July/August 2020

SPECIAL DIGITAL EDITION China nsight Fostering business and culturalI harmony between China and the U.S. VOL. 19 NO. 7 July/August 2020

NOW, ONLINE Unsung heroes ONLY!

News, p. 3

Government & Politics, p. 4

Take a good look at these faces. They are faces of Chinese American veterans from World War II whose contributions have yet to be told and to be recognized. COVID-19 had delayed the ceremony for the Congressional Gold Medal award to World War II Chinese American veterans, but you can find out where and how you can read about their stories on p. 6.

Community Events, p. 5 Zoom party for Ming Tchou By Greg Hugh

She was a founding member Foundation, she established at the Minne- of the U. S. China Peoples apolis Foundation, she plans to devote the Friendship Association and coming years to promoting this important the Chinese Senior Citizens function within the Chinese community and Society, serving as its president the Greater Twin Cities with events such as Arts & Culture, p. 7 for more than a decade. A Passage to China and Dream of the Red In 2004 she created the Chamber. Chinese Heritage Foundation Visit www.chineseheritagefoundation. (CHF) with the goal of pre- org to learn more about Ming’s amazing life serving and promoting the un- and CHF’s mission. ♦ In This Issue derstanding of Chinese culture,

history and Screenshots credit: Will Ahern heritage in Arts & Culture 7 Ming Tchou (right) eats cake while Pearl Lam Bergad Minnesota; Books 6, 8 looks on. and it was Business & Economy 12 Not even a pandemic can keep down the the CHF Advisory Com- Events 5 celebration for this spirited nonagenarian. mittee that organized the Government & Politics 4 Yes, on July 4, Ming Tchou turned 96. Zoom party. Health & Environment 5, 6 Her friends and families from near and far Reflecting on her held a party to mark the occasion via Zoom. 40 years in Minnesota, Language 9 Ming Tchou has been an active volunteer Ming said, "We should News 3 in the Chinese community in Minnesota for learn how to share ideas Points of View 12 more than 40 years, and has won numerous with each other and to Pronouncements 2 awards, including the leadership award from do it often." Through Society 10-11 the Council of Asian Pacific Minnesotans. the Chinese Heritage Family and friends celebrate Ming’s birthday PAGE 2 / July/August 2020 pronouncements www.chinainsight.info Publisher’s Pronouncements ChinaInsight Greetings: As the world continues to deal with the best of our ability, to “flatten the curve.” Paul-Changsha China Friendship Garden Publisher: coronavirus pandemic, regardless of our In our opinion, this means taking protec- of Whispering Willow and Flowing Waters Gregory J. Hugh acceptance of the situation, we nevertheless tive and preventative measures so that the at Lake Phalen Regional Park and the Chi- [email protected] are all dealing with it individually. There is number of cases will spread out over time nese Garden at the University of Minnesota constant coverage by the media and while to allow our healthcare system better man- Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. Manager of we have no control over what will happen age caseloads. Thus don’t worry about what Because of COVID-19, the ceremony Operations/Circulation: next, we do have control over our actions you can’t control and work on what you for honoring Chinese American congressio- Richard He and thoughts. can do in a responsible manner so as not to nal gold medal recipients has been delayed [email protected] The key to realistic planning in times endanger others. by the U.S. Congress. However, you can of crises is to balance social and personal Although there are few activities that can order a copy of the book “Unsung Heroes,” responsibility. And now that we’re in a state be enjoyed outdoors, we strongly recom- honoring them. See page 6. Staff Writers: of emergency, the best we can do in the time mend visiting either of the Chinese gardens Also be sure to read the final installment Greg Hugh of COVID-19 is to do what it takes, to the located within the Twin Cities area: The St. on page 11 of “Confucianism and con- [email protected] sumerism," a thesis by our intern, Jackson Venjohn. Elaine Dunn All of us at China Insight wish Ming [email protected] Your vote matters Tchou a very happy 96th birthday and thank her for her many contributions to the com- Minnesota’s Primary Day is Aug. 15, 2020 munity. Page 1. Intern: Jackson Venjohn Vote by mail or in person June 26 through Aug. 10 I would like to point out one change going forward as a result of the new na- [email protected] for the Primary tional security law over Hong Kong: China Insight will eliminate bylines in articles that Contributors: Election Day is Nov. 3, 2020 may be deemed controversial to protect our Pat Welsh Vote by mail or in person Sept.18 through Nov. 2 for contributors and writers. [email protected] Finally, please note this is a combined the Election July-August edition of our digital publication and, as always, thank you for your Production Editor: Visit www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting for more continued support. Jennifer Nordin information about: [email protected]

• Registering to vote Sincerely, • Election Day voting About ChinaInsight ChinaInsight is a monthly English • Where to vote language newspaper fostering business • Other ways to vote Gregory J. Hugh and cultural harmony between China • Sample ballots President – CEO and the U.S. China Insight, Inc. ChinaInsight is a Member of The Minnesota Chapter of the Asian 7_8-2020 American Journalists Association (AAJA).

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YES you can visit our website, [email protected] with www.chinainsight.info, to read the latest issue, Digital subscription in the subject line. but did you know you can have ChinaInsight delivered directly to your email inbox? Include: NOW, A digital subscription is FREE and brings • Your name ONLINE a full year (10 issues) of new understanding • about today’s China, from language to business Your phone number opportunities. • Your email address ONLY! www.chinainsight.info news July/August 2020 / PAGE 3 Dodgy structure Saucy scam dam to rise above its 145-m flood warning line. Of course, the Beijing mouthpiece, Global Times, immediately dismissed the concerns. Its “expert” claimed the dam, the world’s largest, was designed to withstand a “once-in-a-mil- lennium” flooding up to 175 A quarter-century-old chili sauce com- meters. pany was drawn into a lawsuit with Tencent, A breach of the dam only to uncover a major online scam. could affect 400 million Lao Gan Ma (老干妈) is a traditional people in down-river cities chili sauce company that dominates the In an interview with Radio France In- such as Wuhan, Nanjing and Shanghai. Chinese market with a 65-percent market ternationale late-June, a German Chinese Construction of the dam began in 1994 share. In March 2019, Tencent entered into hydraulic engineer who had studied the and was completed in 2006. It was the first a US$2.3 million promotional agreement Three Gorges Dam raised concerns about its structure to redirect the flow of the Yangtze with the sauce giant. When payments from structural integrity. The engineer claimed River and was built to control the frequent Lao Gan Ma were not forthcoming, Tencent cracks and substandard concrete were dis- flooding that plagues the Yangtze basin. It filed suit. Lao Gan Ma denied the deal, so covered during construction. The recent also provides limited hydroelectric power. ♦ the police was brought in. heavy rains had caused the water level at the It turned out three individuals had posed riod. The three scammers would then turn as marketing staff from Lao Gan Ma in sign- around and sell the codes online for profit. ing the contract. What they were actually Strange the marketing folks at Lao Gan Sickly sales after were the online game package codes to Ma did not question promotion they had not A recent report by the China Academy an annual online game tournament Tencent authorized while it was going on. Someone’s of Information and Communications Tech- was giving away during the promotion pe- asleep at the wheel! ♦ nology indicated mobile phone shipments in China was idown down 11.8 percent n May, on a yearly basis. Unsavoury companions From January to May, domestic mobile Recently, a slew of “adult experience phone shipments totaled 124 million units, centers” have been popping up in China to a year-on-year drop of 18 percent. provide “companionship” to lonely men. New models released in May were also These barebone rooms (often in short-term down 22 percent compared with a year rental apartments) come with a bed and a earlier, while 169 were launched over the sex doll. Sanitary (or perhaps it should be past five months, a decline of 18.8 percent unsanitary) conditions on the dolls and bed- year-on-year. ding are something else! All sorts of stains Domestic brands took the lion's share visible under blacklight. in China's mobile phone market shipments, Asked about government inspections, reaching 91.7 percent in May and 90 percent owners replied with similar answers, they in the first five months. had “connections.” And how does their Smartphone shipments in China regis- The last thing you’d want to do dur- clientele find them? Mainly word-of-mouth tered 32.66 million units in May, down 10.4 ing a pandemic is to share anything with a via migrant workers and online solicita- percent yearly. Over the past five months, 121 million, a decrease of 16 percent year- stranger. But … desperation trumps unsa- tions. ♦ the country's smartphone shipments reached on-year. ♦ vory behaviour! Satellites launched Rocky status March-4B carrier rocket, according to the It’s no secret Hong Kong Chief Execu- 2017 for “her many achievements in the China National Space Administration. tive Carrie Lam is highly unpopular in Hong Hong Kong administration, including being The optical remote-sensing satellite Kong – even more so than her predecessor the first woman elected Chief Executive.” will operate in sun-synchronous orbit. It C.Y. Leung. Truly hard But three UK lawmak- can provide high-precision remote-sensing to imagine! But it turns ers submitted a letter image data for several industries, including out she isn’t so popular to the college last year surveying and mapping, natural resources, at her own alma mater requesting the fellowship emergency management, agriculture, eco- either. be retracted because of logical environment, residential construc- Following the pas- Lam’s “incompetence tion and forestry. sage of Hong Kong’s and aggressive approach Another satellite designed to popular- new National Security in handling the anti-ex- ize space science among teenagers was Law, which the college tradition protests.” The also launched in the mission. It will carry views as contradictory irony? That’s precisely out science experiments such as image and to its support of human why Beijing rammed On July 3, a high-resolution multi-mode voice data transmission. rights, Cambridge Uni- through the National Se- imaging satellite was successfully launched Both satellites were developed by the versity’s Wolfson Col- curity Law because they into the planned orbit from Taiyuan Satel- China Academy of Space Technology. This lege said on July 1 that thought Lam was incom- lite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi launch was the 337th by the Long March it may strip Lam of her petent in containing the Province. rocket series. ♦ honorary fellowship. 2019 protests, leading to the new law! ♦ The satellite was launched by a Long Lam was awarded the fellowship in

