Investment Agreement Signed Between Minnesota and China

CCCHINHINHINAAAINSIGHT Fostering business and cultural harmony between China and the U.S. VOL.6 NO.7 Copyright © 2007 China Insight, Inc. All Rights Reserved JUNE 2007 Investment agreement signed between Minnesota and China By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer State officials and representatives from the People’s Republic of China formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 16, 2007, to work together to stimulate two-way investments between Minnesota and China. The signing ceremony was held in the Twin Cities Chinese Governor’s Reception Room at the Minne- sota State Capitol and was attended by in- Dance Center and vited guests that included representatives Minhua Chorus from local Chinese organizations and other Page 9 groups that support expanded trade relations with each other. Tony Lorusso, Executive Director of the Minnesota Trade Office (MTO), stated in his introductory remarks, “…today we will embark upon a new relationship between the State of Minnesota and the People’s Repub- Government officials (L to R) Consul General Xu Jinzhong, Director General Liu lic of China. Today, the Minnesota Trade Yajun, CIPA, Tony Lorusso, Executive Director, MTO, and Yu Hua, Office, representing the State of Minnesota Director General, CIPA and the Department of Employment and Eco- of China to jointly collaborate on two-way had traveled to Chicago to meet with a del- nomic Development will sign a Memoran- investment between Minnesota and egation of Chinese government and busi- dum of Understanding with the China China.” ness leaders in an effort to attract more Investment Promotion Agency of the Min- Lorusso also mentioned that earlier in the Chinese business investment to Minnesota istry of Commerce of the People’s Republic week, he and Lt. Governor Carol Molnau Investment continues on Page 12

Sucheng Chan Learning about Traditional Page 7 Medicine and the cultures that developed it By Matthew Pike, DVM eeking to expand our knowledge the White Goose Pagoda, the Forbidden of Traditional Chinese Veterinary City, the Great Wall of China, and the Medicine (TCVM), Dr. Keum Hwa Daeheungsa Buddhist Temple. SChoi led 13 veterinary students on We landed in China after 26-hours of a trip to China and Korea, where we partici- flights and layovers. Immediately, I realized pated in classes at China Agricultural Uni- that we were in a much different place. Beijing versity in Beijing, China, and Kyung Hee is a city that is being built as you watch. It is University in Seoul, difficult to look in any direction without see- Korea. Dr. Choi, origi- ing a crane, hoisting some I-beams to make nally from South Ko- the next large skyscraper. Some places of rea, is head of the the city are brand new. The sidewalks don’t Film producer visits Complementary and have any cracks in them. The grass is green Alternative Medicine and watered daily. Page 11 Service at the Univer- Around most of the beautiful condos are sity of Minnesota Vet- walls at least 6 feet high. Some have barbed ALSO IN THIS ISSUE erinary Medical wire on the tops of the walls. Alleys sepa- Announcements / 2 Center. rated the walled-communities. Local mer- For one month, we chants stayed in the alleys most the days Events/ 3-4 Matthew Pike learned theories of selling scrap metal, fixing bikes, cooking a Recognition / 5-6 medicine like the Ko variety of foods or squatting in the road. and the buildings were most likely being built Cycle, the Sheng Other places in the city are old and seem- in time for the Games. Education / 7, 10 Cycle, and techniques ingly built for function, rather than form. The We spent the first week in classes, where Culture / 8-9 like acupuncture, cup- buildings were drab and had exposed wires the Dean of Veterinary Medicine at the China ping, and herbology. and broken windows. The most striking part Agricultural University honored us with fre- Film / 11 While traveling of the cityscape was that two of these afore- quent visits. We were treated to dinner and Business / 12-15 through China and mentioned buildings were literally built next karaoke by the chairs of the Veterinary Hos- South Korea, we vis- to each other, separated by large brick walls pital. Whenever our plate was empty, we Community / 16 ited sights like the and barbed wire. The whole country is pre- Terra Cotta Warriors, paring for the Olympics in Beijing in 2008, Medicine continues on Page 6 Page 2 > June 2007 announcements www.chinainsight.info articles searchable so our library of hun- dreds of articles will also be available in an CHINAINSIGHT Pronouncements easy to explore format. Publisher/Editor: Over the coming months, our Web site Gregory J. Hugh will become more interactive, presenting [email protected] from the Publisher blogs on relevant topics and experiences as Dear Readers: Festival board and is serving as their Out- well as the continued enrichment with more Associate Editor: reach Director. photos and videos. Interactivity also means Jennifer Nordin As we all prepare to enjoy the great sum- Join me in welcoming Will to our staff listening to you as we shape our site. The [email protected] mer season that will eventually arrive in Min- and please don’t hesitate to contact him to experiences and inventiveness alive in this nesota, I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss how China Insight might better serve China/U.S relationship is rich with ideas. Manger of Operations/Circulation/ thank all of those that took the time to pro- the community. I’m sure he will be glad to Please let us know what you think. China Marketing/Circulation: vide us with updates on their Chinese lan- hear from you. His primary responsibility As the Internet continues to expand and Richard He guage programs and look forward to your right now will be to expand our presence on performance increases, we intend to bring [email protected] continued cooperation as we strive to pro- the internet which will incorporate new ini- more features and content to bear that works vide more coverage of this popular topic in tiatives. toward China Insight’s objective of “foster- Production Editor: the future. Again, we will make every effort China Insight is pleased and proud to ing business and cultural harmony between Dawn Murphy to mention as many programs as we possi- introduce a totally new look and functional- China and the U.S.” dmurphy @chinainsight.info bly can. Obviously, it would be impossible ity to its Web site, www.chinainsight.info. Thank you for your continued support to include every program, so we invite your For six years China Insight has brought hun- of China Insight. Please don’t hesitate to Director of Marketing and Commu- assistance so that we can properly repre- dreds of articles from the cultural to busi- contact us with any suggestions to make nications: sent how the State of Minnesota continues ness coverage to our readers. Now, more our paper one that continues to serve the Will Ahern to be the leader in the nation. than ever our Web site extends the possi- greater Twin Cities community with content [email protected] At this time I would also like to intro- bilities for insight into the complex and and resources that are relevant. duce the newest member of our staff, Will evolving relationship between China and the Advertising Representative: Ahern, Director of Marketing and Commu- United States. Sincerely, Amy Lau-Fong nications. Will comes to us with an exten- This spring, we have introduced the first [email protected] sive background in computer marketing and phase of a multiple phase initiative. Our Gregory J. Hugh sales. He has been associated with the Great Web site is now searchable, contains links Staff Writers: Wall Adoption Agency and he and his wife to follow and explore stories in depth and Gregory J. Hugh are the proud parents of a young girl adopted contains videos that complement our ar- Publisher Will Ahern from China. He also serves on the Dragon ticles. Soon we will make all of our past [email protected] Greg Hugh From the Editors [email protected] The coverage of Chinese language pro- Phil Lee grams in the May 2007 issue is by no means [email protected] Letters to the Editor a comprehensive overview. Rather, the in- tention was to give an idea of the wide range Albert Leung Kudos Henry High School in North Minneapolis will of Chinese language programs available. [email protected] be adding Chinese as a language offering in Thank you for the up to date information Excellent piece on Mandarin education addition to French, Japanese, and Spanish about the Chinese language offerings in Jennifer Nordin in Minnesota! I am really please[d] with how in fall 2007. the Minneapolis Public School system. We [email protected] much space you gave it in your paper. In addition, Minneapolis Public Schools always welcome, and regularly request, up- Congratulations on a great edition. hosted the first gathering of Chinese lan- dates and in depth information about all Mike Xiong guage teachers in Minnesota on Saturday, aspects of Chinese language learning from [email protected] Joan A. Brzezinski April 21st, 2007 with more than 50 people educators, administrators and students. We Interim Director, China Center attending a breakfast meeting with presen- look forward to learning more about Min- Associate Director, Mingda Institute for tations by Better Chinese Curriculum from neapolis schools’ Chinese language pro- Leadership Training California and presentations by the Minne- grams from you, as well as from teachers sota Council of Teachers of Languages and University of Minnesota and students, and sharing it with readers About CHINAInsight Cultures. in future issues of China Insight. Also, for We in Minneapolis Public Schools are What about Minneapolis? the record, the list we published from the CHINAInsight is a monthly English-lan- proud of all of our language programs and I Asia Society is the current list published guage newspaper fostering business and invite you to contact me whenever you on their Web site http://askasia.org/chinese/ cultural harmony between China and the I read with interest your article about Chi- would like information for your newspaper nese programs in Minnesota and noted that states/minnesota.htm#directory. If your U.S. regarding our programs. school is not listed we would recommend at least one of our programs in Minneapolis Thank you very much for your efforts to going to this site and submit it accordingly. Insight is a member of the Minne- Public Schools was not mentioned and an- promote language learning in our state. CHINA sota Chapter of the Asian American Jour- other one was not noted as being in Minne- nalists Association. apolis. I had sent updated information last Gaelle Berg year to Asia Society about our programs, so Sincerely, I am dismayed that this information was not World Languages Specialist The Editors Submissions & Correspondence on what you mention is the "most recent Minneapolis Public Schools list" from them. CHINAInsight welcomes guest articles. That said, I would like to inform you of Correspondence should be addressed to: the expanded Minneapolis Public Schools Chinese program. Minneapolis South High CHINAINSIGHT Editor, CHINAInsight School has had a full Chinese program in Subscription Order Form 6520 South Bay Drive existence for over 30 years. Mr. Dingman Minnetrista, MN 55331 Yu has received grants from the U.S. De- 11 issues - $24.00 for a domestic subscription and $40 for International. Tel: 952-930-5252 partment of State for study abroad for his Fax: 952-474-6665 students and much recognition for his dis- Please make check payable to CHINAInsight, 6520 South Bay Drive, Minnetrista, [email protected] tinguished program where students can take MN 55331 four full years of Chinese as well as College Letters to the Editor become the prop- Name: ______in the Schools Chinese for university cred- erty of CHINAInsight and may be edited its. Your list includes Elizabeth Hall Interna- Address: ______for length and published. Articles will tional Elementary School, but it only says not be published without the express "MN" as the location so that one would not City/State/Zip: ______consent of the author. know it is in Minneapolis. While it was not included on your list, Telephone: ______NOTICE TO READERS: The views ex- we are proud to note that in 2006 Northeast pressed in articles are the author’s and Email: ______6-8. This gives students in Minneapolis Pub- not necessarily those of CHINAInsight. lic Schools an opportunity to begin learning Authors may have a business relation- Signature: ______Chinese in Kindergarten and continue ship with the companies or businesses through 12th grade. Finally, Patrick they discuss. www.chinainsight.info events JUNE 2007 > PAGE 3 China AIDS Orphan Fund to host 3rd Annual Peony Festival

