ChinaInsight Fostering business and cultural harmony between and the U.S.

VOL. 18 NO. 4 April 2019 Praying for what?

News, p. 3

History, p. 6

Science & Technology, p. 13

Love, happiness and financial stability? May be true for most of us but how about for this mother- daughter duo? Who are they? What are they up to and what else is going on in the Twin Cities April 4-20? (Page 15)

Community XinXing Academy students meet Chinese athletes By Lin Niu, XinXing Academy, contributor On March 12, a group of Chinese They demonstrated their sports to the sisters). And they would like the athletes Olympic and National athletes from the students. The also shared their culture to visit again! ♦ China Champions Program in University of and stories with our students, and played Minnesota visited XinXing Academy. The fun games such as “athletic salad,” “kung Arts & Culture, p. 16 champions were Xia Liu (weightlifting), fu master,” and “greetings” with students Shijin Wang and Shiqi Xu (boxing), and from different grade levels, ranging from Chen Zhang (volleyball). kindergarten through fourth grade. The four athletes are on a one-year Min- XinXing students loved the visit and In This Issue nesota cultural exchange at the University visitors, whom they called “da jie,” (big of Minnesota School of Kinesiology. The purpose of visiting XinXing was to for Arts & Culture 8-9, 16 them to get a taste of American education Books 10-11 and sports. Community 12 Business & Economy 14 Entertainment 15 Events 15-16 Government & Politics 13 History 4 - 6 Language 7 News 3 Pronouncements 2 Science & Technology 13

Games with first-graders Lunch with second-graders Fond farewells PAGE 2 / April 2019 pronouncements www.chinainsight.info

Publisher’s Pronouncements ferings. Besides cleaning and sweeping of the graves, offerings of food and flowers are ChinaInsight made to ancestors. Also customary, burning Greetings: joss paper. Besides remembrance of the Although spring has officially arrived, been accomplished at the government level, deceased, people also enjoy anticipation of Publisher: we are not yet completely out of the woods. there is still a need to get as many of the es- Spring on this day. Also, flying kites is an Gregory J. Hugh As this issue of China Insight goes to press, timated 20,000 veterans registered and raise important custom enjoyed by young and old [email protected] parts of Minnesota and other areas of the the funds to ensure as much participation as during the Qingming Festival. The unique- United States are bracing for flooding that possible. So, we encourage you to get the ness of kite flying during the Qingming Manager of will likely take place due to our heavy winter word out and donate so these individuals get Festival lies in that kites are not only flown snowfall and rapid thawing, so we extend the recognition they deserve. See pages 4 & during the day but also in the evening. They Operations/Circulation: our best wishes to those that will be affected. 5 for all the details. tie little colorful and illuminated lanterns Richard He One of the nation's most-watched col- Last month we introduced Andrew Yang onto the string of the kite, which makes them [email protected] legiate tournaments, the Men's Final Four® who has announced he is running for presi- look like flickering stars in the night sky. is coming to Minneapolis April 6-8. We dent of the U.S. and plan to provide updates As always, please feel free to let us know welcome basketball fans from all over the as we see fit. According to Elaine Dunn, if there are any topics you would like us to Staff Writers: country and, unfortunately, our Gophers "China Insight is still ‘in the media queue’ cover or if there are any other ways we can did not advance to this bracket. Still, they for an opportunity to interview Democratic better serve the community. At this time, Greg Hugh deserve our congratulations for a great sea- presidential candidate Andrew Yang. We're we are also considering adding a cartoon [email protected] son. We welcome these fans and trust they obviously excited to see a Chinese American section, which we ran for several years and will have a great visit to our area and if they in the mix and would like to hear how his are looking for a volunteer to take on this Elaine Dunn have time, there are other events mentioned Chinese heritage had shaped his character, assignment. Please feel free to contact me if [email protected] in this issue they (and you) can consider. campaign and policy positions." Visit you are interested, or if you know a graphic The Minneapolis - St. Paul International www.yang2020.com for more information. artist who would like to provide cartoons for Contributors: Film Festival will take place from April Although Easter is not an official holiday our consideration. 4-20. The list of Chinese films that will be in China, Ching Ming Festival is one of In the meantime, all of us at China Bu Aihua shown are on page 15. Information about China’s largest events based on the lunar cal- Insight wish you a Happy Easter and thank [email protected] Festival of Nations and a performance by a endar. Ching Ming officially starts 104 days you for your continued support. Miao delegation at Mall of America can be after the winter solstice. The festival usually Bill Chen found on page 16. begins on April 4 or 5, but activities may [email protected] Sincerely, We encourage you to check out the dou- start as early as 10 days prior. This year, it is ble-page spread summarizing the progress April 5. Ching Ming (or Qingming) Festival Guihua He on the initiative to award the Congressional is also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day. It is [email protected] Gold Medal for Chinese American Veterans the day Chinese remember their departed Gregory J. Hugh Xianping He of World War II. Although everything has ones by visiting their graves and make of- President – CEO [email protected] China Insight, Inc. FREE Lin Niu [email protected] FREESUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTIONS Chang Wang Getting to know you . . . [email protected]

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will be enough to help his family with travel and accommodation costs, said his Gofundme page. Thanks to the generosity of support- ers, $261,223 were raised in 24 days, enough for Yau to be admitted to The Rehabilitation Hospital on March 2. Physical therapy began on March 3. Visitors of the energetic and fun- loving Yau said, “He is getting better, he still cannot feel anything but has had a few sensations here and there. He could not move his fingers yet … We all want to see him walk again.” Furthermore, his Gofundme page stated, “Jesher has always showed us the type of drive and motivation that some- one would need in order to overcome an China Briefs injury of this severity with the challenges Yau in neck brace on hospital bed. he has been able to defeat in his success- Assault by sandwich On Jan. 14, Jesher Yau practiced a com- insurance. And medical costs, as we all ful professional career.” A Hong mon gymnastic move he’s done numerous know, don’t come cheap. The 29-year-old Yau was once an Kong pro- times before, but unlike the other times, According to his Facebook page, reha- Olympic hopeful, part of Hong Kong’s democracy what should have been a routine landing bilitation cost is $1,500 per day. His friends national team. He competed in the Hong activist was went horribly wrong this time. When he and family have started a GoFundMe ac- Kong Gymnastics Open, winning the sentenced to landed at that gym in Missouri that day, the count for him on Feb. 19 to help with his vault competition twice and the rookie a three-month back of his neck hit the springboard instead recovery expenses. The target is to reach men’s floor exercise in 2010. Plagued by jail term for of the spring pool, rendering him paralyzed US$400,000 to help cover “medical costs, a series of injuries, Yau quit competitive throwing a from the chest down. necessary equipment, rehabilitation fees and gymnastics at 22 and became a coach. ♦ tuna sand- Yau was working as a coach at the ongoing treatment.” It is also hoped there wich in 2016 Champions gymnastics Academy when the at the then accident took place, fracturing his C6-C7 Chief Executive of Hong Kong, C.Y. vertebrae and compressed four discs. Leung. The sandwich missed Leung and hit Immediately following the accident, the hand of a police chief inspector instead. Yau was taken to the Research Medical A High Court judge overturned the Centre Hospital in Kansas City, where he conviction the first week of March when underwent anterior discectomy surgery and he noted the policeman appeared “unper- fusion. He is looking at a long recovery in turbed” by the sandwich hitting the back of a rehabilitation facility. his hand in his attempt to block it, and that However, the rehabilitation facility in he was not the intended target; thus, the as- Kansas City, Rehabilitation Hospital of sault intent was lacking. Overland Park, will not admit him until he Why throw a sandwich in the first place? can come up with 50 percent of the esti- It was a reference to the plight of the city’s mated recovery costs. elderly poor, many of whom couldn’t afford As a Hong Kong citizen (and not being a sandwich. treated in Hong Kong), Yau has no health One supporter donated all his red packets from Chinese New Year! Garbage skill A current online kerfuffle in China: Throwing stones… Bait-and-switch is learning English a “garbage skill?” A blogger with 1.5 million followers on fore, should “abandon its ‘Cold War Mental- Quick, Weibo started the firestorm, stating learn- ity’ and stop interfering in China’s internal who is ing English for most Chinese is a colossal affairs with human rights as a pretext.” lowest on waste of time and those who disagreed were This rhetoric is an ongoing annual senti- your trust “ideological slaves.” ment triggered by the United Nations’ re- totem Public opinion was definitely not on the view of China’s human rights record, which, pole: used blogger’s side. He was mocked for being predictably, China rejected the majority of car sales- closed-minded and “an uncultured idiot.” recommendations made in the review. men, politicians or real estate agents? In On a lighter note, one netizen said, “How U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Hong Kong, it’s real estate agents! The am I supposed to shop online on foreign stated that China’s human rights violations industry watchdog recently had to enact websites without English?” are in “a league of its own” in reference to new rules to protect potential renters. A report published by China’s internal the estimated 1.5 million Muslims and eth- Known for their unethical tactics Dead rat in hot pot affairs noted the U.S. had “shocking gender nic Uighurs detained in XinJjiang Province. to close deals, agents leave out-of-date A couple having hot pot at a popular Chi- discrimination and unceasing immigration What’s that about people in glass houses ads or ads with fake prices up. When nese hot pot chain in Beijing called over a tragedy” at its southern border and, there- shouldn’t throw stones? ♦ clients call, they are lured to less attrac- waiter 20 minutes in to their meal, claiming tive properties and, worst yet, deluged there was a cooked rodent in the bubbling with numerous less attractive “offers” pot. The staff offered them free meal vouch- Not by us thereafter. ers, and even US$3,000 compensation. But Running counter to mass layoffs across have all cut headcounts by large numbers in The new rules stipulate agents must: the man demanded US$740,000! When no China’s internet sector, e-commerce giant recent months. ♦ have property owner’s written consent to agreement was reached, the man contacted Alibaba announced in an end-February press advertise property; assign each property the food and drug administration while the release that there won’t be any layoffs at a valid ID number that is to be clearly staff contacted police. Alibaba in 2019. visible on each ad; and p4omptly remove After investigation, the man was ar- Not so at its rival JD.com; bike-sharing ads of properties that are no longer avail- rested for extortion. At his trial, he admit- company Mobike, ride-share-artificial able. Offenders face fines or license ted he brought the dead rat with him to the intelligence-autonomous technology con- suspension. However, since the rules restaurant and was initially only interested glomerate Didi Chuxing; and group-buying have been established, there are still in a free meal. But then his greed got the shopping platform Meituan Dianping who out-of-date ads posted and no penalties better of him! ♦ have been meted out. ♦ PAGE 4 / April 2019 history www.chinainsight.info

Chinese American WWII Recognition Project Veteran Registration Instructions All Chinese American WWII Veterans and/or their family requesting consideration for the Congressional Gold Medal must complete the intake form at www.caww2.org so that the military service of the said Chinese American WWII Veteran can be reviewed and confirmed by Verification Committee.