law enforcement Nifty character Gutsy defiance agencies after the Hong Kong protest posters have to rank Facebook’s WhatsApp and Instagram National Security among the top in terms of design cleverness, and Twitter have long been used by Hong Law went into bar none. Kongers to express their political opinions. effect. This character closely resembles the The new security law says if the police A spokesper- actual Chinese character for “street.” How- suspects an electronic message poses a son for Facebook ever, the four components on the right (the danger to “national security,” the service said, “We believe two yellow on top and two white below) “七 provider/publisher/network host will be freedom of expression is a fundamental hu- 一上街” mean “go on the street on July 1.” asked to remove or restrict access to it or man right and support the right of people to How can anyone resist such a clever face hefty fines or imprisonment. express themselves without fear for their invitation? ♦ U.S. tech giants Facebook, Google, safety or other repercussions.” Microsoft and Twitter suspended process- Will company employees be arrested? ing requests for user data by Hong Kong Will this drive foreign businesses away? ♦ PAGE 4 / July/August 2020 government & politics www.chinainsight.info Controversial new national security legislation over Hong Kong worries global community Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing government the "deep concern" of the international com- said the new National Security Law will munity and the people of Hong Kong over only target “an extremely small minority.” the measure, which undermined the credibil- As with most things Beijing directed, that ity of the “one country, two systems” China may be a borderline lie. had touted in accordance to Hong Kong’s Reminiscent of Nancy Pelosi’s “But we Special Administrative Region status. have to pass the [health care] bill so that you Taiwan, no surprise, strongly con- can find out what’s in it …,” an elite group demned Beijing’s new law. The Cabinet unanimously voted to pass the HK national stated, "The move severely impacts Hong security legislation even before they had Kong society's freedom, human rights seen a draft of it! (Perhaps politicians the and stability." Taiwan President Tsai Ing- world over all do things backwards?) The wen said she was "very disappointed" by National Security Law was passed in the China's move, adding that it showed the morning of June 30, but the full text of the "one country, two systems" formula "was legislation was not made public until just not feasible.” before midnight July 1, just in time “as a Given the pervasiveness and vagueness birthday present for Hong Kong,” as one in definition of the law, countries around the mainland Chinese official said, in reference world are updating their travel advisories to to the July, 1997 return of Hong Kong to warn their own citizens of “increased risk” China. How utterly tactless and classless! when traveling to the city. Already, one heavy-handed move since Canada, who by 2014 estimates, had the law came into effect included withdrawal approximately 300,000-500,000 citizens from circulation books authored by activists Flags raised at Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, July 1, 2020. living in Hong Kong, was the first country from public libraries. “The book collection to update its travel advisory to reflect the must comply with the law of Hong Kong,” The National Security Law allows China for, among other things, “impos- new law. It warned: “National security a government spokeswoman said. Beijing to assert extrajudicial powers over ing sanctions or blockade, or engaging in legislation for Hong Kong came into effect Following its passage on June 30, the virtually anyone deemed to have commit- other hostile activities against the Hong on July 1, 2020. You may be at increased global community immediately reacted. ted the vaguely defined acts of secession, Kong Special Administrative Region or the risk of arbitrary detention on national se- They voiced concern over “the starkest subversion of state power, terrorism and People’s Republic of China.” curity grounds and possible extradition to changes for the former British colony since foreign collusion. Under Article 38, (“This Law shall ap- mainland China.” its return to China,” as Singapore’s The Article 29 of the legislation says that ply to offences under this Law committed Furthermore, in protest of the new law, Straits Times put it. The law gives Beijing individuals can be charged for cooperating against the Hong Kong Special Administra- Canada suspended its extradition treaty with powers it never had before to control Hong with a “foreign country or an institution, tive Region from outside the Region by a Hong Kong. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Kong beyond the legal system. organization or individual” outside of person who is not a permanent resident of said his country was “extremely concerned” the Region.”) anybody — regardless of about the situation in Hong Kong under whether (s)he is a Hong Kong citizen or not, the new law, and would examine measures or even if (s)he is located in the city — could to “ensure the safety of its citizens.” On be in violation of the law. This is tantamount July 4, China accused Canada of “grossly to establishing planetary jurisdiction! meddling” in China’s internal affairs and The new law also allows mainland agen- expressing “unwarranted comments” on 25729 cies to monitor foreign media, which, no the new law. 5x7 doubt, will lead to further self-censorship Australia’s travel office spelled out the in reporting. reality bluntly in its travel advisory: “This B&W An economist at an international invest- law could be interpreted broadly. You can ment bank in Hong Kong said they were break the law without intending to. The concerned about stepping “on a landmine” maximum penalty under this law in Hong in the views they express on China. Given Kong is life imprisonment.” In addition, Article 38, every person on earth is liable Australian Prime Miister Scott Morrison an- for inadvertently stepping on a landmine nounced July 9 that its extradition agreement of sorts! with Hong Kong will end and temporary Your hard work “All eight billion people in the world visas for Hong Kongers in Australia will should familiarize themselves with the Hong be extended for five years, with a path to knows no limits. Kong National Security Law to avoid falling permanent residency. into the legal trap,” said a law professor at The UK issued a similarly ominous Neither does the University of Hong Kong. warning. There is “a risk of heightened In London, Prime Minister Boris John- tension” due to the passing of the security your success. son said passing of the [national security] law, and “Mainland authorities could under You have the power to redefine law was a “clear and serious breach” of the certain circumstances detain individuals what’s possible. From the first 1985 Sino-British joint declaration — which under the terms of this law, with maximum generation to make a home set out how certain freedoms would be pro- penalty of life imprisonment,” the UK’s in a new country to the next tected for the 50 years after China assumed Foreign and Commonwealth Office said. generation of business owners, control of the colony in 1997. Foreign Sec- On July 1, when thousands of angry, you work relentlessly to seize retary Dominic Raab said Britain will decide defiant Hong Kongers protested the law, every opportunity and build a what action to take once it has seen the full police arrested close to 400 people, with 10 lasting legacy. We call that being security legislation. “Despite the urging of on suspicion of violating the new legislation. empowerful. As you continue to the international community, Beijing has Two women who were apprehended secure your family’s financial future, chosen not to step back from imposing this were found to be in possession of fliers with Wells Fargo walks right beside you legislation,’ he said in a statement. the words “One Nation, One Hong Kong,” helping to make it happen. You've Raab further added, “China has ignored while at least two others were waving Hong come this far. We can help you its international obligations regarding Hong Kong independence flags. How will they be go further. Kong. This is a grave step, which is deeply handled? Will the new law be implemented troubling. We urgently need to see the full in their cases? legislation, and will use that to determine Activist Joshua Wong was spot on about whether there has been a breach of the Joint the law, “It marks the end of Hong Kong that wellsfargo.com/empowerful Declaration and what further action the UK the world knew before.” © 2020 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. IHA-25729 will take." Be sad. Be very afraid. ♦ Japan’s Foreign Minister said he shared

