chinainsight.info hinaInsight C Fostering business and cultural harmony between China and the U.S. VOL. 19 NO. 10 November-December 2020

Identify this Chinese-American NOW, actor with Minnesota ties ONLINE ONLY!

News, p. 3

Education, p. 4

Clues: he was born in Minnespolis in 1929, he has more than 600 film and television credits including roles in “Big Trouble in Little Chinatown” and voiceover role in “Kung Fu Panda,” and he’ll be honored at the 16th Asian Hall of Fame awards. Check to see if your answer is correct on p. 6.

Business & Economy #GoodJobsNow launched to connect Books, p. 11 Minnesota job seekers with employers [ST. PAUL] – Minnesota Department regularly updated 30 Jobs in Demand list, DEED will follow up to highlight your op- of Employment and Economic Develop- the Dislocated Worker Program and now the portunities. ment (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove #GoodJobsNow visualization.” “At Wyoming Machine, we celebrate announced the #GoodJobsNow campaign During second quarter 2020, employers the skills and potential workers bring to with Rick Trontvet from Marvin Windows reported a total of just under 111,800 job the job and we provide on-the-job training, in Warroad and Traci Tapani from Wyoming vacancies in Minnesota. Though that was mentoring and technical training through Machine in Stacy. down 23.7% from one year ago, reflecting Minnesota State to help our employees ad- Many Minnesota businesses have open COVID-19’s impact on the labor market, it vance and build a career in manufacturing,” jobs but are reporting having a hard time shows existing demand for workers across said Traci Tapani, co-owner of Wyoming Arts & Culture, p. 14 finding the employees they need. At the the state. There were 2.4 unemployed Machine. same time, Minnesota’s unemployment rate Minnesotans for each vacancy, halting a Good Jobs Now joins DEED’s resources remains elevated with workers continuing to three-year streak of employers posting more for job seekers, including: In This Issue seek job opportunities. That’s why DEED vacancies than there were active job seekers • CareerForce is launching #GoodJobsNow, an interac- available to fill them. • Virtual Career Fairs tive set of resources connecting Minnesota “We know that there is a talented work- • Jobs in Demand Arts & Culture 8-9, 14 employers hiring right now with job seekers force in Minnesota, and we are passionate • Dislocated Worker Program ♦ Books 10-11 looking for work. about the impactful work and variety of Community 6 “Today, I’m proud to launch the #Good- opportunities available at Marvin. We are DEED is the state’s principal economic Education 4 JobsNow campaign, a new tool to help thankful for the strong partnership with MN development agency, promoting business Entertainment 6 Minnesota job seekers by connecting them DEED to help connect us with the talent in recruitment, expansion and retention, work- directly with employers,” said Commis- the state through this new, innovative tool,” force development, international trade and Government & Politics 5 sioner Steve Grove. “Right now, as many said Rick Trontvet, Marvin senior vice community development. For more details Language 7 Minnesotans face uncertainty, DEED is president of Human Resources. about the agency and its services, visit the News 3-4 working to provide job seekers with job Minnesota employers who have vacan- DEED website. Points of View 12-14 opportunities and career training resources cies are invited to join us in this effort. It’s Pronouncements 2 through virtual CareerForce services, our simple to do that: Just fill out this form and PAGE 2 / November-December 2020 pronouncements www.chinainsight.info Publisher’s Pronouncements ChinaInsight Greetings: Despite the record nine inches snowfall Unfortunately, it will take more time to get As many of you know, China Insight Publisher: Gregory J. Hugh we received three weeks ago, it is not too COVID-19 under control. We encourage has been very active in the initiative in [email protected] late yet to prepare for our most challeng- everyone to vote and follow proper health Congress to award a Congressional Gold ing season of the year … winter. As hearty recommendations. Medal to Chinese American Veterans of Minnesotans, we try to convince ourselves In addition to Thanksgiving occurring World War II and was hoping that this could Manager of that we actually enjoy the change of seasons in November in the U.S., we also celebrate have been celebrated by now. Unfortunately, Operations/Circulation: and before we know it, Thanksgiving will Veterans Day on Nov. 13. In other parts of COVID-19 has caused this to be delayed, Richard He be upon us. the world it may be celebrated as Armistice and it will be up to Congress to schedule [email protected] Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 or Remembrance Day. This is the day we when possible. pandemic, many of us may not find too honor our military veterans and let them As the year draws to a close, we wish much to be thankful for this year, and the know their service to the country is deeply to thank our advertisers for their support Staff Writers: political division gripping the country appreciated. So, be sure to let our folks in along with organizations like Asian Review Greg Hugh is not making things any better. Thank- the military know that we appreciate the sac- of Books and Hong Kong Free Press that [email protected] fully, the elections will take place shortly rifices they make to keep our country free, permit us to share their material with our and hopefully the country will begin the including your right to vote in a completely readers Elaine Dunn healing process. (Hope springs eternal!) democratic election. Please note this edition of China Insight [email protected] is a November-December combined issue and the next issue will be in January 2021. Thus, in addition to our best wishes for Intern: Jackson Venjohn a great Thanksgiving holiday, all of us at [email protected] China Insight wish you a joyous, prosperous and healthy holiday season. As always, thank you for your continued Contributors: support of China Insight. Please feel free He Guihua, Bu Aihua, and Ma to let us know if there are any other topics Xiangyuan you would like us to cover or if there are [email protected] any other ways we can better serve our community. Ange Hwang [email protected]

