Ch i n a Insight Fostering Business and Cultural Harmony between China and the U.S. VOL. 8 NO. 6 www.chinainsight.info JUNE 2009 Flower Drum Song President Obama Nominates Page 3 U.S. Ambassador to China By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer n May 16, 2009, President its recent cover story that China’s Foreign strong Chinese cultural background that Barack Obama nominated Ministry had been diplomatically contacted Huntsman possesses, it doesn’t mean the Utah governor Jon Hunts- regarding the nomination. United States will be any less firm with Oman, Jr., to be the U. S. “The United States has sought opinions China on contested and thorny issues, ac- ambassador to China. from the Chinese side through diplomatic cording to the Global Times. channels and China is handling the issue Huntsman was tapped for the key for- according to relevant procedures and inter- eign-policy role that has been vacant since national conventions,” the ministry said in Clark T. Randt Jr. retired from the position Arts Page 9 a statement. in January. “We hope that a new appointee will play “The nomination of the new ambassa- a positive role and work to the advantage of dor does good to both sides,” Shi Yinhong, the development of bilateral relations in a director of the American Studies Center at new era and strengthen the friendship be- Renmin University of China, was quoted by tween the two peoples,” the ministry said. the Global Times as saying. Fluent in Chinese Mandarin (Putonghua) Shi called Huntsman a powerful politi- and having adopted a Chinese daughter, the cian with rich policy-making experience Jon Huntsman Jr. newly nominated U.S. ambassador to China related to China. China’s Foreign Ministry said China looks to assume a crucial role of diplomat Huntsman, 49, son of a Utah multimil- hopes that the nomination of Utah Gov. between two nations that are increasingly lionaire and philanthropist, served as a Jon Huntsman Jr. as the U.S. ambassador to interdependent in economic matters and are White House staff assistant to President China will play a “positive” role in bilateral often at odds over hot-button issues such as Reagan, ambassador to Singapore under relations, Beijing media reported recently. human rights and weapon sales to Taiwan. President George H.W. Bush and deputy The Beijing-based Global Times said in But analysts warn that even with the Huntsman continues on Page 5

China’s Ethnic Minnesota Annual Export Minorities Page 10 Statistics: Minnesota exports attain record high of US$17 billion in 2008 innesota’s manufactured US$253 million), Mexico (up US$180 delivering product to export markets. exports soared to a record million), China (up US$129 million) and The following sections provide more de- high in 2008, reaching Belgium (up US$127 million). tails on exports by industry, country markets MUS$17.3 billion. • The largest losses were incurred by Ire- and products. • The state’s exports gained US$1 billion land (down US$223 million) and Thailand (or grew 6.2 percent) between 2007 and (down US$131 million). Regional Export Markets 2008, despite the economic downturn. Manufactured exports are critical to the Minnesota’s main regional markets are • Minnesota ranked 20th largest in value North America, the European Union and among all states. Asia. • The U.S. export growth rate was 9.8 • Compared to U.S. exporters, Min- percent, driven by large export gains in nesota sells a greater share of its goods to Texas, Florida, California, Louisiana and the European Union and Asia, but a smaller New York. share to Central and South America. Most of Minnesota’s manufacturing • Minnesota businesses increased ex- industries increased exports, and many of ports to most regions between 2007 and the smaller industries posted record-high 2008. exports in 2008. • The regional distribution in the state’s • Machinery (second largest in export exports has changed recently. Between 2005 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE value) led the state’s manufacturing indus- and 2008, the regional market export share increased by almost 6 percentage points for tries in export gains (US$326 million). state economy. Announcements / 2 • The major exceptions to growth • They are responsible for an estimated North America and by almost 2 percentage Events / 3 & 16 were transportation equipment (down 7 131,800 jobs in Minnesota, ranking 16th points for South and Central America. In percent) and miscellaneous goods (down largest among all states, according to the contrast, the European Union share fell Education / 4 5 percent). International Trade Administration of the about 6 percentage points, while Asia fell 3 Government / 5 The state’s 20 largest country markets U.S. Department of Commerce (2006 es- percentage points. (See figure 2) Economy / 6 had mixed performances in 2008. timate). North America remained Minnesota’s Business / 7 • Two-thirds experienced steady to • Exporting of manufactured goods sup- largest exporting region for a second con- American-Born Chinese / 8 secutive year. strong growth, while the others experienced ported 59,000 export-related jobs in manu- Culture / 10-12 decline. facturing, up 8 percent since 2005. • Minnesota exports to North America Trade / • Five countries gained at least US$100 • Another 72,800 export-related jobs are reached a record of US$5.6 billion, and 13 - 15 million in 2008, compared to 2007: Canada found in other industries such as transpor- rose 11 percent, exceeding U.S. growth of (up US$397 million), the Philippines (up tation and logistics fields – key sectors in Statistics continues on Page 12 PAGE 2 > JUNE 2009 announcements www.chinainsight.info Publisher’s Prouncements CHINAINSIGHT Greetings: Publisher: Gregory J. Hugh As school begins to let out and we gear up to enjoy summer activities, we’d like to take a few moments [email protected] to make sure you are aware of a few events that you may not normally put on your calendar. Although a play may not necessarily be one of your top summer time activities, we strongly recommend Editor: that you consider attending the opening night performance of Flower Drum Song that is described on the Jennifer Nordin following page. This is a unique opportunity to meet C.Y. Lee and David Hwang who have agreed to attend [email protected] this performance that is being presented by Mu Performing Arts at the Ordway McKnight Theater on June 27, 2009. There will be a dinner and dance gala in honor of Lee on June 28, co-hosted by Chinese Manager of Operations/ Heritage Foundation, China Insight and Chinese American Ballroom Dance Association. Please log Circulation: onto www.chinainsight.info or www.chineseheritagefoundation.org for more information. Richard He Following, in July, is the Dragon Boat Festival which is definitely an annual summer-time tradition. See [email protected] back page for details. In addition to his many contributions, staff writer Albert Leung has developed a very personal piece on Production Editor: Dawn Murphy the recent loss of his maternal grandmother reflecting his feelings as an American-born Chinese. We have [email protected] conveyed our condolences to Albert on this loss and appreciate his sharing of this experience. This article continues our series of sharing experiences by American born Chinese and we encourage our readers to Marketing: share their stories. Your story can be about anything you have experienced as an American-born Chinese Connie Mei Ledford and we will be more than happy to assist you in preparing an article so please feel free to contact Albert or [email protected] myself if you would like some assistance. At this time we would also like to introduce our new Director of Marketing, Connie Mei Ledford. Connie Artist/Intern: is very active in the community and is a dedicated volunteer to a number of organizations. She shares the Lauren Hugh mission of Ch i n a Insight and is committed to fostering business and cultural harmony between China and the United States. We hope you will show her the same courtesies that you have provided to China Insight Staff Writers: in the past. In these difficult financial times, it is increasing difficult for ethnic newspapers to flourish and Greg Hugh having Connie on board to assist us in generating advertising support will be instrumental to Ch i n a Insight’s [email protected] future. She can be contacted at [email protected]. Also, a reminder that the Chinese Heritage Foundation recently mailed their annual fundraising letter so Albert Leung please support the great work that this organization performs. For details visit their Web site at chineseh- [email protected] eritagefoundation.org. As always, we thank you for your support and hope you have a great summer. Jennifer Nordin [email protected] Sincerely, Gregory J. Hugh Mike Xiong Gregory J. Hugh [email protected] Publisher About Ch i n a Insight

Ch i n a Insight is a monthly English language newspaper fostering business and cultural harmony between China and the U.S.

Ch i n a Insight is a Member of The Minnesota Chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA).

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Editor, Ch i n a Insight 6520 South Bay Drive Minnetrista, MN 55331 Tel: 952-472-4757 Fax: 952 472-6665 In s i g h t [email protected] Letters to the Editor become the Guaranteed property of Ch i n a Insight and may be edited for length and published. YES you could run to the Articles will not be published without store and pick up a copy, but the express consent of the author. did you know you can have NOTICE TO READERS: The views Ch i n a Insight delivered directly epressed in articles are the author’s and to your mailbox? not neccesarily those of Ch i n a Insight. A subscription costs a mere Authors may have a business relationship with the companies or $24 and brings a full year (11 businesses they discuss. issues) of new understand- ing about today’s China, from language to business oppor- tunities. Copyright 2008 Ch i n a Insight, Inc. All Rights Reserved. www.chinainsight.info events JUNE 2009 > PAGE 3 C. Y. Lee, author of Flower Drum Song Flower Drum Song, to attend 0pening night Opening Night Special performance Flower Drum Song in 1956. The rest, as they say, is history. The successes of the Rogers and Ham- merstein musical and the subsequent movie have raised conflicting emotions among Chinese Americans today. The plot, with some of the dark moments in the original novel removed, seemed too saccharine, sexist and too full of outdated stereotypes. In stepped playwright David Henry Hwang. Chin Yang Lee Following the Broadway triumphs of his Chin Yang Lee, dean of Chinese Ameri- play, M Butterfly, he was looking for other can authors, and author of the novel, Flower stories dealing with assimilation. In revisit- Drum Song, is coming to the Twin Cities to ing Flower Drum Song he came to realize attend a local production of the 2002 Broad- that Rogers and Hammerstein, at their way revival of the Rogers and Hammerstein time, were actually trying to push Chinese musical based on his novel. Rewritten by Americans into America, not isolate them. David Henry Hwang, this 2002 Broadway With the approval of Lee and the estates play has been updated to a very different of Rogers and Hammerstein, Hwang pro- world than the one in which the original ceeded to rewrite the play, setting it at a later musical was created. Mu Performing Arts time, focusing more intensely on the theme is presenting this new production at the of East-meets-West, and updating it to be McKnight Theatre at the Ordway Center for more in line with contemporary sensibili- the Performing Arts in St. Paul from June ties on assimilation and immigration. He 27 to July 12. This production will contain said, “I tried to write the book that Oscar new choreography by Cui Tianjiang, artistic Hammerstein would have written if he were director of the Minnesota Chinese Dance Asian-American.” Theatre. Lee attended the 2002 opening of C. Y. Lee has had an illustrious career Hwang’s play on Broadway and pronounced in the book and theatre worlds both here himself pleased. He is pleased that his East- and in Asia. Many of his books and plays, meets-West story is now speaking to a new originally written in English, have been generation of theatergoers and Chinese translated into Chinese and frequently are Americans. He is also pleased that there are best sellers in Asia. He is revered as the pio- more Chinese actors today. Promoting them neer artist who broke through many barriers continues to be a top priority for him. In re- in U. S. entertainment in the 1950s. He is, cent years he has written several new plays to this day, the only Chinese novelist whose and has been staging them in Hollywood work has graced a Broadway musical stage. and New York, featuring all-Chinese casts. Flower Drum Song was the first and is still He calls these plays, such as The Body and the only Broadway musical about Chinese Soul of a Chinese Woman, Fan Tan King, Americans living in the United States. Mama from China, and House Guest from The Rogers and Hammerstein premiere Xing Jiang, “American stories with Chinese production on December 1, 1958, featured characters.” a virtually all-Asian cast, another first and Lee is a longtime personal friend of Ming June 27-July 12, 2009 revolutionary move at the time. Gene Kelly, Tchou, founder in his first outing as a director on Broadway, and president was director. of the Chinese Ordway McKnight Theatre Born into a distinguished artistic and Heritage Foun- literary family in Hunan Province and the dation. At 93, Tony Award®-winner David Henry Hwang’s new adaptation youngest of 11 children, Lee had an idyllic Lee continues to of the Rogers and Hammerstein classic of C.Y. Lee’s original childhood. One older brother was a well- be full of life and story (see accompanying article) is presented by Mu Perform- known composer and another was a Uni- Ming Tchou and C.Y. Lee optimism for the ing Arts. versity professor. The Japanese invasion of future. He is easy going, loves a good joke, China in 1937 ended Lee’s peaceful world. and enjoys ballroom dancing in particular. Chinese Heritage Foundation and Ch i n a Insight have obtained He left college, where he had been study- He has accepted an invitation from Tchou to a group discount of $5.00 per ticket for opening night tickets ing western literature, and sought refuge at attend the opening performance of Flower which must be ordered by June 15, 2009. Refer to code MU5 the home of a Chinese ‘maharajah’ at the Drum Song on June 27. The Chinese Heri- when ordering at the Ordway ticket office 651-224-4222. southern China-Burma border. Translating tage Foundation and China Insight have ne- You are invited to attend a reception immediately following letters for the maharajah and meeting his gotiated a group discounted ticket price of English-Burmese wife awakened in Lee a US$22/ticket (regular price is US$27) for the opening night performance when both authors will be sign- new perception on life. This East-meets- this performance. To obtain this discounted ing their books. West perspective would become a recurring price mention code MU5 when you call the This opening night special has been arranged by theme in all his fiction to come. By 1943, Ordway ticket office: 651-224-4222. And with the war in China intensifying, Lee’s hurry because the offer expires on June 15. oldest brother decided to send him abroad. Plan on staying for the reception afterwards h i n a He sailed for New York quickly and never to meet Lee. He has agreed to sign his books C Insight saw his parents again. that will be available for purchase. Following graduation in playwriting There will be a dinner and dance gala CHINESE HERITAGE FOUNDATION from Yale University in 1947, Lee moved in honor of Lee on June 28, co-hosted to California. Spurred on by one of his by Chinese Heritage Foundation, China professors who had advised him ‘to write Insight and Chinese American Ballroom There will be a dinner and dance gala in honor of Lee on June 28, his story’, he began writing about the lives Dance Association. Please log onto co-hosted by Chinese Heritage Foundation, Ch i n a Insight and of Chinese immigrants in this country, in www.chinainsight.info or Chinese American Ballroom Dance Association. Please log onto order to “open a window into Chinese life.” www.chineseheritagefoundation.org for www.chinainsight.info or www.chineseheritagefoundation.org Working as a translator by day and writing more information.  