25729_CBCL-CB-CB_2020_Adshop_PRNTAS_A2_P1_0.indd 1 1/22/20 3:17 PM www.chinainsight.info health & environment July/August 2020 / PAGE 5 Conversation with leading engineer in China on the "green clauses" of the new Civil Code

Editor's note: On May 28, 2020, China's 13th National People's Congress passed the long-anticipated The Civil Code of the People's Republic of China. Comprised of seven parts plus supplementary provisions, 84 chapters, and 1,260 articles, the Civil Code is the most extensive legislation in the history of the People's Republic of China, and this is the only legislation officially named a "code." The Civil Code will be implemented on Jan 1, 2021. The Civil Code touches upon almost every dimension of civil society and is significant legislation for every individual in China. The adoption of the Civil Code is widely acclaimed as a milestone in the development of China's legal system, as the Civil Code not only codifies the fundamental rules of law on civil and commercial matters, but also strengthens the protection of citizens' personal rights and the environment. In the latter regard, the Civil Code was referred to as a "Green Civil Code." China Insight interviewed Mr. Zhanping GUO, president and CEO of Beijing Green East Technology Development Co., Ltd. GUO is a leading mechanical engineer in China and am environmentalist. For the past decade, he has been advocating robust quality control in mechanical engineering to protect the environment. He is delighted to see the "green clauses" in the Civil Code. Following is GUO’s discussion with CI on the "green clauses" in the Civil Code.

"green" concept in the legal system but also polluting the environment and destroying promote environmental governance system. the ecology" as the primary obligation to They provide the legal principles to protect be performed correctly. in the contract, the environment, to protect pollution, and seizing the critical link of contract execu- to improve enforcement and governance. tion as transaction activity, and requiring all contracts to be performed to assume "green CI: Lands in China are either collectively obligations" that not only reflects the green owned by the community or state-owned. orientation of the business transactions but In the property rights section of the Civil can also "force" the "green obligation" into Code, "green restriction" on real estate the consideration of offers and commitments owners are mentioned several times. during the establishment of the contract, Zhanping GUO What are they? which will help "accelerate the formation Guo: Without regulations on land use, there of resource-saving and environmental pro- legal responsibility. The courts can order is no environmental protection. Environ- tection" production methods and lifestyle. the restoration of the ecological environmental pollution and destruction mainly For example, as mechanical engineers, ment under the Civil Code. The third is to occur in the process of land development we consider the environment from product link environmental public interest litigation and utilization of natural resources. To design to production and maintenance. effectively and ecological, environmental control environmental pollution and eco- When we sign a contract to make any damage compensation litigations, mak- logical damage from the very beginning, equipment or machinery, we know the ing ecological, environmental damage the owner of the land must "green restrict" contract is only valid if it does not hurt the compensation litigation possible. For the the development and utilization of land and environment. first time, the law systematically regulates natural resources. China's "green litigations," which provides China Insight (CI): You call this Civil The property rights section in the Civil CI: What if somebody violates environ- a legal basis for the ongoing reform of the Code a "green" civil code for it embraces Code recognizes and expands the scope mental protection regulations? You call ecological environment damage compensa- the "green principle." Could you please of state-owned lands in the Constitution; the tort liability section in the Civil Code tion system. explain what aspects of the Civil Code incorporates important environmental con- a useful "interface" between the Civil Also, the punitive compensation system embrace the concept of the "green prin- siderations into the use of these lands; and Code and the environmental law, why? of the tort liability section is mainly aimed ciple"? lays the right foundation for the distribu- Guo: Let's compare the Tort Liability Law at those intentionally polluting the envi- Guo: The full text of the Civil Code con- tion, management, and protection of these implemented in 2010 with the Tort Liability ronment and destroying the ecology. Now, tains 1,260 articles, including the General essential lands from the perspective of the Regulation section in the Civil Code: the the malicious offenders will bear punitive Provisions, Property Rights, Contracts, Per- interests of the people and the needs of the latter stipulates a punitive compensation damages. These multiple damages have sonality Rights, Marriage and Family, In- public. system for pollution and damage to the en- significantly increased civil liability for ma- heritance, Tort Liability, and Supplementary Also, to reflect the real value of land and vironment and stipulates the responsibility licious offenders and visibly increased the Provisions. There are as many as 18 articles natural resources, to ensure the utilization for ecological restoration and the right to cost of violations. Perpetrators must think directly related to environmental protection efficiency, and to realize the sharing of ben- claim compensation. These regulations are twice before they do something terrible to of resources, and the implementation of efits, the property rights section also stipu- an effective "interface" between the Civil the environment. the "green principle" is mainly reflected in lates the principle of "paid use" of natural Code and the Environmental Law, which We, the environmentalists in China, three aspects: resources, which has a fundamental role in solves three problems: are extremely pleased to see these positive First, the idea of "green restrictions" on avoiding the waste of natural resource de- Firstly, it corrects the defect that the developments in the Civil Code. It has been property rights is reflected in the property velopment and utilization and internalizing Tort Liability Law only stipulates "envi- a long journey: two generations of jurists, rights section, which makes it possible for environmental protection costs. ronmental pollution tort liability" and does legislators and citizens contributed to this coordination of property utilization activi- Finally, the property rights section not provide a remedy for ecological dam- "green" Civil Code. We hope this is a real ties and environmental protection goals. The regards compliance with environmental age tort liability. The second is to solve the step in building a rule of the law society in second is that in the contract provisions, protection requirements as the legal use of loopholes in the destruction of the ecologi- China. ♦ "green restrictions" on contract performance beneficial property rights. The prerequisites cal environment without legal and specific are stipulated, which will help reward for the purpose of land for construction are "green" civil transaction activities and clearly defined. This principle reflects the Events provide a civil law basis for preventing pol- need for imposing environmental protection lution and destruction of the environment. restrictions on the use of property rights, The third is to improve the environmental and mandates environmental protection Garden weeding: fresh air, pollution and ecological damage liability consideration in land use. system provisions in the tort liability sec- exercise, fun! tion, which is helpful for the comprehensive CI: In traditional civil law, "freedom of The Friends of investigation of environmental tort and contract" is the basic principle. Under St. Paul-Changsha environmental, ecological damage liability. this principle, the essence of a contract Friendship Garden Furthermore, in the section of personal is "autonomy of will," and what kind of at Phalen Park in- rights, the relevant provisions on general contract is signed and how to perform vite everyone to personal rights, life rights, and health rights the contract is the "freedom" of the par- a "Weeding Par- also provide civil law protection basis for ties, and no one can interfere. What does ty" at the China personal life and health damage that may "green obligations" mean in reference Friendship Garden be caused by environmental pollution and to contract performance under the Civil on July 14-17 dur- damage to individual citizens. Code? ing the mornings These regulations together establish Guo: Yes, people are free to make contracts. (8-10 a.m., except "green" norms for civil activities and However, from the perspective of environ- July 15) and eve- provide essential institutional support for mental law, this kind of "autonomy" may nings (6-10 p.m.). the "green shift" of social production and cause environmental pollution and ecologi- Join in the fun and sign up for a time weeding tool. Meet in front of the Xiang consumer behavior, and the construction of cal damage. slot by calling Bill at 763-913-4438, or just Jiang Pavilion at Phalen Park and sign your ecological civilization. They are significant The contract provisions in the Civil show up. waiver .... and let the fun begin! ♦ because they not only expand the field of the Code view "avoiding waste of resources, Bring your own gloves, mask, water and PAGE 6 / July/August 2020 health & environment www.chinainsight.info Combatting Books COVID-19 the “Unsung Heroes” by William Chen Hong Kong way The story of Chinese American veterans our WWII veterans; and to understand, ap- and their contributions in World War II and preciate, and preserve their legacies for the the path toward recognition as told by the generations to come. sons/daughters/grandchildren of these vet- The book includes contributors from erans. This collection of writings is edited California, Oregon, Colorado, New York by regular China Insight contributor retired and Massachusetts. Chapters 1-5 should Major General William Chen. be of interest to all, while chapters 6 and 7 Largely forgotten, ignored, and neither recognize veterans from New England and recognized nor honored, the story of these veterans whose next of kin reside in New veterans has to be told so future genera- England. Orders for the book are taken until tions can reflect upon the contributions of Oct. 1, 2020. ♦