Sincerely, Pat Welsh [email protected]

William Zajicek [email protected] Gregory J. Hugh President – CEO China Insight, Inc. Production Editor: Jennifer Nordin [email protected] 1112-2020

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Request a digital subscription NOTICE TO READERS: The Insight views expressed in articles are the author’s and not necessarily those Guaranteed Send an email to: of ChinaInsight. Authors may have a business relationship with the companies or businesses they discuss. YES you can visit our website, [email protected] with www.chinainsight.info, to read the latest issue, Digital subscription in the subject line. but did you know you can have ChinaInsight delivered directly to your email inbox? Include: A digital subscription is FREE and brings • Your name a full year (10 issues) of new understanding • Your phone number about today’s China, from language to business Copyright 2020 ChinaInsight, Inc. opportunities. • Your email address All Rights Reserved. www.chinainsight.info news November-December 2020 / PAGE 3 On the road again Tit for tat? of the holiday.) All modes of transporta- tion (flights, trains, buses and rental cars) “achieved overall growth.” Sixty percent of those traveling were born post-1990. Fifteen of the 25 provinces reporting tourism revenue exceeded US$ 1.49 billion, with Jiangsu Province topping the list. The trend this year was for tourists to take short (several days) in-depth tours to a single destination point, with Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an and Chongqing being the top five cities generating “tourism consumption activities.” The Ministry of Culture and Tourism also reported that the More than 640 million domestic tourists reservation service at scenic spots required hit the road during the China’s eight-day for the “epidemic control” was greatly On Oct. 21, the U.S. State Department National Day Holiday in October. This rep- improved. added six more China-based media outlets resent a 21 percent decline from the previous The figures are promising as there were as foreign missions. These are Yicai Global, year. The tourism revenue generated from many COVID-19 restrictions still in place. Jiefang Daily, Xinmin Evening News, this holiday totaled US$69.61 billion, 30 Many Chinese still chose no travel over Social Sciences in China Press, Beijing percent drop from 2019. the holidays as they were concerned about Review and Economic Daily. All six are Chinese went by train (15.09 million getting back to work in case of potential substantially owned or controlled by the passengers) and plane (1.67 million pas- lockdown of certain areas. Therefore, the Chinese government. Nine other Chinese ping’s tenure, the Chinese Communist Party sengers) on Oct. 1 alone – a record high for tourism industry projected had it not been state media outlets are already under this has asserted greater control over China’s single-day travel since the pandemic began. for coronavirus worries, this year would’ve designation since earlier this year. They are state-backed propaganda outlets while try- (Image above was taken at Hangzhou East surpassed 2019 figures. ♦ all recognized as propaganda organs of the ing to disguise them as independent news Railway Station on Oct. 8, the last day Chinese Communist Party. agencies.” This is one of many measures the The designation will restrict the outlets’ Trump administration employs to combat Dance by the law operations within the U.S., but does not af- Chinese influence in the U.S. fect what they can publish. The outlets will Furthermore, in a step to reciprocate One of the most popular pastimes for be treated as foreign diplomatic missions “excessive restraints” placed by Beijing middle-aged and elderly Chinese is square and must register their employees and U.S. on U.S diplomats, the State Department is dancing. As many as 100 may gather in properties with the State Department. requiring senior Chinese diplomats to ap- public squares for this part-dance and part The State Department issued the follow- ply for permission to visit U.S university exercise activity several times a week, if ing statement, “Over the past decade, and campuses or hold cultural events with more not daily! particularly under General Secretary Xi Jin- than 50 people outside “mission” grounds. ♦ However, because of the accompany- ing loud music and use of public spaces, the activity has sparked controversy. Non- Safe haven for HK activists participants