FosteringC Businessh iand n Cultural a HarmonyIn between s i the g China h and t the U.S. VOL. 8 NO. 11 www.chinainsight.info DECEMBER 2009 Events The University of Minnesota Pages 4&5 opens Beijing office International Programs, Meredith McQuaid; China Center Director, Yongwei Zhang; and Commissioner of Beijing Municipal Com- mittee of Education, Mr. Zheng Dengwen gave remarks as part of the ceremony. Fol- lowing the presentation guests were invited to a dinner. Included in the 60 guests that attended Arts the grand opening was Dave Li, Vice Presi- Pages 8&9 dent of Global Learning Alliance, an affili- ated company of China Insight that provides a multitude of services to Chinese families that are interested in having their children pursue an education in the United States. The office will focus on undergraduate recruitment and alumni relations as well as offer services to University faculty, staff, Unveiling the office sign were (left to right), Yongwei Zhang, Zheng Dengwen, Joan Brzez- and departments to support their work in inski, Meredith McQuaid and Robert Jones China. Services include: use of meeting space, office support (such as copying, he University of Minnesota University alumni from Beijing and beyond, internet access, and cell phone usage), in- recently opened its first inter- and other distinguished guests including city arrangements and airport pickup, and Ethnic Minorities Pages 12-14 national office in Beijing. The education officials from China. translation. The China Center is overseeing Tgrand opening was attended University Senior Vice President for this office’s administration. by key University leaders and faculty, Uni- System Academic Administration, Robert versity partners from Minnesota and China, Jones; Associate Vice President and Dean of Beijing Office continues on Page 3

U.S.-China Joint Statement November 17, 2009 Strategic and Economic actively implement Beijing, China Dialogue and recog- various exchange At the invitation of President Hu Jintao nized that the Dialogue and cooperation Chinese Economy of the People’s Republic of China, Presi- offers a unique forum programs agreed Page 15 dent Barack Obama of the United States of to promote understand- between the two America [paid] a state visit to China from ing, expand common militaries, includ- November 15–18, 2009. The Presidents ground, reduce dif- ing by increasing the held in-depth, productive and candid dis- ferences, and develop level and frequency cussions on U.S.-China relations and other solutions to common of exchanges. The issues of mutual interest. They highlighted problems. Both sides goal of these efforts the substantial progress in U.S.-China believed that the firstObama has adopted a pragmatic approach that is to improve their relations over the past 30 years since the round of the Dialogue stresses the positive in China (Photo credit;capabilities for prac- establishment of diplomatic ties, and they held in Washington, NYDailyNews.com) tical cooperation and reached agreement to advance U.S.-China D.C., in July this year foster greater under- relations in the new era. President Obama was a fruitful one and agreed to honor in standing of each other’s intentions and of the [had] separate meetings with Wu Bangguo, good faith the commitments made and hold international security environment. Chairman of the Standing Committee of the the second round in Beijing in the sum- The United States and China agreed National People’s Congress and Premier mer of 2010. The two sides agreed that to deepen counter-terrorism consultation Wen Jiabao. President Obama also spoke they will continue to use the direct com- and cooperation on an equal and mutu- with and answered questions from Chinese munication links among senior leaders to ally beneficial basis and to strengthen law- youth. maintain timely communication on major enforcement cooperation. They agreed and sensitive issues, institutionalize the an- to exchange evidence and intelligence on I. The U.S.-China Relationship nual exchange of visits by the two foreign law enforcement issues in a timely and The United States and China agreed ministers and encourage senior officials of reciprocal manner. The two countries will that regular exchanges between leaders of other departments of the two countries to undertake joint investigations and provide the two countries are essential to the long- exchange visits on a regular basis. investigative assistance on cases of mu- term, sound, and steady growth of U.S.- The United States and China com- tual interest. The United States and China China relations. The two sides are of the mended the outcomes of the visit to the will strengthen cooperation on criminal ALSO IN THIS ISSUE view that the three meetings between the United States by General Xu Caihou, Vice investigations and deepen collaboration two presidents and other important bilateral Chairman of the Chinese Central Military in combating embezzlement as well as in exchanges this year have strengthened rela- Commission, in October this year, and stated counter-narcotics and pre-cursor chemical Announcements / 2 tions. President Obama invited President that they will take concrete steps to advance control and in combating unlawful migra- Opinion / 3 Hu to make a visit to the United States sustained and reliable military-to-military tion. They also will boost joint efforts to Events / 4 & 5 next year, and President Hu accepted the relations in the future. The two sides will combat transnational crime and criminal American-born Chinese / 6 & 7 invitation with pleasure. Leaders of the prepare for the visit to the United States by organizations as well as money laundering Arts / 8 & 9 two countries will continue to maintain General Chen Bingde, Chief of the General and the financing of terrorism including U.S.-China Relations / 10 & 11 close communication through mutual visits, Staff of China’s People’s Liberation Army, counterfeiting and recovery of illicit funds. Culture / 12-14 meetings, telephone conversations and cor- and the visits to China by Robert Gates, They will work to combat smuggling and Economy / 15 respondence. the U.S. Secretary of Defense, and Admi- human trafficking. Travel / 16 The United States and China spoke high- ral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the U.S. ly of the important role of the U.S.-China Joint Chiefs of Staff. The two sides will Joint Statement continues on Page 10 PAGE 2 > DECEMBER 2009 announcements www.chinainsight.info Publisher’s Pronouncements Ch i n a In s i g h t Season’s Greetings: Publisher: Gregory J. Hugh As 2009 draws to a close, we hope you had a nice Thanksgiving and while there may not have [email protected] been much to be thankful for, we must remain optimistic that things will get better for us in the United Editor: States and around the world as we continue to recover from the severe economic disruption that we Jennifer Nordin are experiencing. [email protected] In spite of dire economic challenges especially hitting hard in the publishing industry, Ch i n a In s i g h t is pleased to report that we are completing our eighth year of publishing and thank all of you who have Manager of Operations/ supported us. That doesn’t mean that there are not challenges for us in the days ahead and that is why Circulation: we have decided to reduce the number of issues we print next year from 11 to 10 by combining November Richard He and December into one issue just as we do now with a combined July/August issue. Although we have [email protected] not raised our prices since 2006, for now we will hold our current advertising and subscription rates. We expect that these changes will make China Insight much more efficient and allow us to continue Production Editor: and expand our service to the community in our quest to foster business and cultural harmony between Dawn Murphy [email protected] China and the U.S. We look forward to continue working more closely with the many community and business organizations to collaborate and promote our mutual interests within all of these groups. Marketing: As reported recently, The People’s Republic of China celebrated its 60th anniversary and last month Connie Mei Ledford President Obama made his first trip to China which we felt needed more in depth coverage than we [email protected] normally provide on U.S.-China relationships. Thus we have included what we feel are relevant articles reporting on this visit. Artist/Intern: Although it will no doubt be a very busy time of the year, we hope you take some time to enjoy your- Lauren Hugh self during the holidays and attend some of the shows that various organizations are holding in the coming months. There are shows featuring local talent as well as professional groups appearing direct Staff Writers: from China. These shows need your support and it’s a great way to relax and enjoy time with family Greg Hugh and friends. [email protected] All of us at Ch i n a In s i g h t wish you a great holiday season along with our sincere wishes that you all Albert Leung enjoy a healthy and prosperous year. [email protected]

Sincerely, Jennifer Nordin Gregory J. Hugh [email protected] Gregory J. Hugh Publisher Mike Xiong [email protected]

About Ch i n a In s i g h t

Ch i n a In s i g h t is a monthly English language newspaper fostering business and cultural harmony between China and the U.S.

Ch i n a In s i g h t is a Member of The Minnesota Chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA).

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Editor, Ch i n a In s i g h t 6520 South Bay Drive Minnetrista, MN 55331 Tel: 952-472-4757 Fax: 952 472-6665 Ch i n a In s i g h t In s i g h t [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM Guaranteed Letters to the Editor become the 10 issues - $24 for a domestic subscription and $40 for property of Ch i n a In s i g h t and may be edited for length and published. international. YES you could run to the Articles will not be published without Please make check payable to Ch i n a In s i g h t , 6520 South store and pick up a copy, but the express consent of the author. Bay Drive, Minnetrista, MN 55331 did you know you can have NOTICE TO READERS: The views Name______Ch i n a In s i g h t delivered directly epressed in articles are the author’s and Address______to your mailbox? not neccesarily those of Ch i n a In s i g h t . A subscription costs a mere Authors may have a business City/State/Zip______relationship with the companies or Phone______$24 and brings a full year (10 businesses they discuss. Email______issues) of new understand- Company______ing about today’s China, from language to business oppor- Title______tunities. Copyright 2008 Ch i n a In s i g h t , Inc. All Rights Reserved. www.chinainsight.info opinion DECEMBER 2009 > PAGE 3 Chinese media perspectives on Obama’s visit By Vivian Po, New American Media On Nov. 16, President Barack Obama However, the World Journal, another Although Obama discussed individual met with a selected group of 500 Chinese Chinese newspaper in the United States with rights with students in Shanghai, Chinese students from different colleges in Shanghai. strong influence in the Taiwanese American media predicted human rights would not be During the one-hour event, a wide range of community, had the headline, “Internet a major topic of discussion between Obama topics -- from unrestricted information ac- Strengthens Democracy,” on the last page and Hu. cess, carbon emission reduction to education of its four-page coverage of Obama’s visit A World Journal editorial piece pub- -- was discussed. to China. The article explained in detail lished on Nov. 15 stated that, “In April of But unlike news reports from their main- Obama’s strong support for open access to 1998, Wang Dan, a student leader of the stream counterparts, Chinese ethnic media the Internet and information. Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, was in the United States reported primarily on Moreover, Chinese media said it was released on medical parole to the United Obama’s views on Taiwan-China relations. not surprising to see Obama bringing up the States because China wanted to maintain a While the New York Times and Wall Street issue of individual rights in the town hall good relationship prior to Clinton’s visit to Journal focused on the president’s promo- meeting. His motive for greeting Chinese China. Now, despite Obama’s visit, China tion of “universal rights”-- freedom of ex- students, after all, was to promote American will not release Hu Jia or Liu Xiaobo, both No r t h Am e r i c a n Translations pression, freedom of religion, no restriction values to Chinese youth, who are more open dissidents and human rights activists in to Internet and information access, political to new perspectives on social issues. China, because the US’s agenda towards Your one-stop source for pre- participation -- ethnic media focused on is- In fact, Leung Kwokshu, a reporter with human rights in China has softened.” cise technical translations be- sues of national relations. KTSF Channel 26 one of the most popular It further explains that China is a primary tween Chinese and English. Sing Tao Daily, one of the largest Chinese language news programs in the San holder of U.S. bonds – totaling nearly $800 We specialize in legal, financial, Chinese newspapers in the United States, Francisco Bay Area, did a news analysis on billion – meaning that with the current U.S. engineering and medical trans- reported on the meeting with the headline the meeting. He stated that Obama focused economic instability, it is very unlikely that “Obama Looks Forward to the Two-Side his efforts on young people because the the United States would want to displease lation work. Dialogue,” followed by a second story “younger generation in China appears to China. headlined, “Dialogues with Shanghai Young be more nationalistic and can be often anti- Furthermore, it also pointed out that the Our high-quality serice is com- People, Avoids Answering Continued Sale American.” United States will need China’s cooperation petitively priced. Contact us of Weapons to Taiwan.” But Obama has once again proven in resolving issues related to terrorism or today to get your free quote. Sing Tao paid special attention to his popularity among young people, with nuclear weapons production in North Korea Obama’s support of the One-China policy Chinese students describing him after the and Iran, which the author said is another Phone: 612-799-5415 and his expectations for reduced tensions meeting as “eloquent,” “close to people,” concern Obama has when bringing up hu- between the United States and China and “a gentleman.” man rights issues in China. Fax: 612-643-3498 through communication and economic According to an immediate report by However, Chinese media in Hong Kong Email: partnerships. Yu Donghui, a reporter with China Press believe human rights remain an inevitable [email protected] But Sing Tao also pointed out that who traveled to Shanghai and interviewed issue between the [United States and] China Obama avoided stating his position on U.S. students at the venue, Obama left a favor- because several Chinese dissidents and sales of weapons to Taiwan by not answer- able and memorable impression among activists were taken away by the Chinese Beijing Office from Page 1 The University of Minnesota’s Beijing ing the question on that very topic. China’s youth. government before Obama’s arrival. Office was established in 2009 as the institu- Ning Wang, editor-in-chief of Sing Tao “Obama is very nice, his approach to According to a news report from Hong tion’s first international extension office. In Daily in New York, said the differences on China is very friendly. He answers the ques- Kong’s Ming Pao Daily Zhao Lianhai, recognition of the more than 8,000 Chinese news focus between the Chinese media and tions very well but too bad the time was an activist for victims of melamine con- alumni that have graduated from the Uni- their mainstream counterparts were based on short,” said Wang Tingting, a female college taminated milk powder, was taken away versity since the first three Chinese scholars readers’ interests. student who was interviewed. by police from his residence, along with enrolled in 1914, the Beijing Office is en- “From the perspective of Chinese- Many students were also impressed that his computers, cameras and video tapes, visioned to be a critical resource to further American readers, Taiwan-China relations Obama came to the audience to shake hands before Obama’s arrival. Pastor Zhang Min- develop educational, cultural, and social is a more appealing topic when compared with them before leaving the meeting. gxuan and his wife, both members of an collaborations among China, the University to human rights,” noted Wang. Live broadcasting of the meeting was underground Christian group called Chinese and the State of Minnesota. Chinese Americans coming from China, shown in the United States on the White Christian Family Association, were also The work of the Beijing office focuses Taiwan or Hong Kong keep close economic House Web site. It immediately stirred up kept imprisoned in a hotel in Henan. And on three core areas: ties with their home countries, Wang said, conversations on facebook. Some users authorities questioned the wife of Hu Jia To recruit top academic talent from and were interested in knowing the U.S. showed support for Obama’s modest and and other activists. China’s key high schools and universities to position on the Taiwan-China situation and less offensive way of introducing univer- Obama [stayed] in Beijing until Nov. 18 attend the University of Minnesota To serve how it would affect their business partner- sal rights to the Chinese audience; others before continuing his trip to South Korea, as a bridge between the University of Min- ships in those areas. believe he should have been more straight- the last stop of his weeklong Asia visit. nesota and leading schools in China in order Even though Obama’s expressions on forward on human rights in China. Obama visited Japan and Singapore before to facilitate educational collaboration. universal rights were not a focus of the After the town hall meeting in Shang- arriving in China. Chinese media, his comments were not com- hai, Obama arrived in Beijing on the same Source: New American Media pletely omitted. They were simply treated as evening to meet with Chinese President Hu http://news.newamericamedia.org secondary to the Taiwan-China issue. Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. Article posted Nov. 17, 2009

