense of responsibility and be more self- expressed his concern. “I hope this situa- time and resources to immature scientific less. tion will change.” research is “not only ridiculous, but also Despite his critical view towards the detrimental.” existing education system, he is still op- timistic about the teachers and students Teaching comes first of PKUHSC. “In the coming years, I hope A modest scholar the teachers and students of PKUHSC For Professor Guan, teaching always will join the ongoing efforts for the sake comes first. He once said, “Every teacher, Professor Guan does not like to linger of national rejuvenation, for the better- regardless of his title, should always pri- around facts and figures. Instead, dur- ment of medical sciences in both China oritize his teaching responsibilities.” In ing the interview, he candidly told us and the world,” Professor Guan said with his view, the primary concern of a uni- what he thinks needs to be improved if a determined tone. versity should be the “dissemination of PKUHSC is to be a first-class medical in- knowledge” and the education of under- stitution.

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 15 People

ating from senior high school, he chose Ye Lang: to pursue his undergraduate studies at Peking University (PKU). When asked Aesthetics Has Lasting Power about his choice of major, Professor Ye By He Sulan could not help laughing, “When I was a senior in high school, I had no idea about major. Frankly, I chose philosophy simply because Chairman Mao once said that ‘Philosophy is the generalization and summation of the knowledge of nature and the knowledge of society.’” Professor Ye entered PKU in 1955. This was a point in time where the entire society valued knowledge and respected intellectuals. Knowledge was regarded as a useful tool for the construction of the country. Both students and teachers dedicated themselves to the pursuit of knowledge. Unfortunately, several years later, the advent of the Cultural Revolu- tion led to a persecution of knowledge and intellectuals. Scholars who im- mersed themselves in studies and who were indifferent to politics were deemed as traitors and hence severely punished. Professor Ye was one of them. He was sent to a farm in Jiangxi Province to cor- rect his political apathy. Despite the unfavorable academic research environment, Professor Ye never lost his thirst for knowledge. After discovering his interest in aesthetics, he diligently collected the relevant literature in preparation for writing of the Chinese aesthetics history. The goal seemed unre- alistic and implausible at that time, but time proved the feasibility of Prof. Ye’s dream. In the 1980s, people reviewed their view towards Chinese aesthetics. The books written by Professor Ye went published, laying the foundation of Chinese aesthetic research for the new period. The hard times have given Professor an Nan Garden is a mysterious its inhabitants. In Building No.56 of this Ye a bigger perspective on life. He has place. Enclosed by low grey walls, serene garden, Professor Ye Lang often learnt to adopt a more tolerant and op- Y it is unaffected by the noises from holds esthetic salons. timistic attitude towards hardships and the surrounding basketball courts and difficulties, which in return helped him shops. Yan Nan Garden has been the to focus on the bigger picture in life. home to prestigious professors for nearly Hard times a century. Shadowed by green pines and verdant bamboos, it is gentle and tran- Professor Ye was born in Quzhou, A firm supporter of humanistic cultivation quil, sharing the same characteristics as Zhejiang Province, in 1938. After gradu-

16 Peking University Newsletter “Specialization cannot and should never be the only concern of university education”, said Professor Ye. Now, many people attribute the lack of talent to the “ Now, Professor Ye works close- lack of technology. High social pressure forces universities to focus more on the ly with artists to bring to life the cultivation of practical techniques in unique cultural elements rooted students. The shrinking job market and in the long history of China. ” family pressure have also greatly influenced students, leading to a decline in the popularity of the humanities during the last decade whereas majors like accounting, management and engineering have become extremely popular. “Humanistic cultivation has profound influence on the development of society. We should not only value technical skills, but also focus on a person’s character and morals,” said Professor Ye. He also said that the best way to be culturally literate was to constantly expose oneself to classic literature. Through the influence of the Classics, one will be able to nurture his sensitivity towards literature and develop the ability to appreciate the time-tested texts. Professor Ye cited the Russian film master Andrei Tarkovsky as an example. As a child, Tarkovsky was constantly asked to read War and Peace and was taught to appreciate the work. War and Peace became the criterion for Prof. Ye explaining works of art to Dr. Justin Yifu Lin Tarkovsky to evaluate the taste and depth of an art work. In order to boost the humanities edu- and dilemmas of daily life seem insig- artistic sense in the younger generation. cation at PKU, Professor Ye introduced a nificant. I have, so to speak, the whole In 1999, the Institute for Cultural great number of musical performances. universe before me.” Industries of Peking University was es- For instance, Kunqu Opera now is a new tablished under the persistent effort of fashion on campus. The “youth version” Professor Ye. Professor Ye believes that of the Kunqu opera “Peony Pavilion,” A bigger vision for society academic achievement in the humani- created by the noted writer Bai Xianyong, ties is valuable and if that, integrated has been a central topic among students. Since China’s economic reforms in into cultural industries in an appropriate Many of them wait anxiously in line for the 1980s, China’s social culture has also way, it can be beneficial to the country’s the opportunity to witness the beauty of experienced a large change. Yet, problems economic growth and the cultural well- this traditional folk art. also emerge. Professor Ye applies his being of the Chinese population. Professor Ye teaches aesthetic prin- academic research to these problems. He “The power of aesthetics can be ciples to undergraduate students. The took the initiative to develop the foun- exploited and realized. Modern art in course may well be the biggest class in dation of the Department of Religious China still has much room for develop- PKU, attracting nearly 500 students. One Studies (1995) and the Department of ment and aesthetics can be a good reflec- of the students put it this way: “Taking Arts (1997). He has devoted much of his tion of China’s society.” Now, Professor this course can be compared to enjoying time and energy to improving the moral Ye works closely with artists to introduce a spiritual feast. Sitting there silently and education system in PKU. He also sug- the unique cultural elements rooted in peacefully, we listen to Professor Ye talk gested aesthetics education to be part of the long history of China to the interna- about beauty, life and so on .The anxiety the national education to develop the tional community.

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 17 People

Zheng Zhong: He Never Stops By Cho Yoonkyung

lmost every student has heardhis interested in nutritional science but also the city of Huzhou in east China’s Zhe- name. He is one of the most popu- in effective methods of physical educa- jiang Province. This is followed by three A lar PE teachers in Peking Univer- tion. This young and passionate man has more consecutive championships in row- sity. His class is famous for being joyful, never stopped in his work, devoting him- ing competitions. Not only does Zheng exciting and comfortable. At the begin- self to many fields. Zhong coach the rowing team, he is also ning of every new semester, his class is involved in training PKU’s women’s always oversubscribed. In his classes, all basketball team. It has since emerged his students are actively participating, re- As a rowing coach victorious in two north-east regional gardless of their physical abilities. To the competitions and the runner-up for three question as to which teacher to choose As a rowing coach to China national national competitions. It is undeniable for physical education, there is almost a youth rowing team and the PKU team, that he played a vital role in leading PKU unanimous reply of his name. This leg- Zheng Zhong plays a vital role in leading sports teams to glory. endary man is Zheng Zhong. the teams to victory. In the 2009 Junior Mr. Zheng, who is born in Jinzhou, World Rowing Championships, he served Liaoning Province, majored in Physical as a coach for the national youth team. As a teacher Education and Training together with He was also responsible for training Calisthenics in Beijing Sport Univer- the national team for Vancouver Winter “His class is not limited to a small aer- sity and was once a visiting scholar to Olympic Games 2010. Thanks to him, obics room,” said one of the interview- Bayreuth University in Germany. Now, Chinese sports teams won in both games. ees. “We get to go out to the playground he is a professional fitness trainer, na- Zheng Zhong’s career as a coach in and enjoy games sometimes. It is really tional first grade aerobics referee and Peking University started from 2005. He fun!” Mr. Zheng’s classes are relaxing and second grade volleyball referee, as well as led PKU’s rowing team to championship comfortable. In aerobics, students get to the aerobics and floor ball instructor in in the 2005 International Rowing Chal- enjoy videos and undergo basic physi- Peking University. Mr. Zheng is not only lenge of Prestigious Universities held in cal training. He does not force students

↑ Professor Zheng (right) with his favorite athlete, Neuner Magdalena, in the 2010 Winter Olympic games in Vancouver ← Professor Zheng (left 2) with his students