have complained. Haven Assistance, a group that offers Shanghai is the latest of the cities around immigration and asylum advice to Hong the country to impose local regulations on Kongers, said the Hong Kong government groups partaking in the activity. However, enforcing the regulations hoped the maxi- was not happy about Germany granting few details are available about the regula- mum decibels allowed for the music and asylum to a student activist, the third, who tions except “individuals should adhere to the distance the activity can take place from was arrested after the November 2019 pro- public rules and social customs and never residential building will be specified. ♦ democracy protests. disturb others around. Those charged with Hang Kong’s chief secretary and Sec- retary for Security met the German Consul Creative roadblock under limelight General to “express their stern opposition.” The chief secretary also told the German Consul General to “stop interfering with Hong Kong affairs, which are internal mat- had “well-founded fear of persecution” over ters within the People’s Republic of China.” their political opinions. The couple received In early October, Canada had also assistance from a Vancouver -based group, granted asylum to a HK couple who had the New Hong Kong Cultural Club, which been active participants in the 2019 pro- advocates the “promotion, protection and democracy protests on the basis that they reform” of HK culture. ♦ Small, with creamy flesh China-Malaysia durian festival held in Qizhou city, Guangxi region. There are more than 1.3 billion potential Chinese palates to be introduced to this fruit. However, the Thais face stiff competition from the Malays, who were just granted Mini Stonehenge? Surely you jest! together form a buttress that prevents the permission to export fresh durians to China Well, no one can ever accuse Hong Kong wheel from moving forward,” it describes, and are keen to become the biggest exporter pro-democracy protesters for lacking inge- adding that the bricks are “more difficult to of durian to the Chinese market. nuity. During the 2019 protests, they built all clear than ordinary roadblocks.” Chinese believe the durian can help Farmers in southern Thailand are bank- sorts of brick structures to block police from Beazley Designs of the Year first started lower cholesterol and reduce blood clots. ing on the Chinese preferring their smaller, advancing to the university where they were. in 2008 as a collaboration between Lon- Cadbury has a chocolate bar with an intense and less pungent, durians. A year later, the Design Museum in don’s Design Museum and global insurance durian flavour available in the Malaysian Since the pandemic, the economy of the London has recognized their creativity and company Beazley. Each year, they receive market. Guangzhou Province has the Qing southern Thai province of Pattani had been announced their mini “Stonehenges” are hundreds of nominations for “the most in- Liu Durian Restaurant that specializes in hit hard. Farmers there hope their province’s one of three finalists in the annual Beazley novative designs” across fields including dishes made with durian. Its signature dish: durian will attract a large Chinese market. Designs of the Year awards. “Made from fashion, architecture, digital, transport, durian chicken pot. Another bestseller is The Puangmanee durian averages under 4 ordinary bricks, these small but powerful product and graphic design. spinach with durian fried rice. The res- pounds when ripe and has a very creamy structures were used by Hong Kong protest- The winner will be announced in taurant owner says the dishes do not stink and smooth custardy texture. ers from the pro-democracy movement as November. Nominated works will be on because the “fragrance” goes into the food. The durian market is so lucrative that roadblocks to slow down police vehicles,” display at the Design Museum until March China imported US$1.7 billion of the some Thais have removed their rubber trees the design museum’s website reads. “When 28, 2021. ♦ odorific fruit in 2019. In October, about and planted durian trees instead. ♦ struck by a wheel, the top block falls away 300,000 were sold for US$15 million in leaving the two remaining bricks, which under an hour as part of the online 2020 PAGE 4 / November-December 2020 education www.chinainsight.info (HK) Academic freedom on Wanted: a slippery slope ONLINE By Elaine Dunn English Language Teachers