METHODOLOGY Verification (via submission of any items in (i) or (ii) (highest priority in item (ii) as numbered): i. A Veteran’s name and service appears in the enlistment and/or draft record in the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) WWII records. ii. A Veteran’s military service can also be verified by other primary sources, including: 1. Submission of the Veteran’s Honorable Discharge or Separation Papers; 2. American Legion and/or Veteran of Foreign War membership rosters; 3. Other veteran organization roll call and/or publications; 4. Photograph of Veteran in U.S. military uniform and confirmed by Verification Committee; 5. Submission of letters which confirm military service from a state or federal agency; 6. Submission of letters home to family and/or friends from a WWII Theatre of War; 7. Submission of newspaper articles identifying the Veteran as having served in WWII; 8. Verifiable artifacts with name and/or serial number of Veteran 9. Other online registries for WWII Veterans; 10. Participation on Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES A. Scans: 1. Documents and images must be scanned at a minimum of 600 dpi (dots per inch) or in black and white. 2. Color images are acceptable but NOT preferred as color photos were not readily available in the 1940s and may alter the context of the image. 3. If you do not own or have access to a scanner, please go to any of the following possible resources to scan documents and images (do not send cell phone camera images): a. University and college libraries; b. Public Library – please check with your neighborhood library before going; c. Retail outlets such as Kinko’s/FedEx, UPS Stores & Office Depot/OfficeMax; d. Family member or friend. B. Release Form: Publicly available Veteran’s data and images (via NARA or other public domain sites) submitted in any fashion to Chinese American Citizens Alliance for inclusion into the Recognition Project’s database shall be for the purpose of verifying a Veteran’s eligibility to receive this Congressional Gold Medal and for non-commercial purposes of disseminating information to the public about merits of the Project. A release form from C.A.C.A. shall be requested from submitters of Veterans’ documents should the scope extend into ventures where the use of any documents, photographs, etc. (not available via NARA or other public domain sites) be used for the creation of commercial ventures about Chinese American WWII Veterans.

NOW IT'S UP TO YOU. . . • Spread the word to ensure all eligible veterans are registered • Make a donation www.caww2.org

Banner vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com www.chinainsight.info history April 2019 / PAGE 5 Chinese American WWII Honoring Chinese American Veterans Recognition World War II veterans Project By Maj. Gen. Bill Chen, U.S. Army, retired

efforts to recognize Chinese American veterans of WWII. The most important is to share information about the Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition Project with others to encourage Chinese American veterans to register. People can also volunteer for future events honoring Chinese American veterans by sending an email to: [email protected]. Another way to show support is through a tax deductible donation. The Chinese The mission of the Chinese American American WWII Veterans Recognition WWII Veterans Recognition Project is to Project is a program of the Chinese Ameri- recognize, honor, and celebrate the military can Citizens Alliance, a 501(c)8, and the service of Chinese Americans who fought in National Chinese American Citizens Al- World War II to ensure that the contributions liance Community Involvement Fund, a made by Chinese American World War II 501(c)3. Donations to the Chinese American veterans are not forgotten. WWII Veterans Recognition Project will The Chinese American WWII Veterans help ensure that Chinese American veterans Recognition Project was instrumental in The Congressional Gold Medal and the nese Americans to be a part of mainstream of WWII receive their medal. Donations publicizing and supporting the Chinese- Presidential Medal of Freedom are the high- America post-World War II. will be used to produce the duplicates of American World War II Veterans Congres- est civilian awards in the United States. On The U.S. Mint will design the Con- the Congressional Gold Medal and award sional Gold Medal Act. December 20, 2018 the Chinese-American gressional Gold Medal, and the original them to veterans and to ensure the legacy Now that the Congressional Gold Medal World War II Veterans Congressional Gold medal will be on display at the Smithson- of veterans through educational programs. Act has been passed, the Chinese American Medal Act was signed into law. ian. Chinese American Veterans and/or Supporters may make a general donation WWII Veterans Recognition Project is The award recognizes the commitment their survivors will receive duplicate of the or join the CAWW2 Veterans Recognition working to identify Chinese Americans who and sacrifice of Chinese Americans for Medal. Eligible veteran recipients will be Circle with a donation of $1,000 or more. served in the Armed Forces during WWII their highly uncommon and commendable determined via a user-friendly registration There are three CAWW2 Veterans Recogni- to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. sense of patriotism and honor in the face process. Simply go to the website tion Circle donation levels: of discrimination. Their acts of patriotism, www.caww2.org, and click on “register Veteran registration loyalty, and courage occurred when the 1882 veterans.” Applicants should review the Gold Medal Circle - $10,000 or more Chinese Exclusion Act, which excluded “Registration Instructions” and the “Fre- The Chinese American WWII Veterans Gold Medal Circle members will receive Recognition Project Congressional Gold Chinese laborers and immigrants from quently Asked Questions” to determine listing in Chinese American WWII Veter- citizenship, was still in-place. The Chinese requirements and documents needed before Medal Review Committee is in the process ans Recognition materials, invitation to all of reviewing applications to verify service Exclusion Act was not repealed until De- completing the form. Ideally, the best sup- events, and have the option to present a Con- cember 1943. porting documentation is a veteran’s service and eligibility to receive the Congressional gressional Gold Medal at a medal ceremony. Gold Medal. At a time when the total population of record or separation and discharge papers. Founders Circle - $5,000 or more Chinese Americans in the U.S. and Hawaii Recognizing that documents might not be Those who submitted an application Founders Circle members will receive prior to March 1, 2019 should receive a was about 100,000, as many as 20,000 Chi- available, a photo of the veteran in military listing in Chinese American WWII Vet- nese Americans served in the Armed Forces. uniform is sufficient for verification of status confirmation from the Review Com- erans Recognition materials and have the mittee by mid-April. Applications received Approximately 40 percent were not United service. Ceremonies and award presenta- opportunity to attend Chinese American States citizens. tions will be announced and held across after March 1, 2019 will be confirmed within World War II Veterans medal ceremonies 45-60 days after submission. If additional Chinese Americans served the United the country. and other events. States in every conflict since the Civil War, All Chinese Americans should spread information is needed, the Committee will Honor Guard Circle - $1,000 or more outreach directly to the applicant. and distinguished themselves in World War the word --- to friends, family and the Honor Guard Circle members can be promi- II, serving in every theater of war and every younger generations to visit nently recognized in Chinese American branch of service, earning citations for their www.caww2.org and learn about Chinese Support Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition materials. heroism and honorable service, including American Veterans in WWII; and to get veterans of WWII Donations can be made online at the Medal of Honor. veterans and/or survivors to register the There are various ways to support the www.caww2.org. ♦ The Chinese American veterans of veterans who served. The dedicated service, World War II demonstrated their skills, sacrifices, and contributions of our veterans competencies, loyalty, and patriotism, and are a part of Chinese American history and they opened up opportunities for all Chi- heritage in the United States. ♦ Designing the Congressional Gold Medal for Chinese Presentation of the American WWII veterans Congressional Gold Medal The Congressional Gold Medal is con- the Medal honoring Chinese American sidered the most distinguished recognition WWII veterans. to Chinese American WWII that the U.S. Congress can award as an The Design Committee met with the expression of gratitude for distinguished U.S. Mint in late January to begin the pro- veterans contributions to the nation. cess of designing the Med- The Congressional Gold al. The Design Commit- The Chinese American WWII Veterans families who are able to attend. Understand- Medal awarded to Chinese tee includes: Maj. General Congressional Gold Medal will initially ing that many veterans may be unable to American veterans of World Robert G.F. Lee, USA Ret., be unveiled and presented on a date to be travel, there are plans to conduct Regional War II will be designed and Chair, Design Committee; determined by Congress in late fall 2019 Ceremonies in cities where records indicate struck by the U.S. Mint. There Maj. General William S. in Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol. there are large numbers of Chinese Ameri- is no standard design for the Chen, USA Ret.; Ed Gor; The Chinese American WWII Veterans can veterans and/or their surviving family Congressional Gold Medal. Fmr. Director of the U.S. Recognition Project will present bronze members. Each Medal that has been Mint Edmund Moy; CDR duplicates of the Medal to veterans and/or These ceremonies will take place after awarded has been designed Evelyn Moy, USN Ret.; family members in a National Gala Celebra- the DC Gala and into 2020. All eligible specifically for the recipients. Maj. General Stephen D. tion later that day, based on veterans duly recipients are highly encouraged to attend The Chinese American WWII Tom, USA Ret.; and Rear entered in the Project Registry. a Regional Ceremony to receive this pres- Veterans Recognition Project Admiral Jonathan A. Yuen, As more details become available, the tigious award. ♦ Gold Medal Design Commit- USN Ret. ♦ Chinese American WWII Veterans Recogni- tee will work with representa- tion Project will provide travel information tives of the U.S. Mint to design for a 3-day tour package for all veterans and PAGE 6 / April 2019 history www.chinainsight.info The Titanic story never told: Chinese Titanic survivors By Elaine Dunn shared one 59-pound third-class ticket. All never setting foot on U.S. soil) and then came from southern China, Taishan city dispatched to their next gig, the freighter in Province, and Hong Kong. Annetta, bound for Cuba. Their names were recorded as CHANG What (scarce) mention there was of the Chip, CHEONG Foo, FANG Lang, Ah Chinese by the press were negative. They LAM, LAM Len, LEE Bing, LEE Ling and were portrayed as stowaways, that they LING Hee. Lee Ling and Lam Len were the survived because they secretly climbed on two who did not survive. the lifeboat or dressed as women to board Why were these Chinese on board? lifeboats. There were rumours that the men Various accounts seem to think the eight disguised as women by loosening their were bound for the U.S. to start a new gig queues so their long hair fell around their on a freighter chartered by the Atlantic Fruit shoulders. No evidence of this was found.

