hina nsight CFostering business and cultural harmonyI between China and the U.S. VOL. 11 NO. 1 January 2012 ChinaInsight to celebrate its 10th anniversary of publication By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer hina Insight was conceived back in to ensure that a variety of views and perspec- 2001 when 3 young, entrepreneurial tives are presented as to what is happening Cco-workers from China decided that in these areas. publishing a newspaper would be a good Over the years China Insight has pub- way to generate interest and leads for a con- lished a series of articles on topics such as sulting business which resulted in the print- Chinese language, speech and communica- ing of China Insight’s first issue in February, tion that resulted in a book of these articles, CAAM Annual Banquet 2002. Well, next month China Insight will the sister state and sister city relationships be celebrating its 10th Anniversary. between Minnesota and the PRC. China Page 8 As noted, China Insight was started in Insight also initiated a series of articles 2001, and is an independent, locally owned describing how the Chinese government is company that is headquartered in Minne- structured and has featured each of the 55 trista, MN. It is the only English-language different ethic groups within China. Articles American newspaper to focus exclusively on how to conduct business in China along on building a bridge between the United with travel tips are frequently included. States and the People’s Republic of China In addition to publishing the newspaper, (PRC). Its goal is to develop a mutual China Insight also promotes or sponsors understanding of each other’s cultures and events that foster U.S.-China cultural and business environment by fostering U.S.- business harmony. The goal is to build China cultural and business harmony. The first issue ofC hinaInsight on these accomplishments and expand the Contained in each monthly edition are technology, sports and local Chinese events. type of service that can be provided to those articles on such diverse topics as business, These articles may be written by its own culture, government, travel, education, staff writers or reprinted from other sources 10th anniversary continues on finance, language, lifestyle, science and Page 3 Chinese New Year U.S. and China conclude 22nd Session of Page 9 the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade Commerce Book Review USTR and USDA welcome concrete results in trade negotiations, reiterate need Page 10 to achieve greater market access for U.S. exporters Chengdu, China – [Nov. 21, 2011] “Both sides worked hard to produce infringement. marked the conclusion of the 22nd session some meaningful progress that will help In addition, China’s leadership commit- of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on provide a needed boost to U.S. exports and ted to increased political accountability – the Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Chengdu, jobs,” Secretary Bryson said. “This is a step performance of provincial level officials China. United States Trade Representative in the right direction. But we must continue will be measured based on enforcement of Ron Kirk and U.S. Secretary of Commerce to actively engage our Chinese counterparts intellectual property rights in their regions. John Bryson co-chaired the JCCT along to open additional opportunities for U.S. “For the first time, China will establish with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan. businesses.” a permanent leadership structure to enforce U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack “China is one of the most important ag- intellectual property rights. As enforcement also participated in the discussions. ricultural trade partners for the United States becomes effective, those who infringe will Ambassador Kirk, Secretary Bryson, and the meetings and discussions in recent no longer be able to lay low until a crack- and Secretary Vilsack announced mean- days have helped to strengthen this partner- down is over and then simply resume their ingful progress on key elements of the ship and build greater export opportunities illegal activities,” Secretary Bryson stated. U.S.-China trade relationship but also for our farmers, ranchers and growers,” said In addition, Vice Premier Wang Qishan China’s Top Ten Seaside Cities underscored that much more work remains Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. “We intend personally committed to continue the soft- to be done to open China’s market to U.S. to continue these discussions in the months ware legalization program. Specifically, Page 11 exports and investment. [The] progress will ahead on beef and other agricultural prod- he committed to ensure that the provincial help boost U.S. exports and jobs through ucts to break down additional trade barriers legalization efforts would be concluded the removal of important barriers related so Chinese consumers can benefit from the by the middle of 2012 and at the local and ALSO IN THIS ISSUE to electric vehicles, strengthened measures high quality products that are produced in municipal levels by the end of 2013. to eliminate discriminatory indigenous in- America.” The Chinese government also agreed Announcements...... 2 novation policies, and stricter enforcement to continue working to develop solutions Opinion...... 3 of intellectual property rights in China. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to combat the sale of infringing goods on Events...... 4-5 “The JCCT gives us a mechanism to China agreed to make a significant sys- the Internet, while at the same time moving Education...... 6-7 address the toughest issues in our trade rela- temic change in its enforcement of intellec- forward to develop additional protections Chinese New Year...... 8-9 tionship, and we must judge it by our ability for legitimate trademarks. All of China’s tual property rights. Through a high-level Arts...... to make concrete progress,” Ambassador commitments on intellectual property rights 10 central government enforcement structure Travel...... 11 Kirk said. “We have reached agreement on led by Vice Premier Wang Qishan, China will enhance the protection of U.S. innova- Business...... a number of important outcomes, though we will make permanent its 2010 Special IPR tive products and promote job creation in 12 had hoped to accomplish even more. In our Campaign. China will continue high-level the United States. Government...... 13 discussions with our Chinese counterparts, involvement that will enhance its ability to Economy...... 14 we spoke frankly about the need to redouble crack down on intellectual property rights Finance...... 15 our efforts going forward.” Commerce continues on Page 12 PAGE 2 > JANUARY 2012 announcements www.chinainsight.info Publisher’s Pronouncements ChinaInsight Publisher: Gung He Fat Choy…Gong Xi Fa Cai…Happy Chinese New Year! Gregory J. Hugh [email protected]
As we prepare to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, all of us here at ChinaInsight are also excited about celebrating the Editor: 10th Anniversary of publishing ChinaInsight next month. In the decade since our first issue was published in February, Jennifer Nordin 2002, there have been many events that have influenced China’s re-emergence onto the global scene. [email protected] During the decade that ChinaInsight has been serving as a bridge by printing an English language newspaper to promote better cultural and business understanding between the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and the United States, much has Manager of Operations/ taken place that now makes China a leading economic power. Much of this can be attributed to China’s ascension into the World Trade Organization in late 2001. Circulation: Although the PRC may not score high marks in matters of human rights, protection of intellectual property along with its Richard He administrating its rule of law, the PRC has nonetheless persevered while also enduring natural disasters like earthquakes, [email protected] SARS epidemics and other calamities. As ChinaInsight has reported over the years, this decade of growth in China was shaped by the economic programs Marketing Director: implemented in each of the recent 5 year plans submitted by President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabo, both of whose Will Ahern terms will end in 2012. One of the crowning achievements during this period was hosting the very successful 2008 Beijing [email protected] Summer Olympics. In addition to publishing the newspaper, ChinaInsight also promotes or sponsors local events that foster U.S.-China Production Editor: cultural and business harmony. The goal is to build on these accomplishments and expand the type of service that can be Dawn Murphy provided to those who are interested in fostering U.S.-China culture and business. [email protected] ChinaInsight, in collaboration with the Chinese Heritage Foundation, established A Passage to China in 2008 which has become an annual event held at Mall of America to promote Chinese history, culture and customs through interactive activi- Artist/Intern: ties for all ages with over 40 organizations from throughout the Twin Cities communities participating as a FREE event for Lauren Hugh the general public. The dates for the 5th annual A Passage to China will be April 21-22, 2012 at Mall of America. In the months ahead we plan on highlighting some of the events that has influenced coverage byC hinaInsight and want you to know that we are committed to providing the best possible coverage of news and events that affect the community. Staff Writers: Greg Hugh We will be making some changes to our Web site so that we can be more proactive and timely in serving the community. [email protected] We welcome your continued support and appreciate your support of our advertisers that provide much of the revenue needed to produce the paper. Also, ChinaInsight would not be possible without the support and commitment from its all Elizabeth Greenberg volunteer staff. [email protected] Best wishes from all of us at ChinaInsight for a healthy and prosperous Year of the Dragon. Anthony James Sincerely, [email protected]
Gregory J. Hugh Jodi Yim James [email protected] Gregory J. Hugh Publisher Albert Leung [email protected]
Jennifer Nordin [email protected]
Mike Xiong [email protected]
About ChinaInsight ChinaInsight is a monthly English language newspaper fostering business and cultural harmony between China and the U.S.
ChinaInsight is a Member of The Minnesota Chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA).