Would you like to help Chinese students in grades 6-12 polish their spoken and written English skills (and, occasionally, history and literature)? We are hiring native English-speaking teachers to teach ESL (different levels) or high school U.S. history or literature. Teach from our Twin Cities cloud-classroom setup or your home office. Teaching will usually take place in the evenings (6-10 p.m.), early mornings (6-8 a.m.), or weekends. Number of hours are flexible. Rates are from $15 to $40 per hour The Hong Kong University (HKU) ap- that said, “The firing of Professor Tai is pointed two mainland Chinese scholars to its another signal that academic freedom and based on the course requirements and the governing council, one of whom is alleged civil liberties are under threat from the teacher’s experience. to have direct ties to the Chinese Communist Chinese government. It sends a clear and Teaching experience is required. Teaching license is preferred, but not necessary. Party (CCP). chilling message not only to academics in Students and alumni groups view their Hong Kong, but to all of those pressing for If interested, please contact Richard at 612-987-6540 or [email protected]. appointment as “take-over” of the university democratic reforms and respect for human by the CCP. Media forensics conducted by rights.” the former HKU director of Journalism and A group consisting of 100 academics Media Studies Center found cached web from Australia, Germany, UK and U.S. pages indicating one of them was elected in called for a “united international front” to 2014 and 2017 as a CCP committee mem- defend university freedom. “Individual ber, even though his party affiliation is no universities will be picked off unless there longer listed on current live pages. Student is a common agreement to resist Chinese sit-in protest calling for reconsideration was state interference in academic research and 球 知 教 育 集 团 in vain. teaching on China,” it said. A current HKU student who is also a HKU is not the only university to have district councilor, took to Twitter on Oct. 27: dismissed pro-democracy academics. An 4/ And now, they are appointing assistant professor at the Chinese Univer- professors with strong affiliation to the sity of Hong Kong mentioned two other authoritarian regime of CCP to takeover professors who were similarly dismissed News research and academic development of also in July 2020 from the Hong Kong our University. This shall signal the end Baptist University and Lingnan University. Chinese “Operation Fox of academic freedom and institutional Others had been dismissed or contracts not autonomy at HKU. renewed earlier. HKU’s Alumni Association further Agence France-Presse (AFP) talked with Hunt” targets U.S. residents views the appointment of the two men by some pro-democracy academics and most the current vice-chancellor as “cronyism” felt they have been sidelined or dismissed to return to mainland as the three had, at one point, all worked at because of their political beliefs. They also UC-Berkeley within the same time period fear university (in the form of grants distrib- “The hunters became the hunted, the pursuers the pursued.” and got to know each other. uted by a government-appointed committee) Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers Since 2018, institutes of higher learning may suffer from political manipulation. in mainland China have been under pressure The dismissals are seen as a result of Charges were filed against eight indi- note on the door of the target’s home. The to pledge loyalty to the CCP, even if it meant the new national security law that went into viduals by the U.S. Department of Justice note stated, “If you are willing to go back to having to change their charters to accom- effect July 1, 2020. It’s Beijing’s way to for trying to coerce a New Jersey man — a the mainland and spend 10 years in prison, modate CCP members on their boards and exert control over Hong Kong and its pro- former Chinese government employee — your wife and children will be all right. administrations. democracy activists. who had been living in New Jersey since That’s the end of this matter!” The target’s Not only are universities being “infil- Academic freedom is the cornerstone of 2010, to return to mainland China. The daughter and her friends also received trated,” they also are “shedding” faculty higher education. Universities should be target’s identity had not been disclosed to threatening messages on social media. members who do not fall in line with Bei- safe places for open discussion of ideas, no protect him and his family. “Operation Fox Hunt” was initiated in jing’s school of thought. matter how contentious it may get. Under The eight individuals are based both 2014 under China’s Military of Public Se- In July 2020, Benny Tai, a pro-democ- article 38 of the national security law, which in the U.S. and mainland China. The 43- curity as part of President Xi JinPing’s anti- racy activist, was fired by HKU’s govern- is global in scope and application, exchange page criminal complaint, unsealed Oct. 28, graft campaign. It was designed to target ing council for participating in the 2014 of ideas, especially those concerning or charged the individuals with acting as illegal former Chinese officials who have fallen out protests. critical of China, are no longer possible agents of China in conspiring to commit of favour and dissadents around the world to China’s liaison office said Tai’s removal as fear of “over-stepping the line” leads to interstate and international stalking. Charges stop their activism. Voice of America reports was a “purification” of the academic atmo- self-censorship. include “illegally doing the bidding of the that since its launch, hundreds of “fugitives” sphere at the university and the governing Other recent anecdotes: A lecturer at Chinese government in the U.S.” have been brought back to China to stand council’s decision “complies with popular the University of Leipzig told a Hong Five defendants were arrested early trial after being arrested outside of China. sentiment,” the Hong Kong Free Press Kong activist that his students from China, Wednesday morning in California, New FBI Director Christopher Wray said, reported. Hong Kong and Taiwan had asked to drop Jersey and New York. One of the five, “The Chinese government’s brazen attempts A London-based political history lec- his political science course because they U.S. citizen and private investigator, was to surveil, threaten and harass our own citi- turer tweeted on July 29: were afraid of criticisms of the Communist hired to locate the target and his family’s zens and lawful permanent residents, while The process towards his firing has Party by fellow students in the class may whereabouts. As this goes to press (Oct. on American soil, are part of China’s diverse been underway for some time, and it cause them problems. Individual Chinese 28 afternoon), the three other defendants campaign of theft and malign influence in is a reminder that academic freedoms professors at Oxford University said they “remain at large in China.” our country and around the world.” have been under threat well before the plan to anonymize some students’ papers in In its repatriation effort, the defendants The Chinese Embassy in Washington national security law. Now, however, the group settings to shield individual students forced the former Chinese citizen’s elderly called the charges “groundless fabrica- attacks on academia are on full display, from reprisals for discussing flaws of the father in April 2017 to visit him in the U.S. tions.” ♦ as seen by the LO statement last night. Chinese system. in an effort to coerce him to return to China. The Canadian Association of University So, as Beijing turns its screws, university In September 2018, two of the defendants Teachers condemned the dismissal as well. students the world over will pay the price. were alleged to have posted a threatening Its executive director issued a statement Chilling indeed. ♦ www.chinainsight.info government & politics November-December 2020 / PAGE 5