CERTIFICATE OF ASSUMED NAME STATE OF MINNESOTA ______Dave Li, Vice President of Global Learning Minnesota Statues Chapter 333: Alliance with Yongwei Zhang, Director of Letter to the Editor 1. The assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted is the China Center. As a frequent traveler to China I find Dear Chris, Simply Perfect To improve the alumni network for 2. The street address of the principal place of business both Ch i n a In s i g h t and its articles very is or will be: the thousands of University of Minnesota We appreciate your interest in our series 6043 Halifax Ave N, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 interesting. I also enjoy your articles on the graduates residing in China. on China’s ethnic minorities. In response to 3. The name and street address of all persons conduct- different China ethnic minorities but always ing business under the above Assumed Name. The office is staffed by a coordinator your comments, this month’s installment on find myself wanting to see a map of China Name Street Address and an assistant. The office coordinator, that identifies the location being studied. I the Manchu and Maonan ethnic minorities Lawrence Nietz, 6043 Halifax Ave N, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429 Wanling Qu, is a graduate of the University on pages 13-15 includes maps to show the realize you provide the Chinese name of 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate of Minnesota Carlson School of Manage- major areas of distribution of the ethnic and I further certify that I understand that by signing the area……but for many of us that are not ment and brings the experience of working groups. Look for such maps in all future this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury intimately familiar with the different regions as set forth in section 609.48 as if I had signed this with institutions of higher education in both articles on China’s 55 ethnic minorities. certificate under oath. of China we are clueless. China and the United States. DATED: October 1, 2009 Thanks again for the great publication (Signed) Lawrence Nietz, Owner The University of Minnesota Beijing Sincerely, (November, 1, 2009; December 1, 2009) office can be contacted through e-mail at Jennifer Nordin 00091112 Chris B. Berghoff [email protected]. Editor PAGE 4 > DECEMBER 2009 events www.chinainsight.info TCCDC will hold its third annual performance, “Legends of The East – Dance of Joy” on Dec. 19, 2009 About TCCDC the First Place in the German International Twin Cities Chinese Dance Center (“TC- Children’s Dance Competition in 2008, CDC”), a Minnesota non-profit organization Gold Award for director in 2003 China Na- founded in 2005, promotes Chinese-Amer- tional Children’s Dancing Competition; and ican cultural and educational exchange and Certificate of Honor issued to her by China the understanding, friendship, and harmony Institute of Children’s Music in 2002, all by among the people with different cultural her students from Nanjing Shenmei Dance backgrounds in the community. Theatre, to just name a few. Moreover, in Since its inception, the TCCDC’s annual 2009, Ms. Zhang’s student, Ashley Xie, dance shows have been one of the biggest won First Place in children’s group category art and culture events in the Twin Cities at Chinese Youth Dance Competition in area. The annual dance performances not Qingdao, China. Currently, Ms. Zhang is only are culturally unique, they are also the artistic director of TCCDC. performed by TCCDC’s own students who are from Chinese and non-Chinese speaking Program families that are very interested in having is the symbol for “dance” in oracle their children learn Chinese performing arts bone script, the earliest known and culture. TCCDC students participate in form of written Chinese. In terms many outreach programs to perform Chinese of shape it is a person dancing with ethnic dances and martial arts. a rack in hands. In primitive society, dance is a medium for conveying information and About Huanru Zhang emotion; in contemporary society, dance is Ms. Zhang graduated from Hubei Arts an expression of artistic beauty that inte- Institute, a well-known arts institute in grates body and soul. Through a collection China, majored in dance. She has devoted of Chinese ethnic dances drawn from the herself to Chinese ethnic dances ever since. traditions of Han, Uyghur, Dai, and Yao She has choreographed and directed many peoples, we Chinese here in this foreign performances and competitions in China land where our sons and daughters bloom and overseas. lift the veil of mystery to reveal our ancient Ms. Zhang’s professional achievements past. This is the feast of arts both classic and are remarkable. To date, Ms. Zhang has modern, Eastern and Western – “Legends of won 18 major awards and titles, including The East – Dance of Joy”! 

Chinese films still showing at the Walker Art Center Film Screenings in the Walker Lecture with 50 years of global sounds. 2002, video, Room 93 minutes. Nov. 3, 2009– Jan. 3, 2010 Underground Rock and Roll in China In January at the Walker Directed by Zhang Bo and Zhang Petition—The Court of the Complain- Yang ants Screens at 1 and 3 p.m. during gallery Directed by Zhao Liang hours; additional screenings at 5 and 7 p.m. In this unique testimony made over 12 on Thursdays years, the director films petitioners who Through imitation and amalgamation, a come to Beijing to redress legal wrongs suf- vibrant new music scene emerged in Beijing fered during China’s economic expansion. early in this decade. The film documents Zhao’s documentary premiered in May at the challenges of making music in a once- the Cannes Film Festival. 2009, video, 120 repressive culture that was suddenly flooded minutes. 

CAAM Chinese Dance Theater to present The Sound of Drums in January CAAM Chinese Dance Theater will a n d s e n i o r s present its 2010 Annual Performance, The 65+; free for Sound of Drums from the Land of China. children 4 and There will be two public performances and under. A Fam- two school performances presented at the ily Four Pack O’Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine is US$50. Tick- University in St. Paul, Minn. ets to the school The 90-minute public performances s h o w s a r e will be 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 23 and 2 p.m., US$6. For tickets, call 651-246-3387 or Sunday, Jan. 24. The 45-minute school per- 763-360-2696. formances will be Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 9:45 The performances are funded, in part, a.m. and 11:45 a.m. by the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage Tickets to the public performances fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State of The Sound of Drums are US$15 for Legislature with money from the vote of the adults; US$13 for children 5-12, students, people of Minnesota on Nov. 4, 2008.  www.chinainsight.info events DECEMBER 2009 > PAGE 5 USCPFA-Minnesota celebrates Minnesota International Center China’s 60 years of Change and to present Innovation and China