A file photo of Titanic lifeboats. [Photo/IC] Americans know April 15 as tax day. With help of other historians and re- But 107 years ago, it was a day that shocked searchers, longtime documentary partners the world. Jones and U.S. maritime historian Steven At 2:20 a.m., April 15, 1912, the largest Schwankert set out to uncover the stories of Screen-capture image of third-class ticket listing the names of the eight Chinese passengers and most luxurious ocean liner of the time these Chinese Titanic survivors. The project (and considered “unsinkable” by many took the team to Britain, Canada, China, Company, the Annetta, heading to Cuba. “There is this sense that they were some- because of its compartmentalized hull con- Hong Kong and the U.S. to track down the When the Titanic struck the iceberg, how not entitled to seats on lifeboats,” said struction), sank into the depths of the North six survivors’ descendants. However, the the Chinese men’s lack of understanding Schwankert, the lead researcher. Atlantic Ocean. Of the 2,200 people on project, like the Titanic, was no smooth of the English language saved them! They Jones, after visiting foreign archives, board, eight were Chinese. Of the 706 who sailing. did not understand the crew’s assurances to museums and cooperating with American survived, six of the eight Chinese made it. “Chinese genealogy is notoriously the other passengers that there was nothing and Chinese historians, believed they did These six Chinese survivors of the RMS difficult, particularly in English-language to be alarmed about. Since the eight used nothing disgraceful in order to survive the Titanic tragedy disappeared soon after their documents such as shipping records, where to work on cargo ships between China and disaster. arrival in New York. names are often inconsistently transcribed,” Europe, their seafaring experience told them “The Six” is not only a story about the There has been much coverage of the said Jones. Furthermore, as Jones’ team to evacuate the ship when freezing water survivors of the Titanic, but also “a story of Titanic story by the global media, but noth- searched for descendants of the six men, flooded their cabin. a group of brave Chinese people exploring ing was reported of the Chinese passengers. they recognized a pattern: The survivors Four found and boarded the backup the outside world at that time,” Jones said. Of the hundreds other survivors who were never told relatives born outside of China lifeboat, Collapsible C, of which one of their The documentary team hopes their project interviewed by the press for their survival about their experience. fellow passengers was none other than the will finally put an end to the doubt that was tales, none paid attention to the six Chinese. It took more than two years and a team owner of the Titanic J. Bruce Ismay! The unfairly cast over the men’s characters. Arthur Jones, a British documentarian of six researchers to fact-check every detail Collapsible C was one of the last lifeboats “The great thing about their stories is whose production company is based in about the lives of the six survivors. Produc- to be lowered from the Titanic. Another of that they cut across such a huge swath of Shanghai, was intrigued. Why was noth- tion of their documentary “The Six” began the six was rescued by Lifeboat 13; and one, issues for the Chinese diaspora at the turn ing ever reported of the Chinese passengers in 2015 and its scheduled release date is Fang Lang, clung on to a piece of floating of the 20th century,” said Schwankert. “The while “every little detail, right down to the this month. debris (believed to be a wooden door from fact that these men went on and ended up in size of the ashtrays in second class,” had According to records provided by the the Titanic) until he was picked up by Life- all these diverse places, I think it shows a been written? “Why were they ignored?” Titanic Cruise Line, the eight Chinese boat 4. The officer on Lifeboat 4 recalled lot of political currents and economic cur- Jones asked. were between the ages of 24 and 37. They that Fang “worked like a hero” rowing the rents of the time. To be honest, for them, lifeboat to safety when another passenger surviving the Titanic was not necessarily the was too tired to do so. biggest obstacle in their life. It was just one When the Carpathia arrived in New moment of adversity that they had to face in Production Editor Needed York, the six Chinese were given no help, a lifetime of adversity.” unlike the other 700 survivors. Instead, they Descendants of the survivors are living Great opportunity to gain experience in laying out China Insight, were given 24 hours to leave the country in Canada, China, UK, and the U.S. (Wis- a monthly tabloid newspaper that has serving the community because of the Chinese Exclusion Act of consin!) ♦ for 17-plus years. 1882. There were accounts of them being detained overnight on the Carpathia (thereby • The right candidate must know InDesign Creative Suite and have graphics background. • Reliability and ability to meet deadlines are critical. • A strong interest in Chinese culture and business matters will be an asset. • Must be willing to take creative initiative and be a team player.

This is classified as a volunteer position, but a small stipend will be provided to the right individual who demonstrates a strong passion for our mission and can work with minimal supervision.

Send resumé to Greg Hugh at [email protected] or call 612-723-4872 A screenshot from “The Si”x showing an old photo of Titanic survivor Fang Lang. [Photo/ facebook.com/thesixdocumentary] www.chinainsight.info language April 2019 / PAGE 7 English Chinese characters I go to … University/college. 我去 … 大學。 Wŏ qǜ…Dàxüé. corner (漢語角落): I am studying… 我正在学习… Wŏ xüéxí… … Chinese history 中国历史 Zhōngguó lìshĭ … art 艺术 yìshù Introductions … biology 生物学 shēngwùxüé … business administration 工商管理 gōngshāng guănlĭ By Pat Welsh, contributor … chemistry 化学 huàxüé … computer science 计算机科学 jìsuànjī k¬ēxüé This month, I will follow up with the topic of introducing oneself and others on first … mathematics 数学 shùxüé encounter. we will learn to ask and tell about a person’s background. … political science 政治学 zhèngzhìxüé Since language is fluid and variations creep in to daily use, I will try to include these … physics 物理, 物理学 wùlĭ, wùlĭxüé as well. … sociology 社会学 shèhuìxüé Some of the words we will be using for this month: I am single. 我单身了。 Wŏ dānshēn le. dāng 当 to work as, to function as, to be (in the sense of playing a role) I am engaged. 我订婚了。 Wŏ dìnghūn le. dàxüé 大學 university, (American) college I am married. 我结婚了。 Wŏ jiéhūn le. I am separated. 我分手了。 Wŏ fēnshŏu le. 公司 gōngsī company, corporation I am divorced. 我离婚了。 Wŏ líhūn le. gōngzuò 工作 to work I am in a relationship. 我有伴了。 Wŏ yŏubàn le. which. Some speakers, especially in Beijing, will say nĕi (pron. nă 哪 nay) instead.

where. Some speakers, especially in Beijing, will say năr Pronunciation reminders năli 哪里 This system follows Chinese Pinyin with the exception that the letter “u” has two 哪儿 instead. pronunciations. Sometimes it has the value of ü (“ee” as in see with rounded lips). At qǜ 去 go, go to those times we use the symbol “ü” instead of Pinyin “u.”

shàngxüé 上学 attend school en sounds like the “un” in “fun” what, what kind of In rapid speech, this word will often sound eng sounds like the “ung” in “lung” shénme 什么 like “shémme” jü sounds like “tjee” but the lips must be rounded, not spread. nǚ sounds almost like the English word “knee” but your lips must be rounded, 1) to study, learn 2) -ology (when applied to fields of study) xüé 学 not spread. (Pronounced as shywé.) ong The “o” here sounds much like the “oo” in “ooze” or “spoon”. q sounds like an aspirated tch; qin sounds like ”tcheen”. xüéxí 学习 to study (a school subject for the purpose of mastering of it) qǜ sounds like “tchee” but said with rounded lips. a, an, one (when referring to most place of businesses, compa- shi sounds almost like the “shir” in “shirt” yìjiā 一家 nies, post offices, banks, museums , restaurants, hotels etc.) It is si sounds somewhat like sz, the vowel short, it is between “i” in “it” and “u” in normally not used with theaters. “mut”. 1) to be at 2) a verb prefix functioning like the English verb suf- ü This is much like the “ee” in “see” but the vowel must be uttered with rounded zài 在 fix “-ing” lips. x sounds like a weak “sh”; xi sounds almost like English word “she”. zhèngzài 正在 This term functions much like the English verb suffix “…ing” zhong sounds like “tjoong” with the tip of the tongue curled back producing a slight zuò 做 to do “r” -sound. zhong would almost sound like “tjroong”. z sounds like a “tz”

English Chinese characters Pinyin Tones Where do you work? 你在哪里工作？ Nĭ zài năli gongzuò? Using numbers: 5 = your normal high 4 = mid-high 3 = your normal mid pitch This is my business card. 這是我的名片。 Zhè shì wŏde míngpiàn. 2 = mid low pitch 1 = your normal low pitch

I work at/in… 我在…工作。 Wŏ zài…gōngzuò. Tone Description Notes He works at/in… 他在…工作。 Tā zài…gōngzuò. ā High level pitch (55) Regarding Tone ă She works at/in… 她在…工作。 Tā zài…gōngzuò. á Mid-Rising Tone (35) 1. When occurring directly before ă Dipping (213) another dipping tone, tone ă be a bank 一家银行 yìjiā yínháng à High falling pitch (51) comes tone á. Thus “hĕn hăo” a post office 一家邮局 yìjiā yóujǘ a An unstressed neutral tone. Following (very good) changes to “hén hăo” the…Company/Corporation ….公司 …gōngsī other syllables, syllables in this tone 2. Occurring directly before any tend to be slightly lower that of the other tone, tone ă will change to a previous syllable. The lone exception mid-falling tone What is your profession? 你做什么工作？ Nĭ zuò shénme gōngzuò? is when it occurs after tone ă when the Regarding tone à I work as a/an… 我当… Wŏ dāng… neutral tone is often slightly higher. When occurring before another à tone, the first tone à reduces its fall …accountant 会计 kuàjì to 53 …architect 建筑师 jiànzhúshi …engineer 工程师 gōngchĕngshī Next month, we will deal with the socia task of asking about and identifying common …doctor 医生 yishēng objects. ♦ …journalist 记者 jìzhĕ …sales representative 售货员 shòuhuòyuán

I represent the … Corpora- 我代表 … 公司 Wø dàibiăo…Gōngsī. tion About Pat Welsh I am retired. 我退休了。 Wŏ tuīxiū le. In 2009 while teaching English at University, Welsh was asked to give a I work in… 我做 … 工作。 Wŏ zuò…gōngzuò. speech where he was introduced to the audience as a “pioneer of Chinese American relations” as a result of his cooperative work in international banking during the Deng … administration 秘书 mìshu Xiaoping era. For more than 65 years, Welsh has been learning Chinese and has used … sales and marketing 推广 tuīguăng this knowledge both professionally and personally to enhance his understanding of Chinese and Asian affairs. He uses Beijing Mandarin most frequently when meeting Where to do go to school? 你在哪里上学？ Nĭ zài năli shàngxüé? with senior Chinese government officials when conducting business in China. Which university do you 你去哪所大学？ Nĭ qǜ nă*suŏ dàxüé? For 17 years, Welsh taught Chinese, German and Spanish in two local high schools. go to? *Here nă changes to ná. Now fully retired, he currently resides in Georgia where he used to lecture on China to a number of classes at Dunwoody High School. PAGE 8 / April 2019 arts & culture www.chinainsight.info Dong food culture: beyond fish and rice By Dr. He Guihua and Bu Aihua, The Center for Cultural Heritage at Huaihua University, contributors

Note: This is the 14th article in the series on Dong ethnic culture by The Center for Hunan Cultural Heritage as U.S.-China cultural and educational exchange and research. The Center for Hunan Cultural Heritage is located in Huaihua University, southwest Hunan Province, China. It is a provincial translation institute dedicated to the preservation and development of Hunan’s diverse ethnic communities and shared with the global community. This month’s article features the food culture of the Dong people. Professor Bu is the dean and professor in the Foreign Languages School of Huaihua University. Her major research interests cover compara- tive education, biculturalism and bicultural active living lifestyle with a special focus on the Hmong youth in western part of Hunan Province and the state of Minnesota. She is also the vice director of the Hunan Cultural Heritage Center. He Guihua has a doctorate degree in translation and cross-cultural communication. He is an associate professor in Foreign Languages School of Huaihua University. This writing is financed by the Philosophy and Social Science Fund Project of Hunan Province, Fund Project of Hunan Intangible Folklore Research Centre, Foreign Language Teaching and Research Project of National Universities, as well as Fund Project of The Center for Hunan Cultural Heritage and National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program for College Students. This article is supported by the 2018 key project of the Philosophy and Social Sciences Fund Project of Huaihua Municipality.