The China AIDS Orphan Fund will host ness cards/ad/ the 3rd Annual Peony Festival on Saturday, menu on table June 23 at 2-5 p.m. at Peony Festi- Peony Festival 2007 will feature an ex- val; on-stage citing market experience where families will recognition; be magically transported by the smells, and placement sounds and tastes of China. It will feature of card near do- Chinese cuisine, a silent auction, and pro- nated dishes. vide an opportunity to participate in tradi- Silver tional Chinese cultural activities. The event Sponsors will be educational and fun for people of all (US$250) have For information, contact the China AIDS ages. their name on the Orphan Fund at 612-203-4477 The name of Henan Province (which signage inside the [email protected]. means “south of the river”) comes from its ballroom; place- All proceeds from Peony Festival 2007 geographic location on the Yellow River. It ment of business will benefit the China AIDS Orphan Fund, a is considered the cradle of Chinese civiliza- cards/ad/menu on 501(c) (3) charity. tion and boasts a very rich heritage. The table at Peony For more information about Peony Fes- peony is the official flower of Henan Prov- Festival; on-stage tival 2007 and the China AIDS Orphan Fund, ince, where it is considered “The greatest recognition; and visit www.chinaaidsorphanfund.org.! beauty under heaven.” An annual peony Individuals and corporations sponsor placement of card near donated dishes. festival is held in Henan’s capital city and Peony Festival 2007 four levels. Bronze Sponsors (US$100) have place- lasts for ten days in the spring. Gold Sponsors (US$500) receive the fol- ment of business cards/ad/menu on table at Peony Festival 2007 will be held in The lowing recognition: name, address and Peony Festival and placement of card near Advertisers Your potential customers are reading Great Hall, Coffman Union at the University phone number listed on the CAOF Web site; donated dishes. HINAInsight. Shouldn't you be bringing of Minnesota on 300 Washington Avenue Tickets for 10: Those who purchase CHINA name on the signage inside the ballroom; them in the door with an ad? Our readers S.E. in Minneapolis. Tickets are US$20 per name included in any advertisements in lo- tickets for 10 adults (US$200) are listed in are: person for adults and US$5 per person for cal Asian newspapers; placement of busi- the program book and the CAOF Web site - Well-traveled children. as Table for Ten. - Opportunity-seeking - Entrepreneurial - Open-minded - Excited about understanding China Rates are highly competitive. Chinese language educators Contact Greg Hugh (952-472-4757, [email protected]) or visit www.chinainsight.info for more form new organization advertising information.

At a recent gathering of the Minnesota especially that of MCTLC’s Academy, Jodi Yim James from Fridley Pub- Chinese Language Associates (MCLASS), founder, Margaret Wong. lic Schools, and Donna Kelly from the U of about 30 Chinese language educators at- The organization looks for- MN Grad School, in training to teach. tended a meeting sponsored by Minnetonka ward to collaborating as Chi- MCLASS has been formed under the Public Schools and China Books. The group nese language educators umbrella of MCLTC and board members used this opportunity to network, share and to working together Wong and Johnson represent Chinese lan- ideas, examine and discuss curriculum for with the other language guage teachers at MCLTC. Even though the fall and had tea and baozi, along with teachers in Minnesota on a MCLASS is just organized and new, it al- being able to participate in an excellent pre- professional level. Their ready has attracted a large following of over sentation by Chellis Ying of China Books. mission will be to hold Chi- 60 people involved in Chinese education in The idea of forming an organization that nese Language Education in Minnesota and expects to participate at the resulted into MCLASS began back in March Minnesota to a high profes- MCTLC Convention that will be held this 2007 when representatives from over 10 dif- sional standard, to enjoy fall where there will be a large presence of ferent school districts gathered at Fridley working together and as Chinese presentations and vendors. ! High School and worked on what it would they do so, celebrating take to have a professional Chinese teach- Chinese Language and ers association in MN. Adele Munsterman, Jodi Yim James, Public Relations for MCLASS and Chellis Culture, and past president of the Minnesota Council on Ying of China Books fellowshipping with all of the teachers of second the Teaching of Languages languages and cultures in and Culture (MCTLC) and Minnesota and beyond. Jodi James, Secondary Chi- The organization then elected officers nese teacher for Fridley as follows with their school affiliations noted: hosted this initial event that President, Margaret Wong, Breck School; was sponsored by Fridley Vice President in Charge of Finance, Shirley schools. Johnson, Fridley and now Blake; Vice Presi- On April 21st, about 60 dent in Charge of Membership, Kristine people attended the first or- Wogastad, St. Paul; Secretary, Ian Burns, ganizational meeting, spon- St. Paul; and Public Relations, Jodi Yim sored by Minneapolis Public James, Fridley. Schools and Better Chinese Also, earlier in May, at the MCTLC Work- Publishing. At this meeting shop on Language Education Curriculum in the long history of Chinese Henderson, MN, there were three Chinese Attendees interacting, center, Xueying Yu from Beijing Language Education in Min- Language Educators that represented Chellis Ying of China Books at right currently teaching at International School Minnesota nesota, was recognized and MCLASS: Shannon Cannella from St. Paul answering questions PAGE 4 > JUNE 2007 events www.chinainsight.info Exquisite Chinese Celebrations of APA Porcelain from Heritage Month

Jingdezhen City Here are just some of the events held in May 12 11-2 p.m. celebration of Asian Pacific American Heri- Asian Media Access Tea Tasting tage Month in May. Fundraiser now on exhibit A fun, cross-cultural learning experience. May 1 Noon-2 p.m. Free form tea tasting and traditional tea cer- The porcelain exhibit consisting of hun- nese historian and scholar, Guo Moruo. The 2007 Asian Pacific American Heritage emony demonstration. Midtown Global dreds of pieces has been organized by Kaili ceramic industry experienced a long-time Month Celebration – Kick Off Event Market, Stall #107, 920 E. Lake St., Minne- International Trade Company direct from development at Jingdezhen. During the Tang A full and exciting program of cultural apolis, MN. This event was free and open Jingdezhen City, Jiangxi Province, P.R. China. Dynasty (618-907), the technique started to events, speakers, updates on important is- to the public. www.amamedia.org/ On display are newly developed fine porce- mature. Jingdezhen became a major porce- sues. Individuals were given the opportu- CapitalCampaign/event.html. lain and ceramic artwork including replicas lain producer in the Song Dynasty (960- nity to sign letters and speak with legislators, of ancient masterworks, thin shell vases, 1279). The kiln in the Yuan Dynasty and the opportunity to view Asian Art on May 18 6:30-9 p.m. ceramic sculptures, modern china house (1271-1368) boasted the highest porcelain- display in Capitol Rotunda and North Corri- Asian Pacific American Annual Dinner wares and many other items. According to making techniques. Thereafter, the Liangfu dor, etc. This event was held at the State & Award Presentation Ms. Huang Yu, a representative of the orga- porcelain office was set up. Since the Ming Capitol Rotunda, St. Paul and was free and A community event celebrating the nizer, many of these items have never been Dynasty (1368-1644), it has been the center open to the public. Sponsored by the Council Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. shown outside of China and all of them are of the ceramic industry. In the Ming and Qing on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans. Dinner Highlights included a Keynote Per- available for purchase. dynasties when skills became perfected and formance by Tou Ger Xiong, Cultural Perfor- Jingdezhen, formerly known as the "Por- the general quality being more refined; gov- May 6 4 p.m. mances, 2007 Leadership Award celain Capital” of China, is one of China's ernmental kilns were set up to cater exclu- The Minnesota Chinese Music En- Presentation, etc. Sponsored by the Coun- most famous cultural and historic cities. It is sively to the need of the royal families. In semble Spring Concert cil on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans and oth- situated in the northeast part of Jiangxi Prov- the long-time development, the artists and 75 minute-long concert (including inter- ers. Golden Valley Golf and Country Club, ince of East China. Endowed by nature with craftsmen in Jingdezhen brought their full mission) sponsored by the MN Chinese 7001 Golden Valley Rd., Golden Valley, MN a network of rivers and hills, Jingdezhen is a talent into play and created numerous mas- Music Ensemble. Jannet Wallace Concert 55427. Cost was US$45/person. municipality directly under the provincial terpieces. Jingdezhen porcelain has formed Hall, Macalester College, St. Paul. Informa- government with a total area of 5,200 square four special features, which are "white like tion: www.minnesotachinesemusic.com . May 20 4 p.m. kilometers and a population of 1.4 million. jade, bright as a mirror, thin as paper, sound The concert was free and open to the pub- Legends of the East Leping City, Fuliang County, Changjiang like a chime." lic. The performance was sponsored by the District and Zhushan District are under its The exhibit is now on display until Twin Cities Chinese Dance Center and held jurisdiction, among which Changjiang and June 12, 2007 at Shanghai Wholesale May 7 – May 23 at the Performing Art Center, Centennial Se- Zhushan districts make up the urban area Company, 451 E. Industrial Blvd. NE, Spice and Slice of Asian Culture nior High School, 4707 North Road, Circle with a land area of 124 square kilometers Minneapolis. For additional information Hennepin County Library Asian Heritage Pines, MN 55104. Tickets were Adult US$16, and a population of 380,000."The best por- see their ad on page 9 or see a video at Month Events. Children US$12, Family of 4 package US$48. celain of the world is in China, and China's www.chinainsight.info. ! Monday, May 7, 7:00 pm www.yangdance.org . best is in Jingdezhen", stated the late Chi- Ridgedale Library, 12601 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka, MN 55305, 952-847-8800. May 22 4-6:30 p.m. Spice and Slice of Asian Culture: Chi- Asian Pacific Cultural Center Commu- nese in America. Evelina Chao, author and nity Forum. St. Paul Chamber Orchestra violist, read from Speakers included St. Paul Mayor Chris Starting a Chinese and spoke about how she came to write "Yeh Coleman and Council President Kathy Yeh's House," her experiences growing up Lantry, Community Supporters and Artists Chinese in America, straddling cultures, gen- (speaking and performing). Metropolitan Language Program: erations, and becoming an artist. The read- State University, Great Hall, 700 E. Seventh ing was free and open to the public. St., St. Paul, MN 55106. This event was open A Seminar for K-12 to the public.! Administrators Tribal songs of June 4, 2007 China performed by