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Email______understanding about today’s Company______China, from language to Copyright 2012 ChinaInsight, Inc. Title______business opportunities. All Rights Reserved. www.chinainsight.info opinion JANUARY 2012 > PAGE 3 Opinion Poor journalism revitalizes Chinese stereotypes: WCCO’s duck/dog mix-up By Anthony James, Staff Writer First, let me state the following: I meat market would sell, was misheard don’t think WCCO’s news team or Jason for “duck” which can be seen hanging Schugel are racists. from most every Chinese meat market But if you were able to catch the story, from New York to San Francisco. The dog which no longer exists on the WCCO breeder from Minnesota, who has been Web page (but has been recovered on rightfully charged for selling sick dogs to City Pages and various blogs), I hope you pet stores, solved the mix-up by noting might be able to catch why there are so that she put the wrong address on the 51 GAS STATIONS & C-STORES FOR many readers and journalists angry with travel certificate. SALE IN PA, CT, MA, NH & ME WCCO’s news team. The Asian Ameri- We go around in circles on journal- Stores average 68K gals./month in fuels can Journalists Association has asked for ism standards: how the police raid and James Schugel sales & $63K/month in merchandise sales. an apology, City Pages published that taxpayer dollars could have been saved released the story. 43 stores for sale with the real estate. Great “heads will roll” according to an inside by a simple clarification, how checking It wouldn’t be fair to suggest that business opportunity. The stores are for source, tons of angry comments circled your sources rather than relying on one James Schugel and the WCCO news team sale individually. For more info please go to: www.matrixenergyandretail.com the internet. phone conversation with someone whose are racists, but the evidence that we live in On Oct. 31, 2011 WCCO released an commonly used language is not English Click on “Dataroom” or call: a society that hasn’t moved beyond racial Sean Dooley – 410.752.3833, ext. 4 I-Team report, headed by James Schugel, should not pass as damning evidence. insensitivity is still apparent. Take as an which claimed that a dog breeder in rural What irks me the most is how little John Underwood – 331.457.5143 example the survey data release from the Spencer Cavalier – 410.752.3833, ext. 2 Minnesota was selling her pups to a New we realize how such a story is capable of Bullying Prevention Summit that showed York City address. Upon looking up the opening a can of worms we thought was that Asian American teens are the most address, Schugel reported that the address longed buried. There would be those who certainly create a paradigm in the minds bullied out of all ethnic groups, take the of those who may not know better. belonged to a Chinese market. After one stand with WCCO, claiming that the story surly profanity-laden voicemail to Hmong phone call, Schugel’s conversation with was a legitimate concern with a slight We depend on news for our informa- city council candidate Bee Kevin Xiong, tion; we depend on journalistic standards a thick accented meat worker implied gaff. take any of the numerable instances in that the store did sell dog meat. The story Slight gaff? When I still hear my fel- to objectively bring that information with television and advertising which utilize little bias or misunderstanding. When we prompted a police raid, which eventually low students, coworkers, and neighbors some sort of Asian stereotype. had WCCO quickly covering up the report remarking how Asians will steal your fail as a community to fairly judge our Schugel’s news report falsely accus- neighbors’ moral and cultural values based on their Web site after the raid recovered pets? When we still live in communities ing Asian Americans of selling dog meat no dog meat. that have no clue about Asian American on misinformation we fail to be a com- only adds fuel to xenophobia, racism, and munity. Asian Americans are still fighting The New York Post picked up the culture? It doesn’t seem like Schugel or anti-Asian ideas in our communities. The pieces on the very next Friday, Nov. 4; the news director that gave the report stereotypes and generalizations all across story may not have been meant as a direct the United States; such poor journalism the worker misheard Schugel. The word the green light had the Asian American attack on Chinese or a minority in general, should be more than unwelcome. “dog” which (surprise) no Asian American community in mind when they carelessly but such lack of journalistic standards will
and business leaders with connections to hina nsight China. On the cultural side, it focuses on C I to celebrate its all readers, regardless of heritage, with an interest in understanding some aspect of 10th anniversary of publication China. The individual on whom we focus Continues from Page 1 is English-speaking Chinese that wants to develop a better understanding of the who are interested in fostering U.S.-China participating as a free event for the general In 2002, China Insight sponsored and U.S. and also Americans with an interest culture and business. public. partnered with the Minnesota Timberwolves in China. Our goal is to satisfy the needs China Insight, in collaboration with the to promote all Timberwolves and Houston of these two groups that form a large, well- Chinese Heritage Foundation, established A Rockets basketball games featuring Yao educated audience. Passage to China in 2008 which has become Ming resulting in the Timberwolves’ spon- We estimate that such an audience is an annual event held at Mall of America sorship a China Expo at the Target Center in excess of 30,000. Since China now is to promote Chinese history, culture and in March 2004. easily Minnesota’s third largest trading customs through interactive activities for partner. China is now one of Minnesota’s all ages with over 40 organizations from largest trading partners with over 1.3 billion throughout the Twin Cities communities dollars in manufactured exports in 2009. Over 9,000 plus have a direct business in- volvement, another 6,000 plus are interested Over the years China Insight has also China’s arts and culture, student interest ex- planned and hosted a forum on how to ceeds 5,000 with an ever-increasing Chinese do business in China with speakers from language education program along with the Zhejiang Province along with a WTO ethnic Chinese community that number over training delegation from the same province 18,000. Also, since the state of Minnesota to promote business relationships between has greater per capita international adoption Minnesota and Zhejiang, China. from China than any other state, we estimate As part of its commitment to be civic- that adoptive family interest is 3,000 plus. minded and proactive in the community, China Insight is published monthly (ex- China Insight has sponsored events held cept July/August and November/December by, to mention just a few, the China Center- are combined) and is available free at select University of Minnesota, CAAM Chinese locations throughout the Twin Cities in such Dance Theatre, Asia Media Access, Dragon places as libraries, skyway, restaurants and Festival along with many other local orga- other high traffic locations. It is also avail- nizations. able though subscription and at China Insight has also facilitated many As noted previously, China Insight cultural education exchange programs focuses on two facets of coverage: busi- www.chinainsight.info between schools located in Minnesota and ness and culture. On the business side, the PRC. the newspaper concentrates on businesses PAGE 4 > JANUARY 2012 events www.chinainsight.info Dakota County displays Erika Lee, educator China cultural exhibit at and author, speaks at Dakota County Northern Minnesota History Forum Service Center on 14th Amendment By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer
Constitution, also known as the “citizenship clause,” which states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and sub- ject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” On March 28, 1898, Justice Horace Gray, writing for the majority, issued the de- cision upholding Wong Kim Ark’s claim to U.S. citizenship under the 14th Amendment. While this decision has forever changed our nation of immigrants, legislation such as the Immigration Act of 1924 continued to cast a shadow over immigrants and it wasn’t until 1943 before the Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed by the Magnuson Act. The Dakota County Public Art Citizens local economy today. The exhibit shares Following her presentation, Lee an- Advisory Committee announced that a the relationship between the County and its swered questions from the audience which China cultural exhibit is now open in the sister-city Chengde and illustrates some of included one that asked who funded the rotunda of the Dakota County Northern the results of trade mission ten years ago. legal costs. While the attorneys were not Service Center located at 1 Mendota Road One of the goals of the Dakota County paid, other expenses were mostly funded West, West St. Paul, MN 55118, and will Public Art Citizen Advisory Committee is by Chinese family organizations and indi- continue to be on display through the end to help foster cultural understanding through viduals. Lee then made herself available at of March, 2012. the Three Cultures series of exhibitions at Dr. Erika Lee the gift shop for book signings. As noted The exhibit focuses on China with three the Northern Service Center. As Dakota The first measurable snowfall of the earlier, in addition to her positions at the themes: County becomes increasingly diverse, un- season didn’t deter approximately 500 University, Lee is the author of two award- • Dakota County’s Sister City – derstanding the differences and similarities people from attending the second of five winning books, Angel Island: Immigrant Chengde, China. between each cultural community will lectures being presented at the Minnesota to America (2010) and At America’s Gates: • Traditional Chinese Culture help long-time and new residents interact History Center in St. Paul as part of this Chinese Immigration During the Exclusion • Chinese/American Culture positively, strengthening the communities year’s History Forum titled “We The People: Era. Information on these books can be This is the fourth installment of the across the county. Americans and the Constitution.” The lec- obtained at Amazon or other book retailers. Three Cultures series of exhibits that focuses The Chinese Heritage Foundation and tures present an opportunity to examine our exclusively on one country. The country China Insight partnered with the County’s ongoing national struggle to understand, live selected this year is China, and it is being Art Committee to create the displays of with and live up to our greatest founding viewed through three different lenses. The traditional Chinese culture and Chinese/ document: the U.S. Constitution. first is the relationship between Dakota American culture. The first of the History Forum lectures County and its sister city, Chengde. The was held in November and was presented second is a reflection of key elements of by social historian, Ernest Freeberg and traditional Chinese culture. The third lens covered the topic of The Right to Dissent. is the perspective of the Chinese Americans On Dec. 3, 2011, Erika Lee, Professor of who have moved to Dakota County. History and Director of the Asian American According to the brochure distributed Studies Program at the University of Min- at the exhibit, China is growing rapidly nesota, presented the second lecture of the and playing an increasingly large role in series titled To Be a Citizen. the global community. Statewide, exports In her introductory remarks, Lee pre- to China totaled US$1.3 billion in 2009 and sented some background on various federal some of those exports came from Dakota citizenship laws that lead to adoption of the County. To foster business opportunities 14th Amendment to the Constitution on Erika Lee at History Forum lecture and cultural exchanges, the County sent a July 9, 1868, along with how Chinese were trade mission to China in 2001. The lessons treated prior to this Amendment up through Supplementing Lee’s oral presentation, learned on that mission are affecting the 1882 when the Chinese Exclusion Act was was an excellent 17-page