Culture is usually interpreted as the set of practices, codes and values that mark a particular nation or ethnic group. Also, difference is often made between “high” culture of literature and the arts, and small “c” culture of attitudes, values, beliefs and everyday lifestyles (Longman Dictionary of Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 2010:151). Food culture, according to the above definition, falls into the category of small “c” culture. Dong food culture features fish, , rice liquor, and youcha (a special thick soup in Dong culture). As an essential part of the Dong lifestyle, Dong food culture is notably rich in historical, geographical and religious elements. Most Dong villages are located in the transitional zone between Yungui Plateau and the eastern undulating mountains, dense gullies and impact basins. To deal with the threat of war, banditry and armed struggles, the Dongs have used collective forces to confront external disturbances. In choosing the site for a village, the first consideration is defense of the village, so most Dong villages use mountains as barriers and build houses on hill- sides or cliffs. Outside the village are often open impact basins. The impact soils at the bottom of these basins are extremely fertile and are developed as agricultural land to meet Glutinous rice in bamboo tubes—photo from www.baidu.com the living needs of large populations. These farmlands are the main sources of livelihood will cook glutinous rice, put it in wooden basins or containers made from dry gourds, and for the Dongs. serve them to guests. Where there are mountains and gullies, there are streams and rivers; where there are There is a special way of cooking glutinous rice — in bamboo tubes. When the Dongs impact basins, there are lakes and ponds. Freshwater fish has become an integral part of go to work in the mountains, they take with them some uncooked glutinous rice, corn and Dong food culture. Impact basins are also ideal for rice paddies. Therefore, the Dongs sausage. At meal time, they will make a fire, put the glutinous rice into bamboo tubes have developed a special love for fish and rice. (bamboo is usually available on the mountains) with some water and put the bamboo tubes over the fire. If they can catch some fish in the stream, they will roast the fish also. Fish As mentioned above, the Dongs love glutinous rice. They not only cook glutinous rice The Dongs not only take for daily meals but also ciba, a specialty glutinous . fish as their daily food, it also To make ciba, first boil husked glutinous rice in a big wok. Before the rice becomes is considered precious food at soft, “screen” it out and steam it in a bamboo steamer. When fully steamed, put it in a banquets. Cured fish is used to cloth bag or in a stone or wooden basin and pound it with a mallet until the rice all sticks worship the goddess “Sa” and together. Then form fist-sized round ciba by hand. Freshly-made ciba can be eaten on- ancestors. the-spot or be kept in reserve. While the Dongs particularly love cured fish, they also cook fish in various ways, including sour fish soup, raw fish slices, smoked fish, etc. Sour fish soup has a nick- name: sun fish. The soup is cooked with carp (raised in rice Sour fish soup—photo from www.baidu.com paddies), soy bean curd and pickles. A fresh carp is cleaned and then boiled together with soy bean curd and some salt in a wok. When the soup is boiled down, pickles will be added together with sour water and brought to a second boil. The sour fish soup is ready to be served after boiling for another 30 minutes. The Dongs’ sliced raw fish is different from Japanese sashimi or other raw fish slices. As grass carp are big and common in rivers near Dong villages, raw fish slices are usually made of grass carp. After being cut into thin slices, the fish will be aired on a bamboo basket in the sun for some time so as to get rid of the water on the surface of the fish slices. The air-dried raw fish slices are then soaked in camellia oil for sterilization and deodorization. To go with the raw fish slices: pickled vegetables, fresh basil and herba houttuyniae, etc. The Above: Pounding cooked glutinous rice vegetables are usually cut into in a wooden basin for Ciba — photo from Raw fish slices—photo from www.tour.retnet.cn small pieces and served with www.xinhuanet.com camellia oil in a bowl. Left: Dong women making glutinous rice Glutinous rice cakes—photo from www.xinhuanet.com Glutinous rice is another Dong favorite staple food. Glutinous rice provides good nutrition and energy. Being a hospitable people, the Dongs are ready to share their glu- tinous rice with their neighbors, guests and even passers-by. On special occasions, they Continues on page 9 www.chinainsight.info arts & culture April 2019 / PAGE 9 Dong food culture Continued from Page 8

Rice liquor Besides using glutinous rice as the staple food, the Dongs also make liquor with it. Such rice liquor is also known as “bitter liquor.” To make “bitter liquor,” first soak husked glutinous rice for a few hours, then steam it. While the steamed glutinous rice is cooling down, spring water is added to keep it moist. Yeast is then added to the rice. It is then put in a jar or pot for a few days before it is ready to be served. “Bitter liquor” has a relatively low level of alcohol (10-20 percent). It tastes cool and refreshing and has been considered a very healthy liquor. There is a Dong saying: “No bitter liquor, no banquet.”

Youcha Youcha is another typical Dong dish for entertaining guests. The Dongs’ youcha is called a soup instead of tea is because it is more than tea leaves plus water. Youcha is usually served in place of lunch or din- S ner. To prepare, first T NT cook glutinous rice, air O ME it, and then deep-fry it. URNA Then stir-fry the fried glutinous rice with tea, THURSDAY, APRIL 11 add some water and boil it, and then filter the tea $5,000 Guaranteed, $30 Buy-In Bowls of Youcha—photo from www.sohu.com water out and reserve. $10 Optional Add-on Finally, stir-fry peanuts, Registration Opens at 3pm offal, etc., put them in a bowl, then pour in the tea water that is prepared in the second step, and youcha is ready to be served. SUNDAY, APRIL 28 Youcha can be served both on ordinary and special occasions, to welcome guests or $2,000 Added, $20 Buy-In celebrate the birth of a baby, etc. $10 Optional Add-on When entertaining guests with youcha, hosts would serve them three bowls with Registration Opens at 11am one bowl of rice liquor. (Three is an auspicious number in Dong culture, representing RunAces.com the heavens, earth and man.) The first bowl of youcha consists of some tea water, some fried glutinous rice, a little shredded ginger and chopped green onions. The second bowl comes with cooked glutinous rice, deep-fried glutinous rice, stir-fried soybean, and stir-fried peanuts. The third bowl comes with some deep-fried glutinous rice and some stir-fried offal. The ingredients of the three bowls go from light to heavier/greasier. It is noteworthy that youcha will be served with one chopstick. When the guest is full, he/ she can put the chopstick on the bowl to tell the host/hostess to the effect that no more youcha need be served. Traditional Medicine

Sour foods Dongs also love sour foods because they can help with digestion and supplement salt for Today’s Healthcare in the body, thus good for the Dongs who usually do heavy and sweaty physical work in mountainous areas. For this reason and out of habit, sour dishes have become indispensable in Dong The new Doctor of Chinese food culture. Almost every Dong household has a dozen or so jars containing pickled Medicine program allows students meat, fish and vegetables. While pickled meat and fish are usually cooked before they are served at meals, pickled vegetables are usually served raw. Batches of pickled foods to gain a deeper understanding are pickled in the same jars, which in some Dong families, contain sour water from many of Chinese medicine and how it previous generations. Out of love for sour dishes, the Dongs will share their home-made pickled meat, fish provides the natural solution for and vegetables at festivals, wedding ceremonies and funerals. Sour dishes have become today’s healthcare issues. so indispensable that there is another Dong food saying: “No sour food, no banquet.” Take the Dong Helong Banquet (also named “Long-Table Feast”), an icon of Dong culture, the banquet is a very big potluck-style group meal set on a long (joined) table. At some Helong banquets, almost all the dishes are made from pickled meat, fish, or vegetables, which is clear evidence of the popularity of sour foods among the Dongs. As mountain-dwellers, Dongs have been living in harmony with Mother Nature since ancient times. Indeed, impact basins between mountains have provided them with fertile farmlands for rice and streams; rivers running through mountain have supplied them with plentiful of freshwater fish. Based on the two major types of produce from their ethnic lands, Dong people have developed their unique style of food culture. ♦

Learn More at Discovery Day Saturday, March 16 • 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Register at nwhealth.edu/ChinaInsight • 952-885-5409 DIVERSITY RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS 50% OFF Sour water and vegetables—photo from Pickled fish with chili pepper Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine • Chiropractic • Massage Therapy AVAILABLE TUITION www.baidu.com New Tales of the Twin Cities: The History, Law, and Culture of Minnesota, Second Edition Call for Sponsorship and Contribution from Minnesota Companies In 2014, US-China Cultural Media Group and Thomson Reuters co-published New Tales of the Twin Cities: The History, Law, and Culture of Minnesota, the first Chinese-language book about the State of Minnesota. The book offers comprehensive coverage and in-depth analysis of Minnesota’s history, law and culture. Beginning with a history of Minnesota, the book covers a wide range of topics such as Minnesota’s judicial system, Minnesota Supreme Court cases, the University of Minnesota, immigrants in Minnesota, arts, science and technology in Minnesota, and the “Best of the Twin Cities.” Selected as one of the “2014 Books: Winter Reading” by Minnesota Magazine, it received rave reviews and extensive media coverage. Even longtime Minnesotans will benefit from reading Wang’s engaging observations. For example, inthe preface Wang divulges his top 10 Minnesota pleasures, a list of charming and simple activities easily taken for granted: browsing used bookstores, walking around the Cities’ lakes, listening to Minnesota Public Radio, and enjoying a weekend Minnesota Orchestra concert, among others. Minnesota Magazine, Winter 2015 Throughout this book, Wang intends to give Chinese residents, students, and visitors a comprehensive overview and in-depth analysis of Minnesota’s history, law, and culture. Legal Current, Nov. 25, 2014 Readers of this book include approximately 50,000-plus Chinese students, scholars and Chinese Minnesotans as well as Chinese visitors to Minnesota and prospective Chinese students and visitors. The book is also ideal for Minnesotans traveling to China for business. Plans for revising New Tales of the Twin Cities: The History, Law, and Culture of Minnesota is in the works. A late-2019 publication date for the 2nd edition is expected. China Insight is a co-publisher on the project. Sponsorship* and contributions from Minnesotan companies are welcomed. Second edition updates include: • Minnesota attractions such as the Minnesota Zoo, Guthrie Theatre, Minnesota Orchestra • Chinese translation of the complete Constitution of the State of Minnesota • Chapters on sponsoring businesses Sponsorship Levels Sponsorship Benefits* Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Completely customized book with the company logo on cover, spine, back, title page; new cover design consistent with the sponsoring X company’s branding policy