for more information. his novels/short stories at night, he finished PAGE 4 > JUNE 2009 education www.chinainsight.info HOST FAMILIES NEEDED BOOKS Host a Chinese student and make a difference… Enrich their experience and enhance your own! • As a host family you Empress Orchid shareAmerican culture with By Anchee Min a student from China and Synopsis murder, and endless intrigue. When China provide them much more From a master of the is threatened by enemies, she alone seems than could be learned in a historical novel, Empress capable of holding the country together. classroom. Orchid sweeps readers In this “absorbing companion piece to • Learn about their culture, into the heart of the For- her novel Becoming Madame Mao” (New explore the differences and bidden City to tell the fas- York Times), readers and reading groups will develop new connections cinating story of a young once again be transported by Min’s lavish concubine who becomes evocation of the Forbidden City in its last Arriving in July from Hunan Province, China, is a group of 35 China’s last empress. Min days of imperial glory and by her brilliant portrait of a flawed yet utterly compelling high school students that have earned a cultural exchange trip to introduces the beautiful Tzu Hsi, known as Orchid, and weaves an epic of a country woman who survived, and ultimately domi- the United States. girl who seized power through seduction, nated, a male world. Global Learning Alliance is finalizing arrangements for their trip and has incorporated, as part of their program, staying with an American host family. They will be given the option of staying with China’s Ascent: Power, Security, and the the family for their entire 10 day visit or simply for one weekend. Since most of their educational programs will be taking place in Future of International Politics the south-west suburb of Minneapolis, we are focusing our search By Zhu Feng, Robert S. Ross for families that live in that part of the city however will consider all Synopsis and global influence. families regardless of where they reside. Assessments of China’s Distinguished authors consider the like- To learn more about becoming a host family, please visit our importance on the world lihood of conflict and peaceful accommo- website at: www.GlobalLearningAlliance.net. stage usually focus on a dation as China grows ever stronger. They single dimension of China’s look at the changing position of China “from increasing power, rather the inside”: How do Chinese policymakers than on the multiple sources evaluate the contemporary international of China’s rise, including its order and what are the regional and global economic might and the continuing mod- implications of that worldview? The authors ernization of its military. It offers multiple also address the implications of China’s analytical perspectives—constructivist, increasing power for Chinese policymaking liberal, neorealist—on the significance of and for the foreign policies of Korea, Japan, the many dimensions of China’s regional and the United States. All reviews from BarnesandNoble.com USA Diving coach Minnesota College of Wenbo Chen joins Acupuncture and Oriental Gophers Medicine submits self-study Wenbo Chen, the head coach and as- “Minnesota is well-known as the best sociate director of USA Diving’s National Big Ten program and one of the best in the for re-accreditation Training Center since 2005, has accepted a nation,” Chen said. “Minnesota has every- After more than a year of preparation ommendations; and position as diving coach at the University thing that a coach is looking for with the and hard work, the Minnesota College * Integrate – involves collaboration of Minnesota. Chen will begin his duties facility, the administration and the swim- of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine within the University and pursuing an in- at the University of Minnesota on Aug. 3, ming coaches. In addition, the community (MCAOM) at Northwestern Health Sci- tegrated strategy within other departments. but will continue to be involved with USA support at Minnesota for swimming and ences University submitted its self-study It fits well with Northwestern’s integrative Diving while in Minnesota. diving is excellent. These are the things that in April 2009. “The process started in Oc- focus and strategic plan. “We are so fortunate to hire someone my family and I were looking for.” tober 2007,” said Mark McKenzie, dean of “Within the self-study there are 14 of Wenbo’s caliber and we welcome him to Chen will be making a return to the MCAOM. “It was kicked off in February standards,” noted McKenzie. “We found we the Golden Gopher family,” said University college ranks, having served as head div- 2008. The self-study takes about 16 months are in compliance with all 14. Some were of Minnesota athletics director Joel Maturi. ing coach at Purdue University from 2001- to complete.” considered strengths such as governance; “He has earned an outstanding reputation 2005. According to McKenzie, a self-study is administration; library; facilities; learning internationally, in the United States and “I am really excited about returning submitted 18 months before accreditation is resources; and finance. Specific areas need Big Ten and he brings a wealth of knowl- to college coaching. I miss the teamwork up. “Last time was a four-year accreditation; further development, such as assessment edge and experience to Minnesota. He has between the swimmers and divers and the we’re hoping for a seven-year accreditation and evaluation. We’re always trying to im- worked with some of the greatest divers in support network that you have in an athletic this time,” he said. prove.” The department is making changes the world and we know that our student- department. I am also excited about the The findings of the self-study were based on the outcomes of the self-study. athletes will benefit from his talent.” combination of recruiting and coaching. grouped into four areas: Some of these include language in the mis- Chen was named assistant coach for the Minnesota offers me the situation that I have * Collaborate – recommendations sion; and significant changes in the assess- 2008 U.S. Olympic Team for diving after been looking for.” around faculty; collaboration between fac- ment mechanism. three of his divers were named to the squad In 2007, Chen served as a USA coach ulty groups; inter-department collaboration Northwestern Health Sciences Univer- – Haley Ishimatsu on 10-meter and synchro- at the World Championships and Pan between faculty groups. Northwestern has sity offers a wide array of choices in natural nized 10-meter, and Kelci Bryant and Ariel American Games as well as several other a variety of types of faculty, and this gives health care education including chiropractic, Rittenhouse in synchronized 3-meter. international meets. His divers claimed four them an opportunity to collaborate; Oriental medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic “Wenbo Chen is a tremendous coach of the seven U.S. medals won at the 2007 * Attract – involves the components massage and human biology. The University and has played an instrumental role in our Pan Am Games, highlighted by silver med- the University wants to attract: enrollment has nearly 900 students on a 25-acre campus rebuilding efforts,” USA Diving CEO Deb- als from Ishimatsu on 10-meter and Bryant/ through admissions and communications; in Bloomington, Minnesota. bie Hesse said. “We will certainly miss him, Rittenhouse in synchronized 3-meter. He employers to graduates; Visit http://www.nwhealth.edu for more but we are very excited that he has agreed to was also a coach at the 2008 World Cup in * Design – involves the design of the information. help us with various USA Diving programs,  Coach continues on Page 6 program, taking into consideration all rec- camps and clinics in the future.” www.chinainsight.info government JUNE 2009 > PAGE 5 Survey indicates that Asian Americans are still the “Other” despite contributions to U.S. Results uncover glaring disparity in perceptions between general population and Chinese Americans on loyalty, power and equity More than eight years after their re- and the author of Asian American Dreams: of Representatives from continental U.S. cent of corporate board seats among Fortune vealing report on perceptions of Asian The Emergence of An American People. states and two Senators from Hawaii (no 500 Companies,3 C-100’s report found that Americans, the Committee of 100 (C-100) “This survey underscores how our whole Senator from a continental U.S. state), and 50 percent of the general population believes released, Still the “Other?”: Public Atti- society benefits when attitudes and policies only one Governor, Bobby Jindal of Louisi- Asian Americans are adequately represented tudes Toward Chinese and Asian Americans, are based on factual knowledge and attitudes ana. C-100’s survey reports that 36 percent on corporate boards, while only 23 percent conducted by Harris Interactive.1 The report that allow for the full participation of all of the general population thinks that Asian of Chinese Americans agree. Forty-six per- indicates that, despite a positive trend in Americans.” Americans have the right amount of power cent of the general population also believes attitudes toward Asian Americans, racial A PDF copy of the report, which in- and influence in Washington, while only 15 Asian Americans are promoted at the same discrimination and suspicions still exist. An cludes recommendations based on findings, percent of Chinese Americans believe this to pace as Caucasian Americans, with only underlying current throughout the survey is available at: www.Committee100.org. be true. However, 47 percent of the general 29 percent of Chinese Americans saying results is the recognition that – even in 2009 Most notable in the data are the mispercep- population believes that Asian Americans the same. – the majority of the general population tions around: have too little power in Washington, with 82 C-100 is a national non-partisan, non- cannot make a distinction between Chinese Loyalty of Asian Americans: Despite percent of Chinese Americans agreeing. profit membership organization composed Americans and Asian Americans in general, the approximately 59,141 Asian Ameri- Leadership in Education Institu- of American citizens of Chinese descent. treating all as one generic, monolithic eth- cans serving in active duty in the U.S. tions & Corporate America: Although Each member has achieved positions of nic group, with 28 percent or more saying Armed Services, and the more than 300 stereotypes around Asian Americans as the leadership in the United States in a broad they rarely or never interact with Asian Asian Americans who have been injured or “model minority” continue to be perpetu- range of professions, and collectively pool Americans. died in Operation Iraqi Freedom, there are ated in educational institutions and in the their strengths and experience to address im- “Race is not black and white - literally still suspicions about the loyalty of Asian workforce, the presence of Asian Ameri- portant issues concerning the Chinese Amer- nor figuratively. Whatever our own indi- Americans. Among the general population, cans is not matched with representation in ican community, as well as issues affecting vidual backgrounds or political preferences, 45 percent believe Asian Americans are leadership: U.S.-China relations. Prominent members the facts are clear – the face of the nation is more loyal to their countries of ancestry Education: The report shows that 65 include: I.M. Pei (architect), Yo-Yo Ma (cel- changing as it never has before,” said Frank than to the United States, up from 37 percent of the general population believes list), David Ho (AIDS researcher), Michelle H. Wu, Vice Chair for Research at C-100 percent in the 2001 survey. In contrast, Asian American students are adequately Kwan (figure skating champion) and Steve and the author of Yellow: Race In America approximately three in four of the Chinese represented on college campuses, with 45 Chen (YouTube co-founder).  Beyond Black and White. “As we strive to Americans surveyed say Chinese Americans percent of Chinese Americans agreeing make good on the American Dream that at- would support the United States in military and 36 percent arguing that they are under- Resources tracted so many of us and our ancestors, we or economic conflicts, compared to only represented. In reality, there are only 33 1 Two surveys were commissioned by C-100 and conducted by Harris Interactive – one was adminis- must see our shared interests in advancing approximately 56 percent of the general Asian American college presidents in the tered to 1,221 adults, age 18 or older and one was civil rights principles. All of us benefit from population who agrees. United States (out of about 3,200) and, administered to 206 self-identified Chinese Americans, the principles of diversity and inclusion. We Political Influence: While the Asian while analysis shows that among the top age 18 or older, both through a 23 minute telephone cannot succeed without bridge building.” American community celebrated the cabinet sector of higher education institutions – as survey. Both surveys were conducted in January 2009, and results were weighted as needed for age, sex, “At a time when some pundits claim appointments of members to the Obama listed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2005 ethnicity, region, education, household income and that America has moved beyond race, this administration – Energy Secretary Steven rankings – Asian Americans are well repre- place of birth (Chinese Americans only) to represent survey shows that there is broad ignorance Chu, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, sented as students (6.4 percent) and faculty the national population of adults and specifically of significant populations of Americans. In and Veterans Affairs Secretary General Eric (6.2 percent), only about 2.4 percent are Chinese Americans. 2 “Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education the absence of real information, harmful Shinseki – there is a significant lack of rep- represented in the positions of president, Report Card,” Committee of 100, 2005. stereotypes still render Asian Americans as resentation among other federal, state and provost or chancellor.2 3 “Corporate Board Report Card,” Committee ‘Other’ outsiders to our democracy,” said local elected leadership. There are currently Corporate America: Similarly, while of 100, 2007. Helen Zia, Vice Chair for Media at C-100 six Asian American members of the House Asian Americans hold only about 1.5 per-