18 Peking University Newsletter Voice

to participate in every activity; instead, he encourages students to attempt each activity to the best of their abilities. He values his students’ enjoyment in his classes. Many students regard PE classes as a burden, especially those who are not good in sports and worry about their grades. However, Mr. Zheng helps them to be free of academic stress, allowing them to enjoy PE classes to the fullest. He once said this to his class, “Most students are living a sedentary life, giving excuses that they are too busy to exercise. Yet what students really need are physical activities that are interesting to them. Nothing reinvigorates students better than a good workout, and that is what a PE class should do.” With his positive attitude and sense of humor, it is not difficult to see why students are so taken with him. The Future of Sino-Us Relations Building a 21st Century Pax Pacifica As a researcher Kevin Rudd (Former Prime Minister, the Commonwealth of Australia Apart from being a coach and a Member, the Australian Parliament for Griffith) teacher, Mr. Zheng is also a hardworking Edited by Wang Qingyu scholar and researcher off campus. He regularly takes part in academic confer- ences held both locally and abroad, such as the National Sports Science Confer- ence and the ICSEMIS 2012 Conference held in London. Mr. Zheng has done a hank you for your kind invitation the same all over the world – with the great amount of research on the monitor- to return to Beijing, my old home, same hopes and fears for their families ing of bodily functions and its applica- T to talk about the great challenges and their futures. tion in sports examination. However, his that confront all our countries in the fu- I see my future role in doing what I range of research is not limited to sports ture. can in whatever capacity to help carve and physical training. In 2011, he pub- I have travelled here over the last 30 out a peaceful and prosperous future lished a research paper on sports clubs years as a diplomat, as a senior official for all of us in the Asian hemisphere to in PKU together with a detailed analysis in an Australian state government, as a share. of physical conditions of the college stu- businessman, as Prime Minister then dents in Beijing and the factors influenc- Foreign Minister and a Member of Par- Historical experience ing students’ health. This is in addition liament, and always to visit friends and to his publication of instruction manuals family, including my brand new Chinese- Recently, I read a biography of the 16th for dance and gymnastics teachers. Australian granddaughter. century Italian Jesuit, Matteo Ricci, and I also visit China every day as a sub- his various unsuccessful attempts to en- As a coach, teacher and a sports sci- scriber to Chinese Weibo, where hun- gage the Chinese imperial court. ence researcher, Zheng Zhong does not dreds of thousands of ordinary Chinese I was reminded of how the history of restrict himself to a specific area, con- share something of their lives with me, China’s engagement with the West has stantly challenging himself and venturing and I with them. often been one of mutual non-compre- into other fields. Never having lost steam, After all these years, I am more and hension. he is now forging ahead in his career. more convinced that human beings are 400 years later, while we may have

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made considerable progress in this great civilizational project of mutual com- prehension, it pays for all of us to read Ricci’s history again to remind us how difficult the task remains today. The theme for this 2012 Beijing Fo- rum calls for new thinking when faced with the challenges and opportunities of today’s new realities. I believe we also need new thinking on how best to preserve the peace and prosperity of Asia for the 21st century. So today I would like to talk about the principles of what I call a “Pax Pacifica” – based on classical Chinese concepts and Western concepts of common security”

Improving mutual understanding between China and the West

Kevin Rudd delivering a keynote speech on the closing ceremony of Beijing Forum 2012 We are now faced with the modern phenomenon that China, this most an- er speeches, including at the 2010 Caixin elites to categorize Westerners today it is cient of civilizations, is now about to be- Summit in Beijing, against stereotypical virtually meaningless. come once again the largest economy in responses to China to what I have de- Perhaps there is a debate already our contemporary world, as well as one scribed as “Neither Conflict nor Kowtow within the Beijing Forum on the need of the world, as well as one of the mod- – a Third Way for Dealing with China.” for a “New Occidentology” as China ern world’s great powers. And that is why in an earlier lecture at increasingly comprehends that given the Suddenly scholars of classical China Peking University in 2008, I argued for cultural and democratic dynamics that have become highly relevant to the mod- a new concept of friendship in engaging characterize the collective West of the 21st ern world – not least because China’s with China. Century, monolithic assumptions about political leaders, and in particular its Drawing from the Chinese classi- “the West”, or even the United States, public intellectuals, continue to draw ex- cal tradition, I argued for a concept of are even more useless than some of the tensively on Chinese classical tradition in “zhengyou” which means friendship – West’s monolithic assumptions about shaping modern Chinese statecraft. but a friendship based on deep mutual contemporary China. I make these points here at this dis- respect, genuine affection but equally a tinguished Forum because how the West capacity to be candid with one’s friends Regional cooperation in Asia analyses China today, and how China when necessary. analyses the West, is now critical to the Of course, in all this discourse on The Beijing Forum’s theme of “The central task of how we shape a common Western Sinology there is a danger that Harmony of Civilizations” (wenming future with China in the critical decade this all becomes the sound of one hand de hexie) is relevant to China’s foreign ahead. clapping. policy vision of “a harmonious world” That’s why in my 2009 Morrison lec- So equally, in the Chinese analysis (hexie shijie), which is in turn relevant to ture, at the Australian National Univer- of the West in all of our complexity, it is China’s domestic policy vision of a har- sity, as Australian Prime Minister I called neither analytically valid nor politically monious society (hexie shehui). for “a New Sinology” – or “Hou Hanxue”. useful to clinically divide us into camps Harmony is a profound concept in The challenge of our future sinology of “fanhua” or “qinhua” – that is those Chinese philosophy. should be to analyse China in all its in- who are “anti-China” and those who are In China’s political tradition, philoso- tegrated complexity, rather than in the “pro-China”. phy matters. Ideas matter. Concepts mat- self-contained silos of history, literature, This may have had some utility during ter. philosophy, politics, economics, sociol- the ideological rivalries of the Cold War Not just for reasons of historical con- ogy, international relations and strategic and even the Cultural Revolution. tinuity. But also for the practical reason studies. But as a term of analysis for China’s that with a Communist Party of 86 mil- That is why I have also argued in earli- political, bureaucratic and academic lion members, policy directions have to

20 Peking University Newsletter be explained in concepts which are also Rather it would avoid the risk of these Global Dialogue. comprehensible within Chinese political core principles simply being lost in cul- The latter, in particular, details a range elites. tural or even linguistic translation. of specific measures of how we can create The creative challenge lies in how This project should involve think- a new Pax Pacifica which is neither a new such concepts (and the language associ- tanks from China, the US, Australia and Pax Americana by another name; nor a ated with those concepts) are translated the rest of Asia and elsewhere in the Pax Sinica. and interpolated into non-Chinese con- world. A Pax Pacifica would seek consciously ceptual frameworks, which are in turn And here is where I believe use- to build the habits, customs and norms comprehensible to the West. ful work can be done in the academic of security and strategic cooperation For example, for any international sphere. For example, the Australian Na- from the ground up. relations scholars present today, the so tional University in Canberra has a newly Such a concept does not ignore the called paradigm debates within the inter- established Australian Centre on China underlying strategic realities of the re- national relations discipline in the West and the World which has been created gion – including the rise of China and (realism, neo-realism, liberalism, neo- through direct funding from the Austra- continuing US military and diplomatic liberalism, idealism, structuralism, post- lian government to give effect to the New engagement in the region’s future. structuralism, communitarianism) are Sinology I referred to in my 2009 Mor- Rather it accepts these realities. But it by and large alien to China’s domestic rison Lecture. also seeks to create new thinking, new debate. Headed by Professor Richard Rigby possibilities and in time new realities. In fact Chinese international relations and Professor Geremie Barme, I believe Remember in the darkest days of the scholars readily concede that there is no the centre could bring to bear an Austra- Cold War, the Americans, the Soviets and clearly defined modern Chinese school lian scholastic tradition which sees China the Europeans managed to conclude the of international relations theory. neither through European nor American Helsinki Accords. While there are obvious commonali- eyes. They developed a Conference on Se- ties (for example The Art of War by Sun Zi But rather through the perspectives curity Cooperation in Europe and they on the one hand, and Machiavelli on the and imperatives of engagement that Aus- began to build basic confidence and other) closer analysis also reveals deep tralia’s location in the Asian hemisphere security building measures to reduce the differences between traditional Chinese dictates. risk of unintended or accidental conflict. and Western statecraft, including diplo- The truth is, in Asia we have embraced macy. The future of Sino-US relations very few confidence and security building On the question, however, of a “har- measures of any description. monious world”, China’s current foreign We are on the eve of two very differ- That is in part why our security policy policy mantra, there is a clear conceptual ent electoral processes which will take environment is so brittle. overlap with the idea of a multilateral place respectively on 6 November in the So what might the new Pax Pacifica rules-based order. United States and begin on 8 November look like? Multilateralism seeks to harmonise in China. To begin with, one area of concrete conflicting positions. Multilateralism At the conclusion of these processes, I work that could be advanced is to be seeks to find a way up the middle. argue that the US and Chinese Presidents clear about some basic principles. Multilateralism is also potentially ca- need to start outlining a five-year US- One, that China’s peaceful rise should pable of incorporating values that may China Strategic Roadmap. be accommodated by the United States be universal in nature, but values which This should embrace the need for a and by the rest of the region, and that may go by different names in different fixed number of regular summits every China has entirely legitimate national cultures. year; and agenda for global and regional security interests. Therefore at a conceptual level, one cooperation where agreement can be Two, to recognise that the US is a con- practical recommendation I would make reached; and key individuals on both tinuing part of the Asia Pacific region and is that academic intuitions should em- sides who have the authority of their re- that US alliances will continue. brace a common research project on spective governments to negotiate with Three, that the other member states of producing a conceptual framework on real authority. the region also have major equities in the a multilateral rules-based order for East This US-China Strategic Roadmap region’s future, and hence an equitable Asia that draws on a range of philosophi- should also embrace the possible princi- voice in the region’s management. cal traditions. ples of such an order in an address to the Four, that all states should also con- It would not constitute the aban- Asia Society in New York as Australia’s sider collectively developing and accept- donment of core principles already en- Foreign Minister earlier this year, and ing the basic norms of behaviour for a trenched in the UN Charter. again in late September at the Singapore stable rules-based order consistent with