University of Minnesota's China Center Project (Minnesota Department of Educa- tenor Li Lei and Center for Advanced Research on Lan- tion). The registration deadline was May On May 6, 2007, the Coffman Union The- songs each that were introduced and nar- guage Acquisition (CARLA), and the Min- 21, 2007. atre on the campus of the University of Min- rated by Margaret Wong who provided nesota Department of Education are For more information about this seminar nesota was filled with a translations and visuals of cosponsors of the program Starting a Chi- as well as other upcoming events, visit near-capacity audience to the various regions associ- nese Language Program: A Seminar for K-12 http://www.chinacenter.umn.edu. ! attend the first solo recital by ated with each song. Administrators. the popular tenor, Li Lei. The Accompanying tenor This program is designed for adminis- all-Chinese program featured Lei on the piano was Pearl trators who have an interest in offering Man- classic songs from several Lam Bergad. darin Chinese in their schools. Participants minority tribes in China. Immediately following will have the opportunity to explore basic They included songs from the program, a reception program design, including learning out- the autonomous regions of was held in the lobby of the comes, evaluating teacher qualifications, and Inner Mongolia and Xinjian theatre so that the audience basic licensure issues. and provinces of Yunnan, could greet the artists. The seminar will be held on Monday, Correction: Li Lei Sichuan and Gansu. Based on the June 4, 2007, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the The correct caption for a photo which These regions, lying in the western, acknowledgements printed in the program, University of Minnesota in the Mississippi accompanied the article “International northwestern and northern areas of China, there was much support from the commu- Room of Coffman Memorial Union. Business Conference: Business Opportu- share a common landscape – that of the cen- nity for this recital and Mr. Lei’s concert The registration fee of US$75.00 in- nities in Malaysia” on page 12 in the May tral Asian steppes. The classic songs from committee could rival that of any rock star. cludes lunch, a copy of Creating a Chinese 2007 issue of China Insight is: Hon. this region naturally evoke the geography For a more detailed article on Mr. Lei’s Language Program in Your School (Asia Rafidah Aziz, Malaysia Minister of Inter- of wide-open spaces, bright sky, crisp air background please see the April 2007 issue Society) and a copy of the Chinese Lan- national Trade and Industry with Minne- and rolling grasslands. of ChinaInsight at guage Program: Curriculum Development sota Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau. There were four separate sets of three www.chinainsight.info. ! www.chinainsight.info recognition JUNE 2007 > PAGE 5 U of M Asian American Student Groups receive Tony Diggs Excellence Awards

The Friendship Association of Chinese than any previous year. FACSS keeps in Students and Scholars and the Asian-Ameri- constant contact with their members and can Student Union are two University of works to make the University a welcoming Minnesota student groups that received the place for international students. They also first annual Tony Diggs Excellence Awards. have arranged airport pick-ups for new stu- The awards recognize the contributions dents and temporary housing for those ar- made by outstanding student groups at the riving to Minnesota during the summer University. Diggs was the former Director of months. They have collaborated with com- the Student Activities who passed away af- munity organizations, churches, and other ter a long battle with cancer in 2006. He be- student groups to serve their membership. gan his career at the University of Minnesota The Asian-American Student Union was more than 16 years ago. He was an advisor nominated multiple times by different indi- and director of the African American Learn- viduals for their outstanding work in offering Resource center for many years. Most ing support for Asian American students recently he served as the Director of the Stu- and increase campus awareness of Asian dent Activities Office (SAO) from 2003-2006. American cultures and issues. ASU serves The Friendship Association of Chinese as a resource for many student organiza- Students and Scholars and the Asian-Ameri- tions working to create cultural competence can Student Union both received the Out- and understanding. It hosted numerous standing Organization of the Year honor. events during the school year including the U of M Friendship Association of Chinese Students and Scholars board members Bo Li During the 2006-07 academic year, the winter gala, New Year celebrations and the (second left) and Guihong Chen (second right) accept the Tony Diggs Award from U of Friendship Association of Chinese Students annual spring conference. M Senior Vice President for System Academic Administration Robert Jones (right) and ! and Scholars has recruited more members Jerry Rinehart, Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Distinguished professor Lu Yongxiang receives honorary degree from U of M

Professor Lu in education, and his ser- Yongxiang, president of vice as a national leader in the Chinese Academy of advancing science poli- Members of the University of Minnesota Asian American Student Union have received Sciences and vice chair- cies. the Tony Diggs Award for their outstanding contribution to campus life. man of the standing Professor Lu was born committee of the Na- in 1942 in Ningbo, Zhejiang tional People's Congress Province. He graduated Zhejiang University. He spent much of his lowing year he was elected an honorary doc- in China, received the from the Machinery De- career affiliated with Zhejiang University tor of engineering of the Hong Kong Uni- University's Honorary partment of Zhejiang Uni- serving as deputy director of its Science and versity of Science and Technology. In 1998 Doctor of Science de- versity in 1964, becoming Technology Research Institute, director of Hong Kong invited him to serve on its Inno- gree in a ceremony on a lecturer in that depart- its Laboratory of Fluid Transmission and vation and Technology Commission and in the Twin Cities campus ment. After obtaining his Control and director of its Development the same year he was elected vice president on May 21. He was hon- doctorate in Engineering Commission. He eventually became its vice of the Third World Academy of Sciences. ored for his innovative Science from Aachen In- president in 1987, and president in 1988, a Professor Lu is also Vice-Chairman of the scholarship and re- dustrial University in West post he retained until 1995. National People's Congress (NPC), the high- search in mechanical en- Lu Yongxiang Germany in 1981, he re- In 1986 he became a member of the Aca- est organ of state power of the People's Re- gineering, his leadership sumed his teaching post at demic Degrees Committee of the State Coun- public of China. He has published more than cil (ADCSC), becoming vice-chairman in 280 papers and six books. He holds 18 pat- 1998. He has also been a member of National ents. He has received the National Innova- Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) tion Prize of China (1988 and 1989), the and vice chairman of the China Association National Engineering Higher Education Prize for Science and Technology (CAST). of China (1989), in 2000 the German award In 1992, Professor Lu was made a mem- the Knight's Commander's Cross (Badge and ber of the Department of Science and Tech- Star) and many other awards and prizes. nology of CAS, a leading academic In 2005, Lu Yongxiang was elected Presi- institution and comprehensive research and dent of the Inter Academy Councils (IAC) in development centre in natural science, tech- Amsterdam, an umbrella organization for in- nological science and high-tech innovation. ternational cooperation in science and tech- In 1993 he became vice president of CAS, nology whose members comprise scientific and by 1997 he had become the youngest academies in over 80 countries. president in CAS history, a post he holds In 2006, Lu Yongxiang has been honored today. with the Harnack medal, which is the high- In 1994 he was elected an academician est distinction that the Max Planck Society of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the can confer. ! highest scientific status in China. The fol- PAGE 6 > JUNE 2007 recognition www.chinainsight.info COMPLETE TAX PLANNING SERVICES U of M Hubert H. CUSTOMIZED FOR PERSONAL OR BUSINESS Humphrey Institute honors community ♦ Accounting Services ♦ Tax-Preparation leaders ♦ Quickbooks and The Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs LLP as a part- hosted the 2007 Hubert H. Humphrey Public ner in its St. Peachtree set up Leadership Awards on Wednesday, May 16, Louis office. In at the McNamara Alumni Center. This year's addition to ♦ Business Consultation recipients were Senator John C. Danforth, building a former U.S. Senator from Missouri and Am- strong political ♦ Financial Planning bassador to the United Nations; Josie R. and legal ca- Johnson, civil rights leader and educator; reer, Danforth Eugene C. Sit, founder and co-chair of the serves as an or- MEG YOUNG Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund; dained minister and Harlan Cleveland, former ambassador in the Episco- to NATO and founding dean of the pal Church. His 952-474-3567 Humphrey Institute. Eugene Sit religious and The Hubert H. Humphrey Public Lead- political views 800-735-0106 ership Awards honor individuals, organiza- come together in his most recent book Faith tions, or projects that have made and Politics: How the "Moral Values" De- DOYLE & ASSOCIATES contributions to the common good through bate Divides America and How to Move public leadership and service. The Public Forward Together. TAX AND FINANCIAL SERVICES Leadership Awards were inaugurated in 2003 Josie R. Johnson has been a civil rights to mark the 25th anniversary of the Insti- advocate since she could walk around the 5100 Thimsen Avenue, Suite 100 tute. Recipients are nominated by outside neighborhood and knock on doors. In the Minnetonka, MN 55345 individuals and selected by a committee. early 1960s, Johnson lobbied professionally for fair housing and employment opportuni- Hwy 7 and 101, SW corner 2007 Public Leadership ties. Over the years, she has worked with Award Recipients elected officials, educators, and business leaders to build diverse relationships and Eugene C. Sit founded Sit Investment increase opportunities for underprivileged, Associates (SIA) in 1981 and remains chair- underserved populations. She has been ac- man, CEO, and global chief investment of- tive in numerous organizations working for Students win ficer for SIA and its various investment social awareness and justice, such as the companies. Sit is very active in the invest- Urban League, the National Association for University of Minnesota ment industry and in community affairs. He the Advancement of Colored People, and is the founder and director of the Minneso- the Harriet Tubman Center. Johnson helped tans' Military Appreciation Fund (MMAF), establish the Minnesota State Human scholarships a non-partisan fundraising initiative that Rights Department and served on the national board of directors of the League of The following students have received will graduate from Apple Valley High School, benefits soldiers who have served in com- Women Voters. She served as the first Afri- scholarships at the University of Minnesota. will enroll in the College of Biological Sci- bat since September 2001. Since its launch can-American on the University of In offering this highly competitive scholar- ences. in 2005, nearly $5.5 million has been raised Minnesota's Board of Regents from 1971 to ship, the U of M honors incoming students Kevin Kwong, son of Andrew and Selina and distributed to 3,148 soldiers and 26 fami- 1973, and it was during her tenure that the who have demonstrated exceptional aca- Kwong of Fridley, has received a President's lies whose loved ones were killed in combat. Board created the Office of Equal Opportu- demic performance and leadership. Distinguished Student Scholarship. He will His community involvement also reaches the nity and Affirmative Action. The scholarship recipients are: graduate from Spring Lake Park High School arts and higher education. Among his obli- Harlan Cleveland has enjoyed a long Xiao Ying Lou, daughter of Wengi Lou in June, will enroll in the Institute of Tech- gations, he currently serves as a trustee of career in public service, international affairs, and Pei Lei Jiang of Burnsville, has received nology. the University of Minnesota Carlson School global aid relief, and education. He began a Minnesota Gold Scholarship, a Bentson Tianlin Shi of Suzhou, China, has re- of Management's international programs his career in the 1940s as an economic war- Family Scholarship, a President Scholarship, ceived a Global Excellence Scholarship. She and the dean's Board of Visitors for the Uni- fare specialist in Washington, D.C. He later a College of Biological Sciences Scholarship, will graduate from Suzhou High School in versity of Minnesota Medical School. served as assistant secretary of state for a Study Abroad Scholarship and an Under- June, will enroll in the Carlson School of John C. Danforth represented the State International Organization Affairs in the ad- graduate Research Scholarship. Lou, who Management.! of Missouri in the U.S. Senate from 1976 to 1995. During his tenure he served on top ministration of President John F. Kennedy, committees including the Committee on Fi- and in 1965 he was appointed by President Medicine from Page 1 Lyndon B. Johnson as U.S. Ambassador to at the vet school, we compared notes on nance; Committee on Commerce, Science, NATO, serving in that post until 1969. He treatments of various common ailments. and Transportation; and the Select Commit- were told to refill. Whenever our cups were brought his international experience to We discussed politics openly even though tee on Intelligence. In 2004, he was nomi- empty, they were refilled. The residents higher education and eventually served as we knew that the people told us that they nated to serve as President Bush's working at the hospital were always at the founding dean of the Humphrey Insti- weren’t allowed to talk too much about Representative to the United Nations. He hand to make sure that we were comfort- tute of Public Affairs. ! able and that we had everything we politics. We talked about our families and held this post until he resigned in 2005 and needed. friends back home. When we were on tour, rejoined the international law firm Bryan Cave After a week of intensive study, we the same conversations became more su- traveled China by air and bus. While on perficial. The food was Americanized, ments, Buddhist Temples, wonders of the educational—both as a means to learn- tour, it became apparent that we were be- fried and drowning in sugar-laden sauces. world so we could go to the gift shops and ing about the principles and methods of ing shuffled through beautiful and ancient The tour guide was concerned that we spend money. In a way, the contrast human- Traditional Chinese Medicine, and for monuments, with only minutes to spare to weren’t buying enough at the gift shops ized the whole experience for me. gaining insight into a country where the take pictures. We visited the Great Wall or we were going to be late for the next The countryside leading into the major current pressures of Western-influenced for 40 minutes, and the restaurant that had monument. cities was very old and traditional. The vast consumerism rests on the shoulders of a a huge gift shop for 2 hours. The contrast From an outsider’s point of view, China fields of rice paddies were worked by hand rich and still present cultural history. between the people of China that were help- is a country of opposites. The beautiful by small village communities that can be eas- Matthew Pike, originally from ing us during our classes in the first week expensive condos separated from run ily seen from the road. Approaching a major Williamson, New York, is a 25 year old and these large tour groups gave a differ- down buildings by brick walls, barbed city, the buildings on the outskirts are very graduate of the University of Minnesota ence in impression of how some Chinese wires, and security guards. The wonder- traditional, with traditional shingles and built College of Veterinary Medicine. He has prepared for the Westerners. fully open and honest trying to teach you well before the current owners were living recently accepted a job as a veterinar- When we were alone with the people about the culture and the tour guides who there. The city on the inside looks like any ian at a small animal hospital in West- prodded us through the gorgeous monu- major city in the world. In all, our trip was ern, New York. ! www.chinainsight.info education JUNE 2007 > PAGE 7 Eminent Asian American Studies scholar Suchen Chan donates collection to IHRC By Albert Leung, Staff Writer