30 years of Friendship China invented paper, printing, the com- program to the SARS epidemic, to tensions pass, the seismograph and was among the in Kashmir, Ms. Magistad has brought lo- By Mary Warpeha, Co-President of US–China Peoples Friendship first to harness cal perspective to stories with international Association of Minnesota fossil fuels and impact. Prior to joining The World, Ms. map the stars. Magistad covered China and Southeast On the pleasant fall evening of Nov. 17, Germany. Through the interchange during Within the con- Asia for The Washington Post and other an enthusiastic crowd enjoyed an excellent President Obama’s visit, he feels there is a text of its rise to media and opened National Public Radio’s speech and Chinese food at the Pagoda strengthening commitment to a partnership global econom- Beijing Bureau. Restaurant in Dinkytown. Among the 120 on climate change, the environment, space ic prominence, persons in attendance were members of exploration and more. China hopes Event Information: US-China Peoples Friendship Association The Consul General stressed that the once again to What: Conversation with Mary Kay of Minnesota, students and families from United States and China no longer can lead the world Magistad Breck School, members of the Minneapolis be at odds with each other. The time for in creative in- When: Wednesday, Dec. 9, 5:30-7:30 Sister Cities Committee and three groups partnership is here. The Obama visit is a novations. On p.m. visiting with the University of Minnesota strong start. Mary Kay Magistad Wednesday, Where: Coffman Memorial Union Theater, China Center - 18 delegates from Chongqing He explained that a major incentive for Dec. 9, Mary Kay Magistad, Public Radio University of Minnesota Agriculture University, 17 trainees from the economic and cultural cooperation is the International’s (PRI) Asia correspondent, Cost: Minnesota International Center mem- Mingda Leadership Institute, 3 from Beijing recent approval for Chinese citizens to visit will discuss the history of Chinese inno- bers and students, US$5 and non-members, Fazheng Group. Dorsey & Whitney and the the United States as tourists. Mr. Huang be- vation and its implications for the future, US$45. China Center were major partners in this lieves that there is high potential for Minne- expanding on a recent PRI series for their Advance registration requested: Call: successful event. sota to reap benefits from this approval, and program The World. (612) 625-0620. With hunger satisfied, the guests settled he is encouraging travel to Minnesota during For almost 6 years, veteran foreign This discussion is made possible through in for an enthusiastic talk by guest speaker, his networking with Chinese officials. correspondent Mary Kay Magistad has a partnership with Minnesota International Chicago Consul Huang Ping. Accompany- NBA action is known to the very last been one of the voices shaping the West’s Center and Public Radio International to ing Mr. Huang during his 3-day visit to Min- detail among youth and adults in most of understanding of China. From the geopo- bring foreign correspondents to Minnesota nesota were Ms. Aiping Zhang (spouse of China – offering a potentially large market litical struggle over North Korea’s weapons audiences. Mr. Huang), Ms. Jing Zhu, Vice Consul, Ms. for new teams and exhibition games. With Li Changhua, Consul for Education and Mr. an impatient market for sports entertainment Yu Xueyong Consul for Public Affairs. by professional teams, 20+ cities will soon have NBA quality stadiums. To check the U.S.-China Business Summit to potentials, the Consulate staff accepted an invitation by the Timberwolves to attend host world’s largest symposium the Nov. 18 game against the Houston Rockets (unfortunately the Timberwolves for Americans, Chinese lost to the Rockets). Keep an eye out for Assembly of American-Chinese businesses to be held in Las Vegas Jan. 3-5 sports engagements involving Minnesota and China. Smart Business Services, Inc. announces ness Administration, the National Res- (L to R) Walter Graff, Margaret Wong, Aip- Following Consul General Huang’s the first-ever U.S.-China Business Summit taurant Association, Association of China ing Zhang, Mary Warpeha, Consul General speech, Breck School teacher, Margaret at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Jan. 3-5, 2010. Investment, and others. Huang Ping, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Li Wong, lead Breck’s five Chinese exchange More than 1,000 minority business owners, For a complete schedule or to register, King Feng, Wang Guangfa students and the audience in Yiyongjun entrepreneurs, delegates and government please visit www.ChineseBusinessSummit. Jinxingqu, The March of The Volunteers – officials will network with fellow attendees com. and convene at what is expected to be the Consul General Huang spoke on one of China’s National Anthem. About the Summit Organizer his favorite topics - growth and change in As a small non-profit volunteer orga- largest American-Chinese business assem- Smart Business Services, Inc. (www.s- his motherland and his hopes for an even nization, USCPFA-Minnesota is reliant bly in history. b-s.net) is specialized in the niche ethnic more memorable future. He reminded us on the assistance and cooperation of many The 2010 U.S.-Chinese Business Sum- market of the Chinese-American business that many more Chinese are living above within our community. Special thanks to the mit has received support from notable politi- community and people involved with U.S.- poverty levels, incomes have improved, and organizations –and especially China Insight cal officials, including Gao Zhansheng, the China trade; and is committed to increasing the GNP is impressive with China rapidly –which publicized this event for us.  Chinese Consul General in San Francisco, their clients’ business success through trade catching up with second place GNP holder, Brian K. Krolicki, Lieutenant Governor of Nevada, Oscar B. Goodman, Mayor of Las magazines, database marketing services, Vegas, Judy Chu, Congresswoman, David industrial portal Web sites, eBusiness solu- Hinson, national director of the U.S. Depart- tions, and global sourcing expertise.  U.S.-China Business ment of Commerce’s Minority Business Source: Smart Business Services, Inc. / Development Agency (MBDA), and Gary PRNewswire-USNewswire Connections Meetings Locke, U.S. Secretary of Commerce. The event’s key panel features a round The regular December meeting of UCBC e-mail [email protected] or call Jim table discussion on Globalization and will be held Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009. The Smith at 612-865-6543. Minority-Owned Businesses in the [United topic is Facing Your New Chinese Competi- States], and will highlight the role of the ASIAN tion and will be presented by Mark Kennedy, NOTE THAT MARK KENNEDY’S PRE- more than three million Chinese entrepre- Accenture, Former U.S. Congressman. Re- SENTATION IS UCBC’s REGULAR neurs to today’s global economy. The panel BLOOD DONORS gardless of your industry, you have Chinese DECEMBER BREAKFAST MEET- will discuss the importance of the economic competition that is growing stronger by the ING WHICH HAS AN ADDITIONAL relationship between the [United States] and Individuals of multi-ethnic day. Based on his perspective as a Con- EVENT THE FOLLOWING DAY: China in the changing global economy. descent (Asian, Pacific Island- gressman, a Fortune 100 senior executive The topic for this meeting will be Work- U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary er, Hispanic/Latino, African and in a global role with a leading consult- ing with Chinese: Wearing Chinese Glasses Locke said the U.S.-China Business Summit ing firm, Mark Kennedy has identified five Seminar, an in depth follow up to the UCBC is an important step toward furthering one American, Mixed Race) are key areas which enable you to equip your September breakfast meeting that also was of the largest and most important trading desperately needed to register company to compete globally. Learn the held by speaker Greg Bissky, Managing relationships in the world. “I visited China as potential marrow/stem cell critical initiatives which will keep you ahead Director - Treasure Mountain, Cultural several times last year and had a chance to donors. of your new competitors. Optometrist. see the tremendous opportunities available The UCBC meetings are held at Min- For free parking at the MCTC Ramp, to American and Chinese businesses in new Yo u c o u l d b e t h e o n e neapolis Community & Technical College, please mention your name for the UCBC growth industries,” Locke said. “This con- 1501 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN meeting to the parking staff. The MCTC ference is an important part of that ongoing t o s a v e a l i f e b y 55403. Please note that the meeting will be parking ramp is located at 1420 Hennepin dialogue.” registering a s a held in the Gourmet Dining room so look Avenue (north side of Hennepin Ave). Ad- The Summit offers 140,000 square feet for directional signs. ditional information on parking: venue and over 60 conferences and network- p o t e n t i a l d o n o r . The fee is US$20 per person. UCBC http://www.minneapolis.edu/parking.cfm ing opportunities; and expects attendance of members and college students are free.  “Wherever you go, go with all your officials from the U.S. Commerce Depart- Call 1-800-59-DONOR toll free Everyone can bring a guest who can be ad- ment’s Economic Development Agency, the ...Confucius mitted for half price (US$10). To register, heart.” U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Small Busi- for more information. PAGE 6 > DECEMBER 2009 american-born chinese www.chinainsight.info Home from Hollywood: James Hong’s nostalgic return to Minnesota By Albert Leung, Staff Writer The author and friend Stephanie Lau spent time with legendary actor James Hong when he returned to Minnesota for his 62nd high school reunion. This is the final installment of a three-part series on James Hong. After a day full of driving around town, To the high schoolers who attended, James said. “It would get down to below 20 as James reminisced about his days as a I was looking forward to an easier schedule James spoke about his past and how he degrees but we did it. We parked down here college student. during James’s second day in Minnesota. came into acting. He shared his wisdom, because there was no where else we could “It’s nice to be here. This is where I There were no old haunts to tour but only a guidance and advice in hopes the young park for free.” spent about three and half years of my visit to local private school Breck, located students would apply it in their lives. Most While admiring the view of the river, life,” James said. “I was always studying. in Golden Valley, Minn., to speak to some important in his messages was his advice on James’s eyes suddenly twinkled with an I always had a tough time memorizing all of their students. pursuing their dreams. idea. He positioned Stephanie about 50 those formulas. Three and half years of The invitation came from the school’s “In China, back in my days, being an feet away from him and had her turn on the studying formulas.” Chinese language teacher Margaret Wong actor was the lowest rung in professions and camera. His decided to edit together a slew After touring the Civil Engineering who invited the actor to share some insights my parents were against me being an actor. of footage of him running across the River building grounds, we continued with the and tell tales of his Hollywood experience. It was not good to demonstrate feelings on Flats, through parts of the University of video shoot. We toiled around Northrop Although expecting to address a large stu- stage and be demonstrative,” James said. Minnesota campus, and finally end some- Auditorium so James could finish filming dent body or drama class, James found out “But there was something there that kept where near the Civil Engineer building. his skit. The three of us then wandered into upon arriving his audience would actually telling me to be an actor.” the building and found ourselves deep in consist of a few Chinese language classes Watching and listening to James speak the bowels of Northrop Auditorium. In the that Margaret taught. to the younger generation was motivating basement level of the building, we stumbled Despite not receiving the details of his to me. Listening to how much he enjoyed on a room labeled “First Aid Room” near the presentation until he arrived, James was studying Chinese while attending the Uni- bathrooms. It was the perfect discovery we very accommodating to Margaret’s schedule versity of Minnesota left me wondering if needed to finish off the skit. which asked him to speak to a handful of I should rededicate myself to studying my As the camera rolled, James stumbled Chinese languages classes separately. own language as well. down the steps and huffed and puffed his One of the most important messages, in way up to the door in desperation after his my opinion, that James left was valuable winded journey across the college campus. for anyone and should be kept in the minds It was as if we were working on a college of many. It was a sound reminder that you project or just goofing around with a cam- must remain responsible and level headed era. It was another moment of unforeseen no matter where life takes you. fun Stephanie and I were able to enjoy with “If you ever become a star, no matter James. what you do in life, you have to remember to remain balanced,” James shared. “By The Beginnings now you’ve probably heard of stars who Wrapping up our filming session on the have lost their way like my friend David University of Minnesota campus, we made James takes a seat in the lobby of Breck our way into Downtown Minneapolis to Carradine, who hung himself in Thailand. Showing his fortitude and endurance, James School while waiting to meet Margaret visit the site where James and his family They couldn’t handle success.” prepares for another shot of him running Wong and her Chinese language students first moved to when arriving in Minnesota. While keeping his discussion mostly through campus so it can be edited into a Back when James was a child, it was known Within a state-of-the-art auditorium, serious, James found opportunities to break comical video skit James and his brilliantly entertaining an- the tension and maintained a loose environ- as the Chinatown in Minnesota. tics were displayed to a small collection of ment with cleverly added jokes and impres- James dug his feet into the ground and Once resting on 3rd Avenue between 7th students that consisted of grade schoolers sions to incite some life into his audience. sprinted towards Stephanie and the camera. and 8th Street in downtown Minneapolis and high schoolers. Under the spotlight He performed celebrity impressions such His energy was child-like and I was amazed was where James’s family store and first again, the consummate entertainer did not as Elvis Presley and broke out his famous of his fervor. Admittedly, I was also a little home was built. Their neighbors were also disappoint. Even with very little time to voice over roles in the movies Mu Lan and worried if he could handle all this activity. Chinese so the small city block was known prepare, James improvised as he spoke to in Kung Fu Panda. While running his film The actor was tireless, though. We drove as a Chinatown. On the first floor of the the students and delivered very thoughtful credit, he unexpectedly jumped on stage and into the heart of the University of Minne- building was a few store fronts, one of which advice for the kids to heed as they venture re-enacted the brief clip of him as Lo Pan, sota campus so he could jaunt through the was James’s father’s. On the second floor of into adulthood. which amazed and surprised the students. Civil Engineering building. Upon arriving, the building was where James’s family and Staying hip with the times, James even Stephanie pitched the idea of him running a couple other Chinese families lived. displayed his hip-hop dancing skills which up the stairs of Northrop Auditorium similar “My mom would yell from the second he said he picked up from street performers to how Sly Stallone did in the movie Rocky. floor for me to come home so I wouldn’t be he met in Toronto. James loved it. kidnapped by bandits from China,” James There was no doubt in my mind: James recalled. “Look at this place now. There was truly put on this Earth to entertain. probably aren’t any bandits around down- town Minneapolis anymore.” The Final Day On day three we had an ambitious sched- ule to maintain. Stephanie and I lurched out of slumber early in the morning to meet at James’s hotel and get the day rolling as soon as possible. After packing a small lunch, the three of us headed to the University of Minnesota where our first stop was at East Margret Wong and James sharing the stage River Flats, located by the Mississippi River where James parked his car when attending With Stephanie wielding the camera, James in Breck School’s auditorium as James talks fondly about his first Minnesota home greets grade school and high school Chi- college. The East River Flats is a large parking and father’s store which was located in nese language students Downtown Minneapolis where Accenture’s area and field that sits on the banks of the Standing outside of the Civil Engineer office building now reside “With Asian philosophy, right and wrong Mississippi River right behind Coffman building, James looks in amazement of how is one thing. There is no devil sitting on one Memorial Union on the University of the University of Minnesota campus has shoulder and an angel on the other. They are Minnesota campus. Back during the days changed since he attended the college The site where James’s first home was one thing and it is on you to separate the when James attended college, the area was has since been replaced by Accenture’s of- right from wrong and what you want to do,” a popular parking lot where students could Since most of the University buildings fice building and its surrounding garden. James said compassionately. “I can’t tell you leave their cars for free. have been re-renovated and updated, the Although understanding that cities change what to do. Nobody can. You have to weigh “I remember parking my old car there veteran actor couldn’t recognize much of dramatically over the years, James still it yourself and make your own decision. It is by the river and during the cold winter, it the area any longer. We walked around the seemed a little forlorn to see that a large on you to make the right decision” would have a terrible time starting again,” Civil Engineer building for a few minutes Hong continues on Page 7 www.chinainsight.info american-born chinese DECEMBER 2009 > PAGE 7 Organ Donor Registration: For a Common Good By Zongyu John Chen, MD PhD Modern medical advances have greatly are also good friends of mine) who are lead- tal or guardian consent.) everyone benefits. It is very possible that extended the productive life span of man- ing very happy and productive lives. It is very important to understand that some of us may some day need an organ kind. A great many people would not be liv- It has been estimated that one donor can these actions alone do not guarantee dona- transplant for themselves. Becoming a reg- ing and working today without receiving the save up to eight lives and enhance the lives tion without a critical second step: at the istered organ donor can make a wonderful medical treatment, only recently available, of 50 others. However, less than half of the time of death, a registered donor’s family impact on the lives of not only others but for their illnesses. One of the great advances people who die in the United States and member or next-of-kin will be asked to sign ourselves as well.  in medicine is in organ transplantation. meet the criteria for organ donation become an organ donation consent form. A whopping Since the first successful kidney trans- actual donors each year. Despite national one-third of registered donors never real- Editor’s Note: Zongyu John Chen, MD plant in 1954, for which Dr. Joseph Murray promotion of organ donation, there remains ize their wishes because family members PhD is a practicing gastroenterologist and of Harvard was awarded the Nobel Prize a critical shortage of donors especially with subsequently refuse to sign the consent, a registered organ donor. in 1990, numerous transplants have been certain ethnic groups including Chinese often simply because they are unaware of To appreciate Dr. Chen’s recommenda- performed throughout the world. In 2008, Americans. their loved ones’ preferences. It is therefore tion for more Chinese to become organ 27,961 organ transplants were performed While there are differences among dif- vitally important for registered donors to donors, it should be noted that while mi- in the United States. However, more than ferent ethnic groups regarding the perception talk to their families about their wish to norities make up a greater percentage of 100,000 Americans currently need life- and support for organ transplant, research- donate organs. those in need of organs, especially kidneys, saving organ transplants. Close to 7,000 ers have concluded that such differences Life is a gift, so is everything around they are disproportionately represented Americans die each year from lack of avail- do not play a major role in the shortage of us. We often share our treasured possessing as organ donors. The need for kidneys is able organs for transplant. donors. It is often the lack of understanding among loved ones and friends. We also have especially great among minorities because To address the nation’s critical organ of the process that prevents many potential learned to give others things we no longer of the high incidence of hypertension, donation shortage and improve the organ donors from becoming actual donors. While need. Organ donation is the most sacred diabetes and other medical conditions that matching and placement process, the United 90 percent of Americans say they support sharing of life. lead to renal failure. In light of these facts, States Congress passed the National Organ organ donation, only 30 percent know the There are many national organizations minorities would have less of a chance of Transplant Act in 1984, establishing the essential steps necessary to become a donor. with excellent Web sites providing insightful finding a match since a donated organ is Organ Procurement and Transplantation The percentage of people who know the es- answers to many questions on organ dona- greater when donor and recipients are of Network (OPTN) to maintain a national sential steps is probably even lower among tion. Here are some great local resources on the same ethnicity. registry for organ matching. OPTN has been ethnic minorities. organ donation: Studies have shown that minorities are managed by a private, non-profit organiza- Becoming a registered organ donor is UNOS http://www.unos.org reluctant to become organ donors simply tion, United Network for Organ Sharing actually easy. Any adult can become one by OPTN http://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov because of ignorance, misconceptions, (UNOS), through a federal contract. taking one of three actions: Organ Donation: Medline Plus http:// religious and cultural customs. In Chinese Organ transplants not only save lives 1. Register with his or her state’s donor www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/organdona- society, the male’s unchallenged head of the but also save money. For example, a kidney registry (http://www.organdonor.gov/donor/ tion.html Donate Life America http://www. household and clan can sometimes mean transplant patient on average has annual registry.shtm) donatelife.net that family members will not ask him to do- healthcare savings of more than US$30,000 2. Sign and carry a Uniform Donor LifeSource (http://www.life-source. nate organs, even when they are compatible. from dialysis just over 2 years after receiv- Card (http://www.organdonor.gov/donor/ org) Furthermore many Chinese people believe ing a transplant when figuring in the cost index.htm) Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic. that Buddhism requires that your body be of the transplant itself. In addition, organ 3. Indicate willingness to donate on his com/health/organ-donation/FL00077) whole after death, thus they cannot donate transplant also improves the quality of life. or her driver’s license application Please consider becoming a registered an organ However Buddhism also teaches As a physician, I personally know of many (People younger than 18 years old can organ donor. It is also for a common good. the joy of doing something for someone else organ transplant recipients (some of them designate themselves as donors with paren- As the pool of potential donors increases, without thought of reward.