Six basic questions on 26261 the 2020 US presidential 5 x 7 election bw By Ange Hwang, Asian Media Access The United States, as the world's largest to vote in person on Election Day. economic and military power, attracts inter- national attention in its presidential elections 5. What is the Electoral College? every four years. As an eligible voter, please The American presidential election do not waste your precious vote, and please adopts the “electoral college” system. go vote on Nov. 3!! The President of the United States is not You may have millions of questions on directly elected by the general public (the how the United States conducts elections, popular vote), but by the electoral college so here is a set of six basic questions and of each state based on the state’s population. answers to help you submit your vote. A state with a larger population has more electoral votes; for example, Minnesota has 1. When is election day? 10 electoral votes, whereas Florida has 29, The US election day always takes place and California has the most — 55 electoral on the first Tuesday of November. So, this votes. year’s election day is on Nov. 3. There is a total of 538 electoral votes. In order to win the general election, a 2. Who are the major presidential candidate must obtain at least candidates? 270 electoral votes. The candidate with the The United States is a basic bipartisan most votes from the public sometimes may Moving your future forward political structure with two dominant po- not necessarily win the general election; for litical parties: Democrats and Republicans. example, in 2016, although Hillary Clinton You have exciting plans for the future. Now all you need is the The Republican Party is the comparatively received more public votes than Trump, financial guidance to put them into motion. Count on Wells Fargo more conservative political party, and their Trump was still elected as he had 304 votes to help you achieve your goals — whatever they may be. candidate for reelection is the current Presi- from the Electoral College. dent Donald Trump. The Democratic Party Visit us and let’s have a conversation about what’s important to you. is a more liberal political party, their 2020 6. Does anyone inspect the presidential candidate is Joe Biden, who ballots? served as vice president from 2009-2016. Yes, whether it is by vote at the polling station on election day or vote by mail, there wellsfargo.com 3. Who can vote? is heavy verification of votes. The reason that counting mail-in votes is so much more © 2020 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. To vote in Minnesota, you must be 18 All rights reserved. Member FDIC. IHA-26261 years old by election day, a U.S. citizen, time-consuming is because each ballot must and have lived in Minnesota for at least be verified with the voter's signature, and 20 days. If you have been convicted of a it must match the signature on the voter's felony, you are eligible to vote if you have registration card. Owing to COVID-19, the completed your sentence, including proba- numbers of mail-in ballots are expected to tion, parole or supervised release. Register be more than double of “normal” elections, at mnvotes.org. so checking the signature alone will increase counting time. This year’s election result 4. How to vote? may not come out soon because the supervi- a) MAIL-IN VOTERS: Absentee bal- sion of the counting process is stricter than lots must be received on or before Nov. 3. in previous elections. Also, some states have DO NOT RETURN YOUR BALLOT BY up to nine days after election day to finish MAIL. For info on how to drop off your counting their ballots. ballot in-person, track your mailed-in ballot, No matter who you vote for, please visit http://MNVotes.org. exercise your right as a US citizen. Please b) VOTE EARLY IN PERSON: Early remember: voting began Sept. 18 and runs through ● Talk to others in your life who are Monday, Nov. 2. You can vote in person at eligible voters and encourage them to vote. your county elections office. Wear a mask ● Share this article with neighbors, and practice safe social distancing! family and friends. c) VOTE ON ELECTION DAY IN ● Volunteer with a campaign or or- PERSON: As long as you are in line by 8 ganization to register, educate and turn out p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, you can vote. In voters. Minnesota, you have a right to take time For more information, please call or off work to vote without losing pay. Visit email Asian Media Access – 612-376-7715 pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us to find out where or [email protected]. ♦ PAGE 6 / November-December 2020 community www.chinainsight.info St. Paul-Changsha China Entertainment Friendship Garden weeded, 16th Asian Hall of mulched; ready for Phase II Fame honors legacy By Bill Zajicek, president, Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society. Garden