While the rest of the world was on lock- took to go home/hotel, etc. in case they down, Hong Kongers lived rather “normal” tested positive. This allowed the authorities (by comparison) lives during the pandemic. a way to track and contact exposure points. As one of the world’s densest populated The government also kept an interactive cities, Hong Kong has a population of 7.5 online map with detailed information about million, but the metropolis only recorded all the confirmed cases, including dates and 1,300 cases of the coronavirus and seven times of movement, around the city updated. deaths as of the first week of July. Its stores In addition, professor who had worked and restaurants remained open pretty much at the World Health Organization and who throughout, even the six Apple stores! has lived in both the U.S. and Asia thinks It went without new cases for weeks and the Asian culture had a lot to do with the then a third wave emerged early July. Health containment success. He said Asians value officials believe most of the new cases were not infecting others or putting others at imported, mainly from Pakistan. risk, unlike in the U.S. where there are Even with the July resurgence, that track big cultural differences in the country. “In record is still pretty good. So how did that Asia, there is a very significant degree of happen? Results of a well-managed multi- concern about other people, about taking pronged approach. care of each other,” he said. Also, because For one, many Hong Kong people of deep politicization in the U.S., whether remember the 2002 outbreak of SARS. you are in the rural areas or in the cities, Government officials and the public took the whether you are in red states or blue states, initial reports of coronavirus outbreak seri- political divisiveness has made containing ously from the get-go. Most took to wearing the outbreak much more difficult. masks immediately. Social-distancing at Fresh measures to combat the resurgence restaurants and other public venues were include: screening ramped up to include adhered to faithfully. 2,400 extra tests a day; tighter social-dis- By late January, most of its border tancing measures such as lowering capacity checkpoints were closed. Locations that levels at entertainment and eating venues; no remained open were mainly to handle the gatherings of more than 50 allowed; visits flow of supplies. to elder care facilities will be halted; and All non-residents were banned from schools linked to new cases have suspended entering the city. Foreign domestic workers face-to-face classes. ♦ and air and shipping crews had to undergo tight screening before boarding for and after arrival in Hong Kong. Upon arrival, everyone was tested for COVID-19, restricted to a 14-day quarantine, and required to wear a tracking device on their wrist 24/7: shower, sleep, exercise, cook. At all times. Actually, visitors provided with the tracking device were asked to walk to all parts of their apartments/hotel rooms when they first arrive so as to let the device establish the coordinates of their confines. This allowed the government to monitor their movements during the quarantine period. Offenders who violate strict quarantine rules may be fined US$3,225 and six months in jail. Detailed contact-tracing plans were also in place. Visitors were asked to provide Tracking device to be worn 24/7 by all new license plate information of the taxi they arrivals www.chinainsight.info arts & culture July/August 2020 / PAGE 7 Ancient tombs and burial items found on banks of Yellow River By SHI Baoyin, China Daily, May 29, 2020 Chinese archaeologists recently discovered 602 ancient tombs and more than 2,000 burial items on the bank of the Yellow River, the local cultural authority in Henan Province announced. The large tomb cluster is located in a village of the city of Sanmenxia, 500 meters from the Yellow River, according to Zheng Lichao, director of Sanmenxia's institute of cultural relics and archaeology. Nearly half the tombs are believed to date to the time between the Qin Dynasty (221-206 B.C.) and the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-A.D. 220). The rest are from other dynasties, including the Tang (618-907), Song (960-1276), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911), Zheng said. Zheng said the tombs were discovered when his team examined the site of a shan- Pottery unearthed are believed to date back to the Western Han Dynasty (202 B.C. – A.D. 8) tytown makeover project. "We have carried out three archaeo- logical excavations since October 2017, spanning an area of 37,600 square meters," Above: A 2,000-year-old bronze pot with a Zheng said. curved neck in the shape of a swan. More than 2,000 burial items were Right: Tomb chamber dug out, including pottery, bronze and iron ware, gold and silver ornaments, jade city, part of today's Sanmenxia, which has artifacts and stoneware. Some of the items over 2,000 years of history and once served had unique shapes, and exquisite designs as a military and traffic hub. and are believed to have high historical and They believed that the discovery sheds artistic value. light on the declining political power center Experts said that the tombs are laid out in in the Sanmenxia area. ♦ an orderly row adjacent to ancient Shanzhou

China adds two parks to list of UNESCO Global Geoparks Source: Xinhua China has added another two geological parks to its list of UNESCO Global Geoparks, bringing the total number to 41, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration said Wednesday. The Xiangxi Geopark in central China's Hunan Province and Zhangye Geopark in northwest China's Gansu Province were approved as Global Geoparks by the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its 209th session on Tuesday, according to the administration. The Xiangxi Geopark boasts 160 Paleolithic and Neolithic cultural heritage sites, while the Zhangye Geopark features color hills, Danxia landform and ophiolite suite. To date, the number of Global Geoparks in China has surpassed one quarter of the world's total, the administration said. ♦

Top: Xiangxi Geopark; Bottom: Zhangye Geopark PAGE 8 / July/August 2020 books www.chinainsight.info “The Last Kings of Shanghai: The Rival Jewish Dynasties That Helped Create Modern China” by Jonathan Kaufman

Reviewed by Susan Blumberg-Kason,, Asian Review of Books, June 3, 2020

Author: Jonathan Kaufman Publisher: Viking Publication date: June 2020 Hardcover: 384 pages

Kaufman is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who has written and reported on China for thirty years for The Boston Globe, where he covered the 1989 massacre in Tiananmen Square; The Wall Street Journal, where he served as China bureau chief from 2002 to 2005; and Bloomberg News. He is the author of “A Hole in the Heart of the World: Being Jewish in Eastern Europe” and ”Broken Alliance: The Turbulent Times Between Blacks and Jews in America,” winner of the National Jewish Book Award. He is director of the School of Journalism at Northeastern University in Boston.