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 21 Voice

the principles of the UN Charter. Five, this should include the non-use Features on Beijing Forum 2012 of force in dispute resolution. Edited by Wang Qingyu Six, region-wide dispute resolution mechanisms along the lines outlined in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the ASEAN Code of Conduct. Seven, for the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting he ninth Beijing Forum, under the banner of “The Harmony of Civilizations (+8) to advance a program of practical and Prosperity for All,” was successfully held on November 2nd-4th, 2012. Schol- action to create a set of confidence build- T ars and experts from across the world attended the forum, exploring the topic ing measures to enhance regional secu- “Challenges and Opportunities: New Thinking in New Reality.” The keynote and guest rity cooperation, including joint exercises speakers expressed their constructive thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in search and rescue and counter disaster, human beings are faced with in new reality in the areas of politics, economy, educa- counter-terrorism and counter-organised tion, culture, and religion. crime. Such a concept of a Pax Pacifica is compatible with Chinese concepts of a harmonious world, Chinese concepts The message to Beijing Forum 2012 is, the na- of the Golden Mean (Zhong Yong) and tions are one way or the other, for centuries, survived Chinese concepts of the Great Unity (Da based on conflicts, be it national, regional and global. Tong). There is an element of frustration, among nations Such a concept is also compatible now about these conflicts themselves, and the people with Western concepts of effective multi- would like to live in peace. If we go into details, I have lateralism. come to the conclusion: every nation needs a mission If we are able to agree with such a bigger than its people, bigger than the nation. concept of Pax Pacifica which is neither exclusively American, nor exclusively –APJ Abdul Kalam, “Evolution of Peaceful and Prosperous Chinese, but instead a common concept Planet Earth” for the Asian hemisphere overall, then we should advance our practical work to turn such a concept into reality. What is certain, however, is that people can The East Asia Summit is the best ve- enjoy trust only when they can trust others not to lie hicle to do this because it gathers each to them, not to steal from them, not to “mob” them year at summit level with all 18 East or, in a case of conflict, to attempt to liquidate them. Asian powers as well as India, with an They can enjoy trust only when men and women deal open agenda on political, economic and with each other as equal partners. Respect for life, re- security matters. spect for property, respect for truth, and partnership We should use it to carve out a com- between men and women are the presuppositions for mon regional vision for us all. living together in a way fit for human beings. Even Otherwise, I fear the mindsets of our small children depend on honesty, trust, and reliabil- region (with all its competing nationality in order to learn the use of language and to achieve isms) may pull us apart. successful socialization. It is on the basis of ethical So let us marry the Chinese concepts norms, that living together on a daily basis in the of harmony with Western concepts of family, at school, and in the working-place becomes multilateralism to truly build a harmo- possible. It is only on this basis, that harmony and nious region and a harmonious world prosperity for all can realistically be pursued. I wish together. this Beijing Forum full success in its work! (This is an excerpt from the keynote speech made on the closing ceremony of Bei- —Hans Küng, “The Harmony of Civilizations and Prosper- jing Forum 2012.) ity for All – Challenges and Opportunities: New Thinking in New Reality”

22 Peking University Newsletter These two worlds – the university and the political – each exist in its own orbit, but like all orbiting spheres, they exert a gravitational pull on one another. The university, especially with its many privileges, must conduct itself with some significant regard for the concerns of the outside world. Our intellectual curiosity must be curbed a bit by reality if we want to have an impact on society. On the other hand, the “real” world and especially its public forums must draw on the wisdom of academic knowledge and, perhaps most importantly, it must continually absorb some of the scholarly character nurtured in our universities.

—Lee C. Bollinger, “Education and Open Dialogue: The Building Blocks of a Global Society”

In actual fact, civilizations and cultures have long been deeply interconnected, and never more so than at present. They are in a constant state of interaction, with many elements of borrow- ing and learning between them, and at every level of society. That being the case, a formal process of inter-civilization dialogue will not be the most fruitful way of addressing relations between civilizations. It may be more sensible, and a more accurate reflection of the realities we face, to see the complex and ever-changing web of links between civilizations as being “transcultural” in character. This adjective is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as: “Transcending the limitations or crossing the boundaries of cultures; applicable to more than one culture; cross-cultural.” The history of the UK, China, the US, India and many others is in important respects a history of transcultural interaction. Recognition of these facts, and encouragement of transcultural understanding, may help us to take forward this forum’s noble aspiration for “the harmony of civilizations.”

—Adam Roberts, “Global Order 2012”

“Such is the current situation in rural areas. Those who are able or have connections with urban people migrate to the cities, doing labor work, business, or running workshops. Those who stay behind are weak and old, fields farmed by whom produce and benefit poorly. How could the gap not enlarge under such circumstances? Then how can we deal with the income gap problem? It is not wrong for the able to migrate. If they want to stay out there, stay as they wish; but if they are willing to return to hometown to work or start a business, better conditions should be created for support. How about the weak that stays behind? For those who are old and weak, land use capacity is poor with their own operation. So it is best to transfer the land operation rights to others. If they could get settled as they transfer the land operation rights, their income would definitely outrun that when they did the farm work themselves. Moreover, development of social relief should also follow up, which should be a concern of gap bridging in the next stage.

—Li Yining, “Bridge the Income Gap between Urban and Rural Areas, Build A Harmonious Society”

From the perspective of Beijing Forum, those above-mentioned crises can be summarized as the crisis of culture, because culture constrains human thinking about their personal behaviors and ethics. What is harmonious development? What is ultimate happiness? How to achieve deep under- standings among different cultures and nations? How to cooperate in the face of grim challenges? Those questions could only be solved on the level of culture. Based on that recognition, we deeply feel that Beijing Forum must function more and more importantly because it is the signal of harmony and common prosperity of cultures.

–Zhou Qifeng, “To Learn from More Advanced Modes of Thinking and to Delineate More Harmonious Modes of Development”

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 23 Voice

Professor Francis Fukuyama: Qin Dynasty China Is the First Modern State in History By Heng Kang Wei

his year, Peking University (PKU) of Political Order, Professor Fukuyama by citizens are willing to accept and see Department of Philosophy celebrates hopes to examine the new political order it as just.” In addition, Professor Fuku- T its centennial anniversary. As part through the study of historical examples, yama explained that the modern state, of the commemoration events, renowned ranging from pre-human era through to as opposed to the traditional state, is Japanese-American scholar Professor the French Revolution. built upon objective measures such Francis Fukuyama was invited to deliver In his lecture at PKU, Professor Fuku- as equality amongst citizens, instead a lecture entitled “Eastern and Western yama made a comparative study between of social interaction such as familial Political Order in Historical Prospective.” the Chinese and Western political sys- bonds or “contacts.” In this regard, The lecture was held on October 17 at the tems, asserting that “many of my views “many states in Africa and the Middle Yingjie Exchange Centre. Hosted by Profes- of traditional China are based on the po- East cannot be considered as modern sor Wang Bo, Dean of the Department of litical structure of the Qin Dynasty(221B. states, since their political structures are Philosophy, this session attracted an audi- C.-206B.C.).” He emphasized the impor- built upon friendships and family ties.” ence of more than 300 people. The lecture tance of the role of the political system “as Professor Fukuyama then went on to was also part of the PKU Global Fellowship the basis for economy development and explain the rule of law and accountability, Program, and Professor Fukuyama is the social development.” He raised the point which are essential components of the first overseas guest speaker from the field that his ideas are based on the late Pro- political order. Regarding the rule of law, of humanities. fessor Samuel Huntington’s paradigm, he points out that the important thing to Professor Francis Fukuyama is cur- which was represented in the book titled note is “whether the law applies to those in rently the Olivier Nomellini Senior Political Order in Changing Societies. power, whether the most powerful states- Fellow and Resident of the Center on A standard political system consists of man is able to amend the law based on Democracy, Development and the Rule six important parts: Economic growth, his interest. Law should serve as a balance of Law at the Freeman Spogli Institute legitimacy, social mobilization, the state, to the state, which holds monopoly over for International Studies at Stanford Uni- the rule of law and accountability, with the power.” On the issue of accountability, versity. He is perhaps best known as the latter three being political factors. Profes- he noted that “it is a better word than author of The End of History and the Last sor Fukuyama explained that the multiple democracy at attempting to explain my Man, published in 1992. In the book, forms of social development are results of ideas. Accountability is a broader concept he argued that with the end of the cold the interactions between these factors. than democracy. It implies whether the war, the progression of human history With regards to the state, Professor government is genuinely concerned with has also come to an end as the struggle Fukuyama emphasized that: “The best the welfare of the society, allowing us to between ideologies comes to a stop. The definition came from Max Weber: the differentiate good governments from bad book garnered much international atten- state is about the monopoly of power ones. In East Asian states, accountability is tion and discussion, and has since been over defined territories. But this power a very important tradition. In the twentieth translated into more than 20 languages. must come with legitimacy, and the century, countries including Japan, South Twenty years on, in his new book, Origins best way to enforce power is one where- Korea and Singapore did not have a demo-