Huntsman from Page 1 trade representative under President George governor of Utah in November 2008 ambassador to Singapore who has been Pacific,’’ Obama said. W. Bush. Obama’s choice of a Republican * Served as a White House staff assistant mentioned as a potential Republican presi- China is among the largest buyers of for such a key post could signal that the to President Ronald Reagan dential candidate in 2012, to send a message U.S. government debt, and is also a vital Democratic president has not abandoned his * Was Deputy U.S. Trade Representative China’s communist leadership. “Improved U.S. trading partner. Washington is keen to pledge to seek bipartisan cooperation. under President George W. Bush relations with China will require candor and maintain a strong relationship -- particularly The governor has strong ties to Asia: He * Fluent in Mandarin after a stint as open discussion about those issues where we now as the US$787 billion stimulus package lived as a Mormon missionary in Taiwan. a missionary in Taiwan for the Church of don’t always agree, such as human rights and US$700 billion dollar financial bailout He and his wife, Mary Kaye, adopted two Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mor- and democracy and free speech, and will fund have strained public finances. If China daughters, one from China and one from mons require that each of our nations play by pulled back on its purchases of U.S. Trea- India. He also supports Utah’s legislative * Was the youngest U.S. ambassador the rules in open and honest competition,’’ sury bonds, it could drive up interest rates, push to offer Chinese language courses in in a century when he was named envoy to Obama said. making it more expensive for the govern- school, which would be the first of its kind Singapore in 1992 The huge U.S. trade deficit with China ment to finance its growing debt pile. It in the United States. * Has seven children, including adopted and the value of China’s yuan currency could also raise borrowing costs for a host But that does not mean thorny issues daughters from China and India have been among the biggest sticking points of consumer and business loans, including would be ignored. * Family business, Huntsman Corp, is in relations between the two countries. home mortgages. Tao Wenzhao, an expert on Sino-U.S. re- one of the largest chemical companies in Obama’s administration has stopped short On the campaign trail last year, Obama lations at the American Institute of Chinese the world. It was granted approval in 2002 of accusing China of keeping its currency took a harder line on the yuan, a stance that Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global to build a plant in Shanghai artificially low in order to boost exports, played well with key constituencies such Times that China must be vigilant, as the * Gave a 2006 speech on U.S.-China but some in Congress would like to see as labor groups that are worried about U.S. United States is a collection of various in- relations at Shanghai Normal University the United States formally accuse China of jobs vanishing as China’s manufacturing terest groups, which means the arms sellers where he stressed the importance of moving manipulating the yuan. Obama, like his pre- and export clout grows. will continue to sell weapons to Taiwan and beyond “nationalistic prowess” on matters decessor George W Bush, has been mostly At the Group of 20 Summit in London its defense department won’t stop spreading of trade and environmental well-being. low-key in any criticism of China’s human on April 1, the United States and China the “China Threat Theory.” “This ambassadorship is as important as rights record. Washington is mindful of its agreed to a once-a-year strategic and eco- “That’s why we can’t be optimistic, any in the world because the United States need for Beijing’s cooperation in curbing nomic dialogue that would include negotia- though there will be a new ambassador with will best be able to deal effectively with the global financial crisis and in reining in tions on the economy between U.S. Treasury closer connections to China,” he said. the global challenges of the 21st century by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Secretary Timothy Geithner and Chinese Following are some details about Hunts- working in concert with China,’’ Obama said “We’re working with the government of Vice Premier Wang Qishan. man: at a White House ceremony with Huntsman China to stem the financial crisis that has * Born March 26, 1960, in Palo Alto, at his side. devastated economies around the world and Editor’s Note: This article was compiled California But Obama also used his nomination help lay a foundation for sustainable growth from several news services located in the * Elected to a second term as Republican of Huntsman, a Mandarin-speaking former and lasting prosperity on both sides of the U.S. and China. PAGE 6 > JUNE 2009 economy www.chinainsight.info One of the most important lessons drawn from the financial crisis is that we must change the economic growth mode from one reliant on exports to one reliant on domestic demand. Consumption Coupons: new attempt to expand domestic demand By China Today Staff Reporter Liu Qiong The global financial crisis has exerted tion coupons. Since then, Jiangsu, Hunan, performance, their ability to invest and people’s consumption confidence, so that pressure on exports and employment, and Sichuan and Shandong provinces have expand has been affected, resulting in a re- people are willing to spend money. has influenced Chinese people’s income followed suit, issuing consumption coupons duction in supply and rising prices. This in “Issuing consumption coupons is a spe- level and will to consume. To increase worth over [US$293,100]. turn will make consumption shrink further, cial means adopted in a special period, not domestic demand, some local governments forming a vicious circle. a long-term policy,” said Cai Qi, mayor of have tried to stimulate consumption through Popularizing Coupons Nationwide? Hangzhou City and a deputy to the National issuing consumption coupons. Issuing consumption coupons is one People’s Congress. Using consumption of the economic policy tools to stimulate coupons aims to make use of their multiplier consumption. When economic depression effect and promote consumption. It is not a causes people’s consumption capability to form of protectionism. After all they make decline, the government issues consump- up only a tiny share. tion coupons to be used as an instrument of Cai Qi said that issuing consumption payment, hoping to revitalize consumption coupons is an effective way of expanding through increasing people’s purchasing local consumption. According to calcula- power and consumption desire, so as to pro- tions, when retail sales of Hangzhou’s On March 20, 2009, Hangzhou City issued mote production and investment activities consumables increase one percent, it brings a second batch of consumption coupons and and speed up recovery of the economy. an increase of 0.56 percentage points in started a four-day commodities fair. In February 2009, the first batch of rural Liu Hanyuan, a member of the Standing local GDP. tourism consumption coupons was issued Committee of the National Committee of “Only by solving the present problem Cai Qi also said that issuing consump- to Nanjing inhabitants. the Chinese People’s Political Consultative of low consumption in the coming six tion coupons is only the beginning of Conference (CPPCC), was the first to ad- months to a year, and by expanding do- stimulating consumption and expanding Stimulating Consumption by Issuing vocate the issuing of consumption coupons mestic consumption, will the [US$146.6 domestic demand, and that the ultimate Coupons among the populace. He said, “Consumption billion] investment be sustainable, and solution to various problems is dependant On March 7 more than 10,000 tourists coupons give consumers greater payment bring its multiplier effect to full play,” said on development. “To develop, we rely on visited Fujiabian Sci-tech Garden in Lishui ability and enable them to turn consump- Liu Hanyuan. industry and services. It is right to promote County, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, tion desire into purchasing behavior, hence “At present, various localities are issuing investment and consumption, but what is which is a bio-agricultural tourist destina- accelerating the recovery of consumption consumption coupons and tourism coupons more important is to rely on enterprises, tion. This brought the garden an income confidence and ability, and expanding do- on a trial basis. I think all these can be which constitute the main force of the of [US$29,310], an increase of 30 percent mestic demand immediately. Manufacturing tried,” said Huang Qingyong, a member of market in coping with the challenges of the over the same period of 2008. The garden and processing enterprises especially gain the National Committee of the CPPCC and financial crisis. At this moment, the govern- received [US$1,466] worth of consumption more income and profit, and so invest more deputy secretary general of the Guangdong ment should stand together with enterprises coupons, a result beyond the expectation of in production, directly promoting employ- Provincial Committee of the CPPCC. The to bridge difficulties.” general manager Li Baijian. ment and increasing governmental tax aim of issuing consumption coupons, tour- http://www.chinatoday.com.cn/ctenglish/se/ The garden benefited from the Nanjing income. This creates a cycle that will bring ism coupons and car coupons is to boost txt/2009-05/15/content_195979_2.htm  government’s issuing of Nanjing rural China’s economy back on the fast track of tourism consumption coupons in Febru- development.” ary through a random lottery. The lucky During the 2009 session of the Chinese winners each received a coupon worth People’s Political Consultative Confer- Coach from Page 4 [US$14.66]. ence in March, Liu Hanyuan presented an Beijing, where Bryant and Rittenhouse To promote the rural tourism market, overture entitled “Effectively Generating won a bronze medal in synchro. Wenbo Chen Coaching Timeline the Nanjing municipal government ear- Short-term Domestic Demand Through “It’s a great catch for the U of M,” head 2005-09 Head Coach, USA?Diving marked [US$2.93 million] for rural tourism Issuing Consumption Coupons.” He sug- men’s coach Dennis Dale said. “When the National Training Center consumption coupons to be issued among gested that to effectively boost people’s job opened up, he was the person that we 2001-05 Head Coach, Purdue Uni- inhabitants across four months. These cou- confidence in consumption, the government thought if he was available, he would be a versity pons can be used at 37 tourist destinations. issue consumption coupons worth [US$147] dream coach for us. He has done it all al- 1996-01Head Coach, Moss Farms According to initial government estimates, to every Chinese citizen, in four batches. He ready. He has coached Big Ten Champions, Diving Tigers Club the [US$2.93 million]-worth of coupons believes this is the most direct and effective NCAA Champions and Olympians. He has 1998 Interim Head Coach, Florida will generate consumption of [US$29.3 way to stimulate consumption. coached at all levels.” State University million]. Liu Hanyuan drew inspiration from Chen succeeds Jason Baumann, who 1994-96 Assistant Coach, Moss Farms The issuing of consumption coupons the experiences of Singapore, Japan and resigned his position last month after four Diving Tigers Club is not just restricted to Nanjing. Before the China’s Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, years as diving coach.  1992-94 Head Coach, Edmonton Div- Spring Festival, Hangzhou City in Zheji- whose “red packets” have an instant effect ing Club ang Province issued consumption coupons on consumption. Sources: 1985-92 Coach, Chinese National worth [US$29.31 million]. Wang Guoping, Will consumption coupons be popular- www.gophersports.com Team/Olympic Training Camp top leader of Hangzhou, said, “The most ized nationwide? Chen Deming, minister www.usadiving.org 1982-85 Head Coach, Henan Provin- important task at present is promoting of Commerce, said that the ministry would consumption. The consumption coupons track the effects of consumption coupons. have benefited 1.32 million people. Prac- The central authorities are studying the tice has shown that this is a good move.” feasibility of issuing nationwide consump- On February 17, Wang Guoping said that tion coupons, hoping to stimulate people’s Hangzhou would again issue consumption purchasing desire, revitalize tourism and coupons worth [US$146.6 million], in areas alleviate pressure on people who have dif- including tourism, training and education. ficulties in their lives. Policy readjustments Meanwhile, the government would also will be made after an evaluation. issue consumption coupons that Hangzhou inhabitants can voluntarily purchase. Solving Difficulties Through Develop- Hangzhou’s issuance of consumption ment coupons has won support from the Ministry Figures from the National Statistical of Commerce. Jiang Zengwei, deputy min- Bureau show that the Consumer Confi- ister of Commerce, said that the coupons dence Index in China has been in decline have promoted consumption. According since January 2008. According to Nielsen to statistics, RMB 1-worth of coupons can data, more than 60 percent of the populace generate consumption worth RMB 2.06. believes that income levels will be the key This affirmation has aroused the enthusi- factor limiting consumption in 2009. With asm of various localities to issue consump- domestic enterprises’ decline in economic www.chinainsight.info business JUNE 2009 > PAGE 7 Navigating China in the modern business environment There obviously was much interest in the of China to Canton in 1784. He also spoke very detailed description of additional sites above topic that was presented at the May about many events that took place during and destinations in Beijing and Xi’an that meeting of U.S.-China Business Connec- the 20th century that affected trade between were included in the itinerary were given tions (UCBC). The meeting was moved to a China and the United States both positively by Melody. Her expertise in China travel larger room at the Minneapolis Community and negatively, including Sun-Yat Sen’s clearly impressed the audience and many and Technical College which attracted more Nationalist ascension to power and the end follow up questions were addressed to her, than 90 participants, the largest crowd to at- of the Qing dynasty in 1911, and Chairman Gabriel, and fellow CIAC manager Kuang tend a regular UCBC monthly meeting. Mao’s communists cutting off virtually all Ling at the end of the presentation. The meeting began with the presi- trade with the west in the 1950’s. dent of UCBC, Mr. After the short history lesson, Gabriel Warren Vollmer, in- went on to give the troducing himself delegation some ba- and saying a few sic advice on travel- things about the or- ing to China. He ac- ganization. There knowledged that there were many new at- was a likely disparity Manufacturing - Chris Berghoff, Control tendees, and they in experience level Products: Sheltered Manufacturing - Steve were made to feel Gabriel Bazama among the crowd in Oanes, Stuhr Associates and Local Produc- welcome in the their travel experience tion plus China suppliers - Dale Peterson, very friendly at- to China, so he wanted to give everyone a China Import and Export Fair Minncorp Melody Zhou mosphere. At the basic course on what to bring and a few UCBC meetings are held at Minneapolis beginning of every meeting all the attendees things to expect when traveling. The presentation concluded with a Community & Technical College, 1501 are asked to give a short introduction about Melody then returned to the podium to Question and Answer session. For both Hennepin Avenue, Wheelock Whitney Hall, themselves and their company or other as- give her expert insight into a few important newcomers and long time members alike, Room L3000 (3rd Floor), Minneapolis, sociations. There were approximately 25 trade show opportunities that take place CIAC’s presentation gave great insight into MN 55403. new attendees of the 90 people who were annually (and semi-annually) in China, as both the past and future of China business The fee is US$20 per person. UCBC present. well as go over the sample CIAC business travel. Everyone took something positive members and college students are free. The two presenters from CIAC Travel, itinerary that was distributed to the audi- away from the presentation, and CIAC Everyone can bring a guest who can be ad- Ms. Melody Zhou and Mr. Gabriel Bazama ence. The Canton trade fair has successfully further demonstrated their dedication and mitted for half price (US$10). To register, were then introduced, and Melody started taken place every year since 1951, and it has essential contribution to the China travel e-mail [email protected] or call Jim the presentation with a short introduction become one of the most important sites to community. Smith at 612-8656543. about China and a few interesting facts interact with Chinese manufacturers for U.S. For free parking at the MCTC Ramp, about the country. After that, Gabriel gave businesses. She then discussed the Yiwu June UCBC Meeting please mention your name for the UCBC a brief history of trade between China and market expo, and gave the members some The topic for the June 3, 2009, UCBC meeting to the parking staff. The MCTC the United States, starting with the earliest very impressive evidence on how businesses meeting will be Alternatives to Building parking ramp is located at 1420 Hennepin trade shortly after the American Revolution can improve their portfolio by attending a Plant in China and will be presented by Avenue (north side of Hennepin Ave). Ad- when Mr. Robert Morris sailed the Empress the expo. In addition to the trade shows, a the following panel of speakers: Contract ditional information on parking: http://www.minneapolis.edu/parking.cfm