booklet of material signed into law by President Chester A. prepared by the Minnesota History Center. Arthur. The Minnesota History Center Forum Although the 14th Amendment was will continue with 3 additional lectures: intended to extend legal citizenship and --A Free Press. Jan 21: With distinguished constitutional protections to the newly-freed journalism scholar Jane Kirtley. slaves, there was simultaneously a campaign --Religious Freedom. Feb. 18: With nota- afoot to prevent another group – the Chinese ble historian and author, Bruce Dierenfield. – from achieving citizenship and securing --Lincoln, the Civil War and the Constitu- the same rights. tion. Mar. 17: With Pulitzer Prize-wining One person who challenged the Chinese historian, Mark J. Neely. exclusion laws was a 23 year-old cook from The History Forum has been expanded San Francisco named Wong Kim Ark. In this year. Each lecture is now held twice on 1894 he traveled to China to visit his parents each date, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Individual but was refused re-entry to the U.S., the tickets and series passes on sale now at 651- country of his birth, by the Chinese Exclu- 259-3015 or www.minnesotahistorycenter. sion Acts. The Act denied citizenship to the org/forum. American-born children of Chinese parents and prevented Wong from returning home. Editor’s note: Synopsis information Instead, he would be deported to China, a about Erika Lee’s book, At America’s nation where he had never lived. Wong Gates: Chinese Immigration During the Kim Ark decided to fight back, asserting Exclusion Era, 1882-1943 appears on the constitutional right of people born in the page 10 of this issue. United States as provided for in Section 1 of the 14th Amendment of the United States www.chinainsight.info events JANUARY 2012 > PAGE 5 Science Fusion Series kicks off January 7 at the Science Museum of Minnesota, connecting local science stars with kids, teens and adults Four-part event series features the 20th anniversary of the popular African Americans in Science event St. Paul, MN – On Saturday afternoons discover the inspiring contributions they’ve in cold and snowy January, science, culture made to technology, education, health care, and opportunity will meet during the Sci- and innovation. ence Museum of Minnesota’s popular Sci- ence Fusion event series. This long-running American Indians in Science: event series focuses on the accomplishments Saturday, January 21 of members of the Twin Cities’ Asian Ameri- Visitors will meet individuals from the can, African American, American Indian Twin Cities’ American Indian communities and Latino and Hispanic communities in who have made significant contributions the areas of science, technology, engineering to science, engineering, and education. and math (STEM). Presenters from Grassroots Indigenous During each week’s Science Fusion Multimedia, IBM, Walsh Construction, the event, science professionals from leading University of Minnesota’s Center of Ameri- Twin Cities companies will present displays can Indian and Minority Health and more that demonstrate their passion for their work will share their areas of expertise through and highlight the contributions they've made hands-on activities and dynamic displays. to science and innovation. Visitors of all ages will get a memorable, hands-on look at Amantes de la Ciencia: Saturday, the scientists’ areas of expertise in a science January 28 fair-style setting that is the perfect atmo- Rounding out the 2012 Science Fusion sphere for in-depth, one-on-one interaction series, Amantes de la Ciencia (Lovers of between visitors and presenters. Science) introduces visitors to science and Kids! Meet the Most In addition to recognizing achievements education professionals from the Twin in the STEM disciplines, Science Fusion Cities' Latino and Hispanic communities. Exciting Scientists in events are designed to inspire the next Companies and organizations represented our Communities. generation of scientists and innovators and this year include Academia Cesar Chavez, introduce them to the wide array of science- Ecolab, IBM and the Society of Hispanic related career opportunities. Professional Engineers. Activities from Asian Americans in Science In conjunction with Science Fusion, the previous years’ events include making January 7, 2012, 1- 4 pm Science Museum will recognize students milagritos (cards expressing wishes, hopes, from around the metro and greater Minne- and dreams), building geodesic domes out of African Americans in Science sota as recipients of the Good Job Student marshmallows and toothpicks, and learning January 14, 2012, 1- 4 pm Award. The award program honors Minne- about human DNA. American Indians in Science sota middle- and high-school students who Science Fusion activities will take place January 21, 2012, 1- 4 pm have demonstrated exceptional achievement from 1 to 4 p.m. each Saturday in January in or passion for a STEM discipline, either in and are free with regular Science Museum ¡Amantes de la Ciencia! the classroom or outside of school. Students exhibit hall admission (US$13 for adults January 28, 2012, 1- 4 pm are nominated for the award by teachers or and US$11 for kids and seniors). For spe- mentors and publicly recognized at the Sci- cial group and individual rates for people Watch scientists in action, try experiments with them, ence Fusion events. with limited incomes, call 651-221-9444. and learn about their jobs. The 2012 Science Fusion event series Presenter stations will be located at various includes: locations throughout the museum. A com- Free: up to four children (4-12 years old) with each New this year! Asian Americans in plete list of presenters and locations will be full-price adult admission. Science: Saturday, January 7 available in the lobby on level 5 on the day Visitors will meet science and education of the event. Call (651)221-9444 for information. Special rates for professionals who represent many geo- “As a trusted center for informal science persons with limited income are available. graphic backgrounds, from Southeast Asia learning, the Science Museum of Minne- to the mainland and the Pacific Islands. The sota is helping to build the ever-important www.smm.org/sciencefusion presenters, including representatives from next generation of scientists and science 120 W. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55102 3M, Ecolab, Donaldson Company, Inc., and educators, the individuals who will help the University of Minnesota’s College of shape our day-to-day lives through their Presented by Pharmacy, Medical School and Society of exploration and innovation,” says Dr. Eric Asian Scientists and Engineers, will share J. Jolly, president of the Science Museum stories about their experiences and successes of Minnesota. “The Science Fusion event in the science, technology, engineering and series encourages Science Museum visitors math disciplines, and get visitors involved from all walks of life to make personal con- with hands-on activities that relate to their nections with some truly amazing achievers areas of expertise. from diverse backgrounds and gives them an opportunity to be inspired by their remark- 20th annual African Americans in able accomplishments.” Science: Saturday, January 14 The 2012 Science Fusion event series First celebrated in 1992, African Ameri- is sponsored by Donaldson Company, Inc. cans in Science was the pioneer Science The Science Museum of Minnesota Fusion and has become a beloved Science serves more than one million visitors each Museum tradition. Visitors will meet sci- year with its hands-on exhibits, breathtaking ence and educational professionals from the giant screen films, special events, and unpar- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Mobile alleled education programs. It is located at Animal Surgical Hospital (MASH), the 120 West Kellogg Boulevard in downtown University of Minnesota Medical School St. Paul. For specific directions, parking and the National Society of Black Engi- information, hours, show times and ticket neers, learn about what they do through information, call 651-221-9444 or visit interactive displays and presentations, and www.smm.org. PAGE 6 > JANUARY 2012 education www.chinainsight.info 张老师 zhāng lǎo shī : Linda Chang By Jodi Yim James, Staff Writer She includes links for Chinese language flash- cards: http://semanda. com/, a Great Wall video: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=_krttdZz-h8, and a site with cartoons for Chinese idiom or proverb stories online: http://www.61flash.com/ list/505_1.htm. Chang credits the University of Minnesota teacher preparation pro- gram for her success as a Chinese language teacher. Linda Chang The University of Minne- sota Department of Cur- inda Chang teaches Mandarin riculum and Instruction, which is the teacher Chinese at Irondale High School licensure program, consistently ranks in the and at Mounds View High School L top twenty in the nation. Language teachers for Mounds View School District. This past specifically follow the requirements of the year she has been the Vice President of the Second Languages and Cultures teaching Minnesota Council on the Teaching of Lan- sequence to earn their advanced degree guages and Cultures (MCTLC). MCTLC is and license. Professors such as Dr. Martha the professional organization for all foreign Bigelow are not only instructing those train- language teachers in the State of Minnesota. ing to be teachers, they are stellar examples Linda Chang, through her professional of excellent pedagogy in their own right in involvements, has quickly risen to serve working with university advanced degree in a leadership position among language students. Dr. Bigelow shares that she is teachers in Minnesota. Although there are “…deeply invested in the schooling of all traditionally numerous Spanish, French, and language learners as they learn in home, German teachers who serve on the Board of community and school settings. I am also MCTLC, Chang is one of the few Chinese interested in teacher education experiences teachers who have served on this board. She and classroom pedagogies that support eq- is truly a leader in her field. uity and access in education.” Dr. Bigelow Chang has completed multiple degrees models in her college classroom with her and earned multiple Minnesota Educator graduate students, the pedagogy she would Licensures, including a Master of Arts in like to see in their classrooms in both pub- Counseling and a Master of Education in lic and private schools, in the field. As a Teaching, for a Minnesota K-12 School University of Minnesota graduate student, Counselor License and a Minnesota K-12 Chang feels she was provided with the aca- Chinese Language License. As a native demic preparation and experience to work speaker of Mandarin Chinese, Chang had to with students in a wide range of school and prove English proficiency for her licensure, community contexts. taking the praxis in English, and verifying In the public school district where Chang skills in both pedagogy and content. For a teaches, she works with a variety of students teacher who is a native speaker from another language and culture. Last year, 1,200 par- who have diverse learning styles. Located Save the Dates! country, this can be a daunting challenge and ticipants from across K–16 education came only nine miles north of the downtown areas April 12–14, 2012 in Washington, DC require multiple attempts. Chang has been together to share best practices in technol- of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Mounds View highly successful in her achievements as a ogy, program development, teacher training, Public Schools serve students who live in Chinese teacher in Minnesota. State of the Field: and sustainable partnerships. the cities of Arden Hills, Mounds View, New Proficiency, Sustainability, and Beyond With these achievements, and working Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, Shoreview as a skilled educator in Minnesota, Chang and Vadnais Heights. Overall, the District Submit a Session Proposal has taken her professionalism to the next Asia Society and the College Board are serves nearly 10,000 students from these The success of the National Chinese level by being active in the career educa- pleased to announce the 5th annual National communities. Mounds View is among the Language Conference is built upon the tor’s organization, MCTLC. Her work on Chinese Language Conference. This year's largest