24 Peking University Newsletter cratic system. However, their political elites ‘family’ among priests in order to prevent common assumption amongst sociologists did consider their accountability to the them from abusing their power for their in the 19th century; the reason for this is society. This is remarkably different from own benefits. European feudalism was that China did not witness industrialisa- countries in Africa and America.” built upon law and contract relationship, tion nor modern civil service, thus cannot Based on these, Professor Fukuyama thus powerful institutions can already be be considered as a modern state.” In com- suggested that the modern state first seen in Middle Ages Europe. However, parison, wars pushed Europe’s technologi- appeared in China as early as the Qin the second step towards statehood only cal development, including weaponry and Dynasty. This was way earlier than most came during the 17th and 18th century, other areas that contributed to its econom- of the Western countries. According to such as France under the reign of King ic development. him, “the states make war, the war makes Louis XIV and Russia under Tsar Alexan- In his final analysis, Professor Fuku- states. War have modernised the concept der the First. In addition, Parliamentary yama pointed out the major challenges of the state. At the end of the preced- democracy began in the 17th Century. that China and the US would face in the ing Zhou Dynasty, there were frequent This created a body that had the author- future political order. He pointed out wars. Many independent political enti- ity to decide whether the King is allowed that “The current government in China ties merged into a few big political blocs, to impose tax upon his people, and the is very similar with the traditional strong leading to the Qin Dynasty. During that concept of no taxation without represen- central government in her history. China time, there were 548 central taxation sys- tation. Legitimacy then became the most is being confronted with the danger of tems in China, thus there was a need of a important factor, and that John Locke power abuse, thus more efforts should be strong civil service as well.” said the only legitimate government was made in constructing a responsible gov- “On the other hand, there was a clear one who got the consent.” Professor ernment and enhancing the rule of law.” absence of a responsible government Fukuyama argued that the difference in With special respect to the current situa- and the rule of law during that period the path of political evolution could well tion in China, Professor Fukuyama also of Chinese history, although moral con- account for the present different political observed that with a rapid expansion straints as advocated by Confucianism forms between China and the West. of the middle class, there is a need for could have compensated for this to some A single literary culture provided China political reform to accommodate such a extent,” he added. with the continuity which was unseen change in social stratum. Professor Fukuyama compared this in Western developing countries. Profes- “For the West, the biggest problem with other European states, whose po- sor Fukuyama thought that geographical lies in the political system. Western political developments took a significantly conditions allowed China to develop a litical structure is unable to come to an different path from China. “The first modern state much earlier. However, while agreement with regards to long term product of Europe’s political structure ancient China fulfilled all of Weber’s con- socio-economic problems. The decision- was the rule of law, which was built dition for a “modern state,” Weber believed making process of EU cannot achieve by the Roman Catholic Church. In the that China remained a “traditional state.” consent, allowing the economic problem Middle Ages, there was no concept of Prof Fukuyama explained that “There is a to grow along and become larger. We must see that decisive action may not represent the whole community. “ As for the US, Professor Fukuyama acknowledged that “There are numer- ous problems in the political systems, as demonstrated especially in the financial crisis. Every society is faced with certain important challenges and the possibility of political decay. The way to prevent such decay is to keep a balanced development of the six elements in the paradigm.” When answering questions from the floor, Professor Fukuyama also main- tained that China’s political development will continue to have a great influence on the future of the world. (Quotations cited above are all translated Prof. Francis Fukuyama giving a lecture on the centennial anniversary of the PKU Depart- from the recording of the Chinese translation ment of Philosophy provided on the spot.)

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 25 Voice

Quality Education and Social Responsibility of the University Professor Wu Zhipan (Executive Vice President, Peking University) Edited by Liu Yiping

uality Education is a very broadly universities traditionally focus on culti- cation, we should adapt to the changes interpreted concept. Quality vating talents and imparting and creat- in the educational conditions brought Q education is education to help ing knowledge, which is the eternal and by scientific advancement and apply new people to develop an integral charac- core mission of a university. However, technologies. …Secondly, quality educa- ter. It instructs the individual to form a with social development, the university tion should be closely related to social value system which promotes common is playing a more important role in the and economic development. …Thirdly, sense and human ethics. It stands against social system, which means that now it quality education should be combined exam-oriented education. In China, ex- undertakes more social responsibilities with field practice. The purpose of qual- amination has a long history of more than ever. For instance, the university ity education is to help college students than two thousand years, the results of becomes one of the power engines for get out of the ivory tower, free them from which, to a large extent, determine the innovation. It serves the social and eco- classroom teaching and lead them to use rest of an individual’s life. Indeed, this nomic development, including offering the knowledge in practice and face the system helps to maintain the fairness of necessary guidance and support for in- real world. Therefore, quality education society, but it has negative effects on our dustrial development and contributing to should be combined with field practice education, with far too much emphasis the solution to global challenges as well to bring more satisfying results, and to placed on examinations. This is not the as to the sustainable development of hu- help make a better world. Chairman way it should be. Quality education is man civilization. Mao Zedong once had a radical idea of supposed to improve and train students’ In terms of the contemporary univer- “education revolution.” He demanded creative thinking and imagination. It sity, the above concepts are closely re- that universities should be moved to should focus on practice as well. Not lated to each other. That is to say, on one the countryside and college education only does it teach our students to speak hand, we have to incorporate our social should be closely related to factories and and write, but also teaches them to solve responsibilities when advocating qual- farms. That was indeed a radical idea and practical problems so that they can adapt ity education, and on the other hand we it once aroused a lot of serious problems. to an ever changing society. have to carry out quality education if we But we can’t deny that to some extent it Now let’s come to the second concept, want to fulfill our social responsibilities. is reasonable. … what is the social responsibility of a con- … Fourthly, quality education has to ac- temporary university? As we all know, First, when we carry out quality edu- commodate the process of globalization.

26 Peking University Newsletter In the recent 20 years, various global issues such as new energy, climate change, “ Quality education should environmental and ecological protection, and cultural diversity have drawn teach students to solve prob- more and more attention. Under such lems so they can better adapt to circumstances, the university is play- an ever changing society. ” ing an increasingly important role in globalization. The university itself is an academic community that crosses bor- ders and cultural boundaries. How far a university reaches out around the globe, has an influence on the style, content and quality of the education. At present, the percentage of international students in some famous European and Ameri- can universities is over 15%. The figure of Yale is 17.5% and Harvard is 29.1%. In some top universities in China, the number of international students keeps increasing. The figure in the University of Hong Kong is 10.2% and in Peking Uni- versity, the percentage reaches 7%. Since the university brings in scholars and students from different countries, its teaching and research should focus on global issues rather than the issues of only one country. Therefore, Peking University had opened some courses related to environment and climate for undergraduates, and offers financial assistance to gradu- Executive Vice President Prof. Wu Zhipan ates, encouraging them to pay attention to global issues and get involved in various international forums and organiza- there have access to clean water, good conference every year, discussing global tions. education and future employment. Fur- environment problems and sustainable Fifthly, quality education should thermore, every professor and student development. Mr. Tony Blair, former Brit- be closely linked to sustainable devel- should know the ideas and practice. It is ish Prime Minister, has made speeches at opment. Scientific and technological a basic requirement without which it is the conference more than once. Peking advancement promotes improvements impossible for one to become a leader University also co-established a Student in living standards, but also increases in his/her field. Taking Peking University Social Service Center in Tengchong, Yun- the consumption of non-renewable as an example, in April, 2009, the uni- nan Province with Taiwan University and resources. If the development is sustain- versity established the Office of Campus Yunnan University, encouraging students able, it is a blessing for human beings; Planning and Sustainable Development from the three universities to experience if not, our future generations will suf- to call for building a green campus. The the projects on sustainable development fer the destructive consequences. Thus, university president acted as the leader of and take part in social services. it is an important social responsibility the project and demanded each school Research and development of quality of contemporary universities to stick to set its own target for energy conservation education and social responsibility at the the strategy of sustainable development, and emission reduction. Besides, Peking university level will help promote the advocating economical use of resources University, together with the govern- advancement of education and the social and environmental protection, and nar- ment and international organizations, responsibility needed for the next gen- rowing the gap between the rich and initiated an annual conference called eration. In this way, the next generation the poor. In particular, we need to offer “Ecological Guiyang” in Guiyang, capital of humanity will be more prepared and help to people living in less-developed of Guizhou Province in 2009. The presi- capable of handling the challenges of the countries or regions, making sure kids dent of Peking University attends the 21 st century.

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 27 Voice

Artistic Life and Chinese Culture from the Perspective of PKUers Professor Wang Yichuan (Dean of the School of Arts, Peking University) Translated by Xiong Min

here does the charm of Peking sense of belonging, a seed of thoughts inherits the heritage of Peking University University lie? This University coincidentally falls down here and finally since its establishment. We should live W is a holy land on which genera- stopped floating. It sincerely anticipates an artistic life with the spirit and style of tions of the most outstanding scholars and expects the spirit of sacrifice and aesthetics as well as the reflection and in China are nurtured and inspired for dedication as well as the long lasting ex- critical thinking towards aesthetics and decades. And its charm lies in the heri- istence of Chinese spirit.” The spirit and continue our lives with these spirits. Liv- tage of the profound knowledge, glitter- soul of Peking University praised by Mr. ing in such a globalized and high-risked ing thoughts, dauntless and independent Xie Mian is rich in regard to its content society, what we see every day is a soci- thinking, concerns about the affairs of and everyone may have his own view. ety full of risks, disasters, sufferings and state before others, righteous personal- Therefore, it is difficult to give a precise worries. So what should we do? On the ity as well as the spirits of resistance. and accurate answer. But no matter what one hand, we need to pool our wisdom Science and democracy, which is practi- the answers are, the longing for an artis- and respond to it seriously; on the other, cally, though not officially, the motto of tic life and the pursuit of a cultural China we need to have an artistic and aesthetic Peking University, constitutes its spiri- will be one of them. One of the reasons attitude towards life. A globalized and tual handholds and ignites the endless why this campus stands forever is that high-risked society needs high-level and pursuit of liberty and social democracy. it contains and carries the spirit of the well-educated talents that contain rich This is the land of freedom. Mr. Xie Mian University and with the yearn for it and elements, and artistic and aesthetic quali- wrote a poem last year for Peking Uni- thoughts on it, we come here to further ties are undoubtedly among these ele- versity titled “A Hundred Years of Glory.” our understanding, to cherish the memo- ments. Confronted with a variety of risks, One of the lines in this poem reads “the ries, to witness, to pursue and to think. more emphasis should be placed on very hometown of thoughts.” I think To lead an artistic life is the most pre- encouraging people to lead an artistic life these five words profoundly, accurately cious attitude toward life. Life is not all as well as the establishment of a cultural and vividly outline the characteristics of about art, but life without art is not com- China. We should take full advantage of the spirit of the University since many plete. Similarly, without or with little art the library of Peking University to savor important thoughts and ideas in mod- and culture, China cannot face the future and appreciate the aesthetic and artistic ern and contemporary China are closely confidently. Generation after generation, heritage left by our outstanding ancestors related to it and “the very hometown of people from Peking University, with their and elder generations and further enrich thoughts” are the right words to reveal its unique thinking and brilliant thoughts, our understanding of life, enhance and core value that distinguishes it from all have outlined the picture of an artistic refine our attitude towards an artistic life. other Chinese universities. life and a cultural China. (This is an excerpt from the lecture Prof. Mr. Xie Mian describes Peking Univer- The great upsurge in aesthetics since Wang Yichuan made on November 15th, as sity in his essay Forever Campus as this: the early 1980s in China, especially the part of the University’s program of Caizhai “This campus stands forever. With a holy one that surges around Weiming Lake, Lectures.)