Private sector development crucial to China’s innovativeness, says a World Bank Report Continuous government support for pri- ability to innovate at home and increased innovation, demand side incentives such government ensures the right balance vate sector growth is of strategic importance knowledge intensity of the economy, the as government procurement and standard between technology creation on one hand to China if it is to build up an enterprise-led World Bank study sees China still a late- setting are yet to be fully utilized, and the and adaptation and adoption on the other, technological innovation system, says a comer in technological catch-up, facing sub- domestic venture capital industry operates recognizing that China, as is the case for World Bank report released [May 14]. “In stantial gap from international technological in a rudimentary ecosystem, which points to India, stands to gain from a broad interpre- China’s existing national innovation system, frontier. The global competitiveness of the difficulties for innovative firms to gain tation of innovation and sustained efforts state-owned enterprises and research insti- China’s leading manufacturing sectors rests access to external risk capital. in promoting technology adaptation and tutes are the main performers of innovation upon low input costs, scale of production, The severity of the challenge in inno- adoption. Further more, the government is activities; in the future, however, China’s technology absorption, speed of response vation is compounded by the need for job encouraged to put a stronger emphasis on success in technological catching-up is to market demands and customer orders, creation. As the report emphasizes, Chinese the effectiveness and efficiency of R&D likely to rely more on the capacity of its pri- and increasing attention to the quality of enterprises must not only innovate to sustain spending, especially public R&D spend- vate sector, especially large private firms”, products, according to the report. To ensure competition in the global market, but also ing, given the fact that China’s spending the report concludes. sustainability, Chinese enterprises will have create jobs to ensure full employment of on R&D as a share of GDP is already the The report entitled “Promoting En- to derive their competitiveness more from a labor force of over 750 million workers, highest in the developing world. terprise-Led Innovation in China” is the innovation. “In today’s highly globalized of whom more than 80 percent do not have A series of policy recommendations are result of a recent World Bank study de- economy, innovation has become the key an education attainment higher than junior made by the report on creating the right signed to assist the Chinese government in driver for growth and competitiveness. secondary school. “This is like to solve a incentives, strengthening the capacity of implementing its strategy of “enterprise-led The capability to innovate will be increas- set of simultaneous equations”, says Mr. private small and medium enterprises, and innovation”. It notes that China has dramati- ingly a crucial determinant of the global Chunlin Zhang, the task team leader of the improving the ecosystem for domestic cally scaled up its investment in R&D since competitiveness of nations over the coming World Bank study. “The best solution, that venture capital industry. In addition to mid-1990s, with total R&D expenditure decades”, says Mr. Vikram Nehru, the World is, the set of technologies that maximize both continuous private sector development, the increased by 5.5 times in real terms during Bank Chief Economist for the East Asia and competitiveness and job creation capacity of government is advised to further strengthen 1995-2006. China has also experienced a Pacific Region. Chinese enterprises, can only be found and corporate governance and scale down the transition in which industrial enterprises While innovation-driven growth is criti- installed by the collective action of the pri- scope of state ownership. It is also recom- replaced government-owned research cal to the sustainability of China’s develop- vate sector and the market”. The government mended that the State Council formulate a institutes and universities to become the ment and poverty reduction, its national could promote innovation by refraining from special regulation to enforce Article 7 of main performing sector of R&D activities. innovation system remains in a transition involvement in microeconomic decisions on the Anti-Monopoly Law, which requires the While industrial enterprises increased their from traditional government-led model to innovation, the report recommends. “There state to regulate SOE operations to “protect spending on R&D, the relative importance an enterprise-led and market-based one, is certainly a role for the government to consumers’ interest and promote techno- of technology importation has declined the report points out. In addition to weak play, but it should start at the point at which logical progress.” As to fiscal incentives, the significantly, the report shows. capacity and limited role of the private sec- enterprises and the market cannot do more report proposes that pooled R&D efforts, Despite remarkable achievements such tor in innovation, market institutions are or better.” as expanded manufacturing capacity, greater found not fully developed to spur and guide The report also recommends that the Private Sector continues on Page15 PAGE 8 > JUNE 2009 american-born chinese www.chinainsight.info

in San Francisco. Together we flew to The last embrace California, anticipat- By Albert Leung, Staff Writer ing warm weather and good food. It was my grandma’s first trip to that city and she was excited to see my sister on her own in a place far from home. At the end of the trip, I was to return to Minnesota and she Admiring the view of the Pacific Ocean on was to fly directly the coast of California. Staff writer Albert Leung’s Grandma din- Grandma posing in front of the cable cars which run through the streetsback to Taiwan. he most difficult tasks in life ing on delectable oysters at the restaurant of downtown San Francisco, Calif. We may have are neither finishing school, nor Oceanaire during her visit to Minnesota. b i c k e r e d a l o t the following day for the funeral and crema- seeking a career nor finding love. led in prayer by a group of monks. This is throughout that week but the three of us tion. Heavyhearted relatives and friends The hardest things, to me, are a standard ritual which most families co- enjoyed our time together, basking in Cali- filled the funeral home, many of whom were Tgoodbyes. As time passes, we inevitably ordinate 3 to 7 times for the deceased. The fornia’s sunny weather. We brought her to unfamiliar to me. It surprised me to see so have to bid farewell and experience the number of times is dependent on whether Fisherman’s Wharf, the cable car stations, many strangers. I thought I knew everyone passing of some of our loved ones. After families want to keep it traditional or shorten China Town, among many other places. She who would pay their respects to her. I was all, we’re all on our way out but just on the process. We chose the shortened route marveled at the city while holding onto my happy, though, to see the strong showing of different schedules. but were still able to fly in for the final arm as we walked the busy city blocks. The support from family and friends. This past April my maternal grandma session. time was short and sometimes frustrating, Members in attendance were announced bid her adieu to the world at the age of 81. The monk explained that the purpose of but it was satisfying to see her enjoy the in groups and asked to pay respects before a Despite visiting her at the hospital in Taiwan these prayers is to ask Buddha to lead my adventure. large portrait of my grandma, which rested back in February and learning of her dire grandma into heaven. Before a gold painted That final week flew by lickety-split and on the Golden shrine. One person would condition, the reality of her passing was still shrine in the funeral home, which included suddenly it was time for me to pack-up for stand in the front while the rest staggered hard to bear. We knew that February visit Buddha and other deities, the monk directed home. When my sister dropped me off at the behind them. That individual was designated was the last time we would see her. She was us to pray kneeling or sitting. The lead airport, my grandma emoted in a way that the duties of offering my grandma food and weak, couldn’t talk and needed to be on a monk knelt at the front of the shrine while truly touched me. water as respectful gestures. The funeral breathing machine. All I could do was hold the others sat on both of his sides with their After getting out of the car, she stood directors at the front would hand these items her hands as I sat at the bedside. instruments. The musical accompaniment at the curb as I unloaded my luggage. Ap- to the forefront individual, who would then She was my guardian, friend, enemy, included a small wooden percussion block, proaching her, she looked at me in a tearful bow their heads and extend each offering lunch date and mentor. As a child, she fed keyboard, flute, chimes and a drum. gaze and patted her heart with her hands. towards the photo. The others would only me sweetened rice for lunch despite my For over two hours the monk recited In Chinese she said, “Grandma can’t bear... bow during these times. mother’s displeasure over my cavities. scriptures and directed us when to bow. grandma can’t bear.” Once everyone had paid their respect, She watched over me until my first day of The instrumentalists played in accordance. She grasped me in her arms. Her petite we were ushered into a back room to view school. During high school, I’d come home I was one of the few who knelt throughout hands clutched me as tight as they could. the open casket. Nestled in the casket was and my grandma would cook me fried rice, the entire ritual because the monk said, The same reassuring hands that held my a shriveled shell of my grandma, nearly ask me to refill her prescriptions or we’d go under his breath, that it would be preferred arm as we roamed downtown San Francisco unrecognizable to me. Covering her was have lunch together. Our relationship was over sitting. I didn’t want to upset the gods and had affectionately cooked me sweetened a blanket and hundreds of the paper gold sometimes frustrating and confrontational, after all. Despite a few breaks in the night, rice as a child. Her loving hands which I pieces that we made. Gazing down at her, I but it was always unconditionally loving. my knees, thighs and buttocks ached from couldn’t let go of after saying my final words thought about how that person in the casket After learning of her passing, I struggled kneeling. I had never known that sustaining of goodbye as she lay in her hospital bed. no longer resembled the person who visited to muster the will to attend her funeral. I was that position could be so difficult. I hope that someday we will share an- Minnesota last year and traveled to Califor- agitated, sad and nervous the weeks leading The prayer ritual reminded me of my other meal, laugh, fight and loving embrace. nia with me for a week. up to our trip to Taipei, Taiwan, where her childhood when I prayed with my family. Until then, I have my memories and that In the final week of her stay in the United funeral was to be held. I felt intimidated that Since I struggled to understand what the final embrace in San Francisco to always States, my grandma wanted to visit my sister the funeral was to be traditional, adhering recited scriptures meant, my mind attempted remind me of her.  to Taiwanese rituals. Never having attended to focus on alternative and appropriate a traditional Chinese funeral, I feared I thoughts. The thoughts shifted from focus- wouldn’t conduct myself appropriately or ing on the pain in my legs, to memories of would make mistakes during the funeral my family and finally settled on reminiscing proceedings. My instincts told me to stay about my grandma’s final trip to Minnesota Chinese Americans home, avoid the event as if her death hadn’t a year ago. occurred. I did manage to come to my Since moving back to Taiwan in 2002, senses in the end. I bucked-up and got on she had never returned to Minnesota until by numbers the plane. last year. That summer month was the last The funeral preparations had my uncle time I spent significant time with her. As I By Lisa Chiu, About.com Guide to Chinese Culture and godmother working tirelessly because knelt before the golden Buddha shrine, I few months ago, the U.S. female, 48 are male. we lived too far away to assist. My god- recalled spending her visit chatting, eating Census Bureau released its * Chinese-Americans between 35-44 mother, for example, folded hundreds of at her favorite spots, dining on her most American Community Survey make up the largest age group, followed by sheets of paper to resemble gold pieces loved foods, and laughing and bickering for 2007. It’s a great database, the 45-54 and the 25-34 age groups. and nearly a hundred paper flowers that A like family. That night while praying, I and I was able to search it to find out that * 59 percent of Chinese Americans are appeared like water lilies. She said her rehashed our time together back home. I U.S. residents of Chinese descent make up married, compared to 50.2 percent of the hands were cramped and sore from the thought, perhaps, maybe she was thinking nearly 3.5 million or about 1.2 percent of entire U.S. population. intricate work. The paper flowers required about those memories with me. the U.S. population. * 24.6 percent of the Chinese-American 16 separate sheets of paper that are folded, After completing the ritual, we accom- Residents of Chinese descent make up population over age 25 has a graduate de- then tied together and slowly unfolded to panied the monk to a location where we the largest portion of Asians in the United gree, compared to 10.1 percent of the entire create the petals. Most of the paper lilies burned our final significant offerings to my States, followed by those of Filipino de- U.S. population. adorned the inside of the coffin. The paper grandma. Included was a rice-paper home scent who make up about 3 million. States * 76.3 percent of Chinese Americans gold pieces were burned as symbolic offer- that looked similar to a puppet house. This with the largest Chinese-American popula- speak a language other than English at ings to my grandma along with joss paper, item symbolized her home in the afterlife. tions include California, New York, and home, while 23.7 percent speak English prayer money, and some of the paper flow- Also burned were bags of the paper gold Hawaii. only at home. ers. These burning rituals occur on various pieces that we folded, stacks of joss paper Here are some other fascinating figures * 59.4 percent drive to work, compared days following one’s passing and my uncle and bundles of prayer money which symbol- from that report: to 76.1 percent of the entire U.S. popula- handled this task alone after work. When ized money she could use. Lastly we burned * 1.3 million Chinese-Americans were tion. my mom, sister and I arrived, we helped two paper deities to escort her to her new born in the United States. 