Finally, Asian American history will have (1993), Hmong Means Free: Life in Laos and a permanent place with other prestigious America (1994), Not Just Victims: Conver- historical collections at the University of sations with Cambodian Community Lead- Minnesota. Among collections of scholarly ers in the United States (2003), Survivors: Cambodian Refugees in the United States (2004), In Defense of Asian American Stud- ies: The Politics of Teaching and Program Building (2005), and The Vietnamese Ameri- can 1.5 Generation: Stories of War, Revolu- tion, Flight, and New Beginnings (2006). Many of these books have won national awards. She has dedicated her career to preserv- ing and writing Asian American history and to building Asian American Studies as a vi- brant intellectual field. In doing so, she has left an indelible mark on the field and in- Daniel Necas, Professor Erika Lee and Dr. Chan spired generations of students and schol- Gabaccia, IHRC director and professor of For more information on the ars. Sucheng Chan history. “Sucheng Chan knew one of our Immigration History Research Center, visit professors, Erika Lee who received her Ph.D. www.ihrc.umn.edu. ! at Berkley as a former student of Sucheng.” history, Sucheng Chan, professor emeritus of Asian American studies at UC Santa Barbra, will have her pioneering research and studies safely kept at the University of Minnesota’s Immigration History Research Center (IHRC). On April 26, 2007, the IHRC held a reception honoring the years Chan dedicated to Asian American studies and thanking her for her scholarly contribution to the center. Dr. Chan was born in 1941 in Shanghai, China.When she was a child, she contracted polio and pneumonia and could not walk until she was four years old. Her family moved to Malaysia in 1950. Later, they moved Dr. Chan and Lisong Liu, Graduate south to settle in Singapore. In 1957,for her Research Assistant of IHRC health and education purposes, the family immigrated to the United States. Professor Chan was the recipient of the In 1959 Chan enrolled to Swarthmore 1997 Lifetime Achievement Award from the College in Pennsylvania and graduated in Association of Asian American Studies. 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She The professor announced that she earned her master's degree from the Univer- would be donating a portion of her Asian sity of Hawaii in 1965, majoring in Asian Stud- American scholarship amassed over more ies. From 1965 to 1966 she conducted than 30 years. Chan will donate her print anthropological research and investigation and published materials which include This Books written and edited by in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. She Bittersweet Soil: The Chinese in Califor- Sucheng Chan later switched to study political science. In nia Agriculture, 1860-1910, Quiet Odys- The IHRC was founded in 1965 and dedi- 1973 she obtained a doctorate in political sey: A Pioneer Korean Woman in America, cated to advancing research on global mi- science at the University of California, Ber- Asian Americans: An Interpretive History, gration with a special emphasis on keley. Her thesis was entitled The long and much more. Daniel Necas, Library Pro- immigration to the U.S. march: its historiography and political fessional of IHRC, said that there were more It sponsors seminars, lectures and work- context. In the '60s and'70s, she actively par- than 15 boxes of books and materials do- shops that bring specialized researchers from ticipated in the civil rights movement and nated by Professor Chan. Her contribution the academic world to expose their work to anti-Vietnam War campaign. to the research center will be one of the larg- each other, college and high school stu- From 1971 to 1973, Dr. Chan was assis- est collections by a woman. dents, teachers, immigrant communities, eth- tant professor of anthropology at the Uni- Chan did not wish to have her materials nic Americans and others. The center’s versity of California at Sonoma. In 1974, she just sit securely and untouched. After years archives and programs have been used by returned to the University of California, Ber- of dedication to growing Asian American scholars at the University of Minnesota and keley as an associate professor of the Asian- studies, she now is determined to spread from around the world. American Research Center. She was the dean the study across other academic fields. of Oakes College at the University of Cali- “We have to allow scholars, non-spe- fornia, Dakelushi, and the academic assis- cialists, to have access to our material,” said tant for the Vice President in 1984. In 1988 in Chan. “My desire is to have scholarship on order to have more time to concentrate on Asian American studies funnel out to re- Advertisers research and writing, she was the History lated disciplines.” Your potential customers are reading Professor and the Director for Asian Ameri- She hopes to see Asian American topics CHINAInsight. Shouldn't you be bringing them in the door with an ad? Our readers can Research Program in 1988. After 1992 be regularly included in mainstream studies, are: she was a professor of Asian American Stud- such as psychology and sociology. She said - Well-traveled ies and history. that she would like to see researchers in other - Opportunity-seeking Professor Chan is the author or editor of fields to start including Asian American his- - Entrepreneurial seventeen books, including This Bitter- tory in their work. - Open-minded sweet Soil: The Chinese in California Agri- Chan’s chose to donate her material to - Excited about understanding China culture, 1860-1910 (1986), Asian the University of Minnesota not by chance. Rates are highly competitive. Americans: An Interpretive History (1991), The professor’s connection to the univer- Contact Greg Hugh (952-472-4757, Entry Denied: Exclusion and the Chinese sity was important to her decision. [email protected]) or visit www.chinainsight.info for more Community in America, 1882-1943 (1991), “Many collections like this usually come Books and materials donated to the advertising information. Peoples of Color in the American West through personal connections,” said Donna IHRC by Dr. Chan (about 15 boxes) PAGE 8 > JUNE 2007 culture www.chinainsight.info Chou-Chin Folk Art Festival held in Shaanxi Festival at An Shang Village, Shaanxi, April 10-17, 2007 By An-Wei, Sino-American Society, An Shang Village, China April 17. Beginning with the first stage per- * Sheril Foster Bischoff, Trustee, Helen formance on April 9, the festival lasted for 9 Foster Snow Literary Trust, days. * Anthony E. Lorusso, Executive Direc- Since this was the first folk art festival tor, Minnesota Trade Office, initiated and sponsored by the Chinese farm- * Carol Molnau, Lt. Governor of Minne- ers themselves, 15 of the Chinese leading sota, media came to An Shang village to cover * James P. McGovern, Member of U.S. this event, including CCTV whose crew of Congress, five stayed in the village for 8 days. Nearly * Joyce W. Cox, President, USCPFA Mid- all the newspapers in Shaanxi Province pub- west Region and President, USCPFA Kan- lished articles, news items and photos about sas City Chapter, the festival. An internet search relating to * Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, the opening of the An Shang Folk Art Festi- * Janet Slaughter Eissenstat, Director, val produced thousands of items. White House Fellows, The success of the festival was also due * Keith Hite, President, National Asso- to the support and help from our friends ciation of Towns & Townships, overseas. Congratulatory messages came * Bud Philbrook, President and CEO, from political leaders and VIPs from the Global Volunteers, United States. They are- (The above are listed according to the * Michael D. Brown, Principal, James K. receiving date) ! Polk Elementary School, * Walter Mondale, former Vice President The stage for the Opening Ceremony of the United States, * Mary Warpeha, President, USCPFA he grand opening of the Chou- MN, Chin Folk Art Festival was held at * Bob Chien, President, The Society for An Shang Village on April 10, Friendship with China, Inc., 2007. Over 30,000 people attended * Sharon Crain, Trustee, China Institute T in America, the festival on the first day. Government leaders from the provincial, municipal and county * Dong Li, President, Shaanxi Associa- levels delivered very encouraging speeches. tion of Minnesota, Learning embroidery from farmers Overseas visitors from 10 different countries were also present at the opening ceremony. This was the first folk art festival of its kind organized by local farmers in the long history of Northwest China. Three Honorary Villagers A newly built Chou-Chin Folk Art Gal- people have a fine tradition of hand-made lery in the village includes features of tradi- arts for home decoration and gifts for vari- tional Chinese architecture and courtyard. ous occasions. By living and working together with Global Volunteers and hosting other American visitors during the past five years, the farmers have exposed themselves to western culture, and changed their traditional concepts a lot. They have accepted some new ideas, and have broken through their conventional concept of farming and weaving. As a result, they have decided to blaze a new trail to build a well-to-do village by carrying forward their ancient civilization by further developing their cultural prod- Cheerful farmers at the Art Festival ucts. During the week-long art festival, they A spirit screen just beyond the front gate is had 16 shows of local opera performance, Night at the Folk Art Gallery a reminder of times past. The screen entrance plus 2 puppet performances and one shadow leads into the courtyard where three groups show which local people under 60 years of of life-size sculptures give a vivid descrip- age have never seen before. The old per- tion of the past village life and culture. A forming art so important to past lives was bilingual description engraved on the back of the screen tells about the gallery. The gallery consists of 10 exhibit rooms. They house nearly all major categories of folk art and crafts in the western part of Shaanxi Province, including paper cutting, clay sculpture, woodblock printing, lacquer painting, shadow puppets, ladle masks, wheat straw pictures, cloth-work, embroidery, farmer paintings, replicas of 3000-year- old bronze ware, traditional Chinese ink-and-water painting, calligraphy, and more. Sharon Crain interviewed An Shang does not have any access to revived! For the first time in village history mountains and rivers, from which farmers we had a large scale Buddhist scripture could make a living. However they live in chanting performance during a festival. The the middle of the well-known Land of Bronze festivities came to a very successful con- Culture with a 3000 year history. The local clusion with a 30-minute fireworks party on Helping to light smoking pipes www.chinainsight.info culture JUNE 2007 > PAGE 9 Twin Cities Chinese Dance Center Performs with Minhua Chorus