districts in Minnesota. innovation, best practices, and shared ex- the board is not only voluntary, but as with NCLC will focus on the State of the Field Today, teaching the Chinese language periences of educators and administrators all professional organizations, the members and strategies to ensure student proficiency, in a large school district means that Man- in the field. Share your ideas and successes (including volunteers and board members) program sustainability, and much more! darin education is not for an elite student by leading a session at NCLC 2012. The pay membership dues. Chang has felt this With a wide offering of preconference body. Chang makes the Chinese language Request for Proposals is now open – submit worthwhile work and investment in MCTLC events and a rich conference program, accessible to all students who voluntarily a proposal today! is an integral part of the advancement of her NCLC is the premier conference dedicated choose to study Mandarin as an elective in Learn more and find updates at career and of Mandarin Chinese pedagogy to the teaching and learning of Chinese her district. Chang highly recommends to www.AsiaSociety.org/NCLC. in the State of Minnesota. She encourages all Chinese teachers two key factors that all language teachers to become involved in have helped her become a leading Chinese their Minnesota professional organization, language educator in Minnesota: taking MCTLC. By working with other language Kung Hei Fat Choi classes through the University of Minne- teachers, Chang feels she has greatly ad- sota Curriculum and Instruction graduate vanced her own teaching skills. from program, and involvement in the MCTLC Indeed, with her two Web sites for language teacher professional organiza- the Mounds View School District, Chang China Insight tion. Chang humbly credits her professors exhibits highly skilled acumen in using at the University, and her fellow language technology with her Chinese language stu- teachers with mentoring her along the way. Wishing our readers a happy and dents: http://www2.moundsviewschools. If you would like to be in contact with her, org/irondale/index.asp?ID=2426 and http:// her district e-mail is: prosperous www2.moundsviewschools.org/mounds- Year of the Dragon! view/index.asp?ID=2468. [email protected]. www.chinainsight.info education JANUARY 2012 > PAGE 7
Character Study: 日月 rì yuè Sun and Moon, Day and Month By Jodi Yim James, Staff Writer Since the New Year marks the passing of time, we are looking at two characters that can stand alone, but are also radicals (building blocks for more complex characters) in additional time-related characters. We are looking at the Chinese character for sun 日 rì, which also means day, and for moon, 月 yuè, which also means month. Astronomy is an important consideration in the history of these characters. The sun and the moon are obvious indicators of the passing of a 24-hour day, and the 30 or 31 day month, respectively. Both of these characters are pictographs that look like what they represent. 日 rì looks like a sun; the outer square was originally a circle and the line crossing through the center was a dot or center of the sun. 月 yuè for moon curves like a crescent moon. Some of the combinations of characters include: 日出 rì chū Sunrise [出chū means exit] 日历 rì lì Calendar [历lì: experience, or every] 日期 rì qī Date [期qī : period of time (notice the moon)] 日志 rì zhì Journal [志zhì: to keep a record] 星 xīng Star [notice the sun above, and below is生 shēng life, or to be Great Teachers Make Great Schools. born; a star is a sun that has a beginning and an end, life] 星期 xīng qī Week Come see for yourself. 星期一 xīng qī yī Monday 星期二 xīng qī èr Tuesday Grades P-12 Open House 星期三 xīng qī sān Wednesday 星期四 xīng qī sì Thursday Sunday, January 8, 2012 | 1:30–3:30 PM 星期五 xīng qī wǔ Friday 星期六 xīng qī liù Saturday Grades 5–11 Information Session 星期日 xīng qī rì Sunday Wednesday, January 18, 2012 | 6:30–8:30 PM 一 月 yī yuè January 二月 èr yuè February Preschool-Grade 4 Information Session 三月 sān yuè March Thursday, January 19, 2012 | 6:30–8:30 PM 四月 sì yuè April 五月 wŭ yuè May 六月 liù yuè June Call Admissions Director Scott Wade at 763.381.8200 for more information, 七月 qī yuè July or visit our website: www.breckschool.org 八月 bā yuè August 九月 jiŭ yuè September 十月 shíyuè October Breck School | 123 Ottawa Avenue North | Minneapolis, MN 55422-5189 十一月 shí yī yuè November 十二月 shí èr yuè December School districts celebrate Chinese New Year It's time to celebrate 2012 Year of the Dragon!! Minnetonka Public Schools Chinese New Year Celebration A fun event for the whole family! Ac- tivity tables for preschool and elementary age children along with performances from Twin Cities dance troupes. Enjoy food from Mandarin Yang and Beijing Restaurant. Minnetonka’s Chinese Immersion students from kindergarten to fifth grade will also perform. Public invited. January 20, 2012 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Minnetonka High School 18301 Hwy 7, Minnetonka Celebrate the Year of the Dragon Celebrate the Year of the Dragon and learn Chinese at a family gathering with a Chinese New Year carnival activities and food. Hosted by Minnesota Interna- tional Chinese School and Chaska School District. January 28, 2012 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Chanhassen High School Minnesota International Chinese School 明州国际中文学校 For updates on this event, visit http://www.chinacenter.umn.edu 2200 Lyman Blvd, Chanhassen Image Credit: 123rf.com/10266294 PAGE 8 > JANUARY 2012 chinese new year www.chinainsight.info
Chinese American Association of Minnesota holds 44th annual US-China Peoples Friendship Association banquet and meeting Minnesota Chapter
By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer 美中人民友好協會明州分會
CAAM-CDT Celebrates the Year of the Dragon dancers
ENTERTAINMENT
Mr. Cheng Liangsheng singing songs in Chinese and English
Professor Yue-him Tam performing on the Erhu It’s never easy to mix business with plea- tive presentation by Dr. Li Ning on Lei Yixin sure, but the Chinese American Association the Master Sculptor of Martin King Memo- Students from Breck School of Minnesota (CAAM) made a valiant effort rial which she has written and published in to do so when it recently held its 44th annual a book printed in Mandarin. BANQUET MENU: Potstickers and Dan Dan noodles, Hot Sour soup, Cumin lamb, banquet and meeting at Peking Garden in Immediately following this presenta- Fish with black bean sauce, Sesame beef, Kung Pao chicken, Shredded pork with Peking sauce, St. Paul, MN. tion, dinner service began that included Honey crispy shrimp, Eggplant with spicy garlic sauce, Sichuan green beans, Asparagus with The program for the evening began with 10 courses that was accompanied with a fish filet, Sweet and sour lotus root, Mapo Tofu, Stir-fried pea tips, the registration/social hour followed by the variety of entertainment that included the Glutinous rice balls with black sesame paste business meeting that included a report on following performances: Lauren Moy CAAM’s 2011 activities and achievements, playing the Guzheng; Jonathan and Jeremy Sunday, February 5, 2012 financial report, CAAM Chinese Dance Yeung playing a violin duet; Mina Yuan, a 5:00 Gathering 5:30 Dinner 7:00 Program Theater report/2012 production and a report CAAM-CLS student presenting her winning Grand Szechuan Restaurant from the CAAM Chinese Language School. speech; a performance by CAAM-CDT 10602 France Avenue South, Bloomington Following these reports was the pre- dancers, Michelle Zhang, Tracy Geng, 952-888-6507 sentation of the Kimberly Mao and Claire Rasmussen; Ha Cost: $25 members - $30 non-members - $13 under 12 - add $5 after January 31 Become an event sponsor and reserve a table for 10 for $400 Stanley Chong siblings, Libau and Lirong with David on RSVP: To reserve your space, send guest names and check payable to USCPFA-MN Scholarships guitar singing several popular songs; Claire that were pre- Rasmussen, Janna Fitzgerald performing a SEND TO: USCPFA-MN, c/o 10119 Portland Avenue So, Bloomington, MN 55420 FOR QUESTIONS: 612-692-7068 and [email protected] sented to Szu- dance; Liangshend Cheng, Jenny Ji and Bol- mei Leow and ing Zheng, singers from the Minhua Chorus, www.uscpfa-mn.org Anne Liao. accompanied on the guitar by David Su and The next James Feng and followed by Liangsheng item on the Cheng performing a solo. Gung he fat choy from agenda was a The evening concluded with a drawing very informa- for door prizes donated by various donors. Mina Yuan ChinaInsight ! www.chinainsight.info chinese new year JANUARY 2012 > PAGE 9
DANCE “They move with fluid grace, MINNESOTA DEBUT speed, and dazzling synchronicity.” JIN XING – Sydney Morning Herald DANCE THEATRE SHANGHAI Sat, Feb 18, 8:00 pm Orpheum Theatre
Shanghai Tango
China’s most celebrated dancer, Jin Xing, and her company Jin Xing Dance Theatre Shanghai, showcase a retrospective of 10 of her best works over the last 25 years, featuring lavish onstage environments and a feast for the senses.
Though not actually tango, Shanghai Tango showcases a contemporary Shanghai, a blend of East and West in dance, costumes, and music that mixes passions and cultures from both the past and the future. Jin Xing’s courage, fighting spirit, and beautiful artistry have contributed to her great success as a ballerina and owner of China’s only independent dance company.
A CONvERSATION wITH JIN XING (Free) Copresented with Institute for Advanced Study Thu, Feb 16, 4:00 - 5:30 pm 125 Nolte Center for Education, U of M Campus
PERFORMANCE PREvIEw (Free) Hosted by Carl Flink and Emilie Plauchè Flink Sat, Feb 18, 6:45 - 7:30 pm Solera Restaurant, 3rd floor Catalonia Room Photo © Angelo Palombini The Year of the Dragon will be celebrated as Chinese New Year approaches By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer nlike most western civiliza- but if you take unnecessary risks, you may This Chinese New Year 2012 ushers in committed to honesty, the Rooster serves tions, the Chinese New Year is find yourself starring in your own personal the Water Dragon. Water exerts a calming as the Dragon’s reality check, keeping the Udetermined by the traditional tragedy. influence on the Dragon’s innate fire. Water Dragon from making promises that he or lunar calendar that is based on the cycles People born under the Dragon are pas- Dragons are more open to other people’s she can’t keep. of the moon. In fact, in other countries that sionate, brave and self-assured. At their best opinions than other Dragons which give Dragon years are lucky for anyone celebrate Chinese New Year, it is usually they are pioneering spirits; at their worst, them the ability to channel their personal thinking of starting a business or initiating translated as the “Lunar” New Year. In they epitomize the old adage: “Fools rush charisma into real leadership qualities. a new project of any sort because money any case, the Chinese New Year celebrates in where angels fear to tread.” Dragons are Dragons are passionate. They fall in love is easier to come by for everyone, whether what the traditional calendar labels as the generous with their resources, a tendency quickly – and out of love just as quickly. it’s earned, borrowed or received as a gift. beginning of spring. Chinese New Year that at its most negative can reflect a fool- Their charisma and charm is an immense Consequently we can expect the economic usually falls during the first week or two of hardy attitude towards money. But Dragons, draw to people of the opposite sex whose downturn to ease up a bit in the coming year. February, although it can occur as early as in general, are blessed with good fortune. attention and admiration they crave. Though Fortunes can be made but they can also be late January as it does this year on Monday, they have a tendency to treat lost: Keep in mind like all good things, the January 23, 2012. This is the first day of 15 love like a game, they can settle Year of the Dragon will come to an end and days of celebration and the start of the Year down when they meet the right you will be held accountable. of the Dragon. partner, someone who’s strong Famous celebrities born in under the In Chinese tradition, each year is enough not to be bowled over Dragon include John Lennon, Ringo Starr, dedicated to a specific animal. The Dragon, by the Dragon’s flamboyant, Al Pacino, Marlene Dietrich and Matt Dil- Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, independent and stubborn per- lon. The Dragon’s