2.2 million were * 15.3 percent take public transportation, fold some gold pieces and three flowers but home. In a righteous blaze of fire, the materi- born abroad. compared to 4.9 percent of the entire U.S. the majority of the work had already been als were all cast into the heavens where my * Of those born abroad, 97.2 percent population. completed by our arrival. grandma awaited to receive them. were born in Asia, followed by 1.7 percent The night before the funeral, my mom, Despite finishing the prayers and burn- who were born in Latin America. sister, godmother, uncle, cousin and I were ings late into the night, we all woke up early * 52 percent of Chinese Americans are www.chinainsight.info arts JUNE 2009 > PAGE 9 For the love of the music By Albert Leung, Staff Writer Barton even finds time to learn Mandarin He took to the instrument immediately. has worked steadfastly towards his ultimate and Cantonese with language partners over Barton watched the DVD tutorial and prac- goal of becoming a guzheng master. He now Web services such as MSN Messenger. ticed the techniques 12 to 14 hours each day. is playing level 10 songs and is beginning to Despite his unwavering commitment His guzheng accompanied him everywhere, learn modern guzheng music which is much to these interests, his dedication to learn- even on errand runs. faster to play. Learning the modern music is ing the guzheng exceeds all the others. On “I practiced so much I had blisters on crucial for him to realize his goal of attend- weekdays Barton practices each day for four my fingers, and my hands and wrists ached,” ing China’s most prominent music school, to six hours and about eights hours a day on Barton lamented. “I carried it wherever I Central Conservatory of Music located in weekends. His playing resonates so loudly went. When Grandma went shopping, I just Beijing. He hopes there, he will have the op- that neighbors in his apartment complex played outside the store.” portunity to continue his guzheng studies. bang the walls to quiet him. Since the mo- Learning on his own, Barton advanced “I’d like to move to Beijing when I’m ment he strummed on his first guzheng set his skills to be able to play up to level eight 18 but I really don’t have a time line. No two and a half years ago, Barton has wholly songs in only a matter of months. Unfortu- matter how long it takes, so long as I get been devoted to mastering it. nately, he was only barely getting through there,” he said. “I first heard the instrument at 13 years the music sheets. Paranoia set in as Barton As Barton continues to improve his old when I was looking for Asian music at feared that he had reached his highest po- guzheng play, he is also finding that his the library,” Barton said. “I started listen- tential on his own. reputation is also rising. The teenager is a ing to Japanese music then I looked into Believing he could not teach himself regular performer at Chinese events, has Chinese music. When I heard the guzheng any longer, Barton grew upset over his bookings at private events such as gradua- in the songs, I was amazed of how beautiful lack of a proper instructor. He foraged on tion parties and is currently in the process of it sounded.” the Internet for someone in Minnesota who recording a ten track album. On top of that, With his new found love echoing whim- could teach him. His first outreach was to Barton has also made numerous connections sically in his ears, he set out to find any a local Chinese musician, but he found out globally through language and guzheng Web Jarrelle Barton plays the guzheng means to start learning how to play. Rather that she only played the guzheng as a hobby site forums, YouTube, MySpace and MSN o play the guzheng well, one than immediately buying the instrument, the and wasn’t capable of teaching him properly. Messenger. has to feel free with the in- crafty Barton decided to attempt to build But, as fate would have it, she knew of strument. Every stroke of the his own first. someone who had the proper background 21 strings must be confident, “My first version was a metal serving who could. T tray with handles on it and I strung a few She directed Barton to contact Li Ju strong. For Jarrelle Barton, the guzheng releases a deep and passionate affinity. It is strings across the handles. It was so quiet Xiang, a guzheng master of 42 years. Once not just a hobby instrument but rather it his I could barely hear it when I plucked the finding Li’s phone number, Barton immedi- greatest passion in life. strings. ately jumped on the phone to ask if he was Even as a young black 16-year-old high “For my second version, I took a guitar taking students. The following week, Barton school student, Barton has learned about and and tried to fashion it into a guzheng. I tried was in front of Li demonstrating the skills adopted much of Chinese culture. For ex- to put bridges under the strings so I could he had achieved on his own. ample, adorned on the walls of his home are push down on them to play but it ended up “Master Li Ju Xiang was actually brushwork paintings of bamboo and Chinese sounding terrible. That was a bad idea,” amazed that I was able to learn songs up to When Barton plays his guzheng, his face calligraphy which he practices on his own. Barton said. level eight on my own but he also criticized expresses peace and comfort. Engrossed Living with his grandma, he regularly cooks Finally convinced that Barton would my playing saying I lacked good technique,” in the images evoked from the music, he her Chinese dishes using recipes from his not be satisfied with learning guzheng tech- Barton said. “He told me that the guzheng delves into his own world during each song. cookbooks. On their patio he has specially niques on homemade instruments, Barton’s needs to be played like you’re speaking. No Chinese person could look as natural as outfitted a blazing hot wok station using a grandma, Erma Yates, bought him a begin- Every note needs to be clear.” Barton while strumming this instrument. hefty propane tank and metal range. Young ner’s model and a DVD tutorial. For the past two and a half years, Barton Unequivocally, he was born to play the guzheng.  Renowned Chinese composer Chen Yi returns to the Twin Cities Artist is composer-in-residence of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra April 29-May 10 revisited this work recently with the Apple chestra. Her residency was made possible in the Twin Cities. In 2001, she was part Valley High School’s 9th grade band. She through Music Alive, a residency program of the historic world premiere concert, spoke at length with the students about her of the League of American Orchestras and Hún Qiáo, [Bridge of Souls], A Concert experiences as a child during the Cultural Meet the Composer. The Orchestra pre- of Remembrance and Reconciliation, Revolution and answered many questions sented the world premiere performance of presented by the Chamber Music Society about that period in Chinese history as well her work, Prelude and Fugue for Chamber of Minnesota, to commemorate WWII in as what it meant to be a composer. “Chen Orchestra, on April 30 and repeated the Asia. Her work for this concert, Ning, (a Yi is a dynamic and engaging personality,” performance twice in the following week. word that means both Nanjing and Peace) reported John Nuechterlein, President of Chen Yi is widely known for combining has been performed throughout this country the American Composers Forum. “We were Chinese and Western traditions in her works, numerous times since then. It has garnered thrilled she was willing to take time from transcending cultural and musical boundar- critical praise from all major music critics, a busy schedule to meet with students at ies in the process. Her music reaches a wide including this one from Allan Kozinn of The the early hour of 7:30 a.m. We knew the range of audiences and inspires people of New York Times: “Ning by Chen Yi, used students would love her. They always do!” different cultural backgrounds. In Prelude (violin, cello, and pipa) in a melancholy and To hear an excerpt of Spring Festival, visit and Fugue for Chamber Orchestra, she in- sometimes terrifyingly visceral evocation http://www.bandquest.org/music/springfes- corporates three familiar Chinese folk tunes of China during World War II. A traditional tival.shtml. (Summer Thunder, Prancing Horses, and song Jasmine Flower, is buried and frag- Chen Yi was born in Guangzhou, Racing the Dragon Boat) into the traditional mented within the work’s textures.” China, in 1953 and started studying violin western structure of prelude and fugue. She On another previous occasion she was and piano at age three. She is a graduate Chen Yi added Chinese wood blocks and cymbals to commissioned by the American Composers of Beijing Central Conservatory (BA and the western orchestra and taught the western Forum in St. Paul to write a work for their MA) and Columbia University in the City hen Yi, one of the brightest cello to sing like the Chinese er-hu. The celebrated BANDQUEST series of music of New York (DMA), and is currently the stars among Chinese compos- result was a most pleasing and exciting for young bands. Her work, Spring Fes- Lorena Searcey Cravens/Millsap/Missouri ers on the international scene work, evocative of Chinese music yet full tival, is one of the more popular pieces in Distinguished Professor in Music Composi- today, was in town during the of textural and musical complexities more BANDQUEST because it brings to life the C tion at the Conservatory of the University week of April 29 – May 10 as the composer- associated with new western music. Chinese Folk Song Lion Playing Ball in a of Missouri-Kansas City. in-residence of the St. Paul Chamber Or- This was Chen Yi’s fourth appearance form easily accessible by young players. She PAGE 10 > JUNE 2009 culture www.chinainsight.info

Egg” are two favorite Gelo games. “Flower over half of the harvest went for rent. Gelo Dragon,” in fact, is a ball of woven bamboo, farmers also had to pay additional tributes a little larger than a ping-pong ball. Inside as high as 200 percent of a year’s rent. In are bits of broken porcelain, coins and western Guizhou, farmers not only paid in sandstones. The game, especially popular maize, opium, soybeans and peppers, but in Zunyi and Renhuai, is played by groups they also had to work -- unpaid -- for 50-80 of pairs on hillsides. “Bamboo-Strip Egg” days a year. is also a ball, larger and stuffed with rice straw. Two teams of three or five throw and The Hani ethnic minority kick the ball, avoiding contact except with Population: 1.25 million the hands or feet. Major area of distribution: Yunnan Most Gelo festivals echo Han traditions, Language: Hani but some practices differ. At Spring Festi- Religion: Buddhism val-- the Lunar New Year -- Gelos offer a huge rice cake to their ancestors and after it is made, it remains untouched for three days. In Guizhou’s Anshun, Puding and Zhenning, Gelo communities also celebrate the sixth day of the sixth lunar month by sacrificing chickens and preparing wine to bless the rice crop already in the fields. The sixth day of the seventh lunar month marks the second most important event of the year, a festival of ancestor worship in Wozi and Gaoyang villages of Puding China’s ethnic County. Oxen, pigs and sheep are slaugh- tered for ritual sacrifices to ancestors. On the first day of the tenth lunar month, minorities Gelos give their oxen a day of rest. This is We continue our series on China’s 55 ethnic minority groups. This month features the the day of the Ox King Buddha, and in some Gelo, Hani, and Hezhe ethnic minorities. communities on this day oxen are honored The Gelo ethnic minority wore very short jackets with sleeves em- and fed special rice cakes. Population: 438,200 broidered with patterns of fish scale. They Prior to liberation, Gelos had a num- Major area of distribution: Guizhou wore tight skirts divided into three sections, ber of distinctive taboos. During Spring Most of the 1,254,800 Hanis live in the and Guangxi the middle one of red wool and the upper Festival, for example, they did not allow valleys between the Yuanjiang and Lancang Language: Gelo and lower ones of black-and-white striped themselves to sweep floors, carry water, rivers, that is, the vast area between the Religion: Polytheism linen. Gelo women also wore short, black cook food, clean houses, plough, ride horses Ailao and Mengle mountains in southern sleeveless gowns which hung longer in the or pour water from their houses. In some Yunnan Province. They are under the ju- back. Their shoes had pointed, upturned areas on other holidays, Gelos would not risdiction of the Honghe Hani-Yi Autono- toes. Men wore front-buttoned jackets, and transplant rice or build houses if they heard mous Prefecture, which includes Honghe, both sexes wore long scarves. thunder. Yuanyang, Luchun and Jinping counties. In the mountain areas, the Gelos eat Others dwell in Mojiang, Jiangcheng, Pu’er, mostly maize, while in the flatlands, they History Lancang and Zhenyuan counties in Simao eat wheat, rice, millet and sorghum. All the Over the last 2,000 years or more, Gelos Prefecture; in Xishuangbanna’s Menghai, Gelos -- like many other Chinese -- love to have lived in many places in China. Bridges, Jinghong and Mengla counties; in Yuanjiang eat hot and sour dishes as well as glutinous graves, wells, and even villages in Guizhou and Xinping, Yuxi Prefecture, and (a small rice cakes. Province still bear Gelo names, even where number) in Eshan, Jianshui, Jingdong and Before 1949, Gelo marriage customs no Gelo still lives. The group’s name dates Jinggu counties. The 438,200 Gelos live in dispersed were feudal, with matches made by parents back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). clusters of communities in about 20 counties at childhood, regardless of the desires of Before then, they were called the “Liaos.” Customs and Culture Their language belongs to the Yi branch in western Guizhou Province, four counties the children involved. As Gelos were so Descended from the Yelang, the strongest of the Tibetan-Myanmese language group of the Wenshan Zhuang-Miao Autonomous few and so scattered, marriages were usu- tribe in the Han Dynasty’s Zangke Pre- of the Chinese-Tibetan language family. Prefecture in southeastern Yunnan Province ally made among cousins. To celebrate fecture, the Liaos moved out of Zangke to Having no script of their own before 1949, and the Longlin Multi-ethnic Autonomous the marriage, the bride would walk with Sichuan, where they became subject to the they kept records by carving notches on County in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous her relatives, carrying an umbrella, to the feudal regime, between the third and fifth sticks. In 1957 the people’s government Region. groom’s home, where they would live apart centuries. helped them to create a script based on the Only about a quarter of the Gelos still from their parents. By the fifth century, the Liaos had de- Roman alphabet. speak the Gelo language belonging to the While funeral customs in most Gelo veloped metal spears, shields and fishing The areas inhabited by the Hanis have Chinese-Tibetan language family. Yet, communities are the same as in Han areas, tools and copper cooking vessels. They rich natural resources. Beneath the ground because of close contact with other ethnic singing and dancing still marks funerals in could weave fine linen. At this time, the are deposits of tin, copper, iron, nickel and groups, their language has not remained a few places, such as Zunyi and Renhuai Liao people elected their kings, who later other minerals. Growing on the rolling Ailao pure -- even within counties. There are counties in Guizhou. There, mourners dance became hereditary rulers. As with other Mountains are pine, cypress, palm, tung oil Gelo-speaking people unable to converse in groups of three, one playing a lusheng south-central minorities, the Gelos were and camphor trees, and the forests abound with each other. For this reason, the lan- (reed pipe), one beating a bamboo pole, the ruled in the Yuan and Ming periods (1271- in animals such as tigers, leopards, bears, guage of the Hans, or Chinese, has become third brandishing a sword, and all singing 1644) by appointed chiefs, who lost their monkeys, peacocks, parrots and pheasants. their common language, though many as they dance. In other areas, mourners sing authority to the central court when the Qing Being subtropical, the land is fertile and Gelos have learned three or four languages in front of the coffin; family members of the Dynasty came to power. the rainfall plentiful -- ideal for growing from other people in their communities, deceased serve wine in gratitude to them. In Until 1949, most Gelos were farmers. rice, millet, cotton, peanuts, indigo and tea. including the Miao, Ys and Bouyei. Living some places, a shaman who chooses the time They grew rice, maize, wheat, sweet pota- Xishuangbanna’s Nanru Hills are one of the among other ethnic groups, the Gelos have and place of burial recites scriptures at the toes, and millet. Before the founding of the country’s major producers of the famous become largely assimilated to the majority grave. Animal sacrifice usually accompanies People’s Republic of China, Gelo farmers Pu’er tea. Han customs. the burial. Trees, rather than stones, mark had no irrigation or ways of storing water. the grave. As a result, their maize output was only The Hanis are monogamous. Before How the Gelos Live Gelo folk literature consists of poetry, about [600 pounds per acre]. Droughts 1949, a man was allowed to have a concu- The Gelos’ living quarters, like those stories and proverbs. Poems are of three, inevitably brought about devastating con- bine if the wife had born him no son after of their Han neighbors, usually consist of a five or seven-character lines. Most Gelo sequences. Side businesses, especially cork some years of marriage. However, he was central kitchen and two bedrooms built on a folk tales eulogize the intelligence, honesty, production, bamboo weaving and making not supposed to forsake his original wife to hillside or at the foot of a mountain. Before diligence and bravery of the Gelo people, straw sandals were essential to the Gelos remarry. Marriages are mostly arranged by liberation, poor Gelos lived in mud, bamboo and satirize the upper classes. Typical are for survival. the parents. or stone houses, some with thatched roofs. “The Brave Girl” and “Deaf Elder Brother Before 1949, land mainly belonged to The Hanis in Mojiang and Biyue have Landlords and wealthier peasants lived in and Blind Younger Brother Stealing Sheep.” landlords of other ethnic groups. In Ping- a very interesting custom for settling an houses with wooden columns and thick Gelo dances are simple and graceful, ac- zheng village of Zunyi County, for example, engagement. The parents of both the girl and stone slabs, with tile or stone roofs. Now, companied by the erhu, horizontal xiao, landlords and rich peasants owned 50 boy involved should walk some distance to- nearly everyone lives in houses of wood. suona, gong, drum and other string and wind percent of the land, even though they con- gether, and so long as they meet no animals Gelos continued to wear their ethnic instruments. stituted only nine percent of the population. the engagement can go ahead. costumes until 30 or 40 years ago. Women “Flower Dragon” and “Bamboo-Strip Rent was usually paid in kind and every year Minorities continues on Page 11 www.chinainsight.info culture JUNE 2009 > PAGE 11