By Will Ahern, Staff Writer

egends of the East reflects a spirit that lies in the morality and character Lthat Eastern people respect and pur- sue. Colorfully adorned and well prepared, the Twin Cities Chinese Dance Center presented “Legends of the East” on May 20th. The audience had the opportunity to experience the joy and drama of the long and rich history of the east. It featured a combina- tion of ethnic and folk dances as well as songs by the MinHua Chorus. The performers some 90 strong, included the very young presenting a “Children’s Dance” to the “Fare- well My Concubine” portraying a hero’s last mo ments on the battlefield and of legend- ary true love. All the performances are memorable. Here are just a few: “Moonlit Night on Spring River” performed by Clara Wong and accompanied by Jiaxiang Li “Rain of Bliss” performed by Krisitine Pan “Golden Snake Dance” performed by Cindy Lu and Serena Lu Mr. Qiang Yang, professionally trained at the Beijing Dance Academy is the Artistic Director of the Twin Cities Dance Center has brought to together a dynamic show with energetic performers. Please visit our Web site at www.chinainsight.info to see a video with highlights of the performance.! PAGE 10 > JUNE 2007 education www.chinainsight.info China Center Director finalists speak at public forums The University of Minnesota is seeking in Asia at Missouri State University (MSU). a director for the China Center. The search He is a tenured faculty member in the De- is being led by Gene Allen, Distinguished partment of Ge- Teaching Professor and former associate ography, vice president for international programs. Geology, and The University of Minnesota China Cen- Planning. He is ter director search committee has named also chairman of three finalists for the position of director of the Joint Man- the center. agement Com- The finalists visited campus separately mittee at the and each spoke at a public forum on the MSU-LNU Col- topic, “Bridges to China in the Next Decade: lege of Interna- A Vision.” The public was invited to attend tional Business, a presentation from each of the three final- MSU’s branch ists when they visited campus in May. campus built in Candidate Dr. Xiaobo Hu is professor of cooperation political science and director of the China with Liaoning Yong Wei Zhang Program at Clemson University. He received Normal Univer- his B.A. in international relations and En- sity in Dalian, China. He received his B.S. in glish in 1984 from the Institute of Interna- 1982 and M.S. in 1984 in geography from tional Relations (IIR) in China; an LL.M. Northeast Normal University in Changchun, degree in foreign constitutions and world China, and a Ph.D. in 1990 in geography with

CHEMBA students visit Minneapolis

The University of Minnesota Carlson taurant in St. Paul to welcome the 33 stu- School of Management partners with dents from this class during their busy 2- Lingnan (University) College, Sun Yat-sen week schedule in Minneapolis. This is the University to offer the EMBA degree since third time CAISS-MN held this kind of ac- 2001. Mahmood Zaidi, Professor at the tivity jointly with the CHEMBA program. Carlson School of Management, is the The CHEMBA 2007 class is bigger than Former China Center Director, Hong Yang (left), with candidate Yong Wei Zhang CHEMBA academic director. Students take ever, the students are younger, and almost 16 courses over 16 months and participate all of them hold top management positions in a two-week residency in Minneapolis, from business, commercial and technologi- politics in 1986 from Peking University and a concentration in natural resources plan- where they visit Fortune 500 companies. cal companies from Guangzhou, Shenzhen IIR in China; and a Ph.D. in political science ning and management from Southern Illinois Classes are held over the weekend to ac- and other South China areas. Also guests in 1994 from Duke University. Prior to his University at Carbondale. He was previously commodate working professionals. Students from Seagate, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, current faculty position, he was an instruc- an assistant professor in the Department of also have a chance to participate in a virtual Carlson School and the Tsinghua Univer- Geography at Valparaiso University. team project with their peers at other Carlson sity Alumni Association – Minnesota par- The third candidate, Dr. Xun (George) School joint Global Executive MBA pro- ticipated in this lunch reception. Wang, withdrew from the search process at grams in Warsaw, Vienna, and Minneapolis. Representatives from China Insight and the last minute. The candidates spoke at the Graduates receive a degree from the Carlson Huaxia Times talked with the organizer and public forum held Thursday, May 3 from 2:30- School of Management at the University of CHEMBA students. Lauren Liu, Executive 3:45 p.m. in the Carlson School of Manage- Minnesota. For the second consecutive year, Director for CHEMBA program, organized ment Building. in 2006, the Carlson School of Management’s and led the trips for the past few years. She More information about each of the China Executive MBA (CHEMBA) program expressed interested in working with China finalists is available at: was ranked first among joint executive MBA Insight and Huaxia for possible business http://www.chinacenter.umn.edu/ programs in China, according to a poll of 10 forums along with CAISS-MN and other director_search/ ! Chinese media organizations. The media rec- Minnesota organizations and business ognized the Carlson School program be- community for future CHEMBA program cause of its use of a global team of faculty, students during their graduation visits. Af- Dr. Xiaobo Hu (left) with Fred and Editor’s Note: At press time, a new Director global management instruction, and strong ter the lunch, CHEMBA 2007 students vis- Jennie Hsiao had not been named. Look to future issues alumni networking opportunities. ited the State Capitol and presented a gift of China Insight for more coverage on the In May, the fifth class of China Execu- to CAISS-MN president Jianxin Zhu. new University of Minnesota China Center tor in the Department of Politics at Wake tive MBA students (CHEMBA 2007) trav- For more information, visit https:// Director. Forest University and assistant professor eled to Minneapolis to participate in www.carlsonschool.umn.edu and click on of government at Morehead State Univer- graduation with other Carlson School MBA Executive MBA or visit http://www.caiss- LET US HEAR FROM YOU sity. students from around the globe. CAISS-MN mn.org. ! (Chinese American Information Storage So- Dr. Yongwei Zhang is director of inter- Have an observation or comment about national programs and affairs, assistant vice something you read in CHINAInsight? ciety Minnesota Chapter) hosted a lunch Content and photos provided by president of research and economic devel- Write a Letter to the Editor reception on May 6 at Little Szechuan Res- CAISS-MN. opment, and director of university programs www.chinainsight.info film JUNE 2007 > PAGE 11

how the Chinese government plays a role in The US$700,000 invested in this movie it, the process of distribution and how gov- was all private money from Nan. Ever afraid Chinese film ernment censorship may get in the way. As of failure? We don’t know. But at least, he Chinese, I understand that Nan wouldn’t be said he will continue to invest in movies even good at making any comments about the if this little loach failed him. He told us that producer visits and government in public, just as he wouldn’t the only two ways of earning back the money be good at making any comments about the is through box office and the prize money artistic aspects of the movie as a producer. offered by film festivals, Chinese govern- comments on But he did provide some basic information ment doesn’t have anything to do with the about how he managed to produce this par- money part. However, when he continued ticular movie, and thus opened the door of to say that the government doesn’t have getting a glimpse of the movie industry in anything to do when he tried to distribute award-winning film mainland China. By Bai Xue Producer continues on Page 12 Already awarded the Best Actress at the friend in the big city might be useful. They 13th Beijing Student Film Festival and the get to Beijing, suffer various misfortunes, Now available on CHINAInsight’s Web site: Best Artistic Contribution at the 18th Tokyo but always manage to get back on their feet. International Film Festival, the Chinese They share some laughs and fall in love movie, Loach Is Fish Too directed by Yang despite mutual misgivings and the baggage Exclusive interview Yazhou, was named one of the “Best of the of past relationships. As part of the mas- Fest” at the Minneapolis/St. Paul Interna- sive reconstruction crew rebuilding tional Film Festival in April. Tiananmen Square district, they are ab- sorbed into thousands of fellow workers with producer of from the provinces clustered on danger- ous job sites. Guangcheng Nan, the producer of this Loach is fish too, movie, who has already accompanied this movie to four film festivals in Tokyo, Spain, Italy and Canada, took the print to Minne- Nan Guangcheng apolis on April 27. Since the copy of the film is still waiting for its visa, Nan arrived alone to attend a small-scale press conference ahead of time. Either because the journalists attended had not seen the movie yet, or because Nan, as the producer, was not as able to answer art-related questions as the director would be, not many questions were asked about the movies itself. However, Nan was asked why he was interested in investing in such a film, which deals with the struggling life of migrant workers, a Nan Guangcheng topic far from the popular ones like Gong Fu. With a shy grin, Nan told the media L to R: Richard He of China Insight, Bruce Jia, Publisher of Huaxia Times that he invested because he was moved; and Nan Guangcheng The story of Loach is Fish Too is a po- because he felt empathy. The once poor tent look at a struggling woman from the youth from a small town in Northern part of On April 28, representatives from Chairman of Daqing Beijing Enterprise countryside named Loach. (A loach is a fish China, who first made money in the con- CHINAInsight and Huaxia Times had an ex- Chamber of Commerce. He would like to that lives in the mud and feeds whenever struction industry, and the now CEO who clusive interview with Nan Guangcheng, produce more movies and wants to attend there is opportunity). Loach (Ni Qiu), a re- invested US$700,000 in the production of a Chairman of Sihaitengfei Movie and Tele- the Minneapolis/ St. Paul International Film cently divorced woman is moving from the movie, Nan said he can see his past in the play Cultural Medium Co., Ltd during his Festival in future years. He would like to countryside to Beijing with her two twin experience of the male Ni Qiu in the movie. busy 4-day visit to the Twin Cities. As the work with CHINAInsight and Huaxia Times daughters to earn money. On the train she As soon as he finished reading the original producer of the movie Loach Is Fish Too, he to promote his movies and Chinese culture meets an older man who has the same name novel, he decided that the story should be was here to attend the Minneapolis/St. Paul in the future. as her, a contract laborer who tries to charm his first foray in the movie industry. International Film Festival. (See the article View the interview at: her with stories of the big house he'll get for Movie industry development in China by Bai Xue about the movie and the press www.chinainsight.info or at her. and governmental regulation is still a topic conference.) www.chininsight.cn. A headstrong woman with a strong of more interest than the movie itself or Nan is a young energetic entrepreneur. For more information about Nan and sense of dignity, Ni Qiu rebuffs the man’s Nan’s story. Questions were repeatedly He is also a board member of Chinese Na- his company, visit: www.shtf22.com.! sexual advances but realizes that having a asked about the process of production, tional Culture Promotion Committee and Vice- The Chinese Botanist’s Daughters examines themes of abandonment, loneliness and love By Loretta Minet, Asian Media Access The Chinese Botanist’s Daughters, di- trainee for a six week internship with a well Win’s stark beauty comes from her Rus- Although this film has a sad ending and rected by Dai Sijie, who also directed Balzac known and respected botanist. The stern sian mother and Chinese father who both deals with sensitive issues, they are almost and the Little Chinese Seamstress, was and unemotional botanist who is also a taught at a university. An’s brother, who is forgotten in the beauty of the filming. The shown April 24 and 26 at the Minneapolis/St. teacher, lives on a lush island with his in the Army, arrives home from Tibet for a director and cinematographer use the lush Paul International Film festival and was held daughter, An. The two girls quickly develop visit. He is encouraged by his father to court surroundings, lagoons, silhouettes and fil- over as part of “Best of the Fest”. a friendship that grows into love. Both of Win, because as an Army man he should be tered low light to capture the erotic, forbid- The film takes place during 1980’s China. the women feel abandoned, lonely and un- married. Spurned at first, Win changes her den relationship between the two women. It was filmed in the North Vietnamese Kanlin loved. An’s mother died when she was a mind when An tells her if she marries her Sijie manages to take a sensitive subject and Gorges because a Chinese production com- child and she has spent her life on the is- brother, who will return to Tibet, she and make a beautiful film about abandonment, pany could not get authorization due to the land with her father and the few students Win can be together forever. The loveless loss and love. ! content of the film. The story involves a young that come and go. Win’s parents died in an marriage takes place and there are disastrous woman Win, an orphan, who is sent as a earthquake in 1976. consequences. PAGE 12 > JUNE 2007 business www.chinainsight.info