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*Sponsorship benefits may be subject to change. For more information, call 612-800-2183; email: [email protected]; visit: http://www.uschinamedia.org/ or contact Greg Hugh at 612-723-4872; email: [email protected] www.chinainsight.info books April 2019 / PAGE 11 “Chinese Movie Magazines: 24350 From Charlie Chan to 5x7 Chairman Mao, 1921- bw 1951” by Paul Fonoroff

Reviewed by Susan Blumberg-Kason, Asian Review of Books, March 10, 2019

Author: Paul Fonoroff Publisher: University of California Press Publication date: September 2018 Softcover: 288 pages Fonoroff has lived in Hong Kong since 1983. He has been the film critic for the venerable South China Morning Post since 1988. He is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and has a Masters in Fine Arts in Cinema from the Uni- versity of Southern California and did Smart planning sparks success research on Chinee cinema at Peking University from 1980-82. You’ve got a lot to think about as a small business owner — managing Fonoroff has hosted TV shows in cash flow, funding business plan, and marketing your services. You’ll find , Mandarin and English. the guidance and solutions you need to start, grow, or run your business Besides appearing in 20 movies, he better at wellsfargoworks.com. is also an advisor to the Hong Kong Film Archives. His collection, the Let’s get started. Visit your local branch or find a time that works for you at world’s largest, of Chinese and Hong wellsfargo.com/appointments. Kong movie publications, posters and memorabilia was acquired by UC- Berkeley’s Starr East Asian Library. He is author of two other books: “At the Hong Kong Movies” and Silver Light.” © 2019 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. IHA-24350

Film can tell a lot about a place and on its magazine covers. And even though Shanghai down to the British colony in the eration filmmakers revived Chinese cinema, time, but not many film industries have Wong had no choice but to play Chinese 1940s and early ‘50s. Hong Kong success both on the mainland and internationally. gone through as much change as China’s. stereotypes in Hollywood (it was either as a film center undoubtedly owes much to “Chinese Movie Magazines” is a treat, Not only has the Chinese film industry take those roles or not work), she was cel- political instability in China. As Fonoroff not only since every page includes color transformed as the politics of the country ebrated in China when she traveled there writes, images of movie magazine covers, but also have changed from the years of silent mov- in the 1930s. This trip came after Wong While the star system and the concept for the telling of modern Chinese history ies to the Communist era, but records of the wasn’t given the lead female role in the film of movies as commercial entertainment through the covers and the text provided by pre-Mao era largely succumbed to political version of Pearl Buck’s “The Good Earth.” disappeared from the PRC, the old ways Fonoroff. This hardcover volume of high- movements like the Cultural Revolution, (It went to a white actress.) Incidentally, flourished in Hong Kong thanks to an quality reproductions is rounded off with a which outlawed everything old and western. the Charlie Chan series, mainly starring influx of Shanghai capital and talent. The fabric cover over the spine. ♦ It’s a miracle that film advertisements and Swedish-American Warner Oland as Chan, latter was a two-way street: many idealis- movie magazines from the period survived was extremely popular in China. Oland’s tic left-leaning movie personnel [in Hong About the reviewer at all, and in his new book, film critic and portrayal of derogatory Fu Manchu, on the Kong] also returned to mainland China. Susan Blumberg-Kason is the author historian Paul Fonoroff presents a stunning other hand, was not. 1951 marked the end of the golden era of “Good Chinese Wife: A Love Affair collection of 590 illustrations, mainly movie It wasn’t all glitz and glamor for these of Chinese cinema. The new regime com- with China Gone Wrong” and co-edited magazine covers, that he found in Hong Chinese starlets. Quite a few died prema- pletely dismantled the film industry and na- “Hong Jong Noir.” She received a Mas- Kong and in flea markets around Southeast turely from suicide, both at the height of tionalized publishing, which put most of the ter of Philosophy in Government and Asia. their careers in the 1930s, but also years movie magazine publishers out of business. Public Administration from the Chinese The book opens not at the beginning of later during the Cultural Revolution. Others Countries like Singapore, Indonesia, and University of Hong Kong, where she the film industry in China, which can be like Zhou Xuan died in a mental institution Thailand imported Hong Kong Cantonese researched emerging women’s rights. She’s now based in the Chicago suburbs, traced back to the very end of the 19th cen- in 1957 at the age of 37. However, one movies, so the culture of Chinese movies Blumberg-Kason is an elected trustee of tury, but rather in the early 1920s with the actress who made her film debut in 1935, changed from Mandarin to Cantonese and her public library. publication of the first Chinese movie maga- Lan Ping, ironically became Jiang Qing would continue this way until the Fifth Gen- zines from Shanghai, the most cosmopolitan or Madame Mao in later years, and went city in China and the center of the Chinese on to run the PRC film industry during the film industry by the time the magazines Cultural Revolution. first came out. The book goes on to show The covers correspond to the climate in other magazine publishers in Hong Kong, China at the time, with Art Deco illustra- Be Your Own Boss! Macao, and Guangzhou as well as some tions dominating in the late 1920s and early cities in China which also produced movie 1930s, while pinup photographs became au China Insight is seeking a self-motivated individual magazines, especially during the Japanese courant in the mid- to late-1930s. During to sell advertising space for our newspaper. China occupation of Shanghai and Hong Kong. the Japanese occupation of cities Shanghai Insight has been publishing for 15 years. The ideal Fonoroff observes that women almost and Hong Kong, when the industry had re- individual we seek must be passionate about our exclusively graced the covers of these located to free areas like Hankou (Wuhan) mission, be resourceful, creative and capable of magazines, in part because nothing sells like and , featured. magazine covers working independently. We offer a very generous a pretty face, but also to celebrate Chinese that emphasised new and photos of the war commission structure and you get to set your stars. Very few western movie stars adorned rather than glamor. Glamorous starlets own hours. the covers apart from Anna May Wong. The returned to the movie magazine covers at Chinese film industry was rightfully upset the conclusion of WWII despite the reemer- Contact Greg Hugh at 612-723-4872 or email with Hollywood for portraying Chinese gence of the civil war. [email protected] characters in derogatory ways, so seldom The Hong Kong film industry exploded featured Hollywood actors and actresses as many directors and actors moved from PAGE 12 / April 2019 community www.chinainsight.info 18th annual Bob and Kim Griffin Lecture: Technology Tensions in the U.S. – China Relationship By Greg Hugh

Neither rain, snow nor sleet could keep ferent than that of Russia and Japan when The first question of the brief Q & A a curious group from filling the University they enjoyed their economic growth. Chi- session posed by Wang, the moderator: of Minnesota campus’ Memorial Hall at na’s growth has much to do with their mind What was Kuo’s favorite band? Rush. In the McNamara Alumni Center on March set and social factors and Kuo suggested response to a question from the audience 12. They were there to hear a lecture by how the series “Black Mirror” on Netflix about China applying its soft power, Kuo Kaiser Kuo. and films like “The Three Body Problem” simply chuckled and said that China, unlike The lecture is an annual event sponsored and “Wandering Earth” influence and reflect Russia, was really inept and its soft power by the University’s China Center and funded their thinking. influence was ineffective. by the Bob and Kim Griffin Building U.S.- While China’s Made in China 2025 ini- L to R: Chang Wang, Kaiser Kuo, Kim China Bridges Lecture series. As noted in Griffin, Joan Brzezinski, Bob Griffin tiative might be unfair, the concern of Chi- the accompanying article by Chang Wang, na’s technology is causing the U.S. to draw Kuo is host of the Sinica Podcast, former novations take place. While China has seen a line in the sand that is resulting in a tighter director of International Communications technology develop very much in synch with STEM immigration policy. In addition, the for Baidu, and co-founder of Tang Dynasty, its rapid growth, there is kind of belief in the Huawei case is a ticking time bomb that is China’s first heavy metal band. ability of technology to deliver better lives. overshadowing any trade talks between the As Wang noted, because of his experi- However, compared to the U.S. right now, two countries. Kuo states that replacing ence and background, Kuo, is eminently there appears to be a lot of anxiety about China as a source for manufactured goods qualified to speak on U.S.-China relation- technology. While some observers may be is a futile effort that will take time and divert ships and proceeded to deliver a lecture that concerned that China is ahead of the U.S. funds and manpower. A better approach for presented his viewpoint as to American per- in technology, Kuo feels that perhaps such the U.S. would be to initiate a small yard ceptions of China versus the reality in China. advances may have been under estimated and high fence approach to protecting our Chang Wang and Kaiser Kuo According to Kuo, when Americans are in the past and now possibly over estimated technology. That is, the U.S. should focus talking about innovation in China and in the since China suffers from a challenge in its on identifying specific technology it wishes At the conclusion of the Q & A ses- United States, it's important to understand ability to innovate. to protect and not include such broad seg- sion, the China Center presented a plaque the cultural and social matrix in which in- China’s ability to advance is much dif- ments as AI or 5G, etc. to Kuo. ♦