Chinese often claim a special relation- dealer in China. Kaufman doesn’t offer late 1930s. He only helped out at the request the Sasoons and Kadoories commissioned ship, sometimes verging on kinship, with any apologies for the Sassoons’s activities of Elly Kadoorie. and names the hotels. One could use this Jews. The origins and reasons remain un- in China, namely Shanghai, and writes that The two weren’t used to working togeth- book to tour Shanghai and Hong Kong clear but it may be at least in part due to two they were solely driven by profit. er, and didn’t take the same view of Judaism. buildings; there are many in the book that Jewish families — the Sassoons and their In the Sassoon conglomerate, relatives While the Kadoories believed in Zionism, still remain. Yet Kaufman never mentions rivals, the Kadoories—both of whom played or other Baghdadi Jews were sent to staff Victor Sassoon viewed himself as Jewish in the names of the synagogues in Shanghai — lasting roles in the development of two of these outposts. One was Eleazer (Elly) name only. But Sir Victor came through and of which was built by the Sassoons—when China’s most modern cities: Shanghai and Kadoorie from Bombay. Traveling up and helped the Kadoories with refugee relief. they appear in the book. The only synagogue its rival, Hong Kong. down the China coast for the Sassoons, Elly The Kadoories have been much less named is Ohel Leah in Hong Kong, but he Jonathan Kaufman’s new book, ”The Kadoorie learned business firsthand. By the written about than the Sassoons. Elly men- does not connect it to the Sassoon family, Last Kings of Shanghai: The Rival Jew- age of 18, he had already learned that his tored his two sons, Lawrence and Horace, who had it built in 1901-02. For a book ish Dynasties That Helped Create Modern business philosophy differed from that of to become leaders in Hong Kong at a time about prominent Jewish families in Shang- China,” is the story of these two prominent the Sassoons. Left in charge of their offices when the city’s future was not at all certain. hai and Hong Kong, it’s a curious omission. families. At a time when the US (and the in the British enclave of Weihaiwei when And the Kadoories’s experience during British colonialism was a curiously West in general) is re-evaluating com- WWII played a large part in their long-term multicultural and multi-ethnic affair. One mercial and business ties with China, to Elly’s bosses were away on vaca- investment in Hong Kong. With nothing commercial empire was built by a Middle an extent where they are under threat, it is tion and visiting other outposts. else to do but survive and care for his father Eastern Jewish family who piggy-backed off useful to look back to a previous era when Temporarily in charge of the during the Japanese occupation, Lawrence the British Empire in India to enter China. Western-style business took hold in at least warehouse, Elly took a barrel of mapped out ways to rebuild Hong Kong Another started up in China itself. The Ka- two concentrated areas in China to the disinfectant out of storage and while he was interned. Elly died in Shanghai doories, meanwhile, have found their place extent that it affected economic and social doused the building to repel the under Japanese occupation, and the sons in, and been embraced by, post-Colonial development. One can examine this either fleas and rats that were spreading were on their own at the conclusion of the Hong Kong: creatures of empire, they have through broad-brush economics, or through the disease. When people started war. Victor Sassoon, on the other hand, was survived its demise. ♦ the stories of individuals. Kaufmann has dying near the warehouse, Elly out of Shanghai during WWII and left the here done the latter. offered disinfectant to Chinese city for good before 1949, cutting his losses. While not apparent from the title, the employees. For those who couldn’t Kaufman includes some fascinating About the reviewer book is set in Hong Kong as much as Shang- pay, he agreed to take payment side stories, for example Elly’s friendships hai. Although the connections go a long way later. When the senior managers with prominent Shanghai families and how Susan Blumberg-Kason is the author back, they became particularly important returned, they reprimanded Elly he mentored them in Western business of “Good Chinese Wife: A Love Affair when many Shanghai tycoons moved to for using the disinfectant without practices. Kaufman uses the example of with China Gone Wrong.” She is a Hong Kong around 1949, sometimes start- permission. Rong Yiren, the son of a family that made regular contributor to the Los Angeles ing over with nothing. their millions in cotton and flour mills. Review of Books and the Asian Review This theme of starting over appears early Throughout the book, the Kadoorie Rong stayed in Shanghai to work with the of Books. Her work has also appeared in the book when family patriarch David family will be portrayed as more forward- Communists after 1949, which didn’t go in The Frisky, Cha: An Asian Literary Sassoon was driven out of Baghdad in the thinking than the Sassoons. as smoothly as he imagined. But with the Journal, and the South China Morn- early 1800s due to anti-Jewish attacks. After Victor Sassoon, sent to Shanghai in the blessing of the Chinese government years ing Post. She received a Master of setting up offices in Bombay, he started a 1920s to run the family business, trans- later, Rong sent his son, Larry Yung, to Hong Philosophy in Government and Public global empire selling such commodities as formed the city’s skyline by constructing Kong to start overseeing China’s business Administration from the Chinese Uni- spices, silk and metals. Shanghai became several buildings that still stand today, interests there. It was in Hong Kong that versity of Hong Kong, where she re- one of these outposts. including the Peace Hotel and Embank- new generations of Shanghai business searched emerging women’s rights over Companies like Jardine Matheson ven- ment Building. Known for hosting the most families thrived, including the Kadoories. 100 years ago. Born, raised, and now tured to Shanghai for great profits in opium lavish parties in town, Sir Victor showed his This is one book that perhaps should based in the Chicago suburbs, Susan is peddling. The Sassoons did, too, and soon philanthropic side when tens of thousands of have been a bit longer than it is. Kaufmann an elected trustee of her public library. surpassed Jardines as the largest opium Jewish refugees flocked to Shanghai in the writes in detail about the various buildings www.chinainsight.info language July/August 2020 / PAGE 9 Chinese Language Corner (漢語角) Where something is in relation to another location ANCIENT MEDICINE By Pat Welsh, contributor FOR MODERN HEALTHCARE In this lesson, you will learn to tell where someone or some place is in relation to the location of another.

Chinese English Pinyin Characters at the office 在办公室 zài bàngōngshì at the university, at the college 在大学 zài dàxué at the movie theater 在电影院 zài diànyĭngyuàn at the hotel 在饭店 zài fàndiàn at the restaurant 在饭馆 zài fàn-guăn Diversity at the apartment 在公寓 zài gōngyǜ Scholarships Available at the park 在公园 zài gōngyuán Receive 50% Off Tuition at the gas station 在加油站 zài jiāyóuzhàn