Investment from Page 1 Steel and Cleveland Cliffs who are joint own- were presented in Chinese, his interpreter During this forum held by the Council of Commerce, People’s Republic of China and ers of the United Taconite mine in Eveleth. made sure his message was properly trans- Great Lakes Governors, Lorusso and Lt. Gov- more than 200 Chinese investors. The second is Bright East Water Arts, a Chi- lated and clearly stated and that he was look- ernor Molnau gave a presentation on invest- Commenting on current Chinese invest- nese manufacturer of large water fountain ing forward to this occasion as the ment opportunities in Minnesota to a ments in Minnesota, Lorusso noted that displays, who has a sales office in the Twin beginning of a new economic relationship delegation that included Madame Ma there are only two known businesses. One Cities. “We truly appreciate their invest- between Minnesota and China. He also Xiuhong, Vice Minister of the Ministry of is a joint venture agreement between Laiwu ment in Minnesota and we hope they will made it a point to encourage the organizing pave the way for additional Chinese invest- of another trade mission that would even Memorandum of Understanding ment in Minnesota in the years ahead” stated exceed the 218 member state organized trade Lorusso, “And we hope that our new rela- mission that was lead by Governor Tim tionship with the China Investment Promo- Pawlenty in 2005 which is still the largest tion Agency will prove to be another such delegation to visit China by any other valuable avenue of opportunity in Minne- state. sota.” The actual signing ceremony then was Concluding his remarks, Lorusso then conducted with Tony Lorusso, Executive introduced his boss and the state’s lead eco- Director of MTO representing Minnesota nomic development official, Dan McElroy, and Yu Hua, Deputy Director General, CIPA, Commissioner of the Department of Employ- representing China, executing the appropri- ment and Economic Development. ate documents for their respective govern- The MOU is an important next step in a ments. The memorandum calls for the trade relationship with China that has grown participants to agree to exchange general greatly in size and scope since the state information about laws, policies, procedures launched the Minnesota-China Partnership and regulations governing foreign invest- initiative two years ago, said Commissioner ment; provide leads and referrals for poten- McElroy. “While we have accomplished tial investment projects and assist potential much in the past two years, I know we can investment partners and, in general, to co- do even more, especially in the area of in- operate on a wide variety of investment pro- vestments,” he stated. “That’s why today’s motional activities. commitment to promote investment is an im- Following this signing ceremony portant milestone in our relationship. It’s a Lorusso then invited the assembled group clear signal that we both are committed to a to ask questions of any of the participants. future of mutual prosperity.” One of the questions asked was whether or The next speaker to be introduced by not there was any kind of action plan that Lorusso was Consul General Xu Jinzhong, has been developed to which the response Consulate General of the People’s Republic was that this was just the beginning of a cooperative arrangement and now both par- ties would develop plans to comply with this MOU. As part of the response, Lorusso quoted, in Chinese, a famous Chinese say- ing, that states “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” The MOU is the first step. Other questions from the group involved working relationships with established organizations and China’s efforts to learn and cooperate more with the United States to Consul General Xu Jinzhong (L) and which the Chinese representatives re- Greg Hugh, Publisher of China Insight sponded that China will do its part to con- of China in Chicago. This would be Consul tinue to collaborate and congratulated the General Xu’s last visit to Minnesota since overseas Chinese now residing in Minne- he was concluding his 4 year assignment sota for establishing a good network of or- and was returning to Beijing the following ganizations that can facilitate creating more Tuesday. Delivering his remarks in English, investments and business opportunities. Consul General Xu, expressed his support It should also be noted, according to of Minnesota and China continuing to de- Lorusso, Minnesota is in select company. velop trade relations and build upon the re- Chinese officials have entered into similar lationship that has been developed over the agreements with only four other states: years. Ohio, Virginia, South Carolina and New Representing the China Investment Pro- Mexico. motion Agency (CIPA), Ministry of Com- To view a video of the signing ceremony, merce, People’s Republic of China, was visit the China Insight Web site at Director Liu Yajun. Although his remarks www.chinainsight.info. !

The official signing of the MOU, Tony Lorusso, Executive Director, MTO (L) with Yu Hua, Deputy Director General, CIPA www.chinainsight.info business JUNE 2007 > PAGE 13 Recent events held by US-China Business Connections