Hong from Page 6 was very excited to see his former teacher with James’s family following her father’s You keep interrupting me,” Ms. Anderson corporation had built over an important again. sudden passing after her family had arrived answered. “Show some respect.” landmark in his life. Although the old days We took the elevator up to the top floor in Minnesota. After a couple hours of sharing stories where Chinatown in Minneapolis thrived where Ms. Wilson, James’s old neighbor “I remember your mother took care of us. about the good and bad times, James, were gone, he quickly quelled those feelings and childhood friend Oy Huie and current My mother was devastated after my father Stephanie and I had to depart. The actor by reliving old memories with his former Westminster Presbyterian Church Reverend passed away because she had three of us one helped his former Sunday school teacher Sunday school teacher Jane Wilson. Dean Seal waited for our arrival. right after each other and she didn’t speak up from her chair and led her out the room As the elevator door sprang open, im- any English,” Oy recalled. “I remember at with care. The two continued to talk about Once Upon a Time mediately sitting in front of us was Ms. the funeral, your mother got me and asked the old times until we reached the elevator In an assisted living home outside of Wilson. Her eyes grew wide once she gazed me to go say goodbye to my father. I remem- doors. They exchanged one last hug and downtown Minneapolis, we visited one of upon James’s face. She reached up and gave ber that very well.” said their goodbyes in hopes to see each James’s most important adult figures he had him a loving hug. “Yes, my mother had that ability to take other again in the near future. while growing up. Ms. Wilson (as James “I’m sorry we’re ten minutes late,” care of others. But why then did you give me continues to call her) worked as a Sunday James said as if he was ‘fessing up to being so much trouble,” James asked jokingly. The End... For Now school teacher at Westminster Presbyterian in trouble. “Me? That’s my nature,” Oy answered Our journey had come to a close. Hav- Church located in downtown Minneapolis. “You’re ten minutes late,” Ms. Wilson playfully. ing retraced his beloved life in Minnesota, In the early days when many Chinese asked. “No matter. Let’s go sit down.” The two teased each other as if they were it was time to put the camera to rest. As we families started to settle in Minnesota We all settled in an open room on the top children again. James brought up old insults started to drive away, I wondered if James and lived near Minneapolis, most of them floor of the building. The windows allowed that Oy threw at him when they were kids had hoped to discover something during congregated and connected at Westminster us a brilliant overview of the city skyline. such as saying that his legs were too skinny. his return home. Many of the buildings and Presbyterian Church in downtown Minne- Oy, James and Ms. Wilson sat around a Now as adults, they were able to laugh at the former homes have changed since he last apolis. Westminster Church, during those table, looking at old photos and a recently fun they had at each other’s expense. saw them which could make Minnesota days, served as the community center for published book called Chinese in Minnesota Oy, though, wasn’t the only one to feel less like home than it had before he the Chinese people. Ms. Wilson served as which told stories about the first Chinese experience old tendencies with James. Ms. came back. one of the leaders of the church and helped families that settled in the state. A photo of Anderson also had her own flash backs. For Whether he was expecting it or not, I coordinate assemblies and activities for Oy as a young girl graced the cover of the instance while trying to show James some think James did find that familiar feeling of the Chinese community. All her life she book and much of the content was provided old church photos, she enticed him with a home again. Even though his former homes has been deeply involved in the Chinese by Ms. Wilson who kept extensive records bookmark which featured the book Chinese have been built over or re-renovated and his community and because of that has kept in and documents dating back to 1919 from her in Minnesota as if she was back in class and former schools have changed dramatically, contact with many of the original families involvement with the Chinese community he was her student. James found it true that some things really who first arrived in Minnesota. through the church. “If you’re good, I might let you have don’t change. With his friends from Central As we parked my car outside of Ms. Oy and James paged through old family that,” Ms. Anderson said with a stern tone. High School, childhood friend in Oy Huie Wilson’s home, I looked over at James to photos and reminisced over their child- “I’m good, I’m good. I’m always good,” and former teacher Ms. Anderson, James see him grinning in excitement. It had been hood with tales of their family. Oy, whose James responded. “Are you giving this to found something that managed to stand the many years since he and Ms. Wilson have father and mother owned the store next to me now?” test of time. They were the same people who seen each other. It was apparent that James James’s father’s, recalled fond memories “No. You put that back into the book. he grew up with, shared wonderful memo- Hong continues on Page 14 PAGE 8 > DECEMBER 2009 arts www.chinainsight.info Patrick Henry High School students experience Chinese culture By Donna Kelly, Chinese Teacher, Patrick Henry HS s a Chinese language teacher never forget how students stood in awe of He oversaw my paper on the Monkey King at Patrick Henry High School, the calligraphy team as they made their way when I attended the University of Minnesota I have the privilege to work in across our crowded lunchroom, their pres- for my B.A. This was a happy reunion for Aa very diverse school. Culture ence commanded respect and inspiration. us as we both share a love of the Chinese is alive at Patrick Henry High, especially at Patrick Henry was also invited to participate Opera. this time for many of my Hmong students last year in the A Passage to China event at Again I am also so thankful for the help as they celebrate Hmong New Year wear- the Mall of America. It was a spectacular from Pearl, the Chinese Heritage Foundation ing the traditional dress of their Hmong and highly successful activity in which my and my teacher, Margaret Wong for inspir- heritage. Many of my students are Hmong, students were able to share their knowledge ing my own love of the Chinese language. and during my own past travels in Yunnan, of Chinese language and culture with others. Having the support of the Chinese commu- southern China I have seen how similar the Again, Pearl Bergad and the other Chinese nity is so crucial in making it possible for traditional dress of some of the minority Heritage Foundation members continue to me to help my students understand Chinese populations mirror the clothing that I see my guide my students through their Chinese language and culture. My students love to students wearing during times of celebration experience as well as learn about Chinese or dance performances. These particular language and culture, it was an amazing students share a history with China. All opportunity that was made possible by of my students are interested in Chinese A few of the opera performers that the stu- Pearl Bergad.  culture, and I, being a non-native Chinese dents got to see language teacher, strive to make every effort my class participated as well as Tou Meng to support their interest in Chinese culture, Yang. by trying to make contact with authentic My students are very talented as well Chinese art, music, dance and theater per- as very dedicated to learning the Chinese formance if possible. language. As my students watched the show, I could see them trying to read as Patrick Henry students at A Passage to many Chinese characters as they could that China event at the Mall of America were projected above the Kunqu Opera Two PHHS students, Tou Meng Yeng (3rd performance. They continue to talk about from right) and Wong Her (2nd from right) language journey. their experience and they are even recreat- appear on stage for opera lessons With Pearl’s help, a number of my stu- ing some of the fighting and pantomimic dents were able to attend the Kunqu Opera movement of some of the actors they saw recently held at the Ted Mann Concert in my own class. They especially loved the Hall. They were even invited to come on end piece where the two young men were stage and participate in some Kunqu Opera fighting in the dark. performance lessons. One of my students, The Kunqu Opera is particularly inter- Students watch a member of the calligraphy Thommy Tran did an excellent rendition of esting to me as I spent a lot of time with team (All photos by Donna Kelly) the old man on the boat character. Thommy various Opera people in China while I was is an excellent gymnast and break dancer, he a Chinese language student and later as a Pearl Bergad and the Chinese Heritage had no trouble in pantomiming the move- photographer; I took a great many photos of Foundation have supported my students’ ment of the oars cutting through the water, Chinese Opera performance. I also learned deep seeded interest by making several ap- in fact Thommy glided across the stage as a great deal from the very talented, and now pearances at my school to share their master if he were moving across the water. Stu- retired, Ethnomusicologist, Professor Alan Thommy Tran, a PHHS students (far right) skills in calligraphy with my students. I will dent Wong Her, another talented dancer in Kagan, whom I saw at the Kunqu Opera. gets to act on stage

Spectacular Chinese stage show to perform in Minneapolis- St. Paul market on January 10, 2010 “Carnival China Style” is The 2010 “Carnival China The “Xianghe” a special spring festival gala Style” gala refines the perfor- or matching evening jointly envisioned and mances of previous years to em- song, an an- created by the Federation of phasize global harmony, contem- c i e n t d a n c e Returned Overseas Chinese and porary culture, pure art and visual that harmoniz- China Broadcasting Performing elegance. A gathering of works by es ancient mu- Arts Ensemble. In 2008, it was a diverse selection Chinese art- sic, verse and performed in six Canadian cities ists, utilizing contemporary stage dance, is poet- and in 2009 made a successful techniques and blending together ry of elegance tour of Ottawa and Los Ange- various art forms, the show is a and perfection, les. This stunning extravaganza collection of traditional Chinese while “The Miao (Hmong) Girl” is a per- hopes to publicize and promote performance styles which brings formance of pure, natural exuberance and Chinese culture across the globe to life the essence and character unrestrained simplicity that exudes South- and infuse some of its essence of China in a celebration that is western Chinese spirit. At the other end of and vitality into mainstream both powerful and infectious. the spectrum “Contemporary Contortion”, ommencing on Jan. 3, 2010 Western society through a display of unique The “Carnival China Style” gala exhib- performed by Jiayin Liu and Chunpu Bai until Jan. 27, a limited ten- traditional Chinese performances. “Carnival its the latest achievements of Chinese art captures the quintessence of traditional venue tour of the spectacular China Style” displays the core values of through traditional Chinese vocal music, acrobatics yet innovate new styles of move- Chinese stage performance Chinese culture, and through this, hopes to dance, Chinese operas, traditional musical ment to create forms of extreme complexity C strengthen the cohesion of overseas Chinese performance, acrobatics, calligraphy, groups and beauty. Linlin Jin gives an astounding “Carnival China Style” will be held across Canada and the United States. The tour, communities. from mountains and grasslands, and other performance of hula hoop dexterity that sponsored by the All-China Federation of The performance highlights the aspects fine performances. The show also displays has won her a place in the Guinness Book Returned Overseas Chinese and performed of ethnicity, popularity and folkloristic na- the rich diversity and gentle splendor of of Records and “Snow Lotus”, a band from by the China Broadcasting Performing ture of Chinese culture through meticulous Chinese life through performances by the Tibet, sings a heavenly vocal harmony that Arts Ensemble, will perform in the major selection and creation of performances that Han, Uighur, Mongolian, Tibetan, Miao brims with traditional energy and modern Canadian cities of Toronto and Ottawa best reflect its ancient and modern traditions, (Hmong) and Yi cultures. style. The joyous and simple exuberance of before moving to the United States to visit capture its vitality, strength of character “Carnival China Style” brings together the song performed by Huaifu and Huaixiu Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Denver, San and showcase the magnificent Chinese a diverse and multifaceted collection of Francisco, Sacramento, Reno and Seattle. civilization. art and performance together in one show: Stage Show continues on Page 14 www.chinainsight.info arts DECEMBER 2009 > PAGE 9 PAGE 10 > DECEMBER 2009 u.s.-china relations www.chinainsight.info