at the airport 在机场, zài jīchăng,, Join a growing integrative healthcare movement and help improve 在飞机场 zài fēijīchăng lives by providing non-invasive and drug-free treatments as a Doctor of Chinese Medicine. at the coffee shop 在咖啡馆 zài kāfēiguăn MassageMassage Therapy Therapy •• AcupunctureAcupuncture && ChineseChinese Medicine Medicine at the store 在商店, zài shāngdiàn Chiropractic • Massage Therapy • Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine 在铺子 zài pùzi nwhealth.edu/ChinaInsight [email protected] 952-885-5409952-885-5409 952-885-5409 at the grocery store 在食品杂货店 ài shípĭn-záhuòdiàn nwhealth.edu/ChinaInsightnwhealth.edunwhealth.edu at the jewelry store 在首饰店 zài shŏushidiàn 在书店 at the bookstore zài shūdiàn We now put these expressions in simple sentences: Notice the insertion of 的 ”d.” This at the stadium 在体育场 zài tĭyǜchăng “的” is often omitted in everyday speech. It will show you how to state where something is in relation to another place. at my house, at my home 在我的房子 zài wŏde fángzi Chinese English Pinyin at the hardware store 在五金商店 zài wŭjīn-shāngdiàn Characters at school 在学校 zài xuexiào The bank is next to the post 银行在邮局的旁边。 Yínháng zài yóujǘ-de pángbian. office. at the pharmacy 在药店 zài yàodiàn The bank is to the left of the 银行在邮局的左边。 Yínháng zài yóujǘ-de zuŏbian. at the bank 在银行 zài yínháng post office. at the post office 在邮局 zài yóujǘ The bank is across from the 银行在邮局的对面。 Yínháng zài yóujǘ-de duìmiàn. post office. at high school, 在中学 zài zhōngxue The bank is to the right of 银行在邮局的右边。 Yínháng zài yóujǘ-de yòubian. at middle school 在初中 the post office. 旗杆在学校的前边。 Now we will learn how to say “in front of the…,“ “next to the…,” “on the left side The flagpole is in front of Qígān zài xuéxiào-de qiánbian. of… ,” etc. The words below are added to the expressions given above. In effect you are the school. saying literally “at the …’s side.” The park is behind the 公园在学校的后边。 Gōngyuán zài xuéxiàode school. hòubian. Chinese English Pinyin 书店在药店的旁边。 Characters The bookstore is next to the Shūdiàn zài yàodiàn-de drug store. pángbian. across the street from, opposite 在对面 zài duìmiàn The bank is across the street 银行在饭店的对面。 Yínháng zài fàndiàn-de behind 在后边 zài hòubian from the hotel. duìmiàn. next to 在旁边 zài pángbian The restaurant is in front of 饭馆在咖啡馆的前边。 Fàn-guăn zài kāfēiguăn-de the coffee shop. qiánbian. in front of 在前边 zài qiánbian The apartment is behind 公寓在公园的后边。 Gōngyǜ zài gōngyuán de to the right side of 在右边 zài yòubian the park. hòubian. The next lesson will focus on the home and office stating where someone or something to the left side of 在左边 zài zuŏbian is to be found. ♦

About Pat Welsh In 2009 while teaching English at Sichuan University, Welsh was asked to give a speech where he was introduced to the audience as a “pioneer of Chinese American relations” as a result of his cooperative work in international banking during the Deng Xiaoping era. For more than 65 years, Welsh has been learning Chinese and has used this knowledge both professionally and personally to enhance his understanding of Chinese and Asian affairs. He uses Beijing Mandarin most frequently when meeting with senior Chinese government officials when conducting business in China. For 17 years, Welsh taught Chinese, German and Spanish in two local high schools. Now fully retired, he currently resides in Georgia where he used to lecture on China to a number of classes at Dunwoody High School. PAGE 10 / July/August 2020 society www.chinainsight.info Post-COVID Wuhan Source: China Daily, July 2, 2020

“Long Time No See, Wuhan” is a project that kept him going. On June 1, after spending a few hours documentary that tells the stories of 10 "During the busiest time, I stayed up on a bullet train, the team arrived in Wuhan. families in the Chinese city hit hardest by three nights and four days," said Li, who Trying to avoid preconceived notions, they the COVID-19 pandemic,. It was viewed had initially thought it was an impossible immediately started to film. more than 25 million times during its first mission. He had not counted on the "I thought people would still be nervous 24 hours online in late June. spirit, creativity, energy and unity that after experiencing such a big incident, but The film was directed by Takeuchi would bring it to pass. at night, when we were out for a late snack, Ryo, a Japanese who has lived in Nan- "After the pandemic, many of us had we found many people were there and eating jing, Jiangsu province, for seven years. a different mindset," he said. "I realized happily together, and I was finally convinced From a front-line nurse who tried that earning a lot of money means noth- the city was safe," he said. to encourage patients by dancing and ing. Being alive is the most important Though Wuhan's situation has improved, singing with them, to a restaurant owner thing." Takeuchi still saw the lingering impact. The striving to keep his establishment open, One comment on the documentary first words of the first man he interviewed the people in the documentary have all salutes the people of Wuhan: "Living like were, "Don't worry, I had a negative nucleic suffered in their own way. Yet, as the film the people of Wuhan is the most honor- acid test." progresses, the audience finds that a basic able way to say goodbye to our dead." As shooting progressed, Takeuchi found thread of resilience binds them together. "I thought people would be impatient the interviews going smoothly. Many peo- One crew member said she was im- watching an hourlong documentary; ple wanted to assist or drive them around for pressed by people's optimism in the city. however, after I uploaded it to major on- free, and the hotel offered the group rooms After watching an older man swimming line video platforms in China, there were at its lowest price. across the Yangtze River, she said she is too many comments to write replies," "I have shared my feelings on Weibo that determined to show more people all the Takeuchi said. I like this city more every day," Takeuchi good things happening in the city and On May 15, Takeuchi called for said, adding that during the shoot, he found recommend a visit to Wuhan to her friends. temporary medical facility for coronavirus volunteers living in the city to share their many people they met were happy and the In one scene, the director was astonished patients in only 10 days. experiences after the outbreak on China's city is healing. by the manpower brought to bear to build Li Jie, one of the interviewees, had been Twitter-like Sina Weibo network. After pre- Takeuchi has made two documentaries Leishenshan Hospital － more than 7,000 one of the construction workers. He said he paring for two weeks, he arrived in Wuhan, about Nanjing's fight against the pandemic workers. Pushing the limits of human en- appreciated the extra money he earned, but it capital of Hubei province, with his team to and how the city is reviving. Both went durance and engineering skill, they built a was his passion to be part of the remarkable interview 10 selected families. viral in Japan. ♦ Government & Politics No smartphone in United Chinese China means a LONG Americans speaks walk out against new visa rules regarding foreign students