April Networking Event cially those who are currently or consider- or equipment. ing manufacturing in China. About 30 people from different compa- Exporting to China Approximately 40 people from different nies such as US Bank and Wells Fargo at- companies such as Wells Fargo, US Bank, tended this meeting. On Apr. 24, 2007 5-7 p.m., US-China Busi- 3M, Medtronic, Seagate attended this event. ness Connections (UCBC) held a special About UCBC networking event at the Minneapolis Com- munity & Technical College. UCBC hosts monthly breakfast network- Jorge A. Fernandez, Interim President of ing meetings with presentations on issues UCBC, presided over the meeting. The event relating to doing business between the U.S. included special talks by Jim Jochum and and China. The monthly meetings are sched- Connie Wang from the law firm of Mayer, uled for the first Wednesday of the month at Brown, Row & Maw, LLP in Washington 7:30 am. Check the calendar for details. D.C. It also included an introduction to the UCBC consists of individual entrepre- China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park neurs, small and mid-sized businesses as well (SIP), one of the world’s top ranking indus- as fortune 500 companies, who are currently trial parks, by their representatives: Collin doing business or seeking business oppor- Sun and Yi Yinn Lee. tunities in China. Jim Jochum is a partner at Mayer, Brown, Connie Wang For more details, visit the Web site: http:/ Jorge A. Fernandez, Interim President of /www.ucbcgroup.org. Row & Maw, LLP and served as Assistant ington, D.C. She highlighted China’s import UCBC and Yi Yinn Lee of SIP Secretary of Commerce for Export and Im- regulatory issues, and answered questions port Administrations during the Bush Ad- from audience members. June Meeting Collin Sun and Yi Yinn Lee -- are repre- May Networking Event sentatives of one of the world’s premier busi- The China Medical Device ness parks (China-Singapore Suzhou Industry - An outline Industrial Park—SIP), The SIP is home to Importing & Exporting to China many of the world’s largest corporations in- Brief introduction to cluding several Minnesota companies. It is On May 2, 2007, US-China Business Synaptic Medical prominently mentioned in many articles and Connections (UCBC) held its monthly break- Sophia Wang MD, MS, MBA books written about China including "The fast networking meeting at the Minneapolis World is Flat". SIP is the largest coopera- Community & Technical College. Founder, President and CEO of Synap- tive project between the Chinese and Jim Smith, Director of UCBC, presided tic Medical, Sophia Wang has spent last 15 Singapore governments. On Feb. 26, 1994, over this meeting. The topic of this meeting years in cardiovascular field as a physician, an agreement to jointly develop SIP was is “Importing & exporting to China-- Best scientist, marketer, investor and most resigned between ex-Vice Premier Li Lanqing practices for best results” by Bonnie Ander- cently an entrepreneur. Before starting Syn- and ex-Senior Minister Lee Kwan Yew, rep- son, Partner at Dakos Services, LLC, spe- aptic, Wang consulted with both Fortune resenting the Chinese and Singapore gov- cializing in Consulting and Training for 500 companies and start-ups on investment, ernments respectively. Its commencement Import/Export Compliance and International marketing, sales and fund-raising issues in took place on May 12, 1994. After more than Trade. This presentation highlighted the cardiovascular device field. Prior to that, she a decade of development, SIP has become best practices for successful import/export held marketing and business development Jim Jochum one of the fastest-growing and most com- operations and transactions. The do's and positions with Guidant (now Boston Scien- petitive industrial development zones in the don'ts of trade transactions with China that tific) and spear-headed a new device devel- ministration (2001-2005), co-chairing two world. This short introduction to SIP was can benefit an operation whether it’s an ex- opment program in neuro-stimulation area important working groups focused on facili- extremely valuable to the audience, espe- porter or an importer of goods, raw materials for cardiac application for the company. tating trade between China and the United Wang earned her degrees in clinical medi- States. He led the agency responsible for cine, neural pharmacology and business ad- implementing U.S. dual-use export controls ministration in China and in the United and authorizing the export of U.S. technol- States. ogy to China. In this capacity, Jochum was This event will be held Jun. 6, 2007 at heavily involved in negotiating a new End 7:30-9 a.m. at Minneapolis Community & Use Visit Arrangement with the Chinese gov- Technical College. To make a reservation to ernment that facilitated increased U.S. ex- attend, e-mail [email protected] or call ports to Chinese high-tech firms. He talked Jim Smith at 612-865-6543 The cost is US$20 about the latest and hottest developments per person (college students free). on Capitol Hill and in the Trade Bar in Wash- ! ington D.C.; analyzed the possibilities of those proposals; and advised the attendees to prepare for possible trade policy changes. FACSS elects Wenzhao (Connie) Wang served as the Press Officer for the Chinese President Jiang Audience at UCBC event in April new Executive Zemin during his visit to Africa and as a diplomat at the Chinese Mission to the Committee United Nations in New York. As an attor- ney at Mayer, Brown, Row & Maw, LLP, China signs Memorandum of for 2007-2008 she provides strategic counseling and prac- tical advice to companies conducting busi- Understanding with IDB The Friendship Association of Chi- ness with China in the areas of government China signed a memorandum of under- it in 2004. nese Students and Scholars elected a new relations, regulatory solutions, selection of standing with the Inter-American Develop- According to an IDB statement, both executive committee from 2007-2008 on manufacturing and sourcing partners and ment Bank (IDB), marking a substantial step sides agree to speed up the negotiating April 20, 2007. Bo Li, Lingtian Kong, and market entry in China. Since 2004, Wang forward in its entry talks with the organiza- process. If the negotiations proceed Shu Hong have been elected by a major- has served as Legal Counsel for China tion. By signing the document, inked by smoothly, China will become the ity vote as the new executive committee Marketing Association, a nation-wide as- Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of the People's organization's 48th member, the statement members. Bo Li has been elected as the sociation in China. She was one of the re- Bank of China, and IDB President Luis added. The IDB, terming itself as the new President of FACSS from 2007-2008. cipients of the "Women to Watch Award" Alberto Moreno in Guatemala City on Mar. world's oldest and largest regional devel- Lingtian Kong is the new vice President -- Women in Business 2006 by the Minne- 18, a formal framework is established for opment bank, was founded in 1959 to pro- of FACSS from 2007-2008. Shu Hong is apolis-St. Paul Business Journal. She was China's accession negotiations with the or- mote economic and social development. the new Director of Entertainment of the former President of UCBC and instru- ganization. China first submitted its entry Source: U.S. Commercial Service FACSS from 2007-2008. mental in the development of the UCBC application to the group in 1993 and renewed China, http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en ! organization before she moved to Wash- PAGE 14 > JUNE 2007 business www.chinainsight.info China moves to China pledges speed up yuan US$20 billion for revaluation Africa China moved [May 18] to speed up the amid demands from the U.S. side for tangible "China intends to provide about US$20 China was alert to the dangers of a new debt appreciation of the yuan on currency mar- progress on the currency rate issue. billion in infrastructure and trade financing pile-up. But the Chinese took a longer-term kets, widening the daily trading ban against The yuan has appreciated by some 7 to Africa during the next three years, eclips- approach to debt sustainability, he said. 'The the U.S. dollar in a development following percent since July 2005, but China's critics ing many of the continent's traditional big chairman of the Exim bank used a word which key U.S.-Chinese talks on [May 15]. say that the currency continues to be well donors by a single pledge. is very interesting. He said: 'Yes, debt The People's Bank of China announced undervalued. The scale of China's accelerating finan- sustainability is important but development it would allow the yuan to trade by as much Meanwhile the central bank also took a cial flows were revealed to the Financial sustainability is what we are after'.'" [The as 0.5 percent on either side of the daily fix- further step to try to cool down China's Times on [May 17] by Donald Kaberuka, Financial Times (UK)] ing rate against the dollar, widening the booming economy with its fourth rate hike president of the African Development Bank AFP adds that ". AfDB spokesman Eric range from the previous 0.3 percent trade since April 2006 and the eighth reserve re- (AfDB). The sums involved are beginning Chinje said the figures were an estimation. span, the official Xinhua agency reported. quirement hike since June 2006. to outstrip individual contributions from tra- 'It is rough estimate of what Exim bank offi- The report said the move would 'permit The bank decided to raise the one-year ditional donors, including multilateral devel- cials told president Kaberuka they wanted faster gains in the currency.' deposit rate by 0.27 percentage point to 3.06 opment agencies. Their combined pledges - to invest over the next three to five years, The move comes amid tensions between percent and the lending interest rate by 0.18 towards a special fund intended to assist including concessionary loans,' Chinje told China and the United States and Europe over points to 6.57 percent starting May 19, sub-Saharan Africa to tackle shortfalls in AFP when asked to comment on the report. the huge Chinese surplus in trade. Beijing's Xinhua reported. electricity supply, roads and other infrastruc- The lending by Exim Bank, one of critics charge that the low value of the yuan It also raised banks' reserve requirement ture - are about US$7 billion, Kaberuka said China's policy banks that channels funds is a major contributing factor to the imbal- ratio by 0.5 percentage points to 11.5 per- in an interview with the [Financial Times]. earmarked to support state development, ance in trade by making Chinese exports cent as of June 5. The US$20 billion would go partly to- comes on top of China's previously an- cheaper and imports of foreign goods in Despite previous rate increases, the Chi- wards projects already announced, includ- nounced US$5 billion development fund for China more expensive. nese economy has continued to surge ing the rehabilitation of railway networks in Africa, Chinje said. The report came after China last year chalked up a huge 177 ahead, with an 11.1 percent growth recorded Angola and Nigeria, and the building of a the end [May 17] of the annual AfDB meet- billion dollar trade surplus, a whopping 74 in the first quarter this year.! hydroelectric dam in Ethiopia. Kaberuka, a ing, which was held in Shanghai this year percent above the 2005 figure. © 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur former Rwandan finance minister, said Chi- and in Asia for the first time." [Agence On [May 15], U.S. Treasury Secretary nese premier Wen Jiabao had assured him France Presse/Factiva] ! Henry Paulson and Chinese Deputy Premier http://news.monstersandcritics.com/ Source: World Bank Wu Yi held strategic talks in Washington business/news/article_1306167.php China to become China seeks advice third biggest travel on health overhauls The Wall Street Journal writes that its and drugs onto individuals. In 2004, pri- destination "China's government can't agree on howto vate spending accounted for 64 percent of fix its ailing health-care system - through health-care expenditures in China. For sev- China is likely to replace the United (Qingdao) International Olympics & Tour- private competition or more state services - eral years, the government has said it is com- States as the world's third most popular tourism Forum, which concluded on May 18. and has turned to the World Health Organi- mitted to increasing state spending to make ism destination next year, a United Nations UNWTO forecast last year that China zation, the World Bank, McKinsey & Co. sure everyone has access to good care. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) of- would become the most popular destination and others for advice. question is where to direct that money, as ficial said. by the year 2020. At the beginning of this Chinese planners face two main prob- government agencies vie for more funding At present, China ranks fourth, after year, it revised its forecast to 2015. Xu said lems: Health care is unaffordable for most and control. France, Spain and the United States. the forecast was revised because of the rapid Chinese, and the care people do get often is "China's top economic-planning agency, Last year, China accounted for 5.8 per- development of the country's tourism indus- inadequate. Many people must pay for the National Development and Reform Com- cent of the global tourism market, a growth try. health care themselves, and if they can't mission, invited seven groups to weigh in of 0.3 percent compared with two years ago. The number of overseas travelers to come up with the money, they are turned and help break the deadlock. On health-care Twenty-nine percent of tourists who China has increased from 10.5 million in 1996 away at the hospital door. There is little over- overhauls, the NDRC solicited input from traveled to Asia and the Pacific last year to 49 million in 2006. The 2008 Summer Olym- sight of medical services, and hospitals Peking,University, Fudan University, Beijing also visited China. pics in Beijing and the 2010 World Expo in thrive on prescription-drug sales, often dol- Normal University and the Chinese cabinet's Xu Jing, regional representative for Asia Shanghai will further boost China's tourism ing out unnecessary drugs to turn a profit. development-research center, in addition to and the Pacific of UNWTO, said the market market. The nation's Communist government WHO, World Bank and McKinsey, accord- share percentages of China and the United The Pacific and Asia Travel Association once tended to the health of almost every- ing to the person familiar with the matter." States last year were very close. said inbound tourism to China will increase one. Now it spends relatively little, after a [The Wall Street Journal/Factiva] ! "I am confident China will overtake the by 5 percent year-on-year between 2007 and privatization program in the early 1980s Source: World Bank U.S. next year," he said at the 2007 China 2009. ! shifted the burden of paying for doctor vis-