Joint Statement from Page 1 visa issuance for them. The United States tions. private saving. Both sides will also pursue has approximately 20,000 students in The United States and China believe forward-looking monetary policies with due The United States reaffirmed its support China. The United States seeks to encour- that bilateral cooperation on common global regard for the ramifications of those policies for Expo 2010 Shanghai. age more Americans to study in China by challenges will contribute to a more pros- for the international economy. The United States and China applauded launching a new initiative to send 100,000 perous and secure world. They reaffirmed The two sides recognize the importance the rich achievements in scientific and students to China over the coming four their commitment made on 27 June 1998 not of open trade and investment to their domes- technological cooperation and exchanges years. China welcomed this decision by to target at each other the strategic nuclear tic economies and to the global economy, between the two countries over the past 30 the United States. The two sides agreed to weapons under their respective control. The and are committed to jointly fight protec- years since the signing of the U.S.-China expedite negotiations to renew in 2010 the two sides believed that the two countries tionism in all its manifestations. The two Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Implementing Accord for Cultural Exchange have common interests in promoting the sides agreed to work proactively to resolve Technology and agreed to further upgrade for the Period Through 2010-2012 under the peaceful use of outer space and agree to bilateral trade and investment disputes in the level of exchanges and cooperation Cultural Agreement Between the Govern- take steps to enhance security in outer a constructive, cooperative, and mutually in scientific and technological innovation ment of the United States of America and space. The two sides agreed to discuss is- beneficial manner. Both sides will expedite through the U.S.-China Joint Commission the Government of the People’s Republic sues of strategic importance through such negotiation on a bilateral investment treaty. on Science and Technology Cooperation. of China. The United States and China channels as the U.S.-China Strategic and The two sides are committed to seeking a The United States and China look agreed to jointly hold the Second U.S.-China Economic Dialogue and military-to-military positive, ambitious, and balanced conclu- forward to expanding discussions on space Cultural Forum in the United States at an exchanges. sion to the Doha Development Agenda in science cooperation and starting a dialogue appropriate time. The United States and China agreed to 2010. on human space flight and space explora- handle through existing channels of consul- The two sides spoke highly of the tion, based on the principles of transparency, II. Building and Deepening Bilateral tations and dialogue military security and outcomes of the 20th Meeting of the U.S.- reciprocity and mutual benefit. Both sides Strategic Trust maritime issues in keeping with norms of China Joint Commission on Commerce welcome reciprocal visits of the NASA The United States and China are of the international law and on the basis of respect- and Trade. The two sides reaffirmed the Administrator and the appropriate Chinese view that in the 21st century, global chal- ing each other’s jurisdiction and interests. commitment at this JCCT meeting and look counterpart in 2010. lenges are growing, countries are more forward to their full implementation. The United States and China agreed interdependent, and the need for peace, III. Economic Cooperation and Global to strengthen their cooperation on civil development, and cooperation is increas- Recovery IV. Regional and Global Challenges aviation, and confirmed their intent to ex- ing. The United States and China have The two sides are determined to work The two sides noted that, at a time when pand the Memorandum of Agreement for an increasingly broad base of cooperation together to achieve more sustainable and the international environment is undergoing Technical Cooperation in the field of Civil and share increasingly important common balanced global economic growth. To that complex and profound changes, the United Aviation between the Federal Aviation Ad- responsibilities on many major issues con- end, the two sides noted that their forceful States and China share a responsibility to ministration of the United States of America cerning global stability and prosperity. The and timely policy responses helped stem cooperatively address regional and global and the Civil Aviation Administration of two countries should further strengthen co- the decline in global output and stabilized security challenges. The two sides stressed China (CAAC). The two sides welcomed ordination and cooperation, work together to financial markets. The two sides agreed that they share broad common interests in cooperation by public and private bodies tackle challenges, and promote world peace, to sustain measures to ensure a strong and the Asia-Pacific region and support the de- on the development of high speed railway security and prosperity. durable global economic recovery and velopment and improvement of an open and infrastructure. The two countries believe that to nurture financial system. The two sides reiterated inclusive regional cooperation framework The United States and China undertook and deepen bilateral strategic trust is es- that they will continue to strengthen dia- that is beneficial to all. The two sides will to implement the newly signed Memoran- sential to U.S.-China relations in the new logue and cooperation on macro-economic work to encourage APEC to play a more ef- dum of Understanding Between the Depart- era. During their discussions, the Chinese policies. The two sides pledge to honor all fective role in promoting regional trade and ment of Agriculture of the United States of side said that it resolutely follows the path commitments made at the inaugural meeting investment liberalization and economic and America and the Ministry of Agriculture of of peaceful development and a win-win of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue, the technical cooperation and for the ASEAN the People’s Republic of China on Coopera- strategy of opening-up, and is committed G-20 summits, and APEC in Singapore. Regional Forum to play a more effective tion in Agriculture and Related Fields. to promoting the building of a harmonious The two sides commended the important role in strengthening regional security The two countries agreed to collaborate world of enduring peace and common pros- role of the three G-20 summits in tackling cooperation. further in joint research in the health sector perity. The United States reiterated that it the global financial crisis, and committed The two sides agreed that respect for the including on stem cells. They will deepen welcomes a strong, prosperous and success- to work with other members of the G-20 Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear cooperation on global public health issues, ful China that plays a greater role in world to enhance the G-20’s effectiveness as the Weapons, IAEA mandates, and implemen- including Influenza A (H1N1) prevention, affairs. The United States stated that it is premier forum for international economic tation of all relevant UN Security Council surveillance, reporting and control, and on committed to working with other countries cooperation. The two sides agreed to work resolutions are essential for the success of avian influenza, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, in addressing the most difficult international together, including through a cooperative our joint efforts to stem the spread of nuclear and malaria. They will also enhance co- problems they face. China welcomes the process on mutual assessment to make the weapons. The two presidents recalled their operation on food and product safety and United States as an Asia-Pacific nation that G-20 Framework for Strong, Sustainable participation at the September 24, 2009, quality. contributes to peace, stability and prosperity and Balanced Growth a success. The two UN Security Council Summit on nuclear The United States and China under- in the region. The two sides reiterated that sides welcomed recent agreements by the nonproliferation and nuclear disarma- lined that each country and its people have they are committed to building a positive, G-20 to ensure that the International Fi- ment. They welcomed the outcome of the the right to choose their own path, and all cooperative and comprehensive U.S.-China nancial Institutions (IFIs) have sufficient Summit and expressed their strong support countries should respect each other’s choice relationship for the 21st century, and will resources and to reform their governance for UN Security Resolution 1887. of a development model. Both sides rec- take concrete actions to steadily build a part- structures in order to improve IFIs credibil- The two sides reaffirmed the importance ognized that the United States and China nership to address common challenges. ity, legitimacy and effectiveness. The two of continuing the Six-Party Talks process have differences on the issue of human The United States and China under- sides stressed the need to follow through on and implementing the September 19, 2005, rights. Addressing these differences in the scored the importance of the Taiwan issue the quantified targets for the reform of quota Joint Statement, including denuclearization spirit of equality and mutual respect, as well in U.S.-China relations. China emphasized and voting shares of IFIs as soon as possible, of the Korean Peninsula, normalization of as promoting and protecting human rights that the Taiwan issue concerns China’s increasing the voice and representation of relations and establishment of a permanent consistent with international human rights sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ex- emerging markets and developing countries peace regime in Northeast Asia. The two instruments, the two sides agreed to hold pressed the hope that the United States will in these institutions consistent with the Pitts- sides stated that they will work together with the next round of the official human rights honor its relevant commitments and appreci- burgh Summit Leaders Statement. They other parties concerned to comprehensively dialogue in Washington, D.C. by the end ate and support the Chinese side’s position also agreed to work together to strengthen achieve the purpose and overall goal of the of February 2010. The United States and on this issue. The United States stated that the capacity of these institutions to prevent Six-Party Talks through consultations and China agreed that promoting cooperation it follows its one China policy and abides by and respond to future crises. dialogues. The Chinese side welcomed in the field of law and exchanges on the the principles of the three U.S.-China joint The two sides will further enhance com- the start of high-level contacts between rule of law serves the interests and needs communiqués. The United States welcomes munication and the exchange of information the United States and the DPRK. The two of the citizens and governments of both the peaceful development of relations across regarding macro-economic policy, and work sides expressed the hope that the multilateral countries. The United States and China the Taiwan Strait and looks forward to ef- together to pursue policies of adjusting do- mechanism of the Six Party Talks would decided to convene the U.S.-China Legal forts by both sides to increase dialogues and mestic demand and relative prices to lead convene at an early date. Experts Dialogue at an early date. interactions in economic, political, and other to more sustainable and balanced trade and The two sides noted with concern the lat- The two countries noted the importance fields, and develop more positive and stable growth. China will continue to implement est developments with regard to the Iranian of people-to-people and cultural exchanges cross-Strait relations. the policies to adjust economic structure, nuclear issue. The two sides agreed that in fostering closer U.S.-China bilateral The two countries reiterated that the raise household incomes, expand domestic Iran has the right to peaceful uses of nuclear relations and therefore agreed in principle fundamental principle of respect for each demand to increase contribution of con- energy under the NPT and it should fulfill to establish a new bilateral mechanism to other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity sumption to GDP growth and reform its so- its due international obligations under that facilitate these exchanges. The two sides is at the core of the three U.S.-China joint cial security system. The United States will treaty. They welcomed the talks in Geneva are pleased to note the continued increase communiqués which guide U.S.-China rela- take measures to increase national saving on October 1st between the P5+1 and Iran in the number of students studying in each tions. Neither side supports any attempts by as a share of GDP and promote sustainable as a promising start towards addressing other’s country in recent years. Nearly any force to undermine this principle. The non-inflationary growth. To achieve this, international concerns about Iran’s nuclear 100,000 Chinese are now studying in the two sides agreed that respecting each other’s the United States is committed to returning program, and expressed their readiness to United States, and the U.S. side will re- core interests is extremely important to the federal budget deficit to a sustainable ceive more Chinese students and facilitate ensure steady progress in U.S.-China rela- path and pursuing measures to encourage Joint Statement continues on Page 11 www.chinainsight.info u.s.-china relations DECEMBER 2009 > PAGE 11