lucky color is yellow. Pig, Rat, Ox, Tiger and Rabbit are the twelve sonality. In addition to all of this folklore about animals that are part of this tradition. In The Dragon’s ideal partners the individual animals that make up the 2012, the Dragon is welcomed back after are the Rat, the Monkey, and Chinese Zodiac, there are many traditions the 2011 year of the Rabbit. Each of these the Rooster: The Rat is practi- and symbols associated with Chinese New animals is thought to bestow their character- cal, observant and resourceful, Year. Following are a handful of the most istics to the people born in their year. able to help the Dragon when popular practices. While the Year of the Rabbit was charac- extravagant promises have Prior to the first day of the New Year terized by calm and tranquility, the Year of backed the Dragon into a corner. it is customary for families to thoroughly the Dragon will be marked by excitement, The Monkey is just as popular clean their homes from top to bottom. Doing unpredictability, exhilaration and intensity. as the Dragon, curious, intel- this is said to clear out any back luck from The Rabbit imbues people with a sense of lectual and fun-loving, one of the previous year and to ready the house to cautious optimism, but people respond to the few personalities the Dragon accept good luck for the coming year. All the spirit of the Dragon with energy, vitality They are smart, enterprising and have a doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight with. cleaning must be finished before New Year's and unbridled enthusiasm, often throwing wicked sense of humor. They have a natural The Rooster can give the Dragon a run for Day so there is no chance of accidentally all caution to the wind – which can be an flair for fashion and are the people to consult the money on the fashion-forward front; unwise move: The Dragon is all about drama if you want to catch up on the latest trends. attractive, well-groomed, fiercely loyal and Year of the Dragon continues on Page 13 PAGE 10 > JANUARY 2012 arts www.chinainsight.info BOOK REVIEW Jean Kwok, Girl in Translation (New York: Riverhead Books, 2010). 307 pp. ISBN 978-1-59448-736-9. Reviewed by Raymond Lum This is a novel? that her ethnic background rarely, if ever, is who wanted out. Not all did. About three-quarters of the way through shown to be a pediment to success, or even Jean Kwok’s novel is realistic but it the book, I wanted to know more about Jean an issue. Of course, Kim succeeds in life is not all bleak and dark. Kim had friends Kwok. But the blurb on the back cover re- (otherwise, what’s the point of the story?). both Chinese and non-Chinese, and she had vealed only that she had immigrated to the But how she got there is the essence of this brains. The dedication of her mother was United States from Hong Kong as a child, book. crucial to her success, and her respect and worked in a garment sweatshop, gradu- Some children of educated or profes- love for her mother were boundless. Both ated from Harvard and received an MFA sional immigrants from China or Hong propelled her towards a better life, but both in fiction at Columbia. So why is her first Kong, or people who have no experience of also held her back. Her mother’s debt to her book an autobiography? Then I read the growing up in Chinatown might think that elder sister left them in servitude for far too acknowledgements, in which Kwok notes the story is contrived. Could life have been long, and her reluctance to have the daughter that the book is indeed a novel, based on so hard? Could anyone treat a younger sister “beholden” to others prevented Kim from her own life to date. and her daughter with such lack of concern, accepting the invitations of classmates. Jean Kwok can write, and write well. such control, such total lack of compassion? Kwok never presents Kim and her This immensely readable novel is very Could people really live among roaches and mother as superior to other people, unlike and attached to the wall “to save space” for convincing and has many unexpected twists mice and rats, no heat, and not complain or the tiger mother in Amy Chua’s Battle Hymn other things that were never to come). and turns (although others are formulaic and go to the authorities? Could people labor of the Tiger Mother. Kim’s close friend in This book gives a view of the life of im- anticipated). fifteen or more hours a day for a pittance in the sweatshop, Matt, has an even harder migrants that few others have recorded. Visi- The basic story is one that was common salary and no benefits and still be happy to time than she has, with an absent, gambling, tors to New York City’s Tenement Museum, when I was growing up in Chinatown and have the jobs? Alas, it’s all true. womanizing father, an intellectually-chal- just on the edge of Chinatown, can see, in all probably is even more common today: a The Western myth that Chinese take care lenged younger brother, and a sickly mother. its squalor, a better version of the dump in child immigrates to New York with her wid- of themselves, and, by extension, others, is The story here is the story of all first- which Kim lived. Immigrants often endure owed mother, a musician whose life in the just that: a myth. Here’s the Chinatown I generation immigrants who lack skills in extreme hardships in pursuit of a measure of garment industry leaves no time or space for grew up in, in Chicago in the 50s and early English and who have few resources at their freedom and a good future for their children. music. They are sponsored by the mother’s 60s: no bank, no post office, no non-Chinese disposal. For the Chinese, it takes only one Kwok’s book details the process. elder sister and her husband, consigned to grocery stores, no theatres, no child care, no more generation for those initial hardships The mixture of English and Chinese in underpaid and illegal work in a sweatshop, services for the elderly except a once-a-year to be overcome. It is perhaps easier for kids the text as Kim talks to her mother and to housed in a roach-infested, unheated dump handout of food baskets by the churches from two-parent families. In the novel, Kim her friend Matt is realistic and is a part of of an apartment. They are unable to move, or the local representatives of the Taiwan is an only child, but in reality Jean Kwok is the transition from being foreign to becom- unable to contact the landlord (later revealed government, no pensions; more and more one of several siblings. Unlike the popular ing American. to be the sister herself), and unwilling or substandard housing (our only housing), stereotype of the Chinese immigrant nerd, The cover’s photo of the back of the unable---because of their immigrant status, along with our only park, were taken by the Kim is talented in intellectual matters, but head of a woman with black hair shows a lack of English-language skills, and hav- city to construct expressways. We had no she does not play the piano or violin (al- pencil stuck into her hair, a suggested tran- ing to pay the sister for their passage---to high school, no library, only one doctor, and though her mother does), and is not tightly sition of a Chinese woman with chopsticks contact the legal authorities. no dentist. And we had roaches, rats, mice, controlled by her single parent (who works in her hair into a Western woman with the The girl, named Kimberly (not an un- and no recourse. So, who helped us? We all day and well into the night). The lack of chopsticks replaced by a pencil, further usual Western name for a Hong Kong kid), helped ourselves. Some were lucky to have total parental control allows Kim to explore suggesting education. But Chinese women is bright, a good student, hardworking, and mentors or support of the two churches that relationships with other kids and thereby never wore chopsticks---or pencils---in their dedicated to her mother. Her life at school never interacted or even spoke to each other. learn to be American. Getting a telephone hair. Some Japanese women did, but we all is severely circumscribed by her poverty The only way to survive was hard work and helped greatly (I remember our first tele- look alike, no? and her living arrangements. It is interesting the only way out was education, for those phone, installed when I was in high school, Jean Kwok is a writer to watch. I suspect that her future work will move away from her own story to further expose her literary talents. At America's Gates: Chinese Raymond Lum Immigration during the Raymond Lum (林希文) is Librarian for Western Languag- Exclusion Era, 1882-1943 es in the Harvard- Yenching Library, By Erika Lee where he is also cu- rator of historic photographs. A native of Pub. Date: May 2003 and the American immigration officials Chicago’s Chinatown, he studied Chinese Publisher: University of North Carolina who sought to keep them out. Erika Lee there and in Taiwan. He holds a master’s Press, The explores how Chinese exclusion laws not in library science from the University of Sales Rank: 388,022 only transformed Chinese American lives, Michigan, and an MA and PhD in East ISBN-13: 9780807854488 immigration patterns, identities, and fami- Asian Languages & Civilizations from ISBN: 0807854484 lies but also recast the United States into a Harvard University. From 1968 through Edition Description: First Edition "gate keeping nation." Immigrant identifi- 1970, he was a US Peace Corps Volunteer cation, border enforcement, surveillance, in Sarawak, Malaysia. Formerly, he also Synopsis and deportation policies were extended far was Harvard’s librarian for South and beyond any controls that had existed in the Southeast Asia and Instructor in Chinese United States before. With the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, in the Harvard University Extension Drawing on a rich trove of historical Chinese laborers became the first group in School. He is the book review editor for sources—including recently released im- American history to be excluded from the a new (debuting 2010) online scholarly migration records, oral histories, interviews, United States on the basis of their race and journal, TransAsia Photography Review, and letters—Lee brings alive the forgotten class. This landmark law changed the course and contributes the column “Asia Re- journeys, secrets, hardships, and triumphs of U.S. immigration history, but we know sources on the World Wide Web” to the of Chinese immigrants. Her timely book little about its consequences for the Chinese Asian Studies Newsletter of the Associa- exposes the legacy of Chinese exclusion in in America or for the United States as a na- tion for Asian Studies. He has directed current American immigration control and tion of immigrants. several Harvard projects that digitized At America's Gates is the first book de- race relations. photographs and other visual images of voted entirely to both Chinese immigrants Asia. www.chinainsight.info travel JANUARY 2012 > PAGE 11
In March 2009, China's top 10 seaside tourist cities were unveiled in an online survey conducted jointly by sohu.com, a leading Chinese Internet portal, and Enjoy World, a popular electronic tourist magazine. Tourism experts, journalists, independent travelers, and more than one million netizens voted Sanya, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Zhuhai, Rizhao, Xiamen, Beihai, Dalian, Haikou and Ningbo as their favorite seaside destinations. China's Top Ten Seaside Cities By Zhang Xueying, China Today staff reporter