Introducing Kaiser Kuo By Chang Wang, contributor

Editor’s note: Chang Wang was the jing in the ‘90s, when Tang Dynasty (“Tang Chinese, dreams in Chinese, and probably U.S. federal prosecutors accused Huawei's moderator at the 2019 “Bob & Kim Griffin Chao”), Black Panther (“Hei Bao”), and Cui curses in Chinese; he is a Chinese who employees and executives of repeatedly Building U.S.-China Bridges Lecture” on Jian offered a cathartic experience from the speaks perfect English and dreams in Eng- lying to U.S. government officials and busi- March 12. Following are his introductory suffocating political environment. lish. He is no less American than any other ness partners for the Chinese company's remarks Hearing his music, reading his column, American, and he is no less Chinese than benefit and to pay employees to steal trade The China Center's annual Bob and Kim and listening to his podcast, the more we any other Chinese. And because of this, we secrets from the US. Griffin Building U.S.- China Bridges Lec- know Kaiser, the more we realize that un- need to listen to him. Huawei denied the accusation and Bei- ture features high-profile speakers who are derneath Kaiser’s adventurous surface, he jing has detained a series of foreign citizens experts in a wide range of timely and critical has an elegant spirit, a razor-sharp sense of in recent months on suspicion of endanger- China-related topics, from economics and instinct and boundless curiosity, and most ing China’s national security in what some business to culture and politics. importantly, a big heart. analysts view as retaliatory measures. Chi- From The Beijinger to Sinica, Kaiser nese officials have denied any links. shared his encyclopedic knowledge and Opening your morning paper, you see genuine love of China and the Chinese. He headlines like “The Huawei indictment has an awesome ability to illuminate the marks the end of US and China’s cycle of most complex of concepts to a colleague, to trust.” “Is ‘Made in China 2025' a Threat an audience, to the man on the street. His to Global Trade?” “China is Leading in Ar- comments on China and the U.S.-China rela- Kaiser Kuo tificial Intelligence — and American Busi- tions are based on his deep understanding of nesses Should Take Note,” “China Drives both countries and both cultures. His com- We need to listen to Kaiser to understand International Patent Applications to Record ments are sometimes deceptively simple, the technology tensions in the U.S.-China Heights,” “Why 5G, a Battleground for US but always exquisitely profound. relationship. As the U.S. and China engage and China, is Also a Military Conflict” … Kaiser is a lineal descendant of the in a high-stakes negotiation over the future In “AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Chang Wang Chinese intellectual traditions of the lite- of their trade relationship, it’s technology Valley, and the New World Order,” you rati/scholar-gentleman (“Shidafu”) and the that is at the heart of the debate. hear Kai-Fu Lee’s startling argument: “If Kaiser Kuo is host and co-founder of the knight-errant (“Youxia”), and it would not Since the beginning of 2017, the U.S. data is the new oil, then China is the new Sinica Podcast, the most popular English- be too difficult to identify which part of government has charged at least three people Saudi Arabia.” language podcast on current affairs in China. Kaiser belongs to the literati tradition and with spying for China or attempting or con- Then you hear David Brooks praising He also co-founded Tang Dynasty, China's which part of him belongs to the knight- spiring to do so and prosecuted at least five Marco Rubio’s report on “Made in China first heavy metal band. errant tradition. other cases where the alleged intellectual 2025 and The Future of American Industry”: It is both an honor and a daunting task Kaiser has multiple identities: he is a property theft or attempted theft were for the “It’s become increasingly clear that China is to occupy this platform for a few moments musician, an author, a commentator, a cor- benefit of the Chinese government. a grave economic, technological and intel- before Kaiser. respondent, a podcast host, and a business In November 2018, then Attorney Gen- lectual threat to the United States and the My name is Wang Chang, I am a mem- executive. He is too talented to be defined eral Jeff Sessions created a "China Initia- world order.” ber of the China Center Advisory Board or to be categorized. tive” to aggressively identify and prosecute What are all these about? What is going and an attorney with Kingsfield Law Office. Asian Americans are sometimes viewed economic espionage cases related to China. on? Where are we going? When Mrs. Joan Brzezinski, the execu- as “forever outsiders” of both universes, but Sessions threatened that China “must decide Now, without further ado, please, we tive director of the China Center, asked me indeed Asian Americans are insiders in both whether it wants to be a trusted partner on need to listen to Kaiser to understand what to give a few remarks on Kaiser and his worlds. Kaiser can think like a Chinese in the world stage or whether it wants to be all these are about, to better understand lecture, I did not tell her that I am a fan of deciphering the often vague and confusing known around the world as a dishonest re- China, and to better understand ourselves. ♦ Kaiser’s music and a loyal listener to his messages from the Chinese authority. At gime running a corrupt economy founded on Chang Wang is a partner with Kingsfield podcast. the same time, he is a zealous advocate fraud, theft, and strong-arm tactics.” Law Office. He also is an adjunct professor From Tang Dynasty to Chun Qiu, Kaiser of equal protection and due process, as a In January 2019, the Department of Jus- at the University of Minnesota Law School, became a cultural icon in China. Rock ’n’ true American patriot who has unwavering tice unsealed a series of indictments against and a member of the University of Minne- rollers were the cultural heroes of the ‘90s confidence in our system of the rule of law Huawei, the Chinese telecom company at sota China Center Advisory Board. China, just like authors were the cultural and fundamental fairness. the center of the escalating clash between heroes of the ‘80s. I went to college in Bei- Kaiser is an American who speaks fluent Washington and Beijing over technology. www.chinainsight.info government & politics April 2019 / PAGE 13

Science & Technology Observations about China’s management system, which will improve Learn Chinese openness, transparency and predictability annual Two Sessions meeting of the investment environment.” the natural In this year’s government work report, By Greg Hugh China sets its gross domestic product (GDP) way, with Lily growth target for 2019 at 6-6.5 percent, and economics with the Stuart School of Busi- vows to promote high-quality and sustain- By Elaine Dunn ness at the Illinois Institute of Technology in able growth. Chicago, “many countries look up to China Elvis Ngolle Ngolle, a professor at the No books. No vocabulary lists. No flash to learn from its experience.” University of Yaounde II in Cameroon, cards. Just speak! “The Chinese experience is based on said Chinese innovation is helping to boost Sounds good? Unfortunately, there isn’t building a modern infrastructure and then economic and social development in other a final product yet, just a prototype. AND, on setting up special economic zones that countries, and helping them cultivate their the project team would like you to contribute would help underdeveloped countries to own talent. A good example, Ngolle said, to product development. industrialize,” he added. is the Chinese agricultural technology that When finished, Lily will be the world's Officials during China's annual Two Sessions The BRI, first proposed by Chinese “is transforming barren land into fertile first smart speaker that can teach you Chi- President Xi Jinping in 2013, refers to the farmland in Africa.” nese – think Alexa for learning Chinese! The annual meeting of China’s top Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Cen- “As China continues to realize more The team of Chinese language learners lawmakers and political advisers took tury Maritime Silk Road, and aims to build a benefits from its reform, the innovative spirit and machine learning engineers who spe- place last month and there doesn’t appear trade and infrastructure network connecting of the Chinese people will continue to flour- cialize in voice processing have developed to be any major revelations. Nicknamed Asia with Europe, Africa and beyond. At ish, which will contribute even more to the this device to teach Chinese faster than the “Two Session,” -- the National People’s a press conference on the sidelines of the progress of mankind,” he added. anything currently on the market. There is Congress (NPC) session and the Chinese ongoing Two Sessions, Chinese State Coun- The 2019 edition of the annual meetings, a physical product available for “backers” to People’s Political Consultative Conference cilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the according to many China watchers, con- check out its key features and functionality. (CPPCC) session -- it is considered one of initiative has become the world’s largest cluded with relatively little fanfare. It took The device is: the biggest events on the Chinese political platform for international cooperation and a markedly different tone from last year, • 100 percent voice-controlled. calendar and allows China’s legislature to the most welcomed global public good. when China boldly projected Xi’s vision for • Based on interactive AI, which allows it review the government’s work over the past He noted that a total of 123 countries and a “New Era” to the world, formalizing major to understand what you say and uses voice year and hear its economic and social targets 29 international organizations have signed constitutional amendments and announcing synthesis to reply in a human voice. for the next. BRI agreements with China. the most far-reaching government restruc- • Good with all levels, beginner to ad- Every March, some 5,000 delegates Noting that China treats each country turing in decades. This year, China’s top vanced. Based on usage, Lily can help you from around China travel to Beijing to at- on the basis of equality, Tourk said, “I think leadership found itself needing to reassure learn 150-5,000 words, and can be custom- tend the Two Sessions — approximately it’s a matter of time before all nations come audiences at home and abroad that it can ized to fit your needs. 10 days of meetings that gather China’s to realize the wisdom behind the Belt and tackle pressing economic challenges amid • A real-time translator. Ask and Lily top legislative body, the NPC, and its top Road Initiative.” turbulent trade and diplomatic relations responds immediately. However, each advisory committee, the CPPCC. China is the only major country in his- around the world. translation can be recalled for review later China’s annual Two Sessions have al- tory “that has made the development of poor Central to these challenges is a concern as well via a mobile app. ways been an important opportunity for the countries one of its top priorities,” he added. over the pace of the economic slowdown. • Ideal for vocabulary training, using voice international community to observe where “Through the BRI, many of these nations In 2018, China’s economy grew by 6.6 games. the world’s second largest economy is head- are fortunate to enjoy Chinese funding and percent, the slowest pace since 1990. As Lily will also come with: ing. This year is certainly no exception. know-how for the building of modern infra- China continues to transition from a low • A Chinese voice assistant – ask for According to various sources, work will structure and industrial economic zones.” wage, export-orientated economy to a high- weather, time, directions and get responses continue on poverty reduction, the Belt and The BRI, he said, “is going to be the end manufacturing and consumption power, in Chinese – help immerse you in the lan- Road Initiative (BRI), further opening-up to engine of growth in the 21st century.” policymakers need to find ways to both guage even if you’re not in China! foreign investment and high-quality growth, Another hot topic is the draft law on stabilize and stimulate the economy. Mean- • An app to see Pinyin transcriptions of which have become the buzzwords attract- foreign investment that is expected to be while, discontent toward China’s industrial your “conversations” for learning Chinese ing the attention of experts around the world. voted on during this year’s Two Sessions. upgrading goals and assertive foreign policy characters In the government work report delivered Cai Hua, a national legislator and director has intensified abroad. • Pronunciation correction for improving at the opening of the annual NPC session of Wisely Law Office in the northern Chi- Amid continuing U.S.-China trade your accent, and on March 5, China pledged to reduce its nese city of Tianjin, said that “the emphasis tensions and a sharpened pushback from • Chinese exam (HSK) preparation through population of rural poor by over 10 million on foreign investment law demonstrates Europe on China’s foreign policy efforts, collaboration with professional Chinese this year. Official figures show that over China’s determination to protect intellectual the legislative decisions pronounced dur- tutors. There are exercises for you to set the past 40 years, China had lifted more property,” which will increase the confi- ing this year’s Two Sessions are important target goals and a tracking system to moni- than 700 million of its rural residents out dence of foreign investors. indicators of how last year’s “New Era” tor progress. of poverty, and the poverty rate — the pro- The draft law, said Tourk, will make “it pronouncements will translate into policy Developed by audio engineers from portion of people living below the Chinese easier for foreign firms to do business in action. To the international community, the Harman and JBL, Lily will also double as poverty line — had fallen among the rural China.” Mahmoud Raya, editor-in-chief legislative consolidation will signal to what a high-quality speaker for music. It has a population from 97.5 percent in 1978 to 3.1 of the “China in Arab Eyes” news website, extent China is willing to recalibrate its poli- built-in long-throw woofer for rich, deep percent at the end of 2017. said the draft law is “considered as a funda- cies in response to international pushback. ♦ bass and a full-size edge-driven tweeter to As noted by Khairy Tourk, a professor of mental change in China’s foreign investment deliver high-fidelity resolution. The driv- ers are managed by “a perfectly tuned 30W high-power class D amplifier.” Its constant directivity means you’ll hear the same sound anywhere within its listening window. International aid foundation disguise for Beijing Lily comes dressed in a seamless knit fabric designed to allow strong permeability power grab? of sound. It comes in six colors and has By Elaine Dunn a touch panel on top for on-device con- trols such as: One of the most unpopular leaders in recent Justice’s decision not to prosecute him over sharing. volume, pause, Hong Kong history, Leung Chun-ying, has undeclared renumeration he received from Word on the street: only Beijing could as- mute, next, etc. found himself another job: head of GX an Australian company while in the chief semble such a high-powered group. The using taps and Foundation, a nonprofit international aid executive position. organization will allow China to infiltrate swipes. foundation established for the “promotion, "The nature of the work of the foundation is and expand China’s economic and poitical The compa- organization and carrying out of internation- humanitarian aid which will be funded by influence through the back door” in differ- ny behind Lily al humanitarian aid and related activities.” donation," Leung said. Another Hong Kong ent areas in the world and enhance its world is backed by Leung, the former chief executive of Hong appointee said the foundation “aimed to help standing. It will be a way for China to fur- Tencent and is Kong, was appointed on Jan. 24, 2019, as people in need,” but there are no concrete ther its “Belt and Road Initiative.” Lily ‘s sound output based between director of the organization (incorporated plans in place. Mainland appointees to the The vice chair of the Chinese Association offers a true 350-degree San Francisco in April 2018). He joins some other 20 board include members from the medical of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, Lau Siu- by 100-degree constant and Shenzhen, business “heavyweights” from Hong Kong and construction fields, as well as some from kai, commented, "The Beijing government directivity horn. China. Its goal and the mainland. Leung is also the vice state-owned enterprises. has always hoped to build soft power with is “to foster a chair of the Chinese People’s Political Aside from the articles of incorporation, non-governmental institutions and improve new era in which robots teach humans and Consultative Conference. He also is the information about what the organization is foreign perceptions of China." ♦ humans have access to unlimited educa- ongoing point of contention between Civic exactly is scant. Its name is derived from tion.”♦ Party lawmakers and the Department of the Mandarin term “gong xiang,” meaning PAGE 14 / April 2019 business & economy www.chinainsight.info Is China still a “hotbed” of entpreneurship? By Elaine Dunn