Joint Statement from Page 10 Action Plan. The United States and China, continue that engagement as soon as pos- consistent with their national circumstances, sible. The two sides emphasized that all resolve to take significant mitigation actions efforts should be made to take confidence and recognize the important role that their building steps and called on Iran to respond countries play in promoting a sustainable positively to the proposal of the IAEA Di- outcome that will strengthen the world’s rector General. The two sides reaffirmed ability to combat climate change. The two their strong support for a comprehensive and sides resolve to stand behind these com- long-term solution to the Iranian nuclear is- mitments. sue through negotiations, and called on Iran In this context both sides believe that, to engage constructively with the P5+1 and while striving for final legal agreement, to cooperate fully with the IAEA to facilitate an agreed outcome at Copenhagen should, a satisfactory outcome. based on the principle of common but dif- The two sides welcomed all efforts con- ferentiated responsibilities and respective ducive to peace, stability and development capabilities, include emission reduction in South Asia. They support the efforts of targets of developed countries and nation- Afghanistan and Pakistan to fight terrorism, ally appropriate mitigation actions of devel- maintain domestic stability and achieve sus- oping countries. The outcome should also tainable economic and social development, substantially scale up financial assistance to and support the improvement and growth of developing countries, promote technology relations between India and Pakistan. The development, dissemination and transfer, two sides are ready to strengthen communi- pay particular attention to the needs of the cation, dialogue and cooperation on issues poorest and most vulnerable to adapt to related to South Asia and work together to climate change, promote steps to preserve a U.S.-China Electric Vehicles Initiative promote peace, stability and development and enhance forests, and provide for full designed to put millions of electric vehicles in that region. transparency with respect to the implemen- on the roads of both countries in the years The two sides underlined their com- tation of mitigation measures and provision ahead. Building on significant investments mitment to the eventual realization of a of financial, technology and capacity build- in electric vehicles in both the United States world free of nuclear weapons. They reit- ing support. and China, the two governments announced erated their opposition to the proliferation The two sides are committed to work- a program of joint demonstration projects in of weapons of mass destruction and will ing together and with other countries in the more than a dozen cities, along with work jointly uphold the international nuclear weeks ahead for a successful outcome at to develop common technical standards to non-proliferation regime. They agreed Copenhagen. facilitate rapid scale-up of the industry. The to enhance non-proliferation cooperation The two sides agreed that the transition two sides agreed that their countries share a on the basis of mutual respect and equal- to a green and low-carbon economy is es- strong common interest in the rapid deploy- ity. They will work together to achieve a sential and that the clean energy industry ment of clean vehicles. successful Review Conference of Parties will provide vast opportunities for citizens The two sides strongly welcomed work to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of of both countries in the years ahead and wel- in both countries to promote 21st century Nuclear Weapons in 2010. They committed comed significant steps forward to advance coal technologies. They agreed to promote to pursue ratification of the Comprehensive policy dialogue and practical cooperation on cooperation on large-scale carbon capture Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty as soon as pos- climate change, energy and the environment, and sequestration (CCS) demonstration sible, and will work together for the early building on the U.S.-China Memorandum of projects and to begin work immediately on entry into force of the CTBT. They support Understanding to Enhance Cooperation on the development, deployment, diffusion, the launching of negotiations on the Fissile Climate Change, Energy and Environment and transfer of CCS technology. The two Material Cut-off Treaty at an early date in announced at the first round of U.S.-China sides welcomed recent agreements between the Conference on Disarmament, and stand Strategic and Economic Dialogue this July Chinese and U.S. companies, universities, ready to strengthen communication and and formally signed during the Presidential and research institutions to cooperate on of clean energy technology. cooperation in nuclear safety and security visit. CCS and more efficient coal technologies. The two sides commended the results of and in combating nuclear terrorism. China The two sides recognized the importance The two sides welcomed the signing of the recently-held Fourth U.S.-China Energy attaches importance to the U.S. initiative to of the Ten Year Framework on Energy and the Memorandum of Cooperation between Policy Dialogue and Ninth U.S.-China Oil hold a nuclear security summit in April 2010 Environment Cooperation (TYF) and com- the Environmental Protection Agency of and Gas Industry Forum and welcomed the and will actively participate in the prepara- mit to strengthen cooperation in promoting the United States and the National Devel- launch of a U.S.-China Shale Gas Resource tions for the summit. clean air, water, transportation, electricity, opment and Reform Commission of China Initiative to accelerate the development of The two sides also discussed the impor- and resource conservation. Through a new and to Build Capacity to Address Climate unconventional natural gas resources in tance of UN peacekeeping operations in pro- U.S.-China Energy Efficiency Action Plan Change. China. Drawing on recent experience in the moting international peace and security. under the TYF, the United States and China The two sides welcomed the launch of United States, this initiative aims to improve The two sides agreed to enhance dia- will work together to achieve cost-effective The U.S.-China Renewable Energy Part- energy security in both countries and help logue on development issues to explore energy efficiency improvements in industry, nership. Through this Partnership, the two China transition to a low-carbon economy. areas of cooperation and coordination and to buildings and consumer products through countries will chart a pathway to wide-scale The two sides agreed to work together to ensure that both countries’ efforts are condu- technical cooperation, demonstration and deployment of wind, solar, advanced bio- advance global efforts to promote the peace- cive to achieving sustainable outcomes. policy exchanges. Noting both countries fuels, and a modern electric power grid in ful use of nuclear energy. They welcomed significant investments in energy effi- both countries and cooperate in designing the recently-concluded Third Executive V. Climate Change, Energy and ciency, the two Presidents underscored the and implementing the policy and technical Environment Committee Meeting of the Global Nuclear enormous opportunities to create jobs and tools necessary to make that vision possible. The two sides held a constructive and Energy Partnership, and the commitment of enhance economic growth through energy Given the combined market size of the two productive dialogue on the issue of climate the partnership to explore ways to enhance savings. countries, accelerated deployment of renew- change. They underscored that climate the international framework for civil nuclear The two sides welcomed the signing able energy in The United States and China change is one of the greatest challenges energy cooperation. They agreed to consult of the Protocol Between the Department can significantly reduce the cost of these of our time. The two sides maintain that with one another in order to explore such of Energy of the United States of America technologies globally. a vigorous response is necessary and that approaches -- including assurance of fuel and the Ministry of Science and Technology The two sides welcomed the establish- international cooperation is indispensable supply and cradle-to-grave nuclear fuel and the National Energy Administration of ment of The U.S.-China Energy Coopera- in responding to this challenge. They are management so that countries can access the People’s Republic of China on a Clean tion Program (ECP), a partnership between convinced of the need to address climate peaceful nuclear power while minimizing Energy Research Center. The Center will government and industry to enhance energy change in a manner that respects the prior- the risks of proliferation.  facilitate joint research and development on security and combat climate change. The ity of economic and social development Source: THE WHITE HOUSE clean energy by teams of scientists and en- ECP will leverage private sector resources in developing countries and are equally Office of the Press Secretary gineers from both countries, as well as serve and expertise to accelerate the deployment convinced that transitioning to a low-carbon as clearing house to help researchers in each economy is an opportunity to promote con- country, with public and private funding of tinued economic growth and sustainable at least [US]$150 million over five years development in all countries. Advertisers split evenly between the two countries. The Your potential customers are reading Ch i n a Insight. Shouldn’t you be bringing Regarding the upcoming Copenhagen Center will have one headquarters in each them in the door with an ad? Our readers are: Conference, both sides agree on the impor- country. Priority topics to be addressed will - Well-traveled - Opportunity-seeking tance of actively furthering the full, effec- include energy efficiency in buildings, clean - Entrepreneurial - Open-minded tive and sustained implementation of the coal (including carbon capture and seques- - Excited about understanding China United Nations Framework Convention on tration), and clean vehicles. Rates are highly competitive. Contact Greg Hugh (952-472-4757, ads@ Climate Change in accordance with the Bali The two sides welcomed the launch of chinainsight.info) or visit www.chinainsight.info for more advertising information. PAGE 12 > DECEMBER 2009 culture www.chinainsight.info China’s ethnic minorities We continue our series on China’s 55 ethnic minority groups. This month features the Manchu and Maonan ethnic minorities. The Manchu ethnic minority Manchurians after a period of life away from branch. The former was generally practiced pomegranate-wood bows still distinguished Population: 9,846,800 the mountains and forests. Following the by priest-sorcerers in the palace. During the Yilous in hunting wild boar. They also Major areas of distribution: Virtu- Manchus’ southward migration, the com- the early Qing period, those eligible for mastered such skills as raising hogs, grow- ally scattered over all of China, the largest mon people came to wear the same kind of the office of “shaman” were mostly clever ing grain, weaving linen and making small group, about 46.2 percent of the total, live dress as their Han counterparts, while the and smart people with a good command of boats. They pledged allegiance to dynastic in Liaoning Province, and the rest mostly in Manchu gown was adopted by Han women the dialect of the royal Aisin-Gioro clan. rulers on the Central Plains after the Three Jilin, Heilongjiang, Hebei, Beijing, Gansu, generally. Shamans were employed to chant scriptures Kingdoms period (220-280). Shandong, Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang and In places around Aihui County, Hei- and perform religious dances when imperial During the period between the 4th and Ningxia, as well as in Chengdu, Xi’an, longjiang Province, however, Manchu services were held. Shamanism remained 7th centuries, descendants of the Yilous Guangzhou and other cities. people lived by their old traditions and cus- popular among the Manchus in the area of called themselves Hujis and Mohes, consist- Language: Manchu (in both script toms and used their own ancient language Ningguta and Aihui County in northeast ing of several dozen tribes. and spoken language) and Han (standard until 1949, when the People’s Republic of China until the nation-wide liberation. By the end of the 7th century a local Chinese) China was founded. Shamans of the common Manchus power called the State of Zhen with the Religion: Shamanism Houses of the Manchus were built in generally fell into two categories: village Mohes of the Sumo tribe as the majority was three divisions, with the middle used as shamans, who performed religious dances to formed under the leadership of Da Zuorong a kitchen and the two wings each serving exorcise evil spirits through the power of the on the upper reaches of the Songhua River as bedroom and living room. By tradition, gods, and clan shamans who presided only north of the Changbai Mountains. In 713, the bedroom had three “kang” (brick beds over sacrificial ceremonies. Every village the Tang court conferred on Da Zuorong the which could be heated in winter), which had its own shaman, whose sole job was to title of “King of Bohai Prefecture” and made were laid against the west, north and south perform the spirit dance. Only seriously ill him “Military Governor of Huhan Prefec- walls. Guests and friends were habitually patients saw a real doctor. Religious rite was ture.” Da’s domain, known afterwards as given the west “kang”, elders the north, generally performed by a shaman attired in the State of Bohai, showed marvelous skills and the younger generation the south. With a smock and a pointed cap festooned with in iron smelting and silk weaving. With its windows generally open to the south and long colored paper strips half-concealing his political and military institutions modeled west, the houses stayed warm in winter and face. Dangling a small mirror in front and on those of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), cool in summer. bronze bells at the waist, he would intone this society adopted the Han script. Under A favorite traditional Manchu meal prayers and dance at a trot to the accompani- the influence of the political and economic consisted of steamed millet or cakes of ment of drumbeats. systems of the central part of China and the glutinous millet. Festivals were traditionally Military successes and triumphal march- more developed science and culture there, Liaoning Province is a northeastern prov- celebrated with dumplings, and the New es or returns were inevitably celebrated with speedy advances were made in agriculture ince of the People’s Republic of China Year’s Eve with a treat of stewed meat. sacrificial ceremonies presided over by sha- and handicraft industries. Boiled and roast pork and Manchu-style mans. Up to the eve of the country’s libera- Then the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) Like the Han people, the majority eth- cookies were table delicacies. tion, making animal sacrificial offerings to conquered the State of Bohai and moved nic group in China, over 70 percent of the the gods and ancestors was still a big event the Bohai tribesmen southward. Along with Manchus are engaged in agriculture-related among the Manchus in Aihui County. this movement, the Mohes in the Heilong jobs. Their main crops include soybean, sor- The Manchu funeral arrangement was River valley made a southward expansion. ghum, corn, millet, tobacco and apple. They unique. No one was allowed to die on a Gradually a people known as Nuzhens built also raise tussah silkworms. For Manchus west or north “kang”. Believing that doors a powerful state in the former domain of living in remote mountainous areas, gather- were made for living souls, the Manchus Bohai. ing ginseng, mushroom and edible fungus allowed dead bodies to be taken out only The early 12th century saw a successful makes an important sideline. Most of the through windows. Ground burial was the insurrection led by Aguoda with the Wanyan Manchu people in cities, who are better general practice. tribe of the Nuzhen people as a key force in educated, are engaged in traditional and Jumping onto galloping horses from one their fight against the Liao Dynasty, found- modern industries. side or onto camels from the rear was the ing the regime of Kin (1115-1234). After Manchus have their own script and most popular recreational activity among the the termination of the Liao, the Kin armies language, which belongs to the Manchu- Manchus. Another favorite sport was horse destroyed the Northern Song (960-1126) Tungusic group of the Altaic language jumping in celebration of bumper harvests and rose as a power in opposition to the rule family. Beginning from the 1640s, large in the autumn and on New Year holidays at of the Southern Song (1127-1279). Moving numbers of Manchus moved to south of Monogamy has always been practiced the Spring Festival. to live en masse on the Central Plains, the the Shanhaiguan Pass (east end of the Great by the Manchus, with young people engaged Skating is also a long established sport Nuzhens gradually became assimilated with Wall), and gradually adopted Mandarin at the age of 16 or 17 by parental will. enjoyed by the Manchus, as it is by the the Han people. Chinese as their spoken language. Later, as On the wedding day, the bride had to whole Chinese people. In the Qing Dynasty Early in the 13th century, the Nuzhens more and more Han people moved to north sit the whole day on the south “kang”, an before the mid-19th century, skating was were conquered by the Mongols and later of the pass, many local Manchus picked up act inaugurating “future happiness.” When even undertaken by Manchu soldiers as a re- came under the rule of the Yuan Dynasty Mandarin Chinese too. night fell, a low table with two wine pots quired course of their military training. Pole (1271-1368). With the largest concentra- An ethnic group originally living in and cups would be set. The bride and bride- climbing, swordplay, juggling a flagpole, tion in Yilan, Heilongjiang Province, they forests and mountains in northeast China, groom would, hand in hand, walk around and archery on ice are the more interesting settled on the middle and lower reaches of the Manchus excelled in archery and horse- the table three times and sit down to drink sports of the Manchu people. the Heilong River and along the Songhua manship. Children were taught the art of under the light of a candle burning through and Wusuli rivers, extending to the sea in swan-hunting with wooden bows and arrows the night on the south “kang”. They were History the east. The Yuan Dynasty enlisted the ser- at six or seven, and teenagers learned to ride congratulated amid songs by one or several The ancestry of the Manchus can be vice of local upper-strata residents to create on horseback in full hunting gear, racing guests in the outer room. Sometimes the traced back more than 2,000 years to the five administrations each governing 10,000 through forests and mountains. Women, as ceremony was marked with well-wishers Sushen tribe, and later to the Yilou, Huji, house-holds, known respectively as Taowen, well as men, were skilled equestrians. casting black peas into the bridal chamber Mohe and Nuzhen tribes native to the Huligai, Woduolian, Tuowolian and Boku- The traditional costumes of male Man- before they left the new couple. On the Changbai Mountains and the drainage area jiang. The Nuzhens at this time were still chus are a narrow-cuffed short jacket over fourth day, the newlyweds would pay a visit of the Heilong River in northeast China. leading a primitive life. They developed and a long gown with a belt at the waist to to the bride’s home. As testified to by the stone arrowheads progressed, until Nurhachi’s son proclaimed facilitate horse-riding and hunting. They A variety of manners were observed by and pomegranate-wood bows they sent as the name of Manchu towards the end of the let the back part of their hair grow long and the Manchus. Children were required to tributes to rulers of the Western and Eastern Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). wore it in a plait or queue. During the Qing pay formal respects to their elders regularly, Zhou period (11th century-221 B.C.), the The Ming Dynasty had 384 military Dynasty (1644-1911) the queue became once every three to five days. In greeting Sushens were one of the earliest tribes living forts and outposts established in the Nuzhen the standard fashion throughout China, their superiors, men were required to extend along the reaches of the Heilong and Wusuli area, and the Nuergan Garrison Command, eventually becoming a political symbol of their left hand to the knee and idle the right rivers north of the Changbai Mountains. a local military and administrative organi- the dynasty. Women coiled their hair on hand while scraping a bow, and women After the Warring States Period (475- zation in Telin area opposite the confluence top of their heads and wore earrings, long would squat with both hands on the knees. 221 B.C.), the Sushens changed the name of of the Heilong and Henggun rivers, was gowns and embroidered shoes. Linen was Between friends and relatives, warm em- their tribe to Yilou. They ranged over an ex- placed directly under the Ming court. While a favorite fabric for the rich; deerskin was braces were the commonest form of greeting tensive area covering the present-day north- strengthening central government control popular with the common folk. Silks and for all men and women. ern Liaoning Province, the whole of Jilin over northeast China, these establishments satins for noble and the rich and cotton cloth The Manchus used to believe in Sha- Province, the eastern half of Heilongjiang aided the economic and cultural exchanges for the ordinary people became standard for manism, which in the early days was divided Province, east of the Wusuli River, and north between the Nuzhen and Han peoples. into the court branch and the common folk of the Heilong River. Stone arrowheads and Minorities continues on Page 13 www.chinainsight.info culture DECEMBER 2009 > PAGE 13 Minorities from Page 12 works of scientific significance. These nationalities in this area waged tenacious only swill for the average Manchus. Along From the mid-16th century onwards, include Shu Li Jing Yun (Essence of Math- resistance against the aggression and colo- with this were all sorts of military services repeated internecine wars broke out among ematics and Physics), Li Xiang Kao Cheng nialist rule of Russia. and forced labor. A physical examination the Nuzhens, but they were later reunified (A Study of Universal Phenomena) and In 1894, the Japanese launched a war was required of all young Manchu peas- by Nurhachi, who was then Governor of Huang Yu Quan Lan Tu (Complete Atlas against China and Korea, occupying large ants at the age of 19. With the strong ones Jianzhou Prefecture. of the Empire) compiled during the reign tracts of Chinese territory in eastern Lia- conscripted into the Japanese military or the In 1595, the Ming court conferred of Emperor Kang Xi. Man Wen Lao Dang oning Province. This aroused nationwide puppet army, the weaker ones were made on Nurhachi the title of “Dragon-Tiger (Ancient Archives in Manchu), Man Wen protest and gave rise to strong resistance coolies building highways, fortifications General” after making him a garrison com- Tai Zu Shi Lu (A Manchu Biography of the by the Han, Manchu and Korean peoples, and factories or working in the mines. Life mander in 1583 and public procurator of Founding Emperor) and Yi Yu Lu (Stories who sprang surprise attacks on the enemy for them was extremely miserable. Treated Heilongjiang Province in 1589. Frequent of Exotic Lands) by Tu Lichen are among day and night. Chinese troops and civilians like beasts of burden and tortured by cold trips to Beijing brought him full awareness the famous works written in the early years defending Liaoyang, Liaoning, Province, and hunger they were forced to work 15 to of developments in the Han areas, which in of the dynasty, while Qing Wen Qi Meng inflicted heavy casualties on the invading 16 hours a day. Many perished under the turn exerted great influence on him. A tal- (Primer of Manchurian), Chu Xue Bi Du Japanese troops. lashes of the Japanese. Massacres of press- ented political and military leader, he later (Essential Readings for Beginners), Xu Zi The year 1900 marked the outbreak of ganged Manchu workers by the Japanese proved his outstanding ability by welding Zhi Nan (A Guide to Function Words) and the Yi He Tuan movement or Boxer Rebel- were the rule upon completion of strategic together within 30 years all the Nuzhen Qing Wen Dian Yao (Fundamentals of Man- lion, which was composed mainly of peas- military projects. tribes that were scattered over a vast area churian) are important works in the study of ants of Han and Manchu nationalities. In Shenyang, Dalian, Anshan, Fushun, reaching as far as the sea in the east, Kaiyuan the Manchu language. The Revolution of 1911 led by Dr. Sun Changchun and Harbin, the Japanese and in the west, the Nenjiang River in the north While the Manchu language was en- Yat-sen won wide acclaim and support their Chinese helpers opened many big and the Yalu River in the south. riched in vocabulary, efforts were made by among the broad masses of the Manchu mines and factories. The capitalists ruth- Once the Nuzhens were united, Nurhachi the Manchus to translate important works people. Manchus staged a series of armed lessly exploited the workers, Manchus initiated the “Eight banner” system, under of the Han people into their own language. uprisings including those of Fengcheng and and Hans alike, and deprived them of their which all people were organized along mili- Along with government documents, such other places led by the Manchu progressives, political right and personal safety. tary lines. Each banner consisted of many great works as The Three Kingdoms, The Bao Huanan and He Xiuzhai, who cooper- Life was no better for many Manchu basic units called “niulu” which functioned Western Chamber, A Dream of Red Man- ated with the Han revolutionary Ning Wu. intellectuals, including scientific and artistic as the primary political, military and produc- sions, Flowering Plum in the Vase and Manchu and Han intellectuals in Shenyang workers, teachers and government employ- tion organization of the Manchu people, Strange Tales from a Lonely Studio all had (Mukden) formed a “Progressives’ Radical ees, since inflation and currency devaluation and each unit was formed of 300 people. their Manchu versions. Alliance.” Leaders of the alliance, Manchu made things all the worse for those with Members of these units hunted or farmed Notable achievements were made by the intellectuals Bao Kun and Tian Yabin and meagre pay. This circumstance left no ex- together in peace time, and in time of war Manchu people in writing books in the Han Han progressive Zhang Rong, a member of ception for the Manchu peasants living in all would go into battle as militia. language. Typical of these were the poems the Tong Meng Hui (Chinese Revolution- the countryside south of the Great Wall. A In 1619 Nurhachi proclaimed himself of classical styles written in the seventeenth ary League), proposed the establishment few privileged old-timers and offspring of “Sagacious Khan” and established a slave century by the Manchu poet Nalanxingde of a “coalition republican government big families under the Qing Dynasty were state known to later times as Late Kin. who became known for his vivid description composed of Manchu and Han people.” the only ones better off than the general run. of the landscapes of Inner Mongolia and Though executed by the Qing government, These were rent collectors or dealers in jew- Political and Cultural Development northeast China. the two Manchus represented the correct elery, calligraphy and Chinese painting. Under the strong influence of the Han A Dream of Red Mansions written in position many Manchu people took in the In 1952, the government issued a deci- people, the Manchu slave system soon the 18th century by the Manchu writer Cao Revolution of 1911. sion protecting the right of people of all underwent a speedy development towards Xueqin is a classic that occupies a prominent On September 18, 1931, Japanese forces national minorities living in scattered groups feudalism, accompanied by intense class place in the history of world literature. With launched a surprise attack on Shenyang and to enjoy political equality. The decision struggle and social reform made from its story drawn from the life of a Manchu installed the puppet “Manchukuo” govern- stipulates that all minority people be duly above downwards. In pursuing their goal noble family, the novel gives incisive ment to control the area. represented in governments at all levels. to conquer the country, the Manchu rulers analysis and exposure of all the decadence The rigging up of the puppet “Man- Under this policy the Manchu people have began in 1633 to institute the Eight Banner of the Manchu ruling class. By dissecting chukuo” soon gave rise to strong national their own deputies to the national and lo- system among the Hans and Mongolians China’s feudal society, the author brought protest throughout China. Anti-Japanese cal People’s Congresses and enjoy equal under their control. the country’s literary expression to an un- volunteers, anti-Japanese organizations and right with other nationalities running state In 1635, Huang Taiji (1592-1643, eighth precedented height. guerrilla units were formed with massive affairs. son of Nurhachi and later enthroned as Em- Zhao Lian’s Xiao Ting Za Lu (Random participation by Manchu people. peror Tai Zong of the Qing Dynasty) chose Notes at Xiaoting), a true account of the On September 9, 1935, a patriotic dem- Manchu Artists the name of “Manchu” to replace Nuzhen events, rites, personalities and institutions onstration was held with a large number of Since 1949 Many Manchu writers and for his people. In the following year, when of the early Qing Dynasty, was a work of Manchu students in Beijing participating. artists have gained fame throughout China he ascended the throne, he adopted Great academic value for the study of the history Many of them later joined the Chinese since liberation. Cheng Yanqiu was a dis- Qing the name of his dynasty. of the Manchus and Mongols. National Liberation Vanguard Corps, the tinguished Manchu Beijing Opera singer In 1644 the Qing troops marched south Also outstanding among the Manchus Chinese Communist Youth League or the as well as a patriot. During the War of of Shanhaiguan Pass and unified the whole were many works by women writers. These Chinese Communist Party, carrying out Resistance Against Japan, he quit the stage of China, initiating nearly 300 years of include Qin Pu (Music Score) by Ke De, revolutionary activities on their campuses to show his hatred and contempt for the Manchu rule throughout the country. Hua Ke Xian Yin (Leisurely Recitation of and outside. Japanese aggressors and returned to a quiet The Manchus made their contributions Poems by the Flower Beds) by Wanyan After the nation-wide War of Resistance life on the western outskirts of Beijing. in defending China’s frontiers from foreign Yuegu, Xiang Yin Guan Xiao Cao (Poems Against Japan broke out in 1937, guerrilla But soon after the national liberation of the aggression. As early as the mid-17th cen- from Xiangyin Pavilion) by Kuliya Ling- warfare was waged by the Communist led country, he plunged himself into the work tury, Russia made repeated incursions into wen, and Tian You Ge Ji (Poems Written Eighth Route Army with many anti-Japa- of training young opera singers. areas along the Heilong River. In 1685, on in Tianyou Pavilion) by Xilin Taiqing (Gu nese bases opened far behind enemy lines. Lao She, widely known as a patriotic orders of Qing Emperor Kang Xi, Manchu Taiqing). Her Dong Hai Yu Ge (Song of East Guan Xiangying, a Manchu general, who writer and people’s artist, was born into a General Peng Chun led his “eight banner” Sea Fishermen) won her reputation as the was also Political Commissar of the 120th poor Manchu family and had tasted all the troops and naval units in driving out the greatest poetess of the Qing Dynasty. Division of the Eighth Route Army, played bitterness of life in his childhood. Before lib- Russian invaders. The subsequent Treaty a vital role in setting up the Shanxi-Suiyuan eration he wrote Camel Xiang Zi (or Rick- of Nerchinsk, signed on an equal footing in Contemporary History Anti-Japanese Base. shaw Boy) to make a thorough critique of 1689, delineated a boundary line between China was reduced to the status of a semi- Before the founding of the People’s the old society. During the War of Resistance China and Russia, and maintained normal colonial and semi-feudal country after the Republic of Chins, the social and eco- Against Japan, he founded the National relations between the two countries for more Opium War of 1840. During the war, many nomic conditions of the Manchu people in Writers’ and Artists’ Resistance Association, than 100 years. Manchus, as well as Hans, lost their lives in northeast China was quite different from uniting and organizing Chinese writers and Later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, fighting for China’s independence and the those of the people in the central part of the artists for the war against Japan. He contin- troops sent by the Qing court repulsed dignity of the Chinese nation. A 276-man country. In the days of Japanese occupation, ued to write novels after liberation. From British-backed Gurkha invasions of south- Eight Banner unit under Major Fu Long, most land in the northeast was in the hands 1950 to 1966, he wrote more than a score ern Tibet and local rebellions in Xinjiang, fighting to the last man at Tianzunmiao in of landlords and rich peasants, with large of plays including Dragon-Beard Ditch, A also incited by the British colonialists. These Zhejiang Province, beat back the onslaught tracts of farmland under direct control of the Woman Shop Assistant and Teahouse, win- and other military exploits of the Manchu of British invaders five times in succession. Japanese “Land Reclamation Corps.” The ning wide acclaim among the people. emperors brought into being a unified In another battle fought in Zhenjiang City, Manchu people were subjected to plunder Luo Changpei, a famous Manchu Chinese state that extended from the outer Jiangsu Province, 1,500 Eight Bannermen and enslavement. A compulsory “grain linguist, was distinguished for his expert Hinggan Mountains in the north to the Xisha yielded no ground in defiance of an enemy purchasing system” was enforced. All soy- knowledge of the dialects and phonology of Islands in the south, and from the Pamirs in force ten times their strength. bean, maize, corn and millet harvested by the Han language and for his studies in pho- the west to the Kurile Islands in the east in The Second Opium War of 1856-60 the peasants were taken by the Japanese and netic classification of classical Chinese, its the heyday of the Qing Dynasty. ended with Russia annexing more than Chinese puppet officials, policemen and vil- pronunciation and its history. He also stud- The Manchu people have also added a million square kilometers of northeast lage heads. Food grain was strictly rationed ied Chinese grammar, compiled dictionaries China. Local Manchus and people of other after all the layers of corruption, leaving splendor to Chinese culture with many Minorities continues on Page 14 PAGE 14 > DECEMBER 2009 culture www.chinainsight.info