Minorities from Page 10 instruments. Popular are the “Hand Clap- The brides usually return to live with ping” and “Fan” dances. The “Dongpocuo” their parents only two or three days after the dance popular in Xishuangbanna is a typi- wedding ceremony and join their husbands cal Hani dance; it is vigorous, graceful and again at rice-transplanting time. But this is rhythmic. not practiced in the Honghe area. A son’s name begins with the last one Origins and History Historical records indicate that a tribal or two words of his father’s name in order people called the “Heyis” was active south to keep the family line going. This practice of the Dadu River in the 3rd century B.C. has been handed down for as many as 55 These were possibly the ancestors of the generations in some families. Hanis of today. According to the records, The Hanis prefer clothing made of some of them had moved to the area of home-spun dark blue cloth. Men wear front- the Lancang River between the 4th and buttoned jackets and trousers, and black or 8th centuries. Local chieftains then paid white cloth turbans. Women have collarless, tribute to the Tang court and in return they front-buttoned blouses with the cuffs and were included on the list of officials and trouser legs laced. Hanis in Xishuangbanna subjects of that dynasty. The Yuan Dynasty wear jackets buttoned on the right side and (1271-1368) established a prefecture to rule decorated with silver ornaments. They wear the Hanis and other minorities in Yunnan. black turbans. Women there, as well as in The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) exercised the Lancang area, wear skirts, round caps, its rule through local chieftains, who were and strings of silver ornaments. Both men granted official posts. During the Qing Dy- and women wear leggings. In Mojiang, nasty (1644-1911) court officials replaced Yuanjiang and Jiangcheng, some women the chieftains. wear long, pleated or narrow skirts, while The social development of the Hanis others have knee-length trousers with em- was uneven in different areas before 1949. broidered girdles. Women in general like to Those in contact with the Hans were more wear earrings, silver rings and necklaces. developed economically and culturally. Married and unmarried women wear dif- The feudal landlord economy was domi- ferent hairstyles. nant during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Hanis build their two- and three- Productivity was more or less on the Han story houses of bamboo, mud, stone and level but the peasants were exploited harshly wood on hill slopes. A village comprises by the landlords who seized large tracts of from ten to as many as 400 households. In fertile land. places like Honghe, Yuanyang and Luchun, The situation in Jinghong, Menglong and houses have mud walls and thatched roofs, Xiding was different. Vestiges of primitive supported by wooden pillars placed on communal land ownership still remained. stone foundations, while in Xishuangbanna, There, the majority of land was public houses are built of bamboo. property. Commune members owned paddy They are polytheists and ancestor wor- fields and tea plantations, and could reclaim shippers. Rituals are regularly held to wor- and cultivate communal land. However, ship the Gods of Heaven, Earth, the Dragon private land ownership was fairly developed Tree and their village, as well as their family in Menghai, Mengsong and Mengla coun- patron gods. Believing they are protected ties. Landlords and rich peasants possessed by the God of the village gate, the Hanis most of the arable land there, as well as the in Xishuangbanna also hold ceremonies to tea plantations, forests and wasteland. Poor pay respects to this deity. A shaman presides peasants were subjected to exploitation in over the rites, at which sacrifices of cattle various forms. are offered. In counties like Honghe, Yuanyang, Lu- There are days devoted to animals, such chun, Jinping and Jiangcheng, the economy as Sheep Day, on which sacrifices are made. was in a sort of transition from primitive On days when someone dies, a wild animal economy to the feudal landlord economy. comes into the village, a dog climbs onto the Peasants were burdened by exorbitant taxes roof of a house, or a fire breaks out, people and levies enforced by the chieftains, who would be called to stop working and hold were both land owners and political rulers. ceremonies to avert misfortune. In the Ailao mountains, the Hanis were The Hani people celebrate their New impoverished and suffered under various Year in October, as their lunar calendar forms of exploitation. In one village, which begins in that month. During the weeklong had some 150 households 50 years ago, only festivities, pigs are slaughtered and special 17 families were left at the time of liberation glutinous rice balls are prepared. Relatives due to famine and disease. and friends visit each other, go-betweens are busy making matches, and married women A New and Prosperous Life go to see their parents. They also celebrate The Hani inhabited areas were liberated the June Festival, which falls on the 24th in 1949. In the early post-1949 days, local of that month. This is a happy occasion governments at different levels enthusi- especially for the young people. They sing, astically worked for the unity of different dance, play on swings and hold wrestling nationalities while mopping up the Kuom- contests. At night, people in some places intang remnants, bandits and local tyrants. light pine torches while beating drums and Between 1950 and 1957 the state allocated gongs to expel evil spirits and disease. Like to the Hanis large quantities of relief grain, their Han neighbors, the Hanis who live clothing, seeds and cattle, coupled with ag- in the Honghe area celebrate the Spring, ricultural loans, to help them overcome their Dragon Boat and Moon festivals. difficulties and develop production. Legends, fairy tales, poetry, stories, The Honghe Hani-Yi Autonomous Pre- fables, ballads, proverbs, mythology and fecture was set up in 1957 as a merger of riddles form their oral literature. Genesis is the earlier Honghe Hani Autonomous Pre- a legend describing the origin of all things fecture and Mongzi Prefecture. Meanwhile, on earth. An Account of Floods tells how a number of autonomous counties were men conquered floods. Labare and Ahjigu established. Democratic reforms, with land are songs sung on solemn occasions such as reform as the central task, were started in weddings, funerals, festivals and religious 1952 and completed within five years. Land rituals. reform brought about profound changes in The Hanis are good singers and danc- the relations of production: The peasants ers. They use three- and four-stringed instruments, flutes and gourd-shaped wind Minorities continues on Page 12 PAGE 12 > JUNE 2009 culture www.chinainsight.info

Minorities from Page 11 on skis. They are also skilled at carpentry, into concentration camps. Their diet was aged and many of the Hezhes went in for it, became the masters of their own land, their tanning and iron smelting; but these are still inadequate, as they could no longer hunt as others formed production teams to pursue living standards improved, unity among dif- cottage industries. and fish freely, and opium addiction was hunting and fishing. With their initiative ferent nationalities was further strengthened, rife. The death toll under these conditions brought into full play, the Hezhes began to and social order in this border area was Customs and Culture was high and the Hezhes dwindled rapidly in have a thriving economy. Electricity has enhanced. Land reform was followed by the Traditional Hezhe clothing is made of numbers, reaching the point of extinction as transformed their once-gloomy dwellings socialist transformation of agriculture. fish skins and deer hides. The decorations of a separate ethnic group just before China’s with light, radios, TV sets and other conve- Many farmland capital construction the clothes consist of buttons made of catfish national liberation in 1949. niences of modern life. Textiles, leather and works have been carried out since lib- bones and collars and cuffs dyed in cloud- rubber have replaced the old animal skins eration. These include opening up terraced shaped patterns. Women wear fish-skin and Resurgence of the Hezhe people they used to wrap themselves in, and up-to- land, changing dry land into paddy fields, deer-hide dresses decorated with shells and With the end of the War of Resistance date educational and medical facilities are building reservoirs and expanding irrigated colored strips of dyed deer hide in cloud, Against Japan in 1945, the Hezhes took an available, even for the Hezhes who continue acreage. More than 700 small hydroelectric plant and animal designs. Bear skins and active part in the Chinese People’s Libera- to lead a nomadic life. power stations have been put up throughout birch bark are also used to make thick boots tion Army’s mopping-up operations against The Hezhes run their own affairs in the Hani areas, supplying electricity to 70 which everyone wears in winter. remnant Kuomintang forces in their area. Fuyuan County’s Xiabacha Hezhe Au- percent of the townships, and farm mecha- Unmarried girls used to tie their hair They then returned to their old hunting tonomous Township, and send deputies nization is on the rise. The post-liberation in one braid, while married women wore grounds and rebuilt their homes with help to local, provincial and national People’s years have also seen marked development two. Bracelets were common ornaments from the central government. Loans and Congresses.  in forestry, livestock breeding, sideline oc- for all women, but only old women wore relief funds enabled them to resume their Source: People’s Daily Online cupations and fishing. earrings. traditional way of life. Farming was encour- (http://english.people.com.cn/) Industrial enterprises which have sprung Since the mid-20th century, these styles have fallen out of fashion to a great extent, Statistics from Page 1 up after 1949 cover metallurgy, mining, ma- • The most notable changes in rank chine-building, chemicals, cement, textiles, along with the primitive shamanism which used to be the Hezhes’ religion. among the top 10 markets between 2007 plastics, cigarettes and food processing. In and 2008 were the Philippines (up from 11th Honghe Prefecture alone, 400 state- and Monogamy is the normal practice, but polygamy was sometimes indulged in by the to sixth), Mexico (up from eighth to fifth), collective-run factories are in operation. A Germany (down from fifth to eighth) and the highway network, with Kunming to Daluo, wealthier members of the tribe. Marriage partners had to be selected from among Netherlands (down from seventh to 10th). Gejiu to Jingping, and Simao to Jiangcheng • Minnesota accounts for more than 10 as the trunk lines, links all the counties with- members of other clans, and early marriage, arranged by the parents, was normal. Though percent of U.S. exports to Ireland and the in the area and facilitates communications Philippines. with neighboring places. Department stores remarriage for widows was sanctioned, no now supply cheap salt, which used to be in marriage ceremony was performed. short supply, and other daily necessities, The dead were buried in the wilderness, in log-lined pits covered with a mound. 5 percent, between 2007 and 2008. bringing most of the comforts of modern • North America led all regions in the life to the Hani people. Dead infants were bundled in birch bark and suspended from the limbs of trees, in state’s export gains (US$57 million). the hope that their souls would be freed • In 2008, for the first time, North Amer- The Hezhe ethnic minority into the air and promote the prosperity of ica accounted for the same share of exports Population: 4,300 the parents. for Minnesota and the United States. (32 Major areas of distribution: Hei- Story telling and ballad singing are percent). Canada, however, accounted for longjiang favorite pastimes among the Hezhe people, a larger share and Mexico accounted for a Language: Hezhe and Han who have a wealth of folktales. Some of the smaller share of the state’s exports compared Religion: originally Shamanism longer epics and ballads can last for days on with U.S. exports as a whole. (See Table 1. on Page 15) end, as tales of ancient heroes are narrated Exports to 27 members of the European Minnesota’s annual exports to Canada in speech alternating with songs. Union (EU-27) were valued at US$4.9 bil- (Rank: 1) rose to a record US$4.8 billion. Short and lively shuohuli songs used to lion in 2008. • Exports to Canada grew 9 percent be sung by the elders to initiate the younger • Minnesota exports fell slightly by 0.1 between 2007 and 2008, gained almost members of the tribe into the tribal lore. percent since 2007. Strong gains in exports US$400 million during this period and The Hezhes also sing songs with extem- to Belgium, France and the U.K. were accounted for 28 percent of the state’s pore words; typical are “jialingkuo” and offset by declines in exports to Ireland and exports. “henina.” Embroidery is a highly developed Germany. • Petroleum and coal products (up art among the Hezhes -- probably perfected • U.S. exports to the EU surged 10 US$130 million or 261 percent, to US$180 over the centuries of long winter nights. percent, especially to the Netherlands and million) and machinery (up US$92 million Geometrical and floral patterns decorate Germany. or 15 percent, to US$707 million) performed clothing, shoes and tobacco pouches. Asia purchased US$4.6 billion of the the most strongly. Growing machinery They are also noted for their carved state’s manufactured exports. segments included sand/liquid dispersing wooden furniture, birch bark boxes and • Minnesota sales to this region rose 7 equipment, liquid pumps and specialized utensils, which sport images of Buddha, percent, exceeding the growth rate of na- machinery, while the main growing petro- plants and animals. tional exports to Asia (3 percent). leum area was non-crude petroleum prod- Central and South America experienced ucts (e.g. light diesel oil, motor oils). Historical Background the strongest export growth rate among all • Transportation equipment goods to- The Hezhes trace their lineage back to regions. taled US$1.2 billion, a decline of 5 percent the nomadic Nuzhens, a race of Tartar horse- • The state’s exports to this region in- since 2007. men who ravaged the northern borders of creased 18 percent (or US$135 million) to Exports of public transportation ve- several Chinese dynasties. The Hezhes of US$877 million. U.S. exports to this region hicles and small trucks decreased, while different regions call themselves by various grew 27 percent. those of snowmobiles and pleasure boats The Hezhes are one of the smallest names, prominent among which are Nanai, The state’s other regions were Non-EU increased. ethnic minority groups in China. In fact, Nabei and Naniao -- all meaning “natives” Europe (i.e. Europe, excluding EU, US$421 State exports to China (including Hong poverty and oppression had reduced their or “aborigines.” They