reached out to UCA, expressing their concerns, such as experiencing anxi- ety, fear of possible de- portation, lack of safe or easy international travel options, and potential in- At some point, we’ve all been panic- health status. Their health status is updated terruption to complete stricken when we discovered we’ve left at midnight daily, based on government us- their education in America. the house without that all-important device, ing data from various big data companies. “It is shameful the the smartphone. Can’t quickly check our Factors that are used to determine user’s Trump Administration schedules; can’t access our emails and text status are: travel history, duration of time continues to use foreign messages; can’t get navigation; can’t com- in an outbreak area, and relationships to students to politicize the pare prices. How inconvenient! However, potential carriers of the virus. pandemic and score po- none of that, except maybe for navigation, A green code shows the user is infection- United Chinese Americans (UCA), a litical points. These students, thousands of is as inconvenient as what not having a free and allowed to move around. Users Wash., D.C.-based national organization miles away from their families and loved smartphone can be if you’re in China. with yellow codes mean they need to representing people with Chinese heritage ones, deserve our outmost sympathy and Here’s the story of life-without-a- quarantine themselves for 14 days and one in America, condemns the recent directive support during this pandemic. They should smartphone for a middle-aged man from with red codes need ro be under supervised by the Trump Administration’s Immigration have the option to remain in this country to Anhui Province. quarantine. and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that would complete their education in the safest and He was moving to neighboring Zhejiang Undeterred, the man started walking the strip the international students of their U.S. most undisrupted manner possible,” says Province to live with relatives. However, distance, sleeping in parks at night. About visa or compel them to leave the United Haipei Shue, president of UCA. because he did not own a smartphone, he half a month in, a truck driver stopped to States, if their coursework were entirely UCA calls on Chinese student and schol- could not take public transportation because buy him a meal and offered to drive him to online. ar associations as well as individual students since the outbreak of the coronavirus, any- his destination. Unwilling to be a burden The ill-conceived directive would throughout the United States to contact UCA one wshing to use public transportation in to the kind truck driver, he declined the adversely impact more than one million immediately to share their concerns and China must show their health QR code via generous offer. international students in the United States. consider joining UCA for probable legal an app on their smartphone to confirm they The truck drived decided to post his Having the largest share of the international actions against the Trump Administration. are not infected. story on social media, which caught the student body, with 369,548 students or about UCA would like to offer support to Chinese The codes, meant to show whether attention of the trekker’s family members one third of the total foreign student popula- students and their associations during this people are at risk, are said to be inaccurate. back in Anhui Province who drove to pick tion in America in 2019, Chinese students most difficult time of the pandemic. Please However, the system is adopted throughout him up. By then, he had already walked would undoubtedly bear the brunt of such call us at (202) 642-5060 or e-mail us at the country. Users complete a detailed approximately 590 miles. ♦ a decision. Many Chinese students have [email protected]. ♦ questionnaire about their travel history and www.chinainsight.info society July/August 2020 / PAGE 11 Confucianism, consumerism and the pursuit of wealth in a changing China: Xi Jinping era and final words By Jackson Venjohn

Editor’s note: This is the sixth and final article in a series based on a thesis by Venjohn, University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management undergraduate and China Insight intern. The series discussed how Confucianism has impacted consumerism in China, and the trade-off between the individual’s pursuit of wealth vs virtue in Chinese society. The complete series is online at chinainsight.info, click on “Past Issues.” (January-July 2020, except April).

Studying and understanding how ancient tral power is important to the leadership of China viewed consumerism and the pursuit China. However, there is disagreement on of wealth through the lens of Confucian how the country should pursue economic thought and traditions, and how they im- and consumption growth. It is evident that pacted modern Chinese society will help us these discussions are as relevant today as develop a deeper understanding of modern they were 2,000 years ago and are worth China. our efforts trying to understand. Looking forward, based on the literature Xi Jinping’s rejuvenation of and individuals we have examined, Xi’s Confucian communism political and economic philosophies include A recap of the previous article: Follow- characteristics from a wide range of sources, ing the end of Deng Xiaoping’s leadership including Confucius, Deng and Mao. of the Communist Party of China in 1989, Although there is no doubt China’s leader- Jiang Zemin (1989-2002) and Hu Jintao ship over the past century has used many (2002-2012) served as the paramount lead- traditional Chinese ideas in developing ers of China. Jiang and Hu, by comparison their modern ideology, the current economic with Deng and Mao Zedong, led China policies pursued by the Communist Party of with relatively little economic and political China are likely more in line with Sima Qian change in terms of philosophy, ideology and and Deng Xiaoping’s style of open markets structure. It wasn’t until Xi Jinping, current and less similar to Ban Gu or Mao Zedong. In this way, from an economic perspective, chairman of the Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China assumed office in 2012 that China met its China has gradually strayed away from a next crossroad in determining whether to pure Confucian philosophy. However, the move forward Deng-style further opening socialist system with Chinese characteristics the global financial markets4, and injecting ideas of centralization of power and the up to the global economy, a return to a train an all-round way, and improve the party's large amounts of debt into their economy to unity of China still remain. ditional, Mao-style communist ideology, or ability and level of governance…. we must finance projects such as infrastructure, real To conclude, a well-rounded perspective a mix of both. strengthen and improve the centralization of estate, and other centrally organized invest- on the connection between Confucianism In 2017 at the 19th National Congress power, and have a unified, powerful Party ments. Considering the Chinese economy’s and the pursuit of wealth in a changing meeting for the Chinese Communist Party, Central Committee.” current non-financial sector debt is 254 China helps one better analyze and un- Xi recognized the influences of his vision for In Xi’s 2014 speech, centralization of percent of its’ GDP (U.S. ratio is roughly derstand recent developments in China. China, saying: the party has been guided by power and the unification of thought were 1 to 1)5, the Chinese economy may be ex- Furthermore, these understandings will give Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, main themes. However, these Maoist and cessively searching for economic growth. readers a more comprehensive perspective Deng Xiaoping Theory.1 Based on the traditional Chinese philosophies were Some macroeconomists believe China may on recent developments such as China’s words and deeds of Xi, Zhang Jucheng, amended with Xi’s Deng-like approach to be living beyond their means by financing response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the an academic from Yunnan University in the free-market. Included in his proposal investments like the “One Belt, One Road recent rise of stock market prices in China Kunming, Yunnan Province, reinforces Xi’s was the broadening of personal property and Initiative” and other infrastructure expan- despite the lingering economic effects of views saying Marx, Mao and Confucius basic human political rights as long as they sions with excessive amounts debt.6 As a Covid-19 and slowing economic growth, have been Xi’s greatest influences.2 Zhang do not infringe on the interests of the party. result of these initiatives, people in China or even the security law imposed on Hong believes Xi stresses the need to strictly en- Here we see a fusion of multiple phi- have more money in their pockets than ever Kong, among other things. The truth as to force the party’s discipline, safeguard the losophies in how Xi envisions the modern- before in history, which has led to unprec- what extent traditional Confucian virtues unity of the party and the authority of the ization of China can be most effectively edented levels of consumption.7 should be prioritized over the pursuit of Central Committee, and ensure the unity executed while maintaining central power These examples pose the question of economic growth and profit is unknown, but of thought and action of the whole Com- and a Chinese version of modern socialism. whether or not Confucian fundamentals like the answer will likely reside in the health of munist Party. Where the U.S. political system may lack the dao (the morally upright way) and tradi- the Chinese economy and the longevity of Perhaps even more bold than United the ability to maintain political direction tional Chinese views towards the pursuit of the Chinese Communist Party in the com- States President Donald Trump’s so-called owing to shifts in the executive branch’s profit are still relevant in a modern era, or if ing years. ♦ plan to “Make America Great Again,” upon power (typically every 4-8 years), Xi and the these values are being shelved for the time assuming office in 2013, Xi popularized his Communist Party find strength in China’s being, in pursuit of economic development, 1. 19th National Congress of the Communist own “China Dream” (中国梦, zhongguo unity and their long-term political vision progress, and the pursuit of modernization. Party of China, October 18, 2017 meng). In comparison with the stereotypical and capabilities. This may continue to be Confucianism and the pursuit of wealth 2. Zhang Jucheng, Xi Jinping and Chinese “American Dream,” which usually focuses a central theme in the persistent difficulty in a changing China: Final words traditional culture, 2014 primarily on the prosperity and happiness to come to mutually beneficial Sino-U.S. Although Confucianism, which is often 3. 'Study Xi' mobile app takes Mao's little of the individual, “China Dream” refers relations. considered the foundation of philosophi- red book into the digital age. (2019, March to Xi’s vision for achieving rejuvenation In January 2019, Xi introduced an app cal thought and development for China, 31). 学习强国 of the Chinese nation as a whole. Xi’s” called Xuexi Qiangguo ( , studying there has always been disagreement on 4. Swanson, A. (2019, August 06). The U.S. dream” includes sustainable development, a great nation). With feelings of Mao-like how these values should be implemented. Labeled China a Currency Manipulator. economic and political reform, encourag- nostalgia, Xi’s campaign to encourage the We see in the Zhou and Han dynasties that Here's What It Means. ing entrepreneurial spirit and the pursuit of masses to study “Xi Jinping thought” on Confucius is unclear on his views towards 5. “Tracking China’s Debt-to-Equity Swap individuals dreams, but done with Chinese mobile devices was compared to Mao’s the individual’s pursuit of profits. Historians Program: ‘Great Cry and Little Wool,’” characteristics and rooted in traditional “Little Red Book” in unifying political and Sima Qian and Ban Gu try to clarify but 2019 Confucian beliefs. philosophical consensus in China.3 do so in criticism of each other. In modern 6. Hayman Capital Management, 2019 The Chinese Communist Party held China’s economic growth and modern- history, Mao, Deng, and Xi all agree that 7. Written by Youchi Kuo, P. (n.d.). 3, great a committee meeting in 2014 to discuss ization the unification of China and a strong cen- forces changing China's consumer market. how to govern and develop socialism with Since the reform and opening up of the Chinese characteristics going forward. Xi Chinese economy and Xi’s rise to power was quoted: over the past decade, China has explored “We must realize the Chinese dream of several ways to boost growth through un- Thank you for reading the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, organic methods, including the use of state- deepen reform, improve and develop the owned enterprises (SOEs), manipulation of China Insight PAGE 12 / July/August 2020 points of view www.chinainsight.info Watershed in Hong Kong's history: China Daily editorial China Daily editorial, July 8, 2020 developments in the SAR in relation to on May 30, the anti-China external forces national security, and providing guidance have reverted to their old modus operandi and support to the SAR government in — scaremongering. the performance of its duties to safeguard These China-bashers are now trying to national security, the establishment of the pit Hong Kong people against the central office means the SAR will no longer be the authorities in Beijing with a smear campaign weak link in national security. aimed at arousing suspicion about the office The central government has overarching and its role. responsibility for national security affairs But their scaremongering tactic is futile, and the Office for Safeguarding National as it has always been. Otherwise, why Security of the Central People's Government would some 300,000 Hong Kong people and in the Hong Kong Special Administrative more than 1 million Taiwan residents and Region, as it is officially named, will ana- numerous foreigners from around the world lyze and assess developments in relation to have chosen to live in mainland cities? national security in the SAR, providing HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam opinions and proposals to ensure the SAR's Cheng Yuet-ngor hailed the opening cer- executive authorities, legislature and judi- emony of the central government agency ciary can effectively prevent, suppress and as a "historic moment." This was on the impose punishment for any act or activity mark. The establishment of a comprehen- endangering national security in the SAR sive framework for safeguarding national as required by the recently enacted national security in the HKSAR is a watershed in National Security Adviser Luo Huining, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng security legislation. Hong Kong's history of socioeconomic Yuet-ngor, Tung Chee-hwa and Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairpersons of the National Having failed to convince the world development. It will put an end to the toxic Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Zheng Yanxiong, and Hong Kong people with their double antagonistic politics that has plagued the city director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government standard rhetoric on the introduction of for two decades, and help restore reason and in the HKSAR, attend the inauguration ceremony of the newly established central national the national security law for Hong Kong, rationality in political discourse, which is security office in Hong Kong, on July 8, 2020. [Photo: Xinhua] as evidenced by the fact that at least 73 crucial for Hong Kong to move ahead and Wednesday's inauguration of the central legal system and enforcement mechanisms countries have expressed their support for tackle its deep-seated problems. ♦ government's national security office in in the special administrative region to safe- the new law and 2.94 million Hong Kong Hong Kong marked the completion of the guard national security. residents signed a petition supporting the recent moves to establish and improve the Tasked with analyzing and assessing law in an eight-day campaign that ended

Business & Economy Exports gain 5 percent in First Quarter • Minnesota exports (including agricultural, Mineral Fuels, Meat, Plastics, Aircraft and Precious Metals Lead mining and manufactured products) were in Gains valued at $5.6 billion, increasing 5% (or about • Exports of mineral fuels (up 1,874%) were $278 million) between the first quarters of 2019 volatile, spiking to $515 million to Canada. and 2020. • Global sales of meat leaped 53% to $121 mil- • U.S. exports of goods slid 3% during this lion, propelled by China (up 625%) and Japan period. Although exports dropped from 24 (up 45%). Fresh, chilled or frozen pork ($91 states, they grew or were unchanged for the million, up 72%) steered growth and accounted remaining states and the District of Columbia. Figure 1. Exports Up in 21 States; Flat in for 75% of the state’s meat exports. • Minnesota manufactured exports jumped 6% 6 States, DC • Demand for plastics expanded 8%, driven by to $5.5 billion in the first quarter of 2020, while the Netherlands (up 162%), China (up 21%), U.S. manufactured exports dipped 5%. Germany (up 10%) and Costa Rica (up 149%), and despite a drop of 28% to Mexico. Primary Canada and Markets in Asia and Latin America Help Bolster polyester resins and adhesive plastic sheets, Figure 3. Minnesota’s Major Markets for Minnesota Exports film jumped the most. Meat • North American exports surged 21%. Export growth of 43% to Canada – primarily due • Robust sales of civilian aircraft and parts in to mineral fuels – overshadowed a 15% decline to Mexico – as sales of machinery, iron/ China, Korea and Mexico lifted aircraft exports by 19%. steel goods and plastics sank. • Outreach in Germany and Taiwan led to stone, plaster, cement exports increasing 10% • Exports increased moderately by 4% to Asia. Strong gains to Korea (up 17%), Taiwan to $106 million. (up 44%), Japan (up 7%) and Thailand (up 21%) masked struggling sales to China (down • Among food segments, Mexico generated export growth for dairy, eggs ($36 million, 5%) and the Philippines (down 22%). up 33%) and fats, oils ($23 million, up 64%). Sales of food by-products ($146 million, • Exports to Europe contracted 9% to $1.3 billion, as sales shrank in Turkey (down 63%), up 5%) had solid traction in markets such as Indonesia (up 127%), Korea (up 78%) and the U.K. (down 13%), Germany (down 5%), Switzerland (down 22%) and France (down Thailand (up 59%), but slipped in Japan, Chile and Vietnam. 8%). Ireland (up 10%) and Poland (up 25%, ranked 24th) were bright spots among larger • China (up 43%), Japan (up 36%), Germany (up 65%) and Korea (up 18%) spurred gains European markets. in organic chemicals. • Exports rebounded in Central and South America ($235 million, up 6%), supported by • Bleak sales of blood products and bandages to China, Germany and Singapore disrupted key markets such as Brazil ($66 million, up 32%), Costa Rica ($62 million, up 20%) and pharmaceuticals. Peru ($13 million, up 43%). • Demand tumbled for electrical equipment (down $81 million – influenced by the Philip- • Minnesota sales slumped to the Australia-Pacific region ($127 million, down 10%), pines, Turkey and Canada); machinery (down $77 million – largely due to Mexico, China the Middle East ($88 million, down 16%) and Africa ($41 million, down 6%), as exports and Australia); cereals (down $31 million – shaped by Canada and Japan); and vehicles reversed course in Australia (down 11%), South Africa (down 32%), Saudi Arabia (down (down $25 million – dragged down by Mexico). 32%) and Israel (down 18%). • Also losing ground were exports of wood pulp ($41 million, down 36%) in Indonesia and India; ores, slag, ash ($17 million, down 47%) in Can- ada; and glass ($27 million, down 35%) in Canada and Switzerland.♦ Figure 4. Exports and Trends Among Minnesota’s Top 10 Products, First Figure 2. Exports and Trends Among Minnesota’s Top 10 Markets, First Quarter 2020 Quarter 2020