Minorities from Page 13 Yuhuan Township, Huanjiang County, Hong from Page 7 and promoted researches into the languages the landlords and rich peasants -- some ries with, and continued to treasure when of minority nationalities. He helped create 3.8 percent of the township population -- he left to pursue his Hollywood dreams. the language science of New China. occupied 36.1 percent of the total arable As I took to the highway and headed land; whereas the farm laborers and poor home, I looked over to James to tell him The Maonan ethnic minority peasants who took up 53.4 percent of the how much I appreciated the time I was Population: 72,400 population only owned 18.7 percent of the able to spend with him. Major area of distribution: Guangxi land. Land rent was mostly paid in kind at “This has been a great experience for Language: Maonan an exploitative rate. me. Thanks for letting me tag along,” I Religion: Taoism, polytheism Customs and Culture said. “You had really great stories and The Maonan ethnic minority has a gave such valuable advice to many of the ancestral homes are said to have been in The Maonans with the same surnames population of 72,400, living in the northern students.” Shandong and Fujian provinces. and from the same clans usually live to- part of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous “I had a really great time too,” Stepha- The Maonan language belongs to the gether in small villages with only a few Region. nie echoed. Dong-Shui branch of the Zhuang-Dong households. The biggest village consists I told James how I admired his guts in language group of the Chinese-Tibetan lan- of not more than 100 households. Their pursuing his acting career. His insightful guage family. Almost all the Maonans know houses and clothes are basically identical words would have been very inspirational both the Han and the Zhuang languages to those of their Han and Zhuang neigh- to hear if I were one of those students because of long contact with those people. bors. Houses have two stories, with mud sitting in the auditorium chair. I told walls and tile roofs. The second floor is him how I wished I had heard him speak History used as living quarters and the ground years before while I was still figuring out Long subjected to the oppression of floor for livestock. my life. the ruling class, the Maonan areas devel- The major staples of the Maonans are “Well, life is too short not to do what oped very slowly. At the end of the Ming rice and maize, and then millet, sweet you love,” James said as he gazed out the Dynasty (1368-1644), the Maonans still potatoes and pumpkins. They all enjoy window and watched the Minneapolis used wooden hoes and ploughs. Various tobacco, alcohol, tea and hot peppers. skyline pass by one last time. iron tools were in use by the time of Qing They pick out big sweet potatoes with  Dynasty (1644-1911), when land was gradu- Guangxi Province is located in southern no injuries, dry them in the sun and leave ally concentrated and the division of classes China them in the open at night to be drenched and their ancestors to pray for a good harvest. became distinct. There began to appear farm by dew. Twenty or 30 days later, potatoes Married daughters and relatives living in The Maonan communities are located in laborers who did not own an inch of land, other places return to their home villages for sub-tropical areas characterized by a mild are put into cellars or above the cooking poor peasants who had a small amount of stoves. After another 20 days or so, they the celebration. A special treat is five-colored climate and beautiful scenery, with stony land, self-sufficient middle peasants, and rice. In the past, there were many taboos, such hills jutting up here and there, among which are steamed and enjoyed as a delicacy. landlords and rich peasants who owned large The Maonan families are generally as suspending productive labor on festivals, small patches of flatland are scattered. There amounts. The landlords and rich peasants which hindered the development of produc- are many small streams which are used to small and monogamous. In the past, mar- cruelly exploited farm laborers and poor riages were all decided and arranged by tion. After 1949, weddings and funerals were irrigate paddy rice fields. Drought-resistant peasants by means of land rent and usury. simplified, and some superstitious activities crops are grown in the Dashi Mountain area the parents. There were customs like “not There were also slave girls either bought by settling in the home of the husband,” and were reformed. where water is scarce. In addition to paddy the landlords or forced by unpaid debts to Singing is a popular recreational activity rice, agricultural crops include maize, wheat, a younger brother would marry the de- serve landlords all their lives. ceased elder brother’s wife or vice versa. of the Maonans. In addition, they also enjoy Chinese sorghum, sweet potatoes, soybean, “Maonan opera,” based on folklore and leg- cotton and tobacco. Special local products Economy The remarriage of widows was greatly restricted. When a person died, a Taoist ends and portraying love affairs, anti-feudal include camphor, palm fiber and musk. The The Maonan people are chiefly engaged priest would be invited to recite scriptures struggles, joys and sorrows, partings and area abounds in mineral resources such as in agriculture, but also have sidelines which and join in the funeral procession, the son reunions, and the lofty ideals of the people. iron, manganese, stibium and mercury. The yield more than half their total income, such of the dead person would “buy water” at a Maonan carving and weaving have unique Maonans are experts in raising beef cattle, as weaving bambooware, raising beef cattle, river or in a well to wash the body. Before styles. The former comprises wood and stone which are marketed in Shanghai, Guang- making wooden articles and casting iron. the burial, chicken blood was sprayed into varieties, delicate and vivid in imagery. The zhou and Hong Kong. Before liberation, their major farm tools the grave to bless the spirit of the deceased latter is famous for flowery bamboo hats and People surnamed Tan take up 80 percent were ox-pulled ploughshares, iron hoes, and protect his or her offspring. bamboo mattresses. of the population. Legend has it that their foot-pedaled ploughs, scrapers and scythes. The Maonans celebrate the Spring Fes- The Maonans are polite and hospitable, ancestors earlier lived in Hunan Province, Backward tools and farming techniques kept tival, Zhongyuan Festival and Pure Bright- calling each other brothers and sisters when then emigrated to Guangxi and multiplied the agricultural production at a very low ness Day, similar to those of their Han and they meet. When guests visit, they entertain by marrying the local women who spoke the level for a long time. Zhuang neighbors. However, the Fenglong them with oranges and sweet potatoes. Guests, Maonan tongue. There are other Maonans The land ownership in the Maonan areas Festival is unique to the Maonans and is important or not, are always solicitously in- surnamed Lu, Meng, Wei and Yan, whose was highly concentrated before 1949. In celebrated by offering sacrifices to God vited to dine with their hosts. 