28 Peking University Newsletter International Collaboration

Auckland University Delegation Visits PKU, Launching Food and Health Program By Hang Suning & Zhou Jiajing

rofessor Stuart McCutcheon, Prin- cipal of Auckland University, led a delegation to Peking University P th (PKU) on October 24 . They were warmly welcomed by Dr. Li Yansong, PKU Vice President, Dr. Xia Hongwei, Director of the PKU Office of International Rela- tions, and Professor Liu Shusen, Vice Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and Director of the New Zealand Re- search Centre at PKU. research on food issues, and it wishes to on food security and health. He high- Dr. Li Yansong gave a brief introduction of have collaboration with the Chinese gov- lighted New Zealand’s focus on agricul- PKU and reviewed PKU’s cooperation with ernment. He also strongly recommended tural development and its reliance on Shihezi University and Massey University, starting further collaboration and produc- exports. He mentioned some methods hoping to set up a similar collaboration with ing more opportunities for students and of improving the quantity and quality Auckland University to promote academic faculty members to communicate between of exports like increasing the additional development in various fields. the two universities. value attached to the products. He also In response, Professor Stuart McCutch- The delegation then moved to the emphasized the potential of this newly eon mentioned that with improving living Lakeview Hotel to launch the Food and established program. He suggested that standards, issues on food and health are Health Program. Professor Grant Guil- students from PKU and other universities gaining greater attention. As a result, New ford, Dean of the Faculty of Science of who have interests in related fields par- Zealand will make more efforts to conduct Auckland University, delivered a speech ticipate in it.

1st ASEAN Plus Three Rectors’ Conference Held in PKU By Li Menghan

he 1st ASEAN Plus Three Rec- tors’ Conference organized by the T ASEAN University Network (AUN) in cooperation with Peking University (PKU) was held in Beijing on November 1st. Its purpose is to create a platform for the executive level (President/Rector/ Vice-chancellor) of universities involved to learn and share their views of the challenges ahead for future “ASEAN+3” cooperation. More than 60 delegates attended the conference, including Mr. Liu Baoli from the Chinese Ministry of Education, representatives from the Ministry of Edu- cation of Thailand, Indonesia and Japan,

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 29 International Collaboration

and leaders of the ASEAN and the Plus foster academic cooperation within the from the ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation Three universities. East Asian region and beyond. After the Work Plan (2007-2017.) The POA was Professor Zhou Qifeng, President of MOU signing, the Terms of Reference of recognised and supported by the ASEAN PKU, delivered a welcome speech to review the ASEAN+3 Universities Network were Plus Three relevant forums, namely 1) The the previous communication between PKU discussed and put into effect. The Network ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials As Hoc and ASEAN and the Plus Three universities. was officially established, the Secretariat of Working Group Meeting on education on He spoke highly of AUN for its active role which will be in Bangkok, Thailand. Con- 17-18 June 2010 in Phuket, Thailand, 2) in promoting cooperation. He hoped that ferences of presidents from ASEAN and the The first ASEAN Plus Three Senior Official a high quality platform could be built at Plus Three Universities will be held every Meeting on Education (1st SOM-ED+3) this conference to foster further coopera- two years. on 25 November 2010 in Bangkok, and tion with ASEAN and the Plus Three Uni- 3) Informal ASEAN Plus Three Education versities. Background information: The ASEAN Ministers Meeting on 18 July 2011 in Bali, The representatives signed the Memo- Plus Three Plan of Action (POA) on Edu- Indonesia. randum of Understanding, aiming to cation 2010-2017 was developed along six intensify a cooperative partnership and areas of educational cooperation as derived

Institute for China-US People-to-People Exchange Unveiled By Zhou Jiajing

he unveiling ceremony of the Insti- tute for China-US People-to-People T Exchange was held in Lee Shau Kee Hall, Peking University (PKU) on the afternoon of 3rd November. Mr. Hao Ping, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Zhu Shanlu, Chairman of PKU Council, Mr. Yang Jun, Deputy Di- rector of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchange, Ministry of Education, Dr. Li Yansong, Vice President of PKU and scholars from Peking Univer- sity, Tsinghua University, Fudan Universi- ty, Beijing Foreign Studies University and Harvard University attended the opening ceremony. Chairman Zhu delivered a welcome speech, expressing his gratitude for the support from the Ministry of Education and all sectors of the society towards the establishment of the Institute. He reviewed the Sino-US people-to-people exchange, and is approved by the Ministry of Education cooperation between China and the US, more active participation of teachers and and is based in Peking University. It aims saying that the Institute will play a key role students. to promote exchanges in the fields of aca- in the development of Sino-US relation- The Academic Committee of the Insti- demic research, scientific collaboration and ship. tute for China-US People-to-People Ex- cultural communication. The Institute is Mr. Hao Ping confirmed the achieve- change convened after the ceremony. expected to enhance people-to-people trust ments the Institute has made since its test and friendship between China and US, run from 2011 and raised three expecta- Background Information: The Institute thus promoting the healthy development of tions: higher efficiency, deeper research in for China-US People-to-People Exchange Sino-US relationship.

30 Peking University Newsletter Campus

9th PKU ICF: Sharing the Global Dream By An Tairan & Heng Kang Wei

s one of the most anticipated regions, and enlisting the help of more Management, PKU. Strengthened both events on the school calendar, the than 300 student volunteers. As in previ- physically and mentally from his own or- A annual Peking University (PKU) ous years, the students set up booths for deal, he went on to establish the Peking International Culture Festival (ICF) culture exhibition on the PKU Centen- University Sunshine Volunteers Associa- kicked off on the sunny morning of nial Memorial Hall Square, turning the tion (SAV), an NGO devoted to charity October 28th. This year’s theme was “A vast expanse of concrete into a bustling and volunteerism. With great efforts, he Better Society for All: Sharing the Global carnival of colors. established the first non-governmental Dream.” In the opening ceremony bone marrow bank of China. In 2009, speech, PKU President Zhou Qifeng em- after years of efforts, SAV developed into phasized that the theme was chosen in iShave: shave for love a foundation- the “Beijing New Sunshine order to demonstrate the passion of PKU Charity Foundation.” and its students in serving the commu- The name of Liu Zhengchen might “Leukemia patients are bald because nity. He emphasized that “The PKU com- sound unfamiliar to PKU students before of treatment,” said Mr. Liu when inter- munity is not only active on the frontline the ICF. At the China booth he launched viewed on the spot. “iShave is for people of social work; it also makes tremendous the theme event of “iShave: Love & Bald- to experience a little about the feelings of contribution in the development and head” in support of leukemia patients. a leukemia patient. The volunteers were promotion of social work in China.” It was 10 years ago when Mr. Liu shaved by barbers.” In its ninth edition, this year’s ICF Zhengchen was diagnosed with leuke- “I came to support my senior. It in- was the largest ever, involving local and mia. Back then, he was a 24-year-old spires people,” said a PKU student, who foreign students from 69 countries and student from the Guanghua School of had just been shaved.

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 31 Campus

countries conversed with PKU students in the Centennial Memorial Hall. During the dialogue, Mrs. Bengu Yigit- guden, First Counselor at the Turkish Embassy, appealed to more vocational education and investment in education for children with special talents and children with special needs. Mr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Counselor of Technical Affairs at the Pakistan Embassy, followed that by indicating that it was the responsibility of the youth to repay the very society which had nurtured them. Mr. Liu Zhengchen, mentioned earlier, was also present as a speaker. He shared how he developed the New Sunshine Charity Foundation after he recovered from his bone marrow transplant. The dialogue was divided into two parts, each focusing on a major social issue. The first one was the concern over public welfare and youth development, while the latter highlighted the responsibilities of a global citizen.