first came under million), Australia-Pacific (US$456 mil- Kong) (2) surged 11 percent to almost numbers to a mere 300 at the time of the Chinese sway during the Tang Dynasty lion), the Middle East (US$333 million) and US$1.3 billion in 2008. founding of the People’s Republic of China (618-907) when the Heilong Military Re- Africa (US$147 million). • Exports of computers and electronics in 1949. Since then, however, they have gion was set up to rule the area. In the early to China were worth US$371 million in made speedy advances in their economic Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) the Hezhes were 2008, climbing 23 percent (or US$71 mil- life and health care, so that by 1990 the incorporated into the military “eight banner” lion) since 2007. Growing market segments population had grown to 4,300. system of the Manchu rulers. included computer components, printed They are a nomadic people who live The Qing government adopted divide- circuits and parts for telecommunications mainly by hunting and fishing in the plain and-rule tactics by giving titles and admin- applications. formed by the Heilong, Songhua and Wusuli istrative power to the local tribal chiefs, • Food exports gained 40 percent to rivers in Tongjiang, Fuyuan and Raohe who then used their privileges to exploit US$84 million in 2008, driven by increased counties in northeast China’s Heilongjiang the poorer Hezhes, thus creating a feudal sales of meat. Province. Their language, which belongs to hierarchy. Frozen poultry products were up US$12 the Manchu-Tungusic group of the Altaic But it was when they fell under the rule million (or 111 percent) and frozen pork of the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo products were up US$5 million (or 281 family, has no written form. For commu- Top Markets by Country nication with outsiders they use the spoken during Japanese occupation of China’s percent). Minnesota increased exports to seven and written Chinese language. northeast that the Hezhes reached the depths • Machinery exports dropped 5 percent, of the state’s top 10 markets between 2007 In winter they travel by sled and hunt of misery. A policy of genocide was prac- ticed, under which the Hezhes were herded and 2008. Statistics continues on Page 13 www.chinainsight.info trade JUNE 2009 > PAGE 13 Statistics from Page 12 in 2007. Belgium (9) moved up one spot as its led by weaker demand for optic-related purchases from Minnesota jumped 25 per- products, some engines/motors and printing cent to US$625 million. machinery. • During the past six years, as exports to Belgium have been consistently strong, Belgium’s ranking has steadily increased. • Exports of machinery products – about half of the state’s exports to Belgium – drove export growth of 60 percent to almost US$300 million. Growing segments were sand- or liquid-dispersing equipment (up US$46 million to US$165 million) and • Exports to the Philippines increased liquid pumps (up US$42 million to US$45 by US$253 million (or up 52 percent) to million). US$743 million. • Prior to 1999, at least 75 percent of • Minnesota is the third-largest exporting the state’s exports consisted of machinery Minnesota’s sales to Ireland (3) slumped state to the Philippines (behind California and computer and electronics products. (down 20 percent) to US$884 million. at US$1.2 billion and Texas at US$1.1 bil- Since 1999, export growth of miscellaneous • Exports to Ireland dipped below US$1 lion). (chiefly, medical) products and machinery billion for the first time since 2002. Al- • In 2008, the Philippines had the third- accelerated, such that these two latter areas though ranked ahead of China between 2001 fastest growth rate (among the top 40 mar- accounted for 78 percent of the state’s ex- and 2005, Ireland fell behind China in 2006 kets) and second-largest export gain. ports to Belgium in 2008. • Growth was fueled by computer and Minnesota’s sales to the Netherlands and has been ranked third since. in four of its five major exporting manufac- electronics exports, which increased 54 per- (10) dipped 5 percent to US$590 million. • The state’s exports of the top two turing industries: cent (or US$234 million) to US$672 million • The Netherlands’ ranking dropped industry areas, miscellaneous (including • computers and electronics (ninth), and represented 90 percent of exports to this three spots to 10th in 2008, from a high of medical) goods and computer and elec- • machinery (14th), country. The vast majority of these goods fifth in 2006. tronics products, each fell by more than 20 • miscellaneous products (eighth) and were integrated circuits. • Exports of computer and electronics percent. These two areas represent almost • food (11th). 90 percent of exports. State exports to the United Kingdom (7) products slid 19 percent to US$184 million. • Minnesota accounts for a dispropor- totaled US$741 million, growing at a steady Further, the decline in chemical products tionately large share of U.S. sales to this pace of 7 percent. (down 20 percent to US$87 million, mostly country (10.7 percent), although this share due to pharmaceutical products) partly off- has fallen along with the decline in the set the strong export gains in miscellaneous state’s exports to Ireland. products of 25 percent, to almost US$191 • Exports to Ireland have been volatile, million. partly because they are less diversified • These top three industries represented and depend heavily on medical goods (72 78 percent of Minnesota’s exports to this percent), so changes in medical industry country. and business operations can heavily affect Fastest-Growing Country Markets these exports. Minnesota’s 10 fastest-growing export Minnesota’s exports to Japan (4) totaled markets (by growth rate, among countries US$799 million in 2008. National and state • The strongest growing area for Min- with US$50 million or more in Minnesota (See Table 3. on Page 15) exports to Japan both rose 1.6 percent be- nesota was computers and electronics, the exports) included four in Central and South Exports of computers and electronics tween 2007 and 2008. main export, which increased 11 percent to America and two in the Middle East. (Rank: 1) were valued at US$4.2 billion • Strong increased sales of medical US$211 million. The Dominican Republic (38), Peru in 2007. products (within the miscellaneous goods • Other strong performers were machin- (39), Argentina (28) and Brazil (15) together • These exports rose barely 5 percent industry) were up 25 percent to US$133 ery (up 13 percent, or almost US$13 million, generated 55 percent of exports to Central (or US$192 million) since 2007, slightly million and helped boost exports to Japan. to US$110 million, the third-largest export), and South American markets. exceeding the U.S. growth rate of 1.7 Exports of the main products, comput- food products (up 70 percent, or US$10 • In the Dominican Republic, strong percent. ers and electronics, grew modestly (2.5 million, to US$25 million) and electrical demand for electrical equipment (US$14 • Minnesota sales to Thailand fell by percent). equipment (up 22 percent, or almost US$10 million) and leather goods (US$12 million) two-thirds (or down US$140 million) to • Machinery exports continued to slide million, to US$54 million). fueled export growth. US$65 million, while those to the Nether- (13 percent drop) to US$122 million. Food Weaker demand for Minnesota exports • In the South American markets, the lands and Ireland fell by one-fifth to US$184 exports dropped sharply by US$11 mil- in Germany (8) led to a drop from fifth in main growing segments were machinery million and US$156 million, respectively. lion (or 14 percent) to US$68 million, the 2007 to eighth in 2008. (Argentina, Brazil, Peru), electrical equip- second-largest drop by industry. ment (Argentina) and computers and elec- • Performance by U.S. exports was also tronics (Peru). mixed across industries, with strong growth • In particular machinery exports to in chemical and food products being offset Brazil were up 80 percent to US$89 million, by steep declinesin computers, electronics mainly due to increased sales of specialized and machinery exports. machinery, centrifuges and filters, and liquid Mexico (5) moved up from eighth to the pumps. state’s fifth largest export market, as exports Minnesota’s exports increased almost 14 jumped 29 percent to US$794 million. percent to the Middle East. • Exports to Mexico represented 4.6 • The United Arab Emirates (25) jumped percent of the state’s exports, the same share up in rank from 33rd in 2007 as exports grew as Japan’s. • Minnesota’s exports to Germany to US$109 million. Exports of machinery • For the second consecutive year, ex- • The main bright spot in Asia for Min- dropped 5 percent to US$729 million due to (up 41 percent to US$28 million) and ports of food products to Mexico surged nesota continued to be the Philippines, slumping sales in the top three industries. transportation equipment (up 76 percent to more than 20 percent (to US$258 million) where sales of computers and electronics • The state’s exports of machinery US$19 million) increased the most. and were the main source of growth and the jumped 53 percent (or up US$234 million) (US$102 million) fell the most, by US$23 • Electrical equipment and machinery main export, accounting for 32 percent of to US$672 million and were driven by in- million, driven by weaker sales of liquid boosted exports to Saudi Arabia (34). the state’s exports to Mexico. tegrated circuits, for which the Philippines pumps and printing machinery (each declin- India (19) was among the state’s fastest- • Machinery became the second-largest accounted for almost 75 percent of sales. ing by about US$10 million). growing markets based on machinery exported product to Mexico as exports ex- • Other strong performers were China • Exports of computers and electronics products (up 79 percent to US$51 million), ploded by 76 percent (or up US$53 million) (up 23 percent to US$371 million), Canada fell slightly (down 2 percent to US$356 which accounted for 31 percent of exports. to US$123 million. The main growth areas (up 12 percent to US$504 million) and million) while exports of miscellaneous (See Table 2. on Page 15) were parts for lifting and moving equipment France (up 32 percent to US$194 million). goods fell moderately (down 7 percent to (e.g. pulleys and cranes), some compressors, Machinery (2) exports from Minnesota US$85 million). Top Markets by Industry centrifuges and filters. were valued at US$2.9 billion and were • Smaller market segments were among Most industries posted record-high lev- • Computer and electronics goods (down key drivers of growth for the state between the better performers: transportation equip- els of exports from Minnesota in 2008. 9 percent to US$106 million) were one of 2007 and 2008. ment (up 37 percent to US$39 million), • The exceptions were three of the top the few industries to experience a decline • Exports of machinery products in- primary metal products (up 53 percent to four industries (computers and electronics, in exports. transportation equipment and miscellaneous creased 13 percent (or US$326 million). The Philippines (6) continued its bril- US$11 million) and food products (up 38 percent to US$8 million). goods) and nonmetallic mineral products. liant performance, moving up from 11th Minnesota was among the top 15 states Statistics continues on Page 14 PAGE 14 > JUNE 2009 trade www.chinainsight.info Statistics from Page 13 Minnesota’s businesses exported US$1.4 maintained their sales from 2007, with a with the Philippines contributing much of U.S. exports of machinery also did well, billion – a record high – in food products slight growth rate of 0.4 percent, reaching this growth. gaining 10 percent. (5) in 2008. US$588 million in sales in 2008. • Other strong performers included tel- • Canada and Belgium – the state’s main • The state’s exports of food grew 16 • Strong gains in China (up 14 percent ephonic electric apparatus (up 24 percent to two markets for machinery – contributed the percent, compared to U.S. growth of 25 or almost US$12 million, to US$93 mil- US$305 million) and electric generating sets lion’s share of the gains. Exports to Canada percent. lion), Brazil (up 43 percent to US$18 mil- (up 34 percent to US$175 million). increased 16 percent (or US$96 million) • Minnesota businesses increased their lion) and Mexico (up 25 percent to US$24 Export data on food-related industries to US$707 million, while these exports to sales to nine of the top 10 markets for food million) were offset by weaker trends in mingle agricultural commodities and pro- Belgium increased 60 percent (or US$112 products, including North American coun- Germany (down 50 percent to almost cessed foods. million) to US$299 million. tries (which accounted for 58 percent of US$7 million), Taiwan (down 15 percent • Exports of soybean and other food resi- Gains in strongly growing markets such these exports) and seven countries in Asia to US$22 million) and other countries. dues (used for animal feed) were one of the as Mexico, Brazil and Spain offset large (which accounted for one-quarter of the • Exports included different types of strongest-performing food segments, increas- declines in Korea, Taiwan and Germany. state’s food exports). paper and cardboard, waste paper, and ing by 37 percent to US$467 million, shipped Transportation equipment (3) exports • The four largest food markets contrib- wood pulp products. mostly to Canada and Mexico. uted the most to growth. • The state’s exports of meat products • The strongest-growing food segments increased 73 percent to US$161 million. were frozen meat products (particularly • Sales of fats and oils – particularly soy- pork and poultry), fats and oils (particularly bean oil – grew strongly (up 42 percent to soybean oil), and food waste products. US$162 million) to Canada (US$88 million) Chemical products (6) exports were es- and Mexico (US$66 million). These two countries accounted for 95 percent of the market for the state’s fats and oils products. Transportation equipment covers all modes of transport: water, land (road, rail) and air. • Canada, the main individual country • Exports of aircraft-related products and were valued at US$2 billion in 2008, down destination, contributed 26 percent of parts fell sharply to Russia, but this would 7 percent since 2007. sales in 2008, down from a high of 58 appear to be an isolated occurrence. • The overall trend was heavily influ- percent in 2000. Its share has decreased • Exports of non-railway vehicles mainly enced by the substantial drop in sales to as the market share of countries in Asia consisted of small trucks, buses and snow- Russia – down 97 percent to US$5 million has increased from 12 percent in 2000 to mobiles to Canada (US$1.1 billion). The next – between 2007 and 2008. 