Dadonghai Beach in Sanya Photo: Yu Xiangjun Traditional Resorts woods are submerged in water, exposing Of the 10 cities, Sanya, Haikou and only their crowns. Tourists can take a boat Qinhuangdao are traditional destinations cruise through the forest of crowns. for millions of urbanites seeking to escape Qinhuangdao is located [173.6 miles] the summer heat of inland cities. from Beijing in the northeastern tip of Hebei Sanya and Haikou on China's southern- Province; it is embraced by a [76.9-mile- most island province of Hainan are often long] coastline of the Bohai Sea. Qin- the first mountain that the Great Wall climbs quietly in the shade of green foliage that compared to Hawaii, given a tropical cli- huangdao beaches are known for their fine over after it crawls out of the sea and ex- was introduced together with the foreign mate and landscape that make them unlike sand, ample sunshine and gentle waves, and tends northwards. The Sandao Pass guards styled architecture, and are arranged into any other Chinese seaside locale. Apart from most of them are clustered in Beidaihe and the valley between two vertically sloped eight blocks, explaining its Chinese name. marine sightseeing and recreational activi- Nandaihe. mountains, and the flanking walls almost Qingdao is a brewing hub, and the ties, golfing has boomed in recent years at In the late 19th century, people of the hang perpendicularly on the mountainsides. namesake local brew is known at home both summer resorts. Sanya's Yalong Bay upper classes and Westerners began to and abroad. Every August, domestic and Golf Club, in particular, has distinguished build villas at Beidaihe, and by 1949, 719 international brands are consumed in the of them had been erected, including 483 Urban Culture itself by hosting a number of international Qingdao, Xiamen, Dalian and Ningbo city, by locals and visitors who gather for built by foreigners in various alien architec- professional tournaments, leading to its se- are famed for their sophisticated urban the drinking festivals. The Qingdao Beer tural styles. In addition, Beidaihe also has a lection by the American golf magazine, Golf culture. Festival is the largest of its kind in China. well-preserved 19th-century railway station Digest, as one of the top 10 greens in China. Dalian in Liaoning Province is a famed Locals love Qingdao beer, and they drink it, constructed by the British. Old photos testify However, it is their exotic tropical seaside city of northern China. It was a incredibly, from plastic bags, the ale fresh to the popularity of the summer resort for scenery that lures millions of inlanders, small fishing village 100 years ago when a out of the brewery and cooler than chilled foreigners residing in China, and it is said with Sanya's Jianfeng Ridge rainforest and group of Gallomania architects from Russia bottled beer. that even rickshaw boys were able to speak Yalong Bay, and Haikou's Dongzhaigang arrived with their blueprint for an "Oriental Ningbo in Zhejiang Province lies [186 a few words of English. mangrove forest standing out as their em- Paris." In the following centuries, Dalian miles] from Shanghai. The city is the Today, Beidaihe remains a popular sea- blematic natural tourism destinations. developed into a square-centered city, with birthplace of the 7,000-year-old Hemudu side resort in northern China, and receives Jianfeng Ridge, [55.8 miles] north of its streets and neighborhoods radiating from Culture, the starting point of the Marine Silk more than 6 million holidaymakers every Sanya city proper, has the largest tropical its many squares. Today, the city has more Road during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), year. primeval rainforest in China, home to 75 than 80 squares with distinct square features and also one of the three foreign trade ports Apart from its beaches, a [173.6-mile- percent of the plant species and 85 percent – lawns, pigeons, sculptures, fountains, as of that time (the other two being Yangzhou long] section of the Great Wall within Qin- of wildlife species found on Hainan Island. well as the country's only mounted police- and Guangzhou). Ningbo is famed for huangdao is also a major tourist draw. This Experts claim that the biotic integrity and women patrol. its Buddhist heritage; the Asoka Temple section also includes a length built much diversity of the vegetation coverage is com- Dalian is also the city of fashion and houses the pearl-like cremated remains of earlier. A preliminary study dates it to the parable to that of the Amazon River. Tower- soccer, being the venue of the annual In- Sakyamuni; Xuedou Mountain is a Buddhist 6th century, though disagreement exists. ing ancient trees, sprawling climbers and ternational Fashion Festival and home of center in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces; The Shanhai (Mountain and Sea) Pass gurgling streams can be seen everywhere, the Dalian Wanda Soccer Team, which has and the Baoguo Temple is the oldest wooden is the eastern end of the Great Wall built in as well as the ethereal mists that drift over captured eight championships out of the nine structure south of the Yangtze River. the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is actually the forest park. Now the park offers several national league tournaments. The enthusi- Ningbo is also the cradle of Chinese a walled town fortified by 10 passes, seven ecological and adventure sightseeing routes. asm of locals for soccer is no less intense merchants. Compared with their Wenzhou enceintes, 37 forts, and 14 beacon towers. [Fifteen and a half miles] southeast than that of Brazilian fanatics. counterparts, Ningbo merchants are more in- The town has established three pedestrian of the city lies Yalong Bay, where a roll- Qingdao, in the southeastern tip of the clined toward big endeavors, and one-fourth routes for tourists to trace this section of the ing green terrain hugs a body of calm and Shandong Peninsula, is as well known for its of Shanghai's shrewd business tycoons are Great Wall and its fortifications – from Old azure-blue sea. A visibility of more than [6.2 historical sites as for its beautiful seascape. said to be natives of Ningbo. Shipping mag- Dragon Head to First Pass under Heaven miles] in depth allows visitors to see well- The Badaguan Scenic Area in the vicin- nate Bao Yugang (Sir Yue-kong Pao, 1918- (Shanhai Pass) and to Mount Jiao; from preserved corals and colorful tropical fish. ity of No. 1 Bathing Beach has a cluster 1991) was an iconic Ningbo businessman. Mount Jiao to Sandao Pass; and from Ji- The silver sands of the bay are fine, making of European villas built in the early 20th Ningbo is also an original hometown of umenkou to Huangtuying. a soft beach for the sunbather, and the local century by aristocratic and royal families many overseas Chinese; more than 300,000 The Old Dragon Head is [3.1 miles] climate is also congenial. of more than 20 European countries at the people of Ningbo origin reside in more than from the town and is a [66-foot] head of the The [9,880-acre] Dongzhaigang Man- invitation of German colonists who oc- 50 countries and regions around the world. Great Wall that intrudes into the Bohai Sea. grove Forest sits [18.6 miles] from down- cupied Qingdao at the time. The villas sit town Haikou. During high tides, the dense Mount Jiao is [1.9 miles] from town and is Seaside Cities continues on Page 15 PAGE 12 > JANUARY 2012 business www.chinainsight.info New state export Resolution Solution: initiative focuses on How making a plan small businesses can help you meet funding to help New Year’s goals Newswise — When making New Year’s “It’s all about making a habit out of the resolutions this year, committing to a spe- goal. A plan is like creating a habit ahead of Minnesota cific plan for when and where you are go- time,” says Masicampo, “before you have ing to accomplish each goal will make you actually done anything.” more likely to succeed, says a Wake Forest This sort of planning works best for less companies expand University psychology professor. complex goals. He suggests breaking down In a recent study New Year’s reso- published in the Jour- lutions into steps, foreign sales nal of Personality and so the overall goal Small businesses statewide may be eli- businesses begin or expand their exports to Social Psychology, As- can more likely be gible for financial incentives and technical major markets in Asia, Europe and North sistant Professor E.J. attained. Someone assistance under a new state export initiative America. Masicampo found that with a goal to lose focused on helping companies increase sales Qualifying companies will have an op- committing to a specif- weight, for exam- in foreign markets and spur job growth in portunity to participate in international trade ic plan to accomplish a ple, should make Minnesota. missions, trade shows and export develop- goal not only makes it “if, then” plans for The U.S. Small Business Administration ment activities at a reduced cost. more likely to be done, specific situations has awarded the Minnesota Department of MTO and MDA will lead delegations but also gets it off your that can help them Employment and Economic Development on trade missions and to trade shows in key mind so you can think E.J. Masicampo accomplish the (DEED) more than US$450,000 through its markets that hold excellent export potential about other things. overall goal. “An State Trade and Export Promotion Program for small businesses, including: “Once a plan is made, we can stop think- ‘if, then’ plan pre-decides how you will act (STEP). 1. A medical device trade mission to ing about that one goal,” says Masicampo, in a given situation,” Masicampo says. For The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) India in March 2012 who studies goal setting and will power. example, if you visit a particular restaurant, and the Minnesota Department of Agricul- 2. Gov. Mark Dayton’s trade mission to “This frees our minds to focus on other then you will order a salad instead of the ture (MDA) will use the money to prepare China in late spring or early summer 2012 tasks or simply enjoy the current moment.” cheeseburger and onion rings. The plan companies that are not currently exporting 3. A solar industry trade mission to In- But, not just any plan will work, he says. gives you a cue to act. If you commit to to make their first entries into foreign mar- tersolar in Germany in June 2012 “The ones that work specify exactly what the plan, all you have to do is wait for the kets and to help current exporters explore 4. A food ingredient buyers reverse trade you are going to do, including when and cue. When the situation arises, you just do opportunities in new markets. mission from India in July 2012 where you are going to do it.” it because you already know what you’re “The revenue and jobs that exports cre- 5. A multi-sector trade mission to Russia He describes four essential elements of going to do. ate here at home are extremely important in September 2012 a successful plan: “Making a plan is like setting an alarm to Minnesota’s economic health and well- 6. A smart grid industry trade mission to 1. Specifies exactly what you’re going to because you don’t have to think about it being,” said DEED Commissioner Mark Canada in September 2012 do and in what situation (where and when) until the alarm sounds and then you’ll act.” Phillips. “Last year, state exports of manu- In addition to the trade missions, quali- 2. Is under your control and not depen- A typical person is juggling as many factured goods, agricultural commodities fying companies will be able to participate dent on someone else’s actions as 15 different goals at one time. Planning and services totaled US$31 billion and were in the following events at reduced cost: 3. Includes specific opportunities to meet makes it possible to stop thinking about one responsible for an estimated 115,000 jobs.” 1. Business matchmaking services from the goal in situations likely to occur goal until the planned time and place. Still, only about 8,100 Minnesota com- the U.S. Commercial Service as part of a 4. Focuses on a goal you are motivated “Every time you make a plan, you tether panies do business outside the United States, trade mission to accomplish a goal to a future context, and it can stop said MTO Executive Director Katie Clark. 2. Export credit insurance through the Most importantly, he says, “You have floating around in your head and distracting “There is tremendous untapped export Export-Import Bank of the United States to picture yourself carrying out your plan. you from your other goals,” Masicampo potential for small businesses statewide, MTO World Trade Conference That’s where the power of the plans lie, in says. especially those engaged in manufacturing, 3. The Midwest U.S.-Japan Conference imagining yourself completing the tasks.” So, with good planning, this may be the wholesaling, and professional and technical in Minneapolis in September 2012 Imagining doing something has a similar year to check more than one New Year’s services,” she said. Companies may submit an application effect on the brain as really doing it. Since resolution off the list. MTO, which is an office within DEED online at www.positivelyminnesota.com/ keeping resolutions is often about creating and the state’s official export-promotion step new habits, this gives you a head start on Source: Wake Forest University / Newswise arm, will use the STEP funding to help small developing the desired behavior.