Producer from Page 13 is not so controversial as to encounter cen- However, not being banned does not China's software censorship?” sorship. In China, people are free to pro- mean life will be easier for independent Yes, where is the censorship? Nan duce whatever movies as long as they have movies like Loach Is Fish Too. Major the- industry posts 28 didn't give an answer, but the only ex- the money to do so. The scrutiny from the aters in China are basically occupied by percent growth planation I can think of is that the movie government comes when attempts are made three kinds of movies. First, domestic mov- to distribute the films to major theaters. ies like Hero or Curse of the Golden Flower, China's software industry continued to percent. However, officials in China’s State Admin- the directors of which have many connec- expand during the first four months of this In recent years China has tried to istration of Radio, Film and Television won't tions with governmental officials, and are year, with business income up 28 percent on boost the development of its software bother with, or ban everything. more favored by them. Secondly, Hong the previous year, the Ministry of Informa- services but the share of this sector in For example, take another Chinese movie Kong movies which are forever popular tion Industry said on [May 25]. the total income of the software industry in the Minneapolis film festival—Summer among young people. And finally, Holly- The sources said the sector garnered was down 6.6 percent compared with the Palace for instance, Constant showing of wood blockbusters which are forever US$18.6 billion in revenue between January 2006 level. nudity and sex? Check. Politically incorrect popular among almost all audiences. To and April. The first four months witnessed a even of Tian’an Men square? Check. So earning money back through box office is Of the total, software products ac- continued imbalance between software banned! That is not to say that the decision like a dream. So what is left to do to earn counted for US$6.6 billion, up 27.9 percent, products, system integration and soft- was right, or wrong, but at least it shows money off the film? Attend film festivals!! and system integration, covering IC design ware services, industry sources said.! that there are rules to follow. and solution design, US$4.5 billion, up 27.7 Source: Xinhua www.chinainsight.info business JUNE 2007 > PAGE 15 China to ride economic wave Information and communication tech- reflecting China’s comparative strength in nologies (ICT) are vital to managing China’s IT manufacturing and weakness in software unprecedented growth challenges, accord- development. Furthermore, only 16 percent ing to a new World Bank study of teachers in China have ICT training, re- titled “China’s Information Revolution: sulting in a major shortage of skilled ICT Managing the Economic and Social Trans- workers. ‘Brain drain’ further exacerbates this formation.” This report, the first to compre- situation. hensively map out China’s current ICT According to the report, China also landscape, provides a forward-looking as- stands to benefit from expanding into e-gov- sessment of the state of the country’s ICT ernment as online applications could make preparedness. government functions more service-ori- China has the world’s largest telecom- ented, efficient and transparent. Rural areas munications market and its IT industry has in particular can benefit from online infor- been an engine of the country’s economic mation services. Fostering e-business can growth—growing two to three times faster boost productivity, increase technological than GDP over the past 10 years. However, innovation and enhance international com- as China’s development has entered a new petitiveness of Chinese enterprises. A 2004 stage, it requires an updated Ministry of Commerce survey of 838 firms “informatization” strategy to reflect the cur- found that 58 percent of those that had par- rent economic and social challenges as well ticipated in e-commerce increased their num- as opportunities. If China is to reap the full ber of supplier contacts, while 70 percent benefits of ICT, the report says, it needs to increased their number of client contacts. deal decisively with several key issues. “Given the cross-cutting nature of ICT, “China is serious about putting in place government decisions about ICT can also a good foundation for equitable and sus- be seen as decisions on the course of the tainable economic growth” said Jim Adams, economy as a whole” said Mohsen Khalil, World Bank Vice President for the East Asia Director of the World Bank Group’s Global and Pacific region. “This report reinforces ICT Department. “The issues affecting how important to that effort is a well China’s ICT policies and strategies are simi- thought-out ICT strategy that brings the lar to those faced in other sectors. The rapid benefits of the online world closer to pace of technology development just means everyone’s daily lives.” that ICT issues are being addressed before The report says that legal and regula- other problems, and that the effects of ICT tory reforms are urgently needed in areas development will be felt throughout the en- such as telecommunications, open access tire economy.” to government information, data protection For more information on the report, visit and privacy. A stark urban-rural divide in www.worldbank.org/chinaict access to telecommunications infrastructure To learn more about the World Bank in puts internet penetration 40 times higher in China, visit www.worldbank.org/china urban areas compared to rural. The report For more information on the World also says the domestic ICT industry needs Bank’s Global ICT Department, visit more innovation so that it moves up the www.worldbank.org/ict value chain and beyond production of low- Permanent URL for this page: http:// end products and applications. Currently, go.worldbank.org/OO6P85TNU0 software exports account for just 1-2 per- ! cent of China’s total IT industry exports – China making a greater efforts to protect Intellectual Property Rights Stephen Roach, the chief international and reform the education system. Roach criti- economist for U.S. investment bank Mor- cizes statements by Ben Bernanke, chairman gan Stanley, delivered a speech to the U.S. of the U.S. Federal Reserve, that China's Congress. He emphasizes that the key to current exchange rate policy actually subsi- improving the U.S. trade imbalance with dizes its export companies. Bernanke's view China should not simply be criticism of has been widely accepted in the political and China. The focus should be on China mak- business community in the United States. ing a greater effort to protect intellectual Source: U.S. Commercial Service China, property rights and push forward financial http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en reform while the United States should en- Summary provided by Sinofile courage people to put more in their savings http://www.sinofile.net/com/amc/ accounts, invest more in human resources, sfContact.html ! U.S. companies welcome China's new law on corporate income tax Harley Seyedin, president of the Ameri- the new policy. Zou Chunyi, government can Chamber of Commerce in South China, affairs director of P&G China, says the com- Mar. 15 said U.S. companies investing in pany is satisfied with the investment envi- South China welcome China's new law on ronment in South China and will keep corporate income tax, which unifies the dual- Guangzhou as the headquarters for its track tax rates for Chinese and foreign enter- Greater China operations. prises. Seyedin says the new tax law will not Source: U.S. Commercial Service China, affect the investment of U.S. companies in http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en the southern part of China. Seyedin hopes Summary provided by Sinofile: the Chinese government will provide a tran- http://www.sinofile.net/com/amc/ sition period for U.S. investors in China for sfContact.html ! PAGE 16 > JUNE 2007 community www.chinainsight.info Fred Shaw receives 2007 International Immigrant Acheivement Award

he Twin Cities International Citizen Minnesota, Orville E. Awards Host and Steering Madsen, Lyle Lundquist, TCommittee awarded Fred Shaw the Tom Meyers and John About Shaw-Lundquist Associates, 2007 International Immigrant Achievement Sjoberg, Hoyt Hsiao, and Inc. Award. The Annual Gala Awards event was his wife Jennie Hsiao for Shaw-Lundquist is a Leading General held Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at the Min- all the support and loyalty Contractor in the Metro Area. They are also neapolis Club where Mr. Shaw was honored they have shown him. the largest Minority-owned Contractor in alongside Walter and Joan Mondale (Inter- Without them, he would the Midwest and are the largest Asian- national Citizens Award) and Marilyn Carlson not be where he is today. owned Contractor in the Nation. They pro- of the Carlson Companies (International Cor- vide General Construction, Construction porate Award). About the Twin Cities Management at Risk, Agency Construction Founded in 1992, the Twin Cities Inter- International Citizen Management and Design-Build construction services, and are proven performers on national Citizen Awards recognize individu- Awards als and corporations in our community who large and complex projects. Started in 1974 Fred Shaw (Hsiao) and his son The Awards were first have made inspiring contributions to inter- Howell Shaw by Fred Shaw, the company has grown to national understanding, cooperation and given in 1992, hosted by over US$80 million in revenues in fiscal 2005. mutual respect. It is given to those that have the Mayor of Minneapo- For more information, visit made clear and ex- lis. In 1996, the Mayor of St. Paul joined and www.shawlundquist.com.! emplary contribu- in 1997 the Commissioners of Hennepin and tions to local and Ramsey Counties also became hosts. Today, global communi- the International Leadership Institute over- ties; demonstrate a sees this annual international recognition strong commitment event. Visit www.internationalleadership.org/ to international un- news.html for more information on past derstanding and events. cooperation; and live out mutuality About the International Leadership and respect in rela- Institute tion with other Founded in 1994, the International Lead- countries and ership Institute is a fully qualified non profit Fred Shaw (Hsiao) and his wife Jennie peoples. organization committed to providing re- Hsiao surrounded by sons and their In his accep- sources to communities of color in transi- significant others (L to R: Yu Wen Mui, tance speech, Mr. tion - locally and globally. Located at 403 Holden Hsiao, Fred Hsiao, Jennie Hsiao, Shaw thanked his ILI 2007 Award Recipients: Walter and Joan Mondale , Oak Grove in Minneapolis. Web site is Howell Shaw, Nina Yang Shaw, Hoyt Hsiao, Father, the People of Marilyn Carlson and Fred Shaw and www.internationalleadership.org. Zhen Zhen Lou)

Other highlights of this year’s two-day Festival include: Local artist to unveil artwork * Opening ceremony at noon, Saturday, July 14 which includes a dragon dance, blessing the boats and teams by Thai monks, story at Dragon Festival 2007 of the dragon boat races and “awakening” the dragon; immediately followed by * A reenactment of a traditional Indonesian July 14-15, Phalen Park, St. Paul Minangkabau wedding where the bride is decked out in highly ornate headdress and ocal emerging Hmong artist Lee plans to have Festival participants put ing since 1997. clothes trimmed in gold. Minangkabau, “vic- Seexeng Lee will be unveiling a their own mark on and help complete the The Cultural STAR Grant, funded with torious buffalo,” is a Muslim tribe in West painting titled “Unity in Diver piece by painting a small piece of the paint- 10 percent of a half-cent citywide sales tax Sumatra, the largest island in Indonesia. The sity” to the accompaniment of an ing. created by the Minnesota State Legislature L Minangkabau tribe is one of a handful of original composition by the same name by The use of gold leaf is in 1993 to support eco- tribes in the world that is truly matriarchal. local Asian Pacific musicians under the di- a signature of Lee’s works. nomic development in the * Dragon boat races rection of Rick Shiomi, artistic director of In Hmong culture, gold, City of Saint Paul, pro- * Free canoe rides, courtesy of Wilderness Mu Performing Arts, at this year’s Dragon silver and currency show motes “growth in Saint Inquiry Festival on Sunday, July 15 at Phalen Park, value. “I choose impor- Paul by strengthening the * A Community Village where visitors can St. Paul. tant symbols and subjects arts and cultural sector…” view cultural displays, chat with represen- Dragon Festival, the all-volunteer run that best represent Hmong “Awarding the tatives from different cultural organizations nonprofit organization that puts on the an- culture and combine them Dragon Festival the Cul- to learn about the different cultures, and nual two-day Pan-Asian celebration, larg- with the best visual art tural STAR Grant is truly watch craft demonstrations. est in the Greater Twin Cities area, was style in hopes of enlight- an affirmation of the City’s * Cultural performances ranging from Mon- awarded a US$14,000 Cultural STAR (Sales ening my viewers. The commitment to the arts and golian acrobats to Chinese guzheng play- Tax Revitalization Program) Grant from the technique I chose to use to diversity. We applaud ers to Japanese dancers City of St. Paul for Seexeng Lee’s art project. was gold leafing,” he the City,” said Evelyn Lee * Wide variety of martial arts demonstra- “Unity in Diversity” is a large-scale (5’ x says. (no relation to artist tions including Thai, Chinese 8’) relief painting showing five hands in dif- Lee’s first “canvas” Seexeng Lee), chair of the * Authentic ethnic foods and merchandise ferent colors putting pieces of the State to- was a dirt floor in Laos and Dragon Festival. for sale gether. One of the pieces represents the his “brushes” were The musical composi- Seexeng Lee * Supervised children craft activities City of St. Paul, where the Dragon Festival wooden sticks. When his tion, also titled “Unity in Festival organizers are arranging free takes place. A 24K gold leaf ribbon with the family immigrated to the United States in the Diversity” is funded by a grantfrom the Min- off-site parking with shuttle service to the words “We Are One” in different Asian lan- 1984, he realized the best way to communi- nesota State Arts Board. A select group of park. The two-day event is free to the pub- guages is woven in and out to depict and cate was through art. However, his parents local Asian musicians under the direction of lic, thanks to the generosity of our spon- reflect the unique characteristics of the dif- wanted “bigger and better” things for him Rick Shiomi, artistic director of Mu Perform- sors: Allianz, Ameriprise Financial, Clearway, ferent ethnicities. According to Lee, this and art did not fit that category in the Hmong ing Arts, with Mr. Zhang Ying as lead HRK, Qwest, State Farm, Target, and Wells painting, commissioned by the Dragon Fes- culture. Lee’s solution to satisfy his own composer, are working on a piece using vari- Fargo. tival, is the embodiment of the spirit of the interest and his parents’ wishes was to teach ous Asian instruments. It will be approxi- For details about the festival and to see Festival that aims to unite the various Asian art! Armed with degrees in Studio Art and mately 20 minutes long. photos from past festivals, please visit Pacific communities within the Twin Cities. Secondary Education, Lee has been teach- www.dragonfestival.org. !