took a big step forward with the and service approval of the Minnesota State Bonding Bill. It included $500,000 for the Hmong Cultural Plaza, which brings us up to nearly $1,000,000 for the next phase. Many thanks to supporters who emailed their legislators as well the MAPC legislators, especially Rep. Tim Mahoney and Sen. Foung Hawj who have supported the garden project since 2015. Previous funding will allow for the plan- ning, design and preparing a construction There were two large volunteer projects estimate for Phase II. All remaining funding at the garden this summer/fall. As a result, will be used for construction. The major the rock garden was completely weeded elements of Phase II include: the Hmong and mulched; the donor stanchion received Cultural Plaza, a Chinese Moon Bridge, a new coat of paint, the Hmong Heritage extension of the Xiang Jiang Pavilion Rock Wall was painted, and as a gift from the Garden to the water’s edge, and an east Minnesota Peony Society, nine peonies were entrance moon date/donor wall. planted: three each of herbaceous “Krinkled That’s the good news. The bad news White,” herbaceous “America Red” and tree is that because of the complexity of the Congressmember Judy Chu peonies (Fuji-Zome-Goromo, Renkaku, Tai first phase of the project and transportation James Hong Hai)!!! delays, the resulting cost overruns require [LOS ANGELES] -- To increase positive Robby Krieger of The Doors and 13-lan- More planting was planned, but the us to pay $120,000 to the City of St. Paul messages of Asian representation, the 16th guage vocalist Maki Mae originally from Landscape Nurseries had run out of good before we can proceed any further. Asian Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Taiwan and Japan will perform from the stock. It’s been a COVID kind of year. During this giving season, please opens the new 2020-21 season on Nov. 21, new album Seasonal Songbook with pianist One of our honorary advisors, Bill Pesek, consider supporting one of only two China at 6 p.m. PST. Ed Roth (Annie Lenox, Joe Walsh), 7-time is finalizing the planting plan for next gardens in Minnesota: a truly unique sister- Fundraising launches Arts for All, which GRAMMY and 3-time Emmy Award- spring. Those interested in participating in city project in the Changsha style. You can empowers trauma, war, and human traf- winning bassist Kevin Brandon (Aretha a spring planting, please email me (mcfgs@ find us on the GiveMN site during the week ficking survivors. Funds also support the Franklin, Justin Timberlake), Jimmy Kim- mnchinagarden.org). If you want to know of Nov. 15, or use this link to give at the Disabilities and Diversity Initiative, early- mel Live guitarist Toshi Yanagi, and other who participated so far, they are listed ~ with Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society career grants, and a future center. world-class artists. photos! ~ on our website, mnchinagarden. website. ♦ Class of 2020 spans decades of excel- Asian Hall of Fame is a charitable org. Fundraising for Phase II of the China lence and increases positive messages of program directed by Seattle-based Robert Asian legacy, representation, and service. Chinn Foundation. The ceremony honors The ceremony will be livesreamed on the 60th wedding anniversary of founder the Asian Hall of Fame website for free, Karen Wong and her husband David, and or $250 for VIP Zoom Room ticket with the 30th of their daughter Letitia Fong and complimentary dinner, dessert, and wine her husband Nathan. from Tom Douglas, John Howie, The Derby, Honorees will accept their induction Kona Grill, and other culinary partners. from Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Tickets are available until Nov. 11. New York, Pasadena, and Tokyo. Past in- The ceremony's Celebrity Holiday Auc- ductees include Bruce Lee, Kristi Yamagu- tion opened online bidding on Oct. 16 with chi, Connie Chung, and other international gifts for all ages from Star Wars, Hewlett- and national Asians. Packard, St. John plus autographed items Asian Hall of Fame advances Asian from Jackie Chan, Pearl Jam, Chicago, Lang excellence and serves as a vital partner in Lang, Iron Chef Morimoto and more. elevating inter-racial narratives and disabili- Class of 2020 includes legendary ties inclusion, early-career development, 91-year old actor James Hong, Congress- and positive messages of Asian leadership member Judy Chu, Iron Chef Masaharu globally. The program is directed by sixth- Morimoto, CEO Noel Lee, Emmy and generation Robert Chinn Foundation, one Golden Globe-nominated actor and digital of the first Asian family philanthropies in artist Masi Oka, Japanese Baseball Hall of America. Famer and NFL athlete Wally Yonamine, Contact (206) 624-1195, press@ and dance icon Cheryl Burke. asianhalloffame.org or Iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Famer www.asianhalloffame.org. ♦