Commerce continues from Page 1 programs for electric vehicles. to complete work on a new dairy certificate Tourism “I am pleased that China specifically to maintain existing market access. Indigenous Innovation China expanded the U.S.-China Tourism confirmed it would not force U.S. auto Memorandum of Understanding to three ad- China also announced a new high-level manufacturers to transfer electric vehicle ditional provinces for a total of 27 provinces. central government mandate requiring pro- Investment technology to Chinese partners,” said Am- “U.S. firms can compete and win when Spending by Chinese visitors is expected vincial and local governments – by Dec. 1, bassador Kirk. they enjoy non-discriminatory access in to grow 232 percent to US$16.6 billion by 2011 – to eliminate any policies that are not China. In today’s meeting, China commit- 2016, moving up from the seventh largest consistent with President Hu’s commitment Agriculture ted to create a fair and level playing field U.S. market in 2010 to the third in 2016. to sever the link between China’s innovation USDA and China’s Ministry of Agri- for all companies in its strategic emerging policies and government procurement. culture are finalizing the framework of a industries, including clean energy, biotech, “This issue has been a top priority of Signings five-year strategic plan focused on food and new generation information technolo- the American business community. We In conjunction with the JCCT, U.S. security, food safety and sustainable ag- gies. A strong business presence in China are continuing to press China to eliminate companies signed commercial agreements riculture to build a stronger foundation helps create more opportunities for exports any other policies that discriminate against that will result in nearly US$40 million in for critical cooperation in agriculture. In from the United States, supporting good jobs foreign intellectual property,” Ambassador U.S. exports and support jobs for American discussions also including the General Ad- at home,” Secretary Bryson said. Kirk emphasized. workers. The U.S. and Chinese govern- ministration of Quality Supervision, Inspec- According to published reports, in the ments also signed agreements related to tion and Quarantine, progress was made on next five years, China plans to invest US$1.5 Electric Vehicles intellectual property, high-technology trade, beef market access. The parties agreed to trillion in its strategic emerging industries statistics and tourism and agreed to public- China confirmed that it does not and will expand discussion beyond technical to the which China defines as high-end equip- private partnerships in the areas of energy not require foreign automakers to transfer conditions that include scope of products ment manufacturing, energy-saving and and U.S. export promotion. technology to Chinese enterprises nor to available in the market. China also com- environmentally friendly technologies, bio- Established in 1983, the JCCT is the establish Chinese brands in order to invest mitted to make progress on removing avian technologies, new generation information main forum for addressing bilateral trade and sell in China’s fast-growing market. influenza-related bans affecting several U.S. technologies, alternative energy, advanced and investment issues and promoting com- China also confirmed that foreign-invested states, to finalize work on a longstanding materials and new energy vehicles. mercial opportunities between the United enterprises are eligible on an equal basis for market access request for U.S. pears, and electric vehicle subsidies and other incentive States and China. www.chinainsight.info government JANUARY 2012 > PAGE 13
FACT SHEET: EAST ASIA SUMMIT At the East Asia Summit (EAS) held on The President also welcomed engage- Non-Proliferation Treaty Action Plan ad- and expertise in humanitarian assistance and November 19 in Bali, Indonesia, President ment by all EAS members in regional in- opted at the May 2010 Review Conference disaster relief. Obama and other Asia-Pacific leaders dis- stitutions devoted to maritime cooperation, and for the Nuclear Security Summit to be In order to enhance the region’s disas- cussed the importance of cooperation on the including the ASEAN Maritime Forum, held in Seoul in March 2012, and agreed to ter response capabilities and cooperation, region’s most pressing political and security which provides a platform to advance com- work together toward a successful Biologi- President Obama: challenges, including maritime security, mon understanding of international laws, cal Weapons Convention Review Confer- • Pledged further efforts to advance hu- non-proliferation, and disaster response. including UNCLOS, as well as cooperative ence in December 2011; manitarian assistance and disaster relief in President Obama’s participation in the efforts on maritime issues. He called on the • Endorse efforts undertaken in other the region, including through a proposal to EAS was the first by a U.S. president and ASEAN Regional Forum, ASEAN Defense regional institutions, including the ARF, to further develop a Rapid Disaster Response underscored the Administration’s com- Ministers Meeting Plus, and other group- strengthen the capacities of all EAS mem- Agreement to create a legal and procedural mitment to deepening engagement in the ings of EAS members to support maritime bers to address the challenge of proliferation framework for accelerating deployment Asia-Pacific region and playing a leader- capacity-building measures, particularly in in the Asia-Pacific region; and acceptance of assistance personnel, ship role in its emerging institutions. The the search-and-rescue and disaster-response • Reaffirm their commitment to de- supplies, and services in the event of future President has made clear that full and active areas. velop a culture of transparency throughout disasters; U.S. engagement in the region’s multilateral The United States is working with its the Asia-Pacific region with regard to the • Called for regular disaster relief ex- architecture helps to reinforce the system of partners in the Asia-Pacific region to build development of nuclear energy for peace- ercises as a means to improve preparation rules, responsibilities, and norms that under- capacity and promote cooperation on mari- ful purposes, to increase cooperation with and interoperability, noting Indonesia and lies regional peace, stability, and prosperity. time security issues, including by: the International Atomic Energy Agency Japan’s successful co-hosting of the ASEAN The EAS was launched in 2005 in Kuala • Providing training, assistance, and (IAEA), and to ensure the IAEA has the Regional Forum’s Disaster Relief Execise Lumpur, Malaysia, bringing together leaders equipment to regional maritime police and resources and authority it needs to carry (DiREx) in March 2011 and commending of the 10 member states of the Association civil authorities to enhance their capabilities out its role; and the Republic of Korea for its decision to host of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and to secure the maritime space and address • Commit to sign and bring into force the next DiREx; six other Asian countries. With the partici- transnational security challenges such as Additional Protocols to Safeguard Agree- • Endorsed an Indonesian-Austra- pation of the United States and Russia for piracy, illicit trafficking, and illegal fishing; ments with the IAEA with an aim to have lian paper on enhancing regional coopera- the first time in 2011, the EAS now includes • Building facilities and providing equip- the Additional Protocol in place throughout tion on disaster relief, including enhanced all the major powers of the Asia-Pacific re- ment and technical support to enhance the the Asia-Pacific region as soon as possible. information-sharing, capacity-building, and gion, including U.S. treaty allies Japan, the ability of Southeast Asian nations to monitor 3. Disaster Response and Humanitar- interoperability; and Republic of Korea, Australia, Thailand and the maritime domain and assess and share ian Assistance • Encouraged efforts to build resil- the Philippines, as well as emerging regional information; The Asia-Pacific region is prone to large ience and preparedness at the community powers India and China. • Hosting regional workshops to promote natural disasters that have an impact beyond level, including developing mechanisms to The Summit’s traditional agenda has adherence to standard operating procedures any single country’s ability to respond effec- coordinate public and private sector efforts, covered a wide range of regional concerns, and protocols that ensure safety at sea, help tively. EAS member countries experienced such as the recently launched Pacific Rim including education, energy and the environ- build a shared vision of international norms eight of the world’s 10 deadliest disasters Coordination Center, a virtual platform that ment, finance, avian influenza, and disaster and behaviors in the maritime domain, and in 2009 and five of 10 in 2010. The United facilitates disaster information-sharing and response. While offering support for the foster discussion of interpretations of cus- States has a strong record of working with strengthens public-private partnerships in existing EAS agenda – especially disaster tomary international law; and EAS member countries in disaster prepared- order to enhance the region’s disaster risk response – President Obama called for a • Hosting and co-hosting multinational ness and institutional strengthening, and of reduction and response activities. broadening of the leaders’ discussions to capacity-building exercises with regional bringing a unique set of capabilities, skills, address strategic and security challenges. military partners. The President underscored the shared in- 2. Non-Proliferation terest of EAS member states in reaffirming The spread of nuclear, biological, and The Year of the Dragon will be international rules and norms in these areas; chemical weapons, material, their means enhancing partner capacity to address exist- of delivery, and expertise poses a grave celebrated as Chinese New Year ing and emerging challenges; and promoting risk to the international community. The approaches regional cooperation. Specifically: Asia-Pacific region faces acute proliferation 1. Maritime Security challenges requiring concerted international Continues from Page 6 The Asia-Pacific region is home to some effort. The EAS is an important venue to ad- of the world’s busiest ports and most criti- vance President Obama’s vision of a world throwing out the good fortune of the New Some popular foods include: dumplings cal lines of commerce and communication. without nuclear weapons, as outlined in his Year. "Before New Year's Day you want to ("because they look like golden nuggets"), Recent decades of broad regional economic April 2009 Prague speech, and to promote buy new clothes or cut your hair" in order oranges ("because they are perfectly round, success have been underpinned by a shared regional cooperation and capacity building to have a fresh start. Wearing black is not symbolizing completeness and wholeness"), commitment to freedom of navigation and to counter proliferation threats. allowed due to its association with death, and long noodles ("served to symbolize international law. At the same time, the In support of these objectives, President however, wearing red is encouraged as the long life"). region faces a host of maritime challenges, Obama and other EAS leaders welcomed color is associated with warding off bad Sticky rice cakes and sweets are also including territorial and maritime disputes, the successful conclusion of a 40-year spirits. served and are tied to a story about the ongoing naval military modernization, long negotiation between ASEAN and the Another popular custom is to hang up Kitchen God-- a Santa Claus-like figure trafficking of illicit materials, piracy, and Nuclear Weapons States to enable the lat- signs and posters on doors and windows who reports to the Jade Emperor in heaven natural disasters. ter’s accession to the Southeast Asia Nuclear with the Chinese word fu written on them, on whether families have been good or bad During the EAS leaders discussions, Weapons Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ) which translates to luck and happiness. through the course of the year. According President Obama enunciated the principles- protocol. All sides have agreed to take the Buying flowers for the home is also com- to legend, when families serve the Kitchen based U.S. approach to maritime security, necessary steps to enable the signing of the monplace since they symbolize the coming God sticky, delicious foods, his mouth gets including freedom of navigation and over- protocol and its entry into force at the earli- of spring and a new beginning. In Chinese stuck together and therefore he cannot report flight and other internationally lawful uses est opportunity. neighborhoods, special lunar New Year any bad things about the family to the Jade of the seas, as well as use of collaborative President Obama also called on EAS flower markets often sprout up during the Emperor. diplomatic processes to address disputes. leaders to: days prior to the New Year. As the countdown to the Year of the The President expressed strong opposition • Reaffirm their full commitment to the On the eve of the Chinese New Year Dragon continues, the biggest human migra- to the threat or use of force by any party to complete and verifiable denuclearization of it is customary to visit with relatives and tion takes place when Chinese all around the advance its territorial or maritime claims the Korean Peninsula in order to maintain partake in a large dinner where a number of world return home on Chinese New Year or interfere in legitimate economic activ- peace and stability in the region; specific foods are served. Typically families eve to have a traditional gathering dinner ity. Reiterating his support for the 2002 • Work together to ensure full compli- do eight or nine dishes because they are with their family. ASEAN-China Declaration of the Conduct ance and implementation of relevant United lucky numbers. The Chinese word for eight You are cordially invited to celebrate the of Parties in the South China Sea as a re- Nations non-proliferation commitments and is baat [in Cantonese], which rhymes with Chinese New Year by attending any of the sponsible approach to disputed areas, he to pursue cooperation through other multi- faat, the word for prosperity." The word for many celebrations being hosted by many encouraged all parties to accelerate efforts lateral mechanisms; nine means "long-lasting." organizations throughout the Twin Cities to reach a full Code of Conduct. • Reaffirm their support for the Nuclear A lot of the foods are very symbolic. area as noted throughout the newspaper. PAGE 14 > JANUARY 2012 economy www.chinainsight.info Putting more emphasis on imports China changes its economic policy as world changes gear