The spirit of volunteerism: one step further, one day at a time

In line with this year’s theme, the traditional ICF activities such as the In- ternational Students’ Speech Contest, the ICF Singing competition and the photography contest also incorporated community service elements. In addition, the highlight for the event was a series of “Community Lectures,” where prominent leaders in social work had been invited to PKU to share their understanding and vision for volunteerism and global outreach efforts. The ICF is a continuation and display of openness and inclusiveness, which are fundamentals in the PKU spirit. It bears witness to the results of PKU’s effort in On the PKU campus, effort in reach- Dialogue with ambassadors: for a better international outreach, and has become ing out to the community remains a fo- society one of the flagship events for the univer- cal point for all students. In the develop- sity. As the festival ends for this year, we ment of volunteerism, students not only As an event featuring international hope that students do not rest on their give back to the society and help those in communication, ICF has gained support laurels, and instead continue taking this need; it is also an expression of the na- from various circles of other countries spirit of volunteerism one step further tional spirit and a process in shaping the concerned about the youth. On the day one day at a time. values of Chinese society. of the festival, ambassadors from six

32 Peking University Newsletter ateurs’ Society of Photography remarked, “Through art creations, we represent the beauty and truth in our life.”

An extension of study

However, some students may not hold such romantic ideas when coming up with their creations. They believe the inventions were extensions of study and innovations based on what they learnt in class. “I think creative ideas are closely con- nected with technological advancement. That’s why we apply what we have achieved in research into our product,” said one student from the College of Engineering, who, together with his teammates, invented a I-MART, mechanical fish which can simulate actions of real fish in the water, such as bubbling I’M ART! and shaking its tail. By Li Yi Like-minded students from the School of Electronics Engineering and Computer Sci- ence also associated the computer techniques they learnt in class with the development of an app—No.5 Yiheyuan Road, suggesting n October 20th, the first PKU I-Mart photos with its leading actor and actress the location of the PKU campus. This app was held on campus, providing stu- that day!” said Yang, who became excited provides information about everything on O dent designers and student associa- as he gushed about his favorite exhibition campus, including vacant classrooms and tions with a platform to display their works at the mart. The microfilm mentioned was timetables of courses, just to name a few. “The of art and innovations. I-Mart originated in shot by students from PKU Yuanpei Col- best thing about our product is that it can the West, but it is now increasingly welcomed lege and has roused a heated discussion benefit our fellow classmates,” one designer in Chinese students. This year’s PKU I-Mart on the Internet. The microfilm was about explained proudly. witnessed many creative exhibitions and youth, love, and growing pains, which re- “An idea is like a seed, which requires activities, such as the iPad-band, robot fish, minded many students of their own school constant care and cultivation to finally postcards, microfilm and so on. days and tugged at many heartstrings. blossom. We hope that through the I- The reason why this microfilm became Mart, we can provide care and cultivation A record of campus life so successful was probably that it told the for innovative ideas on campus,” said the real stories and feelings in students’ life— adviser of the Innovation Camp. We be- “I see my paintings as my diary. It re- and this was true to almost all the comics lieve more talented students will appear cords many precious moments in my life,” and art creations at the mart. Just as Zhang at I-Mart next year—do not hesitate: I- said Yang Shuai, a sophomore who was in- Hui, the former President of the Youth Am- Mart, I’m art! vited to exhibit his self-designed postcards at the fair. Yang Shuai was asked to join this year’s I-Mart through the school BBS (a huge online forum platform for students), after his comics about PKU life became all the rage on the internet. The postcards turned out to be a great hit—many fans rushed to the mart for a set of postcards and the products were sold out quickly. “I myself am a big fan of the microfilm ‘Next Station.’ I was so glad to have taken

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 33 Campus

been less than ideal, but also about the Waiting for You in PKU children’s awareness of the importance By An Tairan of being educated. Do they know what a university is? Do they know what the best schools of China are about? They need to know more about this option, even if they do not choose this path eventually. This was why the volunteers were he Weiming Lake is more than a students from Xinyuan Primary School, there, telling the children enthusiasti- tourist scenic spot. It is worth a vis- a school for migrant children in Chang- cally about PKU’s history and their lives T it because of what it stands for and ping District, Beijing. The visiting team on campus. “We have been good friends what it has witnessed. It makes people re- took a wonderful tour of the PKU cam- with the children for what we have been flect on the university ideals and the tra- pus. through together: the long-term English ditional spirit of Peking University(PKU). For most of the visitors, it was their lessons, the field training, and many Anytime one makes a trip to the lake, first time to PKU, and they left want- other activities. On the other hand, we with the beautiful pagoda coming into ing to see even more of this legendary are gaining a better understanding of view, he is actually thinking about some- campus. In fact, without the help of the the schooling problem these migrant thing more. It educates people. volunteers, there could not have been children face. I hope the trip to Peking That is why people must go to have a this opportunity for the migrant children University will motivate the children to look at the Weiming Lake at first visit to to know more about the importance of try hard for better educational resources,” PKU. attending college. expressed Zhao Chujun, one of the vol- On November 11th, the Youth Volun- Millions of migrant workers toil in unteers. teer Association of the School of Journal- Beijing to support their families. The ed- Along the way from Boya Pagoda ism and Communication (YVASJC), Pe- ucation of migrant children has been on to the PKU Library, the children were king University, together with volunteers the list of hot-button issues. The problem inspired by what they saw, something from Beihang University and Tsinghua is not only about the education system which volunteers hoped might kindle University, invited over 20 teachers and and the legal protection that has often their desire of knowledge. Ten years later, it is expected that a considerable number of them will be college students. Each of the migrant children was presented with a PKU school badge when parting. “We are waiting for them in PKU, right here,” said Chujun.

Sharing session by Weiming Lake We hope to see you back here

34 Peking University Newsletter Column

Living and Studying in Beijing By Chu Yih Ru

On Weiming Lake in snowy Beijing

iving in the global village of the 21st window, but I hate the dry weather here in me as immersing oneself in an endless century, I feel absolutely lucky to be winter. I have to drink a lot of water and ocean of knowledge. Various excellent L an exchange student, widening my use face cream, body lotion, and lip balm courses, speeches, and cultural activities horizon in the worldwide famous Peking frequently to moisturize my skin. With are provided on campus, from which I University. Furthermore, as a Taiwanese resid- such a dry weather here, it is no surprise can select only a few and give up the rest ing on an island without snow, I am excited that some of my friends keep a humidifier reluctantly. about life in a cold place—Beijing. The four in dorm. I am amazed at the diligence of PKU month exchange experience has colored my Holidays here are interesting. In Tai- students. They frequent the library and life, shown me differences between Taiwan wan, we do not have over a week off. take evening classes which are rare in and the Mainland, and become the most On the contrary, in Beijing, people have Taiwan. I get tired and sleepy easily when cherished memory in my heart. a long vacation to relax themselves or I have classes in the evening; whereas travel around. Another impressive holi- my classmates from Beijing study in the day is Singles’ Day (November 11th). The classroom until 10:00 pm. PKU students Life in Beijing date got the name because it consists of are not only very eager in their majors, four 1’s, symbolizing four single youths. but also interested in double majors, It is said that if you have not been to Students celebrate this holiday in vari- which broaden their horizons and Beijing, you cannot say you have been to ous ways, such as distributing postcards, probably promise them a better future. China. As the capital of China, Beijing is a watching movies and participating in Moreover, they participate in classes very marvelous place with diverse culture and blind dates. In addition, this holiday has actively, discussing with professors and abundant sightseeing resources, such as the become a great opportunity for compa- debating with classmates, while few Tai- Imperial Palace, the Great Wall, and the nies focusing on younger consumers. wanese students have this habit. Temple of Heaven, which are pervaded by For example, a Chinese online shopping PKU admits many students. The ancient historical atmosphere. With cheap platform called Taobao sold 19 billion number of PKU students is so great that and efficient transportation, tourists can go RMB (about three billion dollars) of it shapes campus culture in two ways. to these places easily. Public transportation goods on November 11th, 2012. For one thing, the university provides in Beijing reminds me of the expensive classrooms which can hold several hun- Taipei Metro, which costs at least 4 RMB dred students. To sit in the front of a each time. Comparatively, Beijing metro Studying at Peking University classroom, one has to arrive very early, and bus fare are much cheaper. I like tak- or reserve a seat by a note, which is a ing a bus and seeing the city through the Studying at Peking University strikes special subculture prevalent on campus.

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 35 Column

Love PKU and Discover Beijing By Attila Endre Simay

The first in life enjoying snow

For another, when meal time comes, caf- University, turning the lights off at eleven eterias are crowded with people. Students as a part of dorm routine helps students having their meals standing is one of the develop a good habit and lead a healthy typical scenes on campus. To avoid the lifestyle. As a result, most students usu- crowd, some students go to cafeterias ally get up early, which surprised me at earlier. Gradually, they’ve got a PKU bio- first. logical clock—getting hungry at 11:00 am I am grateful for studying in such and 5:00 pm. an international university. Apart from Associations in PKU differ from those making friends with Chinese people, in Taiwanese universities. The number of I also meet some foreigners, including societies is more than you can imagine. Japanese, Korean, Danish, and African Hundreds of Associations have been es- people. I like talking with them. There tablished by students sharing the same is always something I can discover and interests, such as skiing, vegetarianism, learn from them. In Peking University, film, and translation. With hundreds of there is an annual large-scale activity— members, some societies are very large. the International Cultural Festival. On ost foreign students choose Pe- I had been the president of a society in this occasion, international students get king University (PKU) when they Taiwan and I know that running such big together and introduce their own coun- M decide to study in China because associations is not a piece of cake. But tries to others. This festival transforms PKU is the most famous university in every coin has two sides. Leaders of these our little campus into a global village, China and one of the best universities in associations could make many friends enabling students to travel around the the world. My story is a little bit differ- and gain communication skills. world within limited time and space. I ent. Dormitory life is also an indispens- love this festival very much, and after I I have been to this university twice. able part of college life. In Peking Univer- get back to Taiwan, I want to hold some The first time I studied here was due to sity, students of the same major usually similar activities at my university! the recommendation of my Chinese live in the same dorm, which is great Life in Beijing and Peking University teacher, Sandor P. Szabo, who did re- for promoting friendship between class- is different from that in Taiwan, but it is search at PKU many years ago. After the mates. In contrast, students in Taiwan as wonderful as that in my hometown. I one-semester exchange experience, I fell can choose roommates by themselves; love Beijing. All my experiences here be- in love with this university and Chinese therefore, some students have to change come my precious memory of this great culture. Then, I applied for a one-year dorms every year. In addition, in Peking city and university. exchange program to study Chinese here.