Call for Articles… Concerned about misconceptions about China?

ChinaInsight is a local newspaper fostering U.S.-China cultural and business harmony.

We are interested in publishing articles that engage audiences in America. Potential topics range from understanding daily life in China (or for Chinese in America) to discussions of business markets from both an American or Chinese viewpoint.

If you would like to contribute an article, please contact Greg Hugh at 612-723-4872 or email Thank you for reading China Insight! [email protected]. www.chinainsight.info language November-December 2020 / PAGE 7 Chinese Language Corner (漢語角) Coming and going: Part 2 By Pat Welsh, contributor

In this lesson we will begin a series of lessons that will talk about coming and going. Pronunciation Reminders We will start with where someone comes from and move to arriving and going back. We will then discuss talking about past and future events in Chinese. This system follows Chinese Pinyin with the exception that the letter “u” which has Some of the vocabulary we will use: two pronunciations. Sometimes it has the value of ü (“ee” as in see with rounded lips). At those times we use the symbol “ü” instead of Pinyin “u.” In making this sound, it is most Chinese English Pinyin important that the vowel more resembles an “ee” sound and definitely not sounding like Characters a “oo” sound as in “moon.” kitchen 厨房 chúfang a, an, ang The ‘a’ in these syllables sounds like the ‘a’ in “father.” from 从 cóng ai Sounds like the ‘igh’ in “high.” ao Sounds like the “ow” in “cow.” to arrive at 到 dao de, me Here the “e” sounds much like the “a” in “above” or the “u” in “under.” the mall, shopping center 购物中心 gòuwù-zhōngxīn ei Sounds like the “ay” in “say” or “day.” the living room, the room into which guest en, eng Sounds like the “un” in “fun” or the “ung” in “lung.” 客厅 kètīng are brought. ian Sounds like “ee-ehn” or “yen” (Here “ehn” and “en” almost sounds like the bathroom 洗澡房 xĭzaofang word “yen.”) ong The “o” here sounds much like the “oo” in “ooze” or “spoon.” 药店 yaodian pharmacy, drug store, hospital dispensary qian Sounds “tchee-ehn” (ehn rhymes with “hen.”) 药房 yaofang qü Sounds like “chee” in “cheese” but uttered with rounded lip. 邮政局 post office Yóuzhèng shi Sounds almost like the “shir” in “shirt.” The tongue is retracted and lightly 邮局 yóu-jǘ curled. to walk, to go, to depart 走 zŏu si Sounds somewhat like sz, the vowel is short, it is between “i” in “it” and “u” to walk, to take a walk 走路 zŏulù in “mut.” Phrases using “to” and “from”: ü Sounds much like the “ee” in “see” but the vowel must be uttered with rounded lips. English Chinese Characters Pinyin ui Sounds almost like the English word “way.” from the kitchen 从厨房 cóng chúfang x Sounds like a weak “sh”; xing sounds like “sheeng.” from the living room 从客厅 cóng kètīng you Sounds somewhat like the “yo” in “yodel.” from the bathroom 从洗澡房 cóng xĭzaofang z Sounds like a “tz” without any aspiration. Pronouncing this as ‘dz’ betrays to the kitchen 到厨房 dao chúfang American accent which will still be understood by the listener. to the living room 到客厅 dao kètīng zi Unaspirated tz, the vowel i is short, it is between “i” in “it” and “u” in “mut.” to the bathroom 到洗澡房 dao xĭzaofang zh This is an unaspirated “ch” with the tongue retracted and lightly curled. For walk from the kitchen to the 从厨房走到客厅 cóng chúfang zŏu dao kètīng example, “zhong” almost sounds like “droong.” living room zhi Sounds almost like “djir”. It almost rhymes with “fur.” She walks (goes) from the 她从厨房走到客厅 Ta cóng chúfang zŏu dao Tones kitchen to the living room. kètīng Using numbers: 5 = your normal high 4 = mid-high 3 = your normal mid pitch into the kitchen 到厨房里 dao chúfang-li 2 = mid low pitch 1 = your normal low pitch into the living room 到客厅里 dao kètīng-li Tone Description Notes into the bathroom 到洗澡房里 dao xĭzaofang-li Regarding tone ă ā High level pitch (55) Walks into the dining room 走到饭厅里 zŏu dao fantīng-li* 1. when occurring directly before an- á Mid-Rising Tone (35) Goes into the bedroom 走到卧房里 zou dao wófang-li* other dipping tone, tone ă becomes ă Dipping (213) Runs into the bathroom 跑到洗澡房里 paodao xĭzaofang-li* tone á. Thus “hĕn hăo” (very good) à High falling pitch (51) 去 changes to “hén hăo” (31) *The word qǜ could be added to the end of thesephrases. An unstressed neutral tone. Following 2. occurring directly before any a other syllables, syllables in this tone English Chinese Characters Pinyin other tone, Tone ă will change to a tend to be somewhat lower that of the mid-falling tone from the grocery store 从食品杂货店 cóng shípĭn-zahuòdian previous syllable. The lone exception Regarding tone à from the hardware store 从五金商店 cóng wŭjīn-shangdian is when it occurs after tone ă when the • When occurring before another from the pharmacy 从药店 cóng yaodian neutral tone is often slightly higher à tone in pitch. to the department store 到百货公司 dao baihuò-gōngsī • The first tone à reduces its fall to to the post office 到邮政局 dao yóuzhèng-jǘ̀ 53 or 54 到银行 to the bank dao yínhang Next month, we will continue the topic of coming and going.♦ go from the grocery store to 从食品杂货店走到药店 cóng shípĭn-zahuòdian zŏu the pharmacy dao yaodian He walks (goes) from the 他从食品杂货店走到药 Ta cóng shípĭn-zahuòdian grocery store to the pharmacy 店 zŏu dao yaodian Be Your Own Boss!