enterprises and is trying to reinstate Mao- way to resist Communist rule is to leave, era ideologies that stifle private enterprises even when it means leaving some assets is not lost on them. behind. “They can come back when the Now, with the economy slowing and circumstances change,” Chen said, “much trade with the U.S. getting dicey, many like many overseas Chinese did in the 1980s entrepreneurs are getting worried, espe- and ’90s.” cially of China’s long-term prospects. And Chen’s “escape” began with first obtain- entrepreneurs are not the only ones worried. ing permanent residency in Hong Kong. A Shanghai-based research firm surveyed From there, he looked into applying for a 465 wealthy individuals recently: only U.S. investor visa, but gave up when he one-third said they were confident of the found out “the wait time was too long.” country’s economic prospects. Fourteen He then invested in properties in Malaysia, percent said they had no confidence at all, encouraging his relatives to do the same. more than double the level in 2018. Nearly However, the Malaysian visa was only valid half were considering emigrating or were for 10 years, so he settled on Malta, where already in the process of doing so. And “it was warm, beautiful and a member of the almost all requested anonymity as even the European Union,” allowing him to travel economy is a dangerous topic to discuss within Europe easily. Changing his citizen- these days, under an ever more restrictive ship was not his first priority, though; finding and a tightly controlled environment. In a safe place for his family is. private and under hushed tones, business Chen’s piece ruffled some Chinese folks blame the pessimism on “bad policy feathers. Of course. The day after the New “Make arrangements to leave as soon ing: equity investment or illegal “off-the- and bad leadership.” York Times ran a story about it, Global as possible,” was the message of a Shang- books” loans from friends or loan sharks. The new Maltese transplant Chen quoted Times claimed: hai real estate developer’s 28-page article The Chinese government does recognize a California professor in his social media … the Western media do not under- posted on social media in late February. funding barriers faced by entrepreneurs, piece, “It’s clear to the private business- stand China, that they “always tend to No surprise, the article quickly disappeared and promised to liberalize bank interest people that the moment the government smear or even subvert China's political from China’s heavily monitored and cen- rates, and regulated private lending markets. doesn’t need them, it’ll slaughter them like system. Take Chen Tianyong's story. sored internet. However, during the 2008 global reces- pigs. This is not a government that respects With ulterior motives, the New York While those were not his exact words, sion many of those who received subprime the law. It can change on a dime.” The fact Times tells stories of certain Chinese the former judge, lawyer and real estate government loans began to default and by that many business people and entrepreneurs individuals and then exaggerates the developer Chen Tianyong’s “Why I Left 2013, government-owned firms’ share of have disappeared (put into house arrest?), fact, thus declaring that there are seri- China: An Entrepreneur’s Farewell Ad- new bank loans rose to 70 percent from 30 coerced into “assisting” with Xi’s anticor- ous problems in China's economy and monition” stated what many of his fellow percent, stifling the private sector. ruption campaign only deepens a sense of political system. This is their consistent business peers felt, but dare not verbalize. The contemporary Chinese entrepre- insecurity. practice and some foreign people who So how is it that Chen dared do what most neurs are typically savvier than their prede- Furthermore, younger entrepreneurs are do not understand China will fall into didn’t? He emigrated to Malta in January cessors of yesteryears. Even though a bit concerned about the elimination of term the Western media's trap. Chinese and sounded the alarm there: “China’s younger than their predecessors, according limit on Xi Jinping’s “reign.” Chen further people always need to be on the alert economy is like a giant ship heading to the to a study in the American Economic Re- adds, “In the eyes of some senior officials, for such ill-intentioned articles.” precipice. Without fundamental changes, view, they are more mobile, wealthier and even people like Jack Ma and Pony Ma are However, to give Global Times credit, it’s inevitable that the ship will be wrecked more willing to take risks. They also are less just small-time businessmen,” in reference the article did concede that “China is now and the passengers will die.” And after likely to be (or to be from a family of) mem- to the founders of two of China’s biggest undergoing a great economic transition. that online warning, he’s astute enough to bers of the Chinese Communist Party. These private enterprises, Alibaba and Tencent There are indeed some problems with know it’s best for him to stay out of China entrepreneurs are laser-focused on personal respectively. China's current economy … The most im- for a while! success, which are defined by wealth accu- Chinese business executives are well portant thing is that Chinese entrepreneurs Observers believe China’s robust econ- mulation and social status. AND, they are aware that tighter government control just need to seize the opportunity.” omy of the past three decades was the opportunistic rather than passion-driven. means more government bureaucratic inter- And, no doubt, to those who are willing work of state-owned enterprises and pri- Many also have overseas experience or ference in business matters, and gives rise to to take the risk, endure endless bureaucracy vate entrepreneurs alike. Beginning with have exposure to international media, espe- new forms of corruption. Therefore, many and whatever shortcomings that come with then-Premier Deng Xiaoping’s Reform and cially tech-oriented entrepreneurs. That the business folks have voted with their feet, the current system, there is a huge (1.38 bil- Opening policies in 1978, special economic Chinese government favours state-owned just like Chen. To him, he thinks the best lion population) domestic market waiting.♦ zones (star example, Shenzhen) were set up to test capitalism, which unleashed the pent-up entrepreneurial spirit from the past few decades under Mao Zedong. Even with little resources at their disposal, the Chinese Succeeding in trade during an era of trade entrepreneurs exceeded all expectations. In the 1980s, with governmental support, the tensions import-export sectors exploded. However, in emerging economies such By Greg Hugh as China’s, state-biased, government-run legal system and regulatory practices place Although delayed by a month because While each panelist focused on the including the U.S., operate with third-world politically unconnected entrepreneurs at a of weather, Minnesota-China Business topics listed above, they all commented on port facilities. distinct disadvantage. For small private Council finally held a round-table discussion the latest events affecting trade relations Another common thread voiced by the businesses to protect their interests, entre- recently at the Metropolitan Event Center in between the U.S. and China while also panelists is that the U.S. might harm itself preneurs must divert significant effort to St. Louis Park. commenting on China’s Made in China by dropping the iron curtain down on the fostering relationships with local politi- The panelists and the topics discussed 2025 and its One Belt One Road initiatives. supply chain and trying to meet and protect cians. An additional hurdle for the small included: Tom Hanson – Diplomat-in- Within China, it remains to be seen how its its trade goals by punishing those that it does businesses: access to funding. As noted in Residence, University of Minnesota, and residents react to the Social Credit System not feel is competing on a level playing field. a 2009 Time magazine article, “China does former U.S. Diplomat - Political Overview; being implemented by the government. The U.S. should not use tariff as a political not have a well-established system to rate Su Ye - Chief economist and director of mar- The panelists welcomed questions from instrument and encourage businesses to credit, and banks often set standards that are ket research at the Minnesota Department the audience throughout their discussions strengthen their resolve in dealing with their too high for small businesses to meet. Fur- of Agriculture - Impact on Agriculture; Ben and the consensus of the speakers cautioned supply chain needs so that the U.S. does not thermore, private entities may not operate Baker – Vice president of global sourcing, that China will continue to be a manufactur- end up isolating itself from most of the rest banks, so commercial loans can be issued Blu Dot - Managing Supply Chain; C h a d ing powerhouse simply because it will be a of the world. only by state-owned banks, which maintain Laden - Regional vice president of opera- tremendous financial and logistics challenge Learn more about Minnesota-China a strong bias toward state-owned enterprises tions - Global Transportation Services Inc. for anyone to duplicate the infrastructure Business Council at and other large, low-risk businesses.” - Overview of International Supply Lines; within a reasonable amount of time that al- www.minnesotachinabusinesscouncil.org.♦ This leaves many smaller entrepreneurs and Larry Mahoney - CEO and founder of ready exists in China that was built over the to resort to two expensive sources for fund- Asia Direct Resource – master of ceremony. past 40 years while many other countries, www.chinainsight.info events April 2019 / PAGE 15