36 Peking University Newsletter Discovering Beijing

I like travelling. When I was in Eu- rope, I used to take the train to see places of interests in different countries. While studying in Beijing, I carefully arrange my schedule to make sure I have enough time to travel around. I have visited many famous and inter- to know Chinese culture. Recommended esting landmarks in Beijing, such as the by my Chinese teacher, I came to Peking Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, University as a visiting scholar. the Summer Palace, the Great Wall, the Ming Dynasty Tombs and many other top attractions of Beijing. Impressions of PKU My way of travelling is different from My previous studies in Hungary ordinary tourists. Generally speaking, From my Hungarian perspective, most tourists will want to see all the tour- In 2003, I entered Corvinus Uni- Peking University looks like a self-con- ist attractions of a city within a short trip; versity of Budapest, one of the tained city because it is so big and has all therefore, they will rush to one scenic most prestigious Hungarian kinds of facilities. Comparatively, in my spot, take some photos and then proceed universities, characterized country, a university just means a few tall on to another location. They do not have by its programs in eco- buildings standing in a relatively small nomics and management. I area. graduated with a Master of Economics in I spent one semester here and was 2008. Before my graduation, I had taught moved by the kind-hearted people. With classes in my university and worked in the help of nice Chinese students who the Institute of Behavior Sciences and were willing to complete my question- Communication Theory as a demonstra- naires, I was able to do research here. tor. I felt extremely happy that I had the With the help of the professors who opportunity to teach in a university and allowed me to sit in on classes, I could share my knowledge with others at the continue my studies while doing re- age of 22. In 2008, I started my Ph.D. search. study in the same university, while teach- One semester proved too short for me ing undergraduate students Marketing. to improve my Chinese significantly, so I started to learn Chinese in 2009. I I applied for another exchange program. still remember the day when I was check- Now I am studying in PKU again under a ing the course list and happened to find one-year scholarship from the Confucius out about Chinese courses. These courses Institute. I hope to improve my Chinese interested me a lot and opened a gate to greatly during this year so that I can com- a new world for me. From that day on, I municate with the Chinese freely and gain studied Chinese very hard and was eager a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. In front of Boya Tower

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 37 Column

enough time to see through each place. Without a panoramic view of the scenery, what they have seen is only the tip of an iceberg. I usually spend a whole day visiting just one place of interests and discover a great deal of beautiful scenery that is ignored by most other tourists. For example, when visiting the Ming Dynasty Tombs, most tourists will only When Polish Meets Chinese go to see the Dingling tomb because By Adam Kajzer they can visit the Underground Palace there. However, the Ming Dynasty Tombs contain 13 tombs. If one can spend a whole day looking around, he or she will be able to see more places than just the Dingling tomb. For instance, Changling tomb, the first and biggest tomb of the Ming Dynasty Tombs, Zhaoling tomb which is near to Dingling tomb, and the Sacred Way which is worth walking through. Compared to places of interests in Hungary which only occupy limited space, those in Beijing are extremely large. Visiting scenic spots in Beijing for Hungarian tourists like me is tiring as we are used to spending only a few hours seeing old castles and gardens. Another difference between Hungar- graduated in Geography from the It was really an eye-opener to see Jiaozi ian and Beijing scenic spots is the age of Adam Mickiewicz University in filled with carrots in China! I like this lo- the buildings. Many landmarks in Beijing IPoznan, Poland, and for the last two cal version very much, and will make it have a history of several centuries, such years I studied the Chinese language. I when I return to Poland. as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. came to Peking University on the Con- I love Peking University’s library. It is Beijing really has an amazing number of fucius Institute Scholarship. It is a great one of the greatest in the world. It is an historical relics! honor for me to study at Beida, where amazing place to study and you can see Beijing is not only historical. Places every day is like a dream for me. how hard PKU students study. A picture like the “Bird Nest” and the “Water of students sitting, reading and taking a Cube” also show their modernity and Adapting to Peking University and China nap on books before waking up to con- creativity. The Chinese Ethnic Culture tinue filling themselves with knowledge Park, on the other hand, reveals cultural It is my first time here in China but is the best way to describe the devotion diversity. In my eyes, Beijing is just like a I adapted to life here very quickly. It is students here have. Yet, despite this pre- Rubik‘s cube. You can always discover its amazing to see that in China people eat occupation with their studies, students at hidden sides. similar food to what we eat back in Po- PKU are always willing to extend a help- I highly recommend everyone to travel land. ing hand to this bumbling foreigner. around this city, and of course to visit Pe- Jiaozi, for example, has a popular Pol- In Poland, it is not so common to see king University, which is one of the land- ish equivalent called “Pierogi.” Pierogi students using their laptops in a class- marks of Beijing with its Boya Tower and is also a traditional Russian dish. And room settling. This is radically different Weiming Lake. It has been my pleasure so I wonder, who really invented Jiaozi/ from in Peking University. Apart from the to be here ---- an amazing university in Pierogi...? In Poland, we also eat our ver- above consideration, PKU is truly a very an amazing city. I hope that many other sion of Jiaozi filled with blueberries. We student-friendly place. Being allowed to international students will also have the put them on a plate and cover them with use almost every empty classroom for opportunity to study here. sour cream, sugar and ground cinnamon. self-study is great. This does not happen

38 Peking University Newsletter in Poland, where the doors to classrooms Students at PKU can choose from so out the queue was for tickets to a lecture and lecture halls are locked when no many different associations. For someone by Yu Guangzhong, the famous con- classes are being conducted there. learning Chinese, this presents an op- temporary poet. As distribution started, Looking for books at Peking Universi- portunity for practice, practice and more tickets ran out really fast—to give you an ty’s library is a real pleasure. I have found practice. I am in many student associa- idea of how incredulous the odds were: some books on Xu Xiake (1987-1641), tions, for example, tennis, ping pong, the there had been 100 tickets slated for the great Chinese geographer from the Loving Heart Society… I am also on the Ming Dynasty. He is not so well-known English Time Programme at PKU TV Sta- in Poland, but I would like to learn more tion. Usually, we go out for traditional about this great man and introduce him Chinese food when activities end. to people in my country. He was one The highlight of this semester has got of the most outstanding travelers in the to be the International Cultural Festival world, just like Ibn Battuta, who train October. I absolutely loved it! I wish versed Eurasia to reach China from Mo- we had similar activities back where I rocco in the 14th century, Heinrich Barth, come from. the German geographer who roamed the There is always something going on at Sahara desert for five years in the 19th PKU famous writers delivering lectures century, and Polish historian Ryszard here counts as one of my favorite events. Kapuscinski, who devoted his life to trav- In September, I walked by the Campus eling Africa, Asia and South America dur- Restaurant stretch and saw an impressive- ing last century. ly long line of people forming, getting longer by the minute. Being a curious Becoming an active member on campus foreigner, I joined the queue and asked one student what was going on. It turns My little space in Beijing

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 39 Column

distribution and there were about 500 meant a vision where people from all on the same floor! My Romanian friend people in the queue! Well, I was not one over the world will unite by means of from the same floor, whom I met while of the first 100 people, but my newfound mass communication into a global vil- in the elevator and who shares the same friend and I soon overcame that wee bit lage, with relations between them so passion for reading as I do, calls this an of disappointment when we got tickets close that it would be reminiscent of “Atomized Society.” to another of Yu Guangzhong’s lectures, those in a traditional village. My dormi- titled “When Chinese Meets English.” I tory seems to go in the opposite direc- Observations - now and the future must have been the only foreigner in the tion from this intended meaning—it audience! is more like a big train station, where Chinese culture is a culture of books everybody rushes in their own directions, and reading. I like looking for second- This Global Village could do with more rarely knowing or being interested in hand books during weekends at the Globalization other people. book market by Peking University’s The only time foreign students get to Southwestern Gate. During the first half In Poland, students live in the same really slow down and have a chance to of this fall semester, I had not bought a dormitories, regardless of nationality. meet someone new is when they are in bicycle yet and hence, I would walk over That is probably the reason why I feel the elevator on the way to school. I have to school. On the overhead bridge lead- puzzled whenever I return to my dormi- long pondered about this. When students ing to school, young people were sell- tory here at PKU, which is not-so-aptly in our department were recently invited ing books there every day. I liked to buy named “Zhongguanyuan Global Village.” to a talk by John Thomson on USA-PRC something from them. In Poland, people It is a little quizzical to think of “global” Academic Exchanges, he advised us to have somehow lost the habit of reading when the main nationality of this coun- have, our own “elevator statement in ten books. Every year, we are ranked poorly try does not exactly live with us here. seconds.” This statement is a pithy de- among European countries for the num- One of my first questions was, where are scription you say to others as a form of ber of books read per person. the Chinese students in this Global Vil- self introduction. Now, my generation is leaving Poland lage? The irony (and source of much because of the high unemployment rates When I first heard of the name, I was amusement) is that some students do not they face upon graduation. Many mil- reminded of Marshall McLuhan who even know that someone from the same lions of talented young minds are now coined the phrase “Global Village.” He country is just staying a few rooms away working in Britain, doing jobs the locals shun. Wages are often higher in other Eu- ropean countries, another factor for the brain drain Polish society faces. As such, we have a problem we call “Euro Left- behind Children” which is similar to the Chinese “Liu Shou Er Tong” which refers to children left behind in rural villages when their parents seek work elsewhere. When away from home, it is always heartwarming to see bits of home in a foreign land. It is great to see the Polish ping pong player Natalia Partyka and the Polish tennis player Agnieszva Rad- wansva being so popular in China. You can see billboards of the former at the subway station just outside the campus. In Poland, we know almost nothing about China. Yet, our cultures have a lot to offer each other - In China, at least one complete stranger will smile at you throughout the course of a day, and that one smile gives a lot of energy to its re- cipient; in Poland, we have lost this pre- In front of Zhongguanyuan Global Village cious habit.