About Pat Welsh China Insight is seeking a self-motivated individual to sell advertising space for our newspaper. China In 2009 while teaching English at Sichuan University, Welsh was asked to Insight has been publishing for 15 years. The ideal give a speech where he was introduced to the audience as a “pioneer of Chinese individual we seek must be passionate about our American relations” as a result of his cooperative work in international banking mission, be resourceful, creative and capable of during the Deng Xiaoping era. For more than 65 years, Welsh has been learning working independently. We offer a very generous Chinese and has used this knowledge both professionally and personally to en- commission structure and you get to set your hance his understanding of Chinese and Asian affairs. He uses Beijing Mandarin own hours. most frequently when meeting with senior Chinese government officials when conducting business in China. Contact Greg Hugh at 612-723-4872 or email For 17 years, Welsh taught Chinese, German and Spanish in two local high [email protected] schools. Now fully retired, he currently resides in Georgia where he used to lecture on China to a number of classes at Dunwoody High School. PAGE 8 / November-December 2020 arts & culture www.chinainsight.info Dong youths’ dating practices By He Guihua, Bu Aihua and Ma Xiangyuan, The Center for Hunan Cultural Heritage at Huaihua University, contributors

Note: This is the 18th article in the series on Dong ethnic culture by The Center for Hunan Cultural Heritage as U.S.-China cultural and educational exchange and research. Located in Huaihua University, southwest Hunan Province, the Center is a provincial translation institute dedicated to the preservation and development of Hunan’s diverse ethnic communities and shared with the global community. This month’s article features Dong people’s dating on the hillsides and in the public fields, a supplement to the 11th article “Dating Practices of Dong Young People,” China Insight, November-December 2018. He Guihua has a doctorate in translation and cross-cultural communication and is an associate professor in Foreign Languages School of Huaihua