Entertainment Chinese films included in 38th International Film Festival The 2019 Minneapolis St. Paul Interna- ing large in Los in this pulsating thriller. After a duel with to a tangled web of intrigue, doppelgangers tional Film Festival (MSPIFF), Minnesota’s Angeles. Blend- Ip Man leaves him disgraced and defeated, and calculating plots. While the cowardly largest and longest-running film event, takes ing coming-of- Cheung Tin Chi (Max Zhang) picks up ruler of the Pei Kingdom ignores Yu's advice place in the Twin Cities April 4-20. age themes with the pieces, eventually choosing to give up in dealings with their rival neighbors, Yu Screenings are concentrated at the St. family drama, the life of a mercenary and open a grocery resolves to go through with his own plan for Anthony Main Theatre, taking over the Ting's film sees store. But fate pulls him back into the game the benefit of the kingdom. But all is not five screens for the full run of the festival. Sasha reconnect when he meets Nana (Chrissie Chau), who what it seems, because the "Commander Yu" Other venues include the newly renovated with both her is herself running away from a debt to the walking through the palace halls is actually Parkway Theater in South Minneapolis, the cultural heritage villainous Tso Sai Kit (Kevin Cheng). When the low-born Jing, who has been trained Capri Theater in North Minneapolis, Film and her family, Nana and Cheung are accosted by Kit's men, as the Commander's double, or shadow. Space at Metropolitan State University in which includes Cheung is forced into the fight, defeating Working with the actual Commander and his Saint Paul, and the Marcus Rochester Cin- her half-sister them single-handedly. However, his vic- equally cunning wife, Jing weaves through ema in Rochester, Minn. (Lynn Chen) and mother (Kelly Hu). “Go tory is short-lived, and Cheung soon finds a mesmerizing tapestry that echoes and China-related films are: Back to China” marks Ting's second film, himself facing Kit's full ire. , expands on Zhang's equally breathtaking An Elephant Sitting Still / 大象席地 having made her debut with “Already To- Tony Jaa and Dave Bautista also star in this previous works, “House of Flying Daggers” 而坐 — HU Bo, China, 2018, Narrative morrow in Hong Kong” in 2015. full throttle wu xia flashback. (2004) and “Hero “(2002). This is Hu’s debut feature and swan The complete line-up is available at song – he took his own life shortly after the Master Z: Ip Man Legacy / 葉問外傳: Shadow / 影 - ZHANG Yimou, China, mspfilm.org. film’s completion. He was 29. 張天志 - YUEN Woo-ping, China, 2018, 2018, Narrative MSPIFF is presented by the Film So- “An El- Narrative A sweeping epic set in the era of the ciety of Minneapolis St. Paul, a dynamic ephant Sit- Part spin-off, part follow-up sequel to fabled Three Kingdoms of China, director 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to fostering ting Still” the high-octane martial-arts franchise Ip Zhang's latest esthetic period piece “Shad- a knowledgeable and vibrant appreciation of uncovers the Man, director and action choreographer ow” follows the noble Commander Yu as the art of film and its power to inform and fateful cord Yuen's mastery of the craft is on full display his plot to overthrow a rival kingdom leads transform individuals and communities. ♦ that connects four disparate characters in the industrial no-man's land of Northern China: Wei Bu, a disaf- fected teen- ager simmering from abuse at home and at school; Huang Ling, Wei Bu's apathetic friend and classmate who's hiding a secret; Wang Jin, an elderly man whose family wants to ship him off to a nursing home; and Yu Cheng, a gangster mired in personal problems. As their individual worlds start to spiral out of control, the narrative slowly and intimately brings their emotionally and physically interconnected lives into focus. Hu leaves a nuance and unwavering portrait of life in the 21st century.

Girls Always Happy / 柔情史 - YANG Mingming, China,2018, Narrative Yang makes her acting and directorial debut in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy about mothers and daughters. When the chosen actress pulled out the last minute, Director Yang stepped into Wu’s role, a woman in her late 20s living in Beijing with her mother. Wu is a neurotic writer whose life is in a constant tailspin. Her mother, played to perfection by Nai An, is a writer as well. Eccentric to a fault and clearly a slightly older, slightly hardened version of Wu. While the two are indeed a kooky pair, their complicated bond as mother and daughter and as women, undergoing all too similar life changes, is at the forefront of this story. They fight, they argue, they eat together and they fall in and out of love, all while navigating a world that may not allow their codependence to last forever.

Go Back to China - Emily TING, USA/ China, 2019, Narrative Actor, filmmaker and Youtube sensa- tion Anna Akana stars in Ting's hilarious dramedy about wealth, heritage and overdue adulthood. After burning through half her trust fund, spoiled Chinese-American Sasha Li (Akana) is commanded by her father (Richard Ng) to "go back" to China, where she will be forced to work at her family's toy company. While the order seems like a devastating sentence at first, Sasha gradually takes steps beyond the self-serving life she'd known and grown accustomed to while liv- PAGE 16 / April 2019 events www.chinainsight.info Arts & Culture Miao delegation from Leishan Contemporary Hong Kong artists ( Province) to perform at By Elaine Dunn MOA Hong Kong’s standing as Asia’s arts hub is second to none, with a vibrant local arts scene spanning local and international galleries, plus several of the world’s leading auction By Xianping He, Asian Media Access houses. Hong Kong is also home to a dynamic art community that boasts artists who are A 25-member ist destination by the constantly evolving and pushing boundaries. Miao/Hmong delega- national government. Following are some promising and interesting emerging Hong Kong artists with works tion, a collaboration In the last couple of at the 14th Asia Contemporary Art Show in Hong Kong, which closed April 1. ♦ between the Chinese years, the troupe has National Museum of also performed in New Ethnology and Xi- York’s Times Square. jiang Maio Village The Mall of Ameri- Photo Courtesy: Guangming Online Tourism Develop- ca performance will in- ment Co., will be in the Twin Cities May 1-7. clude traditional love songs, toasting songs, Delegates are led by the Leishan County drum dance, lusheng dance and melodies Commissioner, and include well-known played using tree leaves! anthropologists from diverse colleges/ There are an estimated 9.4 million Miao/ museums and researchers in Miao/Hmong Hmong people in China. They mainly live culture, along with The Xijiang Miao Vil- in Guizhou, Hunan, Yunnan and Sichuan lage Performance Troupe. It will be their provinces. These performers are from the first cultural exchange mission between largest Miao/Hmong community of Leis- China and the U.S. han County in southwest China’s Guizhou The performance troupe will perform Province. at the Pan Asian Arts Festival on May 4 at The dancers don ornate ethnic costumes Mall of America. Its one-hour performance and jewelry while they sing and dance. The Stolen Spoondrift S46 Zodiac Animals 3 of authentic Miao/Hmong traditional mu- performance provides audiences a glimpse Acrylic on card Ink on paper sic and dances showcases national-level into China’s folk culture amid one of the 53 x 79 cm 65 x 65 cm historic cultural music and dance, which, busiest tourist destinations in the world - Silvia Chan’s work is related to nature and T.K. Chan began her Chinese ink series in 2011, was selected as an AA-level tour- Xijian Miao/Hmong Village. ♦ ranges from drawing, painting, to mixed- in Winter 2016 under the guidance and media and installation, bringing Mother encouragement of established artist Water Nature and her ideas as an artist to a united Poon. Inspired by the round cuteness of her front. pet animals, Chan sought to capture these lively qualities with the movement of her ink brush and the colour ink wash. Her works have been described as embodying happy feelings of love and caring.

The International Institute’s annual Fes- nese café) but also to the community spirit, tival of Nations is the most diverse, oldest and ethnic teachings of our local Chinese and longest-running multicultural festival in community.” the Midwest. Since 1932, its goal has been Founded in 1919, the International In- to inspire people to discover more about our stitute of Minnesota delivers services and world and embrace the rich cultural diversity resources to assist new Americans in the Cow in our community. Nearly 100 ethnic groups transition to a new life leading to economic One Flower is a World No.2 Oil painting will come together for a unique, four-day self-sufficiency. Working together, new Ink and colour on paper 60 x 90 cm experience that celebrates cultural heritage Americans, volunteers, and staff create not 25.5 x 33.5 cm through dancing, performances, exhibits, only a new home, but also a new future Ho Chi Tao’s (b.1949) work is colorful, demonstrations and cuisine. The festival is for those who have been displaced. From Rebecca Hon graduated from University of rigorous, strong and vital. Ho pays attention a department of the International Institute of language learning and job training to citizen- Sunderland in 2010. She specialises in ink to the concept, generous and concise, eye- Minnesota, whose mission is to “help New ship classes and the celebration of cultural and mixed media to reconstruct different catching details, making sure every line in Americans achieve self-sufficiency and full traditions at the Festival of Nations, the materials and images. Hon uses her works every piece is resonating. Ho is influenced membership in American life.” Institute offers New Americans a pathway to convey her views on life, environment by the impressionist painters Renoir, Monet As the Minnesota cultural landscape for a strong start to a new life in our com- and the future to the audience, reminding and Russian painters Repin and Levitan. expands to include more immigrants, our munity – something we all benefit from. them to enjoy their lives and appreciate the community benefits culturally and economi- beauties in their daily life. cally. By providing a platform to showcase Mission diversity and a stage for new artists we share Helping New Americans achieve self- and document this most precious heritage. sufficiency and full membership in Ameri- The festival evolves each year by welcom- can life. ing new ethnic groups and by offering pro- The Institute supports this mission gramming that reflects the cultural fluidity by providing linguistically and cultur- of our community. ally accessible services that enable every This festival has been a place for Chi- new American to work toward achieving nese American Association of Minnesota full community participation and self- (CAAM) to both promote Chinese culture sufficiency. and raise funds since 1977. For four days, Don’t be a Slave More than 10,000 volunteers, represent- CAAM’s Chinese café, Chinese cultural ex- Mixed media on paper Crane ing 90 ethnic groups are now involved in hibit, Chinese dance performances, Chinese 56 x 76 cm Mixed media on canvas a myriad of activities within the four-day calligraphy demonstration, and Chinese ba- 80 x 80 cm Festival of Nations. Currently, more than Zoe Liu (b.1991) investigates existential zaar have consistently been among the most 30,000 youth from a five-state area come to questions, social contradictions, and edu- Sinic paints graffiti, combining Western popular attractions at the festival. the festival with their teachers on specially cation issues through her artwork. In “Let and Chinese calligraphy as a new type of CAAM president Connie Mei Ledford designated student days. ‘em Play”, Liu encourages letting children fusion art form. Sinic’s work is topical states, “We send a huge thank you to all also participates in the Festival explore the world through play, especially in and it fuses Chinese contemporary art with those who have helped by volunteering their of Nations, so we encourage all Chinese to today’s high-pressure environment. The art- graffiti. The artist explores the meaning of precious time and effort to help CAAM in attend and celebrate their heritage by at- ist used wet on wet technique with ink which originality and questions the authenticity by the upcoming Festival of Nations. You are tending this international event from May means laying color on wet paint, and kept all juxtaposing one-of-a-kind works with their contributing not only to the financial well- 2-5 at the Saint Paul River Centre. For more the ink strokes spontaneous - making every fabricated versions, ultimately challenging being of CAAM (we receive a significant details, visit www.festivalofnations.com. ♦ piece unique and its composition dynamic. the validity of both. ♦ portion of our annual budget from the Chi-