40 Peking University Newsletter My life in Kyushu By Chen Yanmei

Dressed in traditional Japanese clothes

year ago, if I have asked whether I stayed there, having a great dinner and classmates. liked Japan or not, I would prob- watching the CCTV gala together. In the past year, we had competed Aably have curled my lips, shrugged, I lived in the International House with each other and learned together. and answered with something like “Just- of Kyushu University and always com- We had participated in lots of meaning- so-so.” But now things have changed. plained about everything there, such as ful social activities, had visited Japanese Whenever someone raises the same ques- the high expenses, the long distance from factories, and had celebrated Halloween, tion to me, I will firmly nod to him or the university, the giant flying crows and Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve, her, and say, “Yes! Very much! ” disgusting cockroaches, the troublesome which are so different from Chinese holi- The moment I knew I was invited to garbage classification rule (to throw some days. write an article on my one-year exchange incombustible garbage away, we had to However, after the lecture, with group experience to Kyushu University in Japan, borrow a key from the administrator!), photos taken and hugs given, we had my mind flashed back to the departure and the perennially drunk exchange stu- to say goodbye to each other. Then, I scene at noon, August 22nd. I still remem- dents singing downstairs. But when I had walked alone to the library in Kyushu ber my last glance at my small room to leave this place, I could not hold back University to return all the books I had which was totally empty at my arrival my tears. borrowed, and looked at the quiet and and later was turned into a mess but full In the closing lecture of the JLCC clean place that was so familiar to me for of liveliness. In this small room, post- (Japanese Language and Culture Course) the last time. cards from all over the world were pasted on August 8th, we international students Yes! This was Kyushu University, the on the wall and the delicious smell of majoring in Japanese gathered together. place I had stayed for a whole year, and tarts would came frome the oven. Be- While listening to the speeches of re- the place which had left me with a great sides, on Chinese New Year’s eve, a group spectable professors, I could not help number of “first-time” memories to of Chinese exchange students came and recalling the days I had spent with these cherish forever. I had met a lesbian who

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 41 Column

had expressed her love to me here. I had learned how much alcohol the Russians could drink here. I had met a middle -aged professor who wore different kinds of long skirts all the year round here. I had learned that a large number of Japa- nese had migrated to Brazil in the early 20th century and that in Sakhalin State University most international students are Korean. Stepping out of the university, I saw a small white car stop in the middle of the street because there was a loafing cat crossing the street leisurely. The car did not start until the cat was safe. Yes, this was the Japan I liked. Japan has impressed me with its efficient transportation and beautiful scenery. By taking the bus, subway, bullet train or plane, you can go to any place within a short period of time. This ef- Taking a part-time job in a café ficient transportation system enabled me to travel around frequently. I went to see the beautiful autumn leaves in Arashiya- four seasons has become an indispens- not forget the excitement I experienced ma, Kyoto; I took a dip in the hot spring able part of my memories of Japan. when I received the goods I bought on- in Hokkaido while seeing distant snowy Life in Japan is different from that of line. I cannot forget the pain I suffered mountain bathing in the silver moon- China. In Japan, I had to deal with all when I decided to lose weight—I only light; I shed tears for falling cherry blos- kinds of issues by myself and gradually ate 500kcal and exercised for two hours soms in Ueno Park of Tokyo in spring; I matured as an individual. I cannot for- every day. I cannot forget the bitterness attended the Star Festival in Ishigaki Is- get the pleasure I felt when I used a gas I felt when I got chilblains and urticaria. land in summer. Beautiful scenery of the cooker for the first time of my life. I can- I cannot forget my blushes when I wore a kimono for the fireworks festival and a bikini on the shores of Okinawa. I cannot forget the great joy I experienced when I received my first part-time job paycheck. In the past year, I have travelled many cities by bicycle, participated in several well-organized demonstrations, learnt how to save money when buying stuff, and mastered the basics of the ukulele. In a word, I have always experienced something new in Japan. I was not always happy in Japan. Sometimes, I felt tired from my busy schedule. Sometimes, I missed my family badly. However, since I returned home, I always dream of Kyushu Uni- versity and Japan. Life in Japan has always been the most precious memory in my heart. If I am offered another opportunity to go to Japan, I will grasp it With international friends without any hesitation.

42 Peking University Newsletter Giving

2012 POSCO Asia Fellowship Awarding Ceremony in PKU By Wang Xing

wenty undergraduates from Peking congratulations. University accepted the 2012 POS- According to POSCO’s official state- T CO Asia Fellowship which aims to ment, a total of nine fellowships were assist and encourage outstanding Asian awarded to Asian students in 2011. The youths to develop into future leaders in POSCO Asia fellowship Foundation has all areas of society. continued to expand the scope of its so- POSCO-China, in cooperation with cial contributions and hopes to provide POSCO TJ Park Foundation, has es- more Asian countries with these schol- tablished the fellowship system with arships in the future. Fellowships are prestigious universities such as Peking provided to promote mutual understand- University and Tsinghua University. ing between fellow Asian countries and making company headquartered in This program has benefited hundreds of Korea, and to strengthen the professional Pohang, South Korea. Founded in 1968, Chinese students who are outstanding abilities of elite Asian students. Knowl- POSCO is regarded as the most respected all-rounders since 2005. This year, the edge sharing projects such as the POSCO and aggressive steel enterprise in the ceremony was held at Yingjie Exchange Asia Fellowship hope to benefit the dif- world. Its success can be well attributed Center on November 16th. Selected from ferent societies, economies, and cultures to their core belief, “As we believe, edu- 11 colleges in PKU, 20 students were of the world. cation is the important base of a nation. granted this honor. Leaders from both POSCO (formerly Pohang Iron and That is why we consider it as our inevi- sides joined the ceremony and sent their Steel Company) is a multinational steel- table responsibility.”

Yu Minhong Meets with New Oriental Bursary Recipients By Yu Sojin

r. Yu Minhong, the donor of in achieving success. He emphasized New Oriental Bursary, Chairman that the young men and women present M & CEO of New Oriental Educa- should never abase themselves or give up tion and Technology Group, and Peking dreams because of family background. University (PKU) alumnus, met with the He expressed his undying affection for aided students at the Yingjie Exchange PKU and told the students to cherish Center on the afternoon of November every moment on campus. He also an- 16th. swered questions from the students. Professor Ye Jingyi, Vice Chairperson of the University Council, Ms. Deng Ya, Secretary General of PKU Education expressed gratitude towards Mr. Yu for Foundation, Mr. Yang Aimin, Director his long-term contribution to the devel- How to Give of PKU Student Aid and Support Center opment of his alma mater and presented Peking University were present at the meeting. him a thank-you letter written by a re- Education Foundation Prof. Ye expressed a warm welcome cipient and a portrait of Mr. Yu drawn by to Mr. Yu on behalf of his alma mater. another. Tel: 86-10-62767821 fax: 86-10-62755998 In her speech, she mentioned that New Mr. Yu Minhong delivered a humor- Email: [email protected] Oriental Bursary was of great help to fi- ous and meaningful speech to the young Website: www.pkuef.org nancially struggling students in PKU. She students. He encouraged them to persist

WINTER 2012 | Issue 21 43 Snow on the Bank of Weiming Lake

As Beijing begins its annual descent into the harsh and unforgiving heart of winter, snow becomes an increasingly common sight everywhere. However, in Peking University, snow is not just a phenomenon limited to the wintery seasons – on the bank of Weiming Lake, there is a Snow who lies there even through the most sweltering of summers. It is the grave of Edgar Snow, and carved on his gravestone are the words: “An American Friend of the Chinese People.”

Born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1905, Edgar Snow chose to lead a life which was inseparably and intricately intertwined with the history of modern China. He arrived in China in 1928. From 1933 to 1935, Snow was a part-time lecturer at the Department of Journalism in Yenching University. In 1937, Snow published his most famous work, Red Star over China, which was notable for its first ever interview of Mao Zedong conducted by a Western journalist. After 1949, Snow demonstrated a great interest in the development of New China and returned to China on a number of occasions.

Edgar Snow passed away in 1972. Following his wishes, half of his ashes were buried near the Hudson River – the other half was buried along the banks of Weiming Lake, where he remains till this date.