By Diao Ying, China Daily
Swedish cookies on the shelves at a supermarket in Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu province.[Photo/China Daily]
BEIJING - For Chinese travelers abroad, strategy. China has long relied on exports, shopping for gifts can be a headache. Souve- investment and consumption as the three nirs from New York, London or Cairo may drivers of its economic growth. Exports look exotic at first, but a closer examination are faced with more difficulties as a main will find most of them are labeled "Made growth engine. "Made in China" already in China". takes more than one fifth of the world mar- Joining the World Trade Organization ket share, and it is hardly getting any big- has transformed China from a closed econo- ger. Cheap labor costs used to be the main my into the world's factory. Cheap products advantage for manufacturing in China but from China make daily necessities much now workers' wages are rising. The country more affordable for people worldwide. By is also facing fierce competition from Africa buying products from China, people in the and other emerging economies. Further, the United States saved US$600 billion over overall export market is shrinking as con- the past decade, and each household in sumers in the developed world cut spending the European Union could save 300 euros as the world economy weakens. a year, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said As a result, domestic consumption has recently. It also benefited China itself: The become more and more important as an Call for Articles… manufacturing sector in the southeast of alternative policy. "For the past 30 years, the country flourished, providing jobs for China has been encouraging exports. Now Concerned about misconceptions about China? millions of people. is the time to make the import policy our na- Things are changing 10 years after tional strategy," said Wei Jianguo, a former ChinaInsight is a local newspaper fostering U.S.-China cultural and China's entry into the WTO. The biggest commerce vice-minister. business harmony. world factory is on the way to become one Demand for raw materials and resources of the largest world markets. The country in particular is going up. As the world's sec- We are interested in publishing articles that engage audiences in America. now is the world's second largest importer. ond largest energy consumer, China imports Potential topics range from understanding daily life in China (or for Chinese It imported US$1 trillion of goods in 2009, half of its energy resources. The imports of in America) to discussions of business markets from both an American or compared with US$243.6 billion in 2001. primary goods increased sixfold from 2001 Chinese viewpoint. Imports will exceed US$1.7 trillion in to 2009. About one third of the imports 2011, with total imports amounting to about were primary products last year, compared For example, consider the following: US$10 trillion over the next five years, ac- with 19 percent in 2001. By 2009, China • Chinese movies/entertainment cording to Chen Deming, the commerce had become the world's largest importer of • Book reviews minister. China now is the largest export soybeans, corn, coal and iron ore, accord- • Old Minnesota-China ties/relationships market for Japan, South Korea, Southeast ing to Han Xiushen, a researcher with the • Recommended Chinese restaurants/food Asia, Brazil and South Africa, the second Chinese Academy of International Trade and • Chinese painting/calligraphy largest export market for the European Economic Cooperation, a research institute • Chinese impressions of America Union, and the third largest for the United under the Ministry of Commerce. • Tea States. There is still more room to increase. • Impressions of China by Americans The increase of imports has pulled down The government could further lower import • Chinese musical instruments the trade surplus, which has been a main tariffs of consumer goods to boost imports. • American business people in China target of criticism in its trade relations. Import costs on consumer goods include • Questions about China China's trade surplus amounted to as much tariffs, value added taxes and consumption • Cartoons as US$295.6 billion in 2008, about 6.5 per- taxes. Together they make some products • Chinese immigrants that have succeed in America cent of gross domestic product (GDP). In much more expensive in the domestic mar- • Local Chinese Businesses the first three quarters of 2011, the surplus ket than overseas. The price of a Louis Vuit- • Chinese-owned businesses in Minnesota has dropped to US$107.1 billion, or about ton handbag in a shopping mall in Beijing, • Travel tales 2.2 percent of GDP. "China will combine for example, can be twice as much as it is in • Cross-cultural exchanges in education and businesses the expansion of imports with export stabil- Paris, and an iPhone here costs much more • Americans who are studying Chinese – why are you learning Chinese? ity and aim to balance international trade," than it does in the United States. Chinese • How do Chinese students adapt to America? Wen said in a recent speech. Wen said the people often have to travel abroad to buy • Chinese business customs government is improving policies to make these products. That might change soon, it more convenient for enterprises to expand too. Lowering the tariff of these products is If you have an article on one of these topics are any others that might be imports. only "a matter of time", a spokesman for the of interest to our readers, please contact Greg Hugh at (952) 472-4757 or e-mail [email protected]. The change in trade policy is in ac- commerce ministry said recently. cordance with the country's overall growth Source: China Daily www.chinainsight.info finance JANUARY 2012 > PAGE 15 China's Top Ten What to look for in a Seaside Cities remittance company Continues from Page 11 when sending money home for the holidays or any occasion Remittances are the money that im- There are many factors to consider when migrants send to their families and com- selecting a remittance partner including munities abroad. Remittances are primarily fees, limitations on fund transfers, customer utilized to support households overseas, service, relationship benefits and corporate respond to emergencies or celebrate the responsibility. holidays. The total value of remittances has increased steadily over the past decade. Various Fees According to the World Bank, outbound Fees vary from company to company. remittances from the United States totaled Remitters should ask companies for a com- over US$48 billon in 2009, while remit- plete disclosure of information on costs. For tances from the United States to Mexico example, is there an account set-up fee? alone accounted for US$22 billion. 1 In total, What is the transfer fee? What is today’s remittances sent across the globe totaled exchange rate? Are there additional fees over US$325 billion in 2010.2 charged (as a percentage of amount sent) For years, traditional money transfer when a remittance exceeds a specific amount services (non banks) were the primary ve- hicle for immigrants to send money to their Limitations relatives abroad. In the last ten years, banks Companies have various limitations have made significant inroads and are now when it comes to sending money. Based on capturing a growing share of the remittance their personal needs, remitters may want to market. According to a study conducted by know how quickly the money will get to Bendixen Associates in 2008, 26 percent their beneficiaries and how much they can of Latin American remitters usually sent send at one time. money to their family via banks and credit Architecture from the period of the German colonialists still stands intact unions. The great news is that this figure is on the rise and remitters are turning more Customer Service Xiamen in Fujian Province sits on seafood feast. Wangjiazao is a popular Remitters should look for companies the southeastern coast, and its Gulangyu seafood catering community with many toward financial institutions to conduct all of their financial needs, including remittances. that have a designated 800-number for Islet epitomizes the refined urban cul- eateries to choose from. Locals too go customer service and offer various chan- ture of the city. The [0.8-square-mile] there for seafood delicacies, as a meal av- Today, there are a plethora of remittance options that are available, including send- nels for sending money, including in person islet is separated from Xiamen by the erages a reasonable RMB 30 per person. counters/tellers, online or through a phone [1980-foot-wide] Lujiang River, but can Zhuhai, on the southern coast of ing money through remittance companies, online service providers, prepaid card solu- bank. Remitters also want to look for institu- be reached by a five-minute ferry ride. Guangdong Province, is close to Hong tions that deploy innovative platforms that Gulangyu is nicknamed Piano Islet. Kong and Macao. It is one of the earliest tions, and financial institutions. With so many options, remitters need to know what improve speed and security of their money There are more than 700 pianos for a special economic zones in China, and, transfer. local population of 20,000, averaging as a new seaside resort, is characterized to look for in a remittance partner. one for every ten families. Many of the by tranquility, cleanliness and fresh air. Relationship Benefits families are dynastic pianists, and have The city has an attractive long coastline, Money Transfer Companies Establishing a relationship with a fi- produced some of the best pianists and with 146 islets. Money transfer companies have tradi- nancial institution can provide a number of musicians domestically and internation- Marine hot springs are what's unique tionally dominated the remittance market. additional benefits for immigrants. Many ally, such as pianists Yin Chengzong and to Zhuhai. The Ocean Spring Resort, In fact, as much as 50 to 60 percent of financial institutions offer reduced or even Kong Xiangdong, and conductor Chen [18.6 miles] from city proper, is currently Latin American remittances are sent through waived remittances fees for customers who Zuohuang. The municipal music school, the most frequented holiday destination this method. While these companies have have an established relationship. concert hall, symphony orchestra and of the city. According to the operator, adapted to the needs of remitters by offering piano museum are located on this islet. the high-quality, crystal-clear spring convenient locations and hours, they tend to On holidays, family piano concerts are originates deep in the sea, and is rich in charge higher fees per transaction and less Financial Literacy often held, and it is not uncommon for minerals and trace elements. favorable exchange rates. Financial literacy is key to helping three generations to play together. Beihai is a small and relatively young immigrants succeed financially. Remitters city on the southern coast of Guangxi Financial Intuitions should select a company that offers free (and Zhuang Autonomous Region. Like Financial institutions have entered this not product-based) financial literacy to raise New Holiday Resorts awareness about money matters and inform Rizhao, Zhuhai and Beihai are late- Rizhao and Zhuhai, it is also a place for market in the last decade and face heavy them of their consumer rights involving comers compared with the aforemen- repose with fresh air and fine beaches. competition from the remittance companies. remittance and financial transactions. tioned seaside resorts. The best known is Silver Beach, though In 2001, financial institutions began accept- Rizhao is [496 miles] from Beijing in many outsiders prefer Weizhou Island, ing government issued ID card – Matricula the southern part of the Shandong Penin- the largest island in Guangxi and the Consular – as a primary form of identifica- Community Support sula. In terms of commercial prosperity youngest volcanic island in China. tion to open bank accounts. This helped pave Remitters should request information on and service facilities, it pales beside its Weizhou features beautiful tropical veg- the way for financial institutions to compete the level of engagement that the institution big brother Qingdao on the northern etation, fantastic lava terrain, and a won- in the remittance market. they select has with their community. Do coast of the peninsula. However, it is a derful land topography as a consequence The biggest challenge faced by financial they support organizations and events that convenient getaway from urban bustle of sea erosion and sedimentation. The institutions is that many Latin American are geared to help their community succeed? and has the same climate and beaches. sea is so clear that the sunlight pierces immigrants are leery of banks and prefer to Do they truly care about their community When the traditional seaside resorts through and reveals the seabed. Weizhou keep their money at home. An FDIC press or are they only interested in selling them around Beijing become crowded, many has 16,000 residents, and interestingly, a release from December 2, 2009, highlighted a service? Beijing urbanites go to Rizhao. third of them are Catholics. that one in every four households in the Rizhao also offers good prices for a United States are considered unbanked or This content provided by Wells Fargo underbanked. In addition, the study showed Bank. For financial services and informa- that 24% of all Hispanic households are tion, visit: www.wellsfargo.com Gong Xi Fa Cai! unbanked. It has been a slow process, yet U.S. financial institutions that work with 1. http://data.worldbank.org/data-catalog/ Latin American banks are beginning to ex- migration-and-remittances January 23, 2012 2. web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTER- pand banking access to the poor and rural NAL/TOPICS/0,,contentMDK:21924020... The Year of the Dragon populations of several countries. 702171 10x15 4c
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