Stage Show from Page 8 flexible,” Asian Development Bank President China data Haruhiko Kuroda said in an interview with Li gives a taste of the natural beauty day. With her natural elegance and poised Bloomberg Television in Singapore [Nov. 11]. from where they came and is loved by confidence, Kemei Jiang’s style of rhyth- shows World’s “Crisis response by the Chinese authorities audiences everywhere, while the songs mical performance and masterful skill take Workshop back has been excellent,” and “they’ve brought “The Far Away Place” and “The Girl from this traditional tune to new heights in a about a very strong economic recovery,” he Daban City” skillfully blend dynamics sublime expression of Chinese elegance in business also said. [Bloomberg] and rhythms of modern music and dance that touches and lingers in the soul. “Chinese factory output growth surged in a way that is energetic and contagious. Finally, the performance also invites to a 19-month high in October, showing Jindong Wei, Renhu Sa, Yan Sheng and overseas percussionists and bassists to the world’s third-largest economy has Lu Yue give a performance of folk music participate in the show and inject elements firmly put the worst of the global financial that has a fresh and purity of style. The of contemporary music and technical rear- crisis behind it. Huangmei Opera piece by Qiong Wu’s rangement that emphasize the openness Other figures released [on Nov. 11] clear and crisp singing sounds as if pearls and compatibility of Chinese music. showed a dip in the pace of investment dropping into a jade plate, and lingers way The Minneapolis-St. Paul performance and loan growth as the impact of the initial after the performance ends. “The Official is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010 at burst from a bank-financed 4 trillion yuan Conservatory of Music and Art” blends the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Min- ([US]$585 billion) economic stimulus the cultures of painting, calligraphy, neapolis, Minn. and ticket prices are package, announced a year ago, tapered music and dance into a holistic fusion of US$15, US$25 and US$35 which can be off. [Reuters] The World Bank and the International melodious piano and the splashing of ink obtained in person at the State Theatre [The] figures come days before lead- Monetary Fund both recently upgraded their that underlines the ancientness of Chinese Box Office, online at Hennepin Theatre ers from the Asia- Pacific region gather in growth forecasts for the country - they expect culture, while “Axi Dances in the Moon- Trust.org, by calling 1-800-982-2787 or Singapore, and a visit by U.S. President 8.4 percent and 8.5 percent for this year, light” is a folk tune that demonstrates the visiting Ticketmaster Center. Groups Barack Obama to Beijing, where he plans respectively - amid the mounting evidence expressiveness and unique enchantment of 10 or more are eligible for discounts to raise China’s currency policy. Premier that the stimulus measures had helped offset of traditional folk music. and should call 612-373-5665. Tickets Wen Jiabao has so far rebuffed pressure to fallout from a collapse in exports. The Pièce de résistance, the Beijing will also be available at Hua Xin Book- loosen reins on the yuan, awaiting a bigger But the rebound remains fraught with dif- opera fiddle and dance performance of store, 651-644-4294 and from some local rebound in exports in an effort to secure ficulties, and economists say the authorities “Somber Night’” by the critically ac- Chinese community organizations. For social stability and job gains. face a tough task in making the recovery sus- claimed performer Kemei Jiang, is one of complete information see advertisement “For China, it is necessary and ap- tainable. Most immediately, rapid increases in the classical works still performed to this appearing elsewhere in the paper.  propriate to allow the currency to be more Workshop continues on Page 15 www.chinainsight.info economy DECEMBER 2009 > PAGE 15 East Asia and Pacific update summary: Transforming the rebound into recovery East Asia’s rebound from the economic and poverty impact of the crisis. Lack of if recovery in the developed countries, no- credit by 30 percent of GDP in 2009. On downturn has been surprisingly swift and high frequency data on household incomes tably the U.S., remains weak for a longer the upside, a more robust recovery in the very welcome. A year ago, exports and and expenditures makes it difficult to track period than currently deemed likely. advanced countries could remove some of industrial production fell sharply across how the poor are faring. Based on past pat- The crisis has prompted countries in the imperative for rebalancing in developing the region, layoffs were on the rise, and terns of poverty and growth – which may the region to rethink their development East Asia and encourage sustaining the pre- capital flowed out weakening asset prices not hold during the current downturn and strategies. For most, the choice between crisis export-oriented growth model. The and currencies. rebound – an additional 14 million people growth driven by exports, on the one hand, upside also carries with it the risk of larger A vigorous and timely fiscal and mon- will remain in poverty in the region in 2010 and growth driven by domestic demand, capital inflows causing new asset price etary stimulus in most countries in East as a result of this crisis. Reduced demand for on the other, is a false one. Countries need bubbles and complicating macroeconomic Asia, led by China and Korea, along with labor during the downturn typically meant to resist protectionism, remain open and policies. Managing both risks will be a chal- decisive measures in developed economies reduced work hours or lower wages, rather become more, not less, integrated into the lenge that will require measures to rebalance to prevent a financial meltdown after the than outright layoffs. In some countries, global economy to continue to reap the growth while advancing integration with collapse of Lehman Brothers, have stopped where layoffs occurred, workers moved benefits of global knowledge, technologies global markets and retooling institutions to the decline in activity and set in motion the to the informal sector. In the end, labor and innovation. At the same time, govern- encourage innovation. regional rebound. The shift to inventory incomes fell substantially in 2009, with ments are realizing that more growth can be Over the medium term, can developing restocking since mid-2009 has also helped adverse consequences for living standards. extracted from domestic demand if they ease East Asia sustain rapid growth, even if the boost growth. These factors have led us to Poverty estimates do not capture these ad- or eliminate incentives that favor the quick rest of the world grows slowly? This will revise our projection for real GDP growth in verse consequences. buildup of export-led, investment-heavy depend on whether East Asia can integrate developing East Asia up by 1.3 percentage The rebound has yet to become a re- manufacturing supported by undervalued further regionally – through better facilita- points since the previous forecast in April. covery. That is why the authorities in the exchange rates and suppressed domestic tion of trade in goods and by extending its All in all, real GDP growth is set to slow to region are mindful of the risks of a prema- consumption and services. Some govern- liberal trade policies to services. Moving up 6.7 percent in 2009 from 8 percent in 2008, ture withdrawal of stimulus, given the large ments are rethinking how to manage risks the value-added chain in global production or much more moderately than after the output gaps and concerns that developed stemming from large and volatile capital networks will present an additional impetus 1997-98 Asian financial crisis. countries are converging to a slower-growth inflows, especially given concerns about to growth, as the benefits of new technol- Developments in East Asia remain equilibrium. new asset price bubbles. ogy and innovation spread more broadly strongly influenced by China. Take China Some governments in the region will The regional outlook for consolidation through the countries in the region. The out of the equation, and the rest of the re- have the fiscal space to sustain fiscal stimu- of the rebound into recovery and a return to service sector holds enormous potential for gion is recovering with less vigor. For 2009 lus until recovery is on a firmer footing rapid growth confronts downside and upside East Asia. Measures to spur competition in as a whole, output is projected to contract and private investment has been restarted. risks. Downside risks include a double dip in the service sector, combined with policies in Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand and Others will be more restrained because of economic activity in the advanced countries to ease restrictions to internal migration barely grow in Mongolia and some of the limited fiscal space. Overall, governments as stimulus measures and inventory restock- and trade, bolster education and improve Pacific islands. Even with solid growth in In- are aware that fiscal and monetary stimulus ing wear off. This will challenge many East the environment for private investment donesia and Vietnam, developing East Asia alone cannot sustain domestic demand for Asian countries that have little fiscal space to and innovation, will allow countries to excluding China is projected to grow more an extended period of time, especially if continue to finance fiscal stimulus programs take a fuller advantage of the benefits of slowly in 2009 than South Asia, the Middle investors are not reassured that the authori- without external assistance. But they will agglomeration, and create more favorable East and North Africa, and only modestly ties will have viable exit strategies in place be assisted by China that has the resources conditions for the emergence of innovative faster than Sub-Saharan Africa. and will bring government debt to levels that to maintain its current fiscal stance for sev- global companies.  The aggregate numbers mask not only will not jeopardize long-term debt sustain- eral years if necessary. There will be limits large differences in growth performance: ability. There are limits, moreover, to what to China’s capacity for further monetary Source: World Bank they tell an incomplete story about the social fiscal and monetary policies can accomplish stimulus, however, following the surge in

Workshop from Page 14 property prices and in the country’s stock to plunder its resources and practice neo- loans that Ecuador has negotiated with this the past two decades, temperatures in the market, fueled mostly by the loose lending colonialism. This allegation, in my view, country.... Borja also said that a fiscal deficit river basin area have risen by an average of policies that were designed to prop up the is totally untenable,’ Wen said at a news of [US]$3 billion budgeted for 2010 will be 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius), economy, have stoked concerns of an asset conference.... Wen said eight new Chinese covered with traditional financial sources, causing a spike in flooding, heat waves and bubble. [The New York Times] policy measures aimed at strengthening such as regional and multilateral lenders, drought, said the report, the largest assess- Source: World Bank relations with Africa were ‘more focused as well as by nontraditional sources such as ment yet on the impact of global warming on improving people’s livelihoods,’ under- Russia....” [Dow Jones/Factiva] on the Yangtze basin area, where some 400 lining what he called Beijing’s ‘selfless’ Source: World Bank million people live. engagement in Africa....” [The Washington Data collected from 147 monitoring China to lend Post (11/9)/Factiva] stations along the 700,000-square-mile (1.8 Source: World Bank Climate change million-square-kilometer) area showed tem- Africa [US]$10 peratures rose by 0.59 degrees Fahrenheit billion challenging (0.33 degrees Celsius) during the 1990s. “Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said his Ecuador says Additional findings show that between 2001 country will give [US] $10 billion in loans China’s Yangtze: and 2005, the basin’s temperature rose on to African countries without any political US$1 billion China average another 1.28 degrees Fahrenheit Report (0.71 degrees Celsius).’ [AP] strings attached.... The Africa loan package “Rising temperatures will expose Chi- The Guardian reports that “”Extreme will include a [US]$1 billion special loan for credit talks sus- na’s Yangtze River basin to extreme weather climate events such as storms and drought small and medium-size African businesses, such as severe floods, drought and storms pended disasters will increase as climate change Wen said, adding that China will also cancel that could threaten cities such as Shanghai, “Ecuador has put on hold its plans for continues to alter our planet,” said Xu debts of some African countries....” [The a new report has said. a [US]$1 billion credit from China due to Ming, the lead researcher on the report, Wall Street Journal (11/9)/Factiva] In the coming decades, global warming disagreements over conditions of the deal, which included contributions from the Bloomberg writes that “...Wen an- will increase glacier melt in the Himala- Ecuador’s Economic Policy Minister Diego China Academy of Sciences, the China nounced [Nov. 8] that the [US]$10 billion in yan reaches of the Yangtze, diminish food Borja said on [Nov. 12]. ‘They were asking Meteorological Administration and other preferential loans over the next three years production in the basin and lead to rising for unacceptable conditions, such as import academic bodies. would be used to develop infrastructure and waters in coastal regions, said the World guarantees,’ Borja told reporters. ‘Ecuador The study - one of the most compre- social programs.... He said China will con- Wide Fund for Nature, which co-authored does not accept impositions, not from China, hensive ever undertaken of a major river struct 100 new clean-energy projects on the the report with Chinese research institutes.” not from the International Monetary Fund, basin - was cautious about the rate of glacier continent and gradually lower customs du- [The (China) Economic Times] not from anyone.’...” [Reuters/Factiva] shrinkage.” [The Guardian]  ties on 95 percent of products from African According to the Associated Press, “In Dow Jones adds that “...Borja said Ec- Source: World Bank states with which it has diplomatic ties....” uador’s public finances won’t be affected by [Bloomberg (11/9)] suspension of the loan negotiations, as the The Washington Post adds that “...del- loan hadn’t been included in the central gov- Advertisers egates on both sides stressed that their ties ernment’s fiscal budget proposal.... Borja Your potential customers are reading Ch i n a Insight. Shouldn’t go beyond the Chinese acquisition of raw said the suspension of the negotiations won’t you be bringing them in the door with an ad? materials. ‘There have been allegations for affect relations with China or any other a long time that China has come to Africa PAGE 16 > DECEMBER 2009 travel www.chinainsight.info