48 percent in 2008. largest markets – and accounting for a large This drop appears to be an isolated oc- Minnesota’s plastics and rubber prod- portion of snowmobile sales – were Finland currence that offsets the unusual increase sentially flat since 2007 and totaled US$999 ucts (10) totaled US$453 million, up (US$68 million) and Norway (US$49 mil- in 2007. The state’s exports to Russia of million in 2008. slightly by 2 percent since 2007. U.S. lion). these goods did not exceed US$4.3 million • Canada and the U.K., the two largest export growth was 6 percent. HS 30 Pharmaceutical Products include prior to 2007. buyers of the state’s chemical products, • Exports include packaging containers bandages, medicines, blood and vaccine- • The state’s exports of transportation together accounted for about one-third of (boxes, bags, crates) and polymers and related products. goods were flat (down 0.6 percent), exclud- sales, and each experienced slight growth resins used to make these products. • Shipments fell the most to the Nether- ing Russia. (Canada: 1 percent growth to US$197 • The state’s exports were up US$14 lands (down 31 percent, or US$33 million, to • Canada is the dominant buyer (US$1.2 million, the U.K.: 0.2 percent growth to million each in the two main markets, US$73 million), the second-largest market in billion), with a market share of 61 percent. US$124 million) since 2007. Canada (US$112 million) and China 2008, but the largest market in 2007. Exports to this market fell by 4.4 percent. • Canada mainly bought cosmetic (US$72 million). • Exports declined by more than US$10 • Markets that experienced gains of more preparations, protein derivatives/starch glue • Canada and China were among the million to Germany, Canada and China. than US$10 million were Finland (third products and soap-detergent products. The strongest performers among the markets largest, up 26 percent to US$69 million latter two areas had strong growth, but sales for plastics exports between 1998 and Export Logistics in exports), Norway (fifth largest, up 29 of bandage products and pharmaceutical 2008, with each increasing their exports by Exports are shipped via multiple transport percent to US$55 million), Italy (seventh products dropped sharply. more than US$60 million (132 percent for modes. largest, up 132 percent to US$43 million) • Exports to the Netherlands dropped Canada and 374 percent for China). Ex- • Most commonly, exports leave the and Germany (ninth largest, up 37 percent 20 percent to US$87 million, mainly due ports of plastics to all countries increased country by airplane (43 percent), followed to US$39 million). to weaker demand for pharmaceutical US$195 million (or 75 percent) during by road and rail (33 percent) and by ship (24 Minnesota exports of miscellaneous products. this period. percent). (including medical) products (4) totaled • Other major markets were China • Recently, the share of air shipping has (US$89 million) and Japan (US$78 mil- Major Exported Commodities dropped, while that of road and rail ship- lion). In addition to export data based on the ping has risen. Air shipments were valued at Exports of electrical equipment (7) North American Industry Classification US$7.5 billion. gained 20 percent between 2007 and 2008, System (NAICS) discussed elsewhere in • The main industries shipped by air – reaching a record high of US$776 million this report, export data on products defined together accounting for 81 percent of air in 2008. by the Harmonized Tariff System - Sched- shipments – were computers and electron- • Since falling to a low in 2003, exports ule B (HS) provide additional insight into ics (US$3.6 billion), miscellaneous goods of electrical equipment have rebounded and exports by Minnesota businesses. (US$1.6 billion) and machinery (US$769 grown consistently since. HS 84 Machinery includes computers million). • Canada was the main buyer (US$244 and related parts found in NAICS 334 Land-based (road and rail) shipments million) and accounted for about one-third Computers and Electronics, as well as were valued at US$5.7 billion and grew 17 US$2 billion. of these sales. machinery equipment found in NAICS percent. • The state’s exports declined 5 percent, • The top two markets – Canada (up 333 Machinery. • Transportation equipment (US$1.4 in contrast to U.S. export growth of 14 7 percent) and Mexico (up 71 percent to • Areas that showed strong growth billion), machinery (US$906 million) and percent. US$54 million) – had the largest gains in between 2007 and 2008 were centrifuges processed food products (US$876 million) ac- • Minnesota’s exports mainly consist value. and filters (up 32 percent to US$509 mil- counted for 56 percent of these shipments. of medical goods, such as worn or carried • Other notable changes in sales were to lion), sand- or liquid dispersing equipment • Shipments by land were up 8 percent, medical devices, and medical and surgical the Dominican Republic (up almost US$12 (up 22 percent to US$449 million), liquid largely due to gains in shipments of machin- instruments. million to US$14 million) and the United pumps (up 49 percent to US$192 million) ery, food and petroleum products, which • Ireland was the primary market, with Kingdom (up almost US$10 million to and parts for lifting/moving equipment (up offset declines in shipments of transportation US$634 million in exports or a share of 32 US$54 million). 51 percent to US$146 million). goods. percent. Businesses selling paper products (8) • However, office machine parts and Ships carried US$4.1 billion of goods • Belgium has been a reliable source computer components (down 23 percent overseas. of growing demand for medical products to US$981 million), printing machinery • Machinery (US$1.2 billion), processed during the past several years. These goods (down 33 percent to US$127 million) and food (US$538 million) and transportation now represent 31 percent of Minnesota’s some engines/motors (down 29 percent to equipment (US$416 million) were the three exports to Belgium. US$65 million) declined substantially. largest industries exporting goods by ship. • Belgium and the Netherlands are the HS 85 Electrical Machinery includes • Exports by ship were up US$593 million second largest markets for these goods, products found in NAICS 334 Computers (or 17 percent), largely due to a substantial each with US$191 million in sales. Both and Electronics, as well as in NAICS 335 rise in shipments of machinery. countries commonly function as distribution Electrical Equipment. centers in Europe. • Exports of integrated circuit products jumped 52 percent to US$835 million, Statistics continues on Page 15 www.chinainsight.info trade JUNE 2009 > PAGE 15 Statistics from Page 14 Peer Performance No r t h Am e r i c a n Translations Minnesota’s ranking among all states Your one-stop source for pre- remained at 20th in 2008. cise technical translations be- Texas, the top exporting state in the tween Chinese and English. country, led the states in export gains (US$21 billion). We specialize in legal, financial, • Increased exports of non-crude oil engineering and medical trans- products (up US$11 billion) fueled most lation work. of the gains and were shipped to Mexico, Canada and the Netherlands. Our high-quality serice is com- Among the top 20 states, Louisiana, South Carolina and Florida had the largest petitively priced. Contact us upward changes in rank. today to get your free quote. • Florida moved up three spots, while Phone: 612-799-5415 Louisiana and South Carolina moved up four spots. Fax: 612-643-3498 • Florida posted the second-largest gain Email: in value (up US$8.4 billion or 21 percent). [email protected] • Louisiana continued its strong perfor- mance from 2006-2007. Louisiana posted http//www.natranslations.com the third largest export growth rate (45 percent) and the fourth-largest export gain CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME (US$7.7 billion). Noncrude oil products STATE OF MINNESOTA fueled most of the gains. ______Minnesota Statues Chapter 333: • Export growth of 21 percent in South 1. The assumed name under which the business is or Carolina was driven by strong growth in will be conducted is O’Brien Designs exports of transportation equipment (mainly 2. The street address of the principal place of business cars) and machinery (mainly gas turbines). is or will be: 5280 Annapolis Lane N., Suite 3124, Plymouth, MN 55446. The Big Picture in State Exports 3. The name and street address of all persons conducting Minnesota’s exports from manufactur- business under the above Assumed Name. ing, services and agricultural industries were Name Street Address Linda O’Brien, 5280 Annapolis Lane N., Suite 3124, estimated at US$31.1 billion – up 15 percent Plymouth, MN 55446. between 2007 and 2008. 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this • Manufactured exports (US$17.3 bil- certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set lion) contributed the largest share (55 per- forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath. cent) of the state’s total exports. DATED: April 1, 2009 • Exports of agricultural commodities (Signed) Linda O’Brien, Owner/Principal Designer were estimated at US$4.4 billion in 2008, (May, 1, 2009; June 1, 2009) 00090401 representing an increase of about 86 per- cent between 2007 and 2008. Minnesota of Employment and Economic Develop- was the seventh-largest state exporter of ment’s Analysis and Evaluation Office (Thu- agricultural commodities and related food Mai Ho-Kim, 651-259-7180). products (2007). Past issues are available at the Depart- • Exports of services cover transporta- ment’s web site (www.deed.state.mn.us, see tion-related services, royalties and licenses, Facts and Figures). Export data are col- and other private services. They were valued lected by the U.S. Department of Commerce at US$9.6 billion in 2008 (up 13 percent (USDOC) and distributed by the World since 2007) and accounted for 30 percent Institute of Social and Economic Research of total exports. (WISER) at Holyoke Community College • Commodities and services increased in Massachusetts (based on the North their share of the state’s exports from 40 American Industry Classification System) percent in 2007 to 45 percent in 2008. and by Global Trade Information Services Notes: (Harmonized Tariff System (Schedule B). 1. Agriculture: Minnesota agricultural The Origin of Movement export series show and food-related exports were estimated where goods originate and where the most at $5.8 billion in 2008 by the Minnesota economic impact occurs. Department of Agriculture. This figure was then adjusted by subtracting the value of manufactured food exports to estimate exports of bulk/intermediate agricultural commodities. The ranking among states Private Sector from Page 7 for 2008 is not yet available. (Normally, such as research consortia and joint estimates from the Economic Research programs with local or foreign higher Service of the U.S. Department of Agricul- education institutions, be encouraged, ture are used. The ERS estimates state-level and the ceiling on tax-deductible training exports of agricultural bulk commodities, expenditures of enterprises, currently 2.5 related intermediate and final consumer food percent, be reviewed. “The government products combined together. It apportions could consider policy measures to al- actual U.S. exports of commodities and low for institutional investors to begin products based on Minnesota’s historical investing more in domestic venture share of large commodity groups. However, capital institutions”, the report further their estimates will not be released until recommends, and adds that “recognizing June 2009.) that the risks of venture capital investing 2. Services: No official comprehensive are high, the first step could be to de- state-level export data for services are avail- velop a short- and medium-term action able. The Analysis and Evaluation Office plan that would provide a roadmap for of DEED calculated the estimate of $9.6 institutional investors to invest in private billion based on pro-rated shares of U.S. equity and venture funds”. A range of exports of services.  programs aiming to enhance innovation Advertisers Minnesota Annual Export Statistics and capacity of small and medium enter- Your potential customers are reading Ch i n a Insight. Minnesota Quarterly Export Statistics are prises are also recommended.  Shouldn’t you be bringing them in the door with an the most current resources available for Source: World Bank tracking the state’s manufactured export http://go.worldbank.org/ ad? trends and are prepared by the Department DEHMFM7M30 PAGE 16 > JUNE 2009 events www.chinainsight.info

Asian street eats, make-up tips join martial arts, performances, dragon boat races and cultural demonstrations at the action-packed 2009 Dragon Festival

ot only will the 2009 Dragon up and develop good skincare regimen that cookbook, “660 Curries,” was just named boat, literally! Festival at Phalen Lake will save on make-up. the “Best Asian Cookbook” by the Gour- Forms and details are available online Park, St. Paul, showcase mand World Cookbook Awards. Copies at www.dragonfestival.org. cultural heritage of the lo- Many free attractions in two of his books will be available for purchase N action-packed days Generous sponsors make festival cal Asian Pacific Islander communities, it and signing. also will include cooking demonstrations The namesake of the Festival are the The other author is Baorong Li whose possible of Asian street foods on Saturday, July 11, dragon boat races, which originated in hot-off-the-press “50 State Quarters Pro- The Festival has been steadily grow- and special make-up tips sessions for Asian China. Legend has it that Qu Yuan, a wise gram” includes stories about the designs of ing with the help and generosity of new women on Sunday, July 12! and loyal minister to the Zhou Emperor who the U.S. quarters minted from 1999-2008, and returning sponsors. American Family The annual two-day family-oriented was loved by the common people, fought written in English and Chinese. Li, direc- Insurance and State Farm Insurance return Dragon Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. on against corruption that plagued the court. He tor of assessment and academic research as the title sponsors for the boat races and July 11. The event’s all-volunteer planning advised the emperor to avoid conflict with at Metropolitan State University, will be cultural performances respectively. Other committee is proud to promote the 2,400- the Qin Kingdom and other court officials contributing proceeds for the book sale to sponsors are Ameriprise Financial, Boston year-old tradition and sport of dragon boat pressured the Emperor to have him removed Dragon Festival! Scientific, Honeywell, Medtronic, QuitPlan, racing. There also will be colorful displays from service. When the Zhou dynasty was Shaw-Lundquist Association Inc., Target, of cultural heritage and performances in an defeated by the Qin, he became so despon- Parking and directions US Bank and Wells Fargo. Asian American effort to increase cross-cultural understand- dent he threw himself into the Milou River. The Festival takes place at Phalen Lake Press, Asian Pages and China Insight are the ing. The year-round planning will result in a Fishermen rushed out in long boats, beating Park, 1530 Phalen Blvd., St. Paul. Free, event’s media sponsors. The support from weekend of exciting festivities featuring: drums to scare the fish away, and throwing offsite parking is available at: these organizations enable production of the dumplings into the water to feed the fish so * The Metro Transit Station, Highway Festival and that admission and all presenta- Saturday, July 11 they would not eat Qu Yuan’s body. Dragon 61 & County Road C tions remain free to the public. * Opening ceremony, 11:30 a.m.: Tradi- boat races began as a way to commemorate * The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Companies wishing to get into the spirit tional dragon dance, blessing by the monks, Qu Yuan’s death. 1430 Maryland Ave E., and of supporting the largest pan-Asian event in awakening the dragon, followed by a Bol- Other activities include dragon boat * Gustavus Adolphus Church, 1669 the Twin Cities can still do so by e-mailing lywood dance performance and workshop. races (practice sessions on Saturday, races Arcade St. N. [email protected]. Various sponsor- * Asian street eats, 1-3:45 p.m.: Local on Sunday), cultural dance and musical Free shuttle bus service to and from ship levels are available. culinary expert Raghavan Iyer and local performances, martial arts demonstrations, Phalen Park from each of the parking ar- Watch the dragon come alive for the restaurateurs will demonstrate and discuss supervised children craft activities and ca- eas will be provided on both days. Check weekend and enjoy the sights, sounds and common street foods found around Asia. noe rides. Festival attendees also can sample www.dragonfestival.org for directions and flavors of Asia! Updates and schedules of the foods of local Asian restaurants and shop maps. programs will be posted on Sunday, July 12 for arts and crafts items. www.dragonfestival.org. * Indonesian music, 11:30 a.m.: Sumu- Representatives from local Asian com- Still time to participate nar Gamelan Ensemble will perform and munity organizations will be demonstrating Looking for a venue to sell your awe- invite the audience to try various unique fruit/soap carving, origami, kimono dress- inspiring arts and crafts? Itching to introduce percussion instruments. ing, henna art, calligraphy, and more. your Asian culinary delight? There is still * Asian make-up tips and skin care, 1:30 time for vendors, restaurants, artists and & 3 p.m.: Susan Yee, Zhen Beauty founder Book signings by local authors community organizations to reserve a booth. and expert in the cosmetic industry, will The Festival is honored to have local Or, if you have a penchant to paddle in one demonstrate how to find the right foundation author and culinary expert Raghavan Iyer of the elaborately carved boats? Form your to match Asian skin tones, apply basic make- back helping with the street eats demonstra- own team and sign up now. Don’t miss the tions (Saturday, 1-3:45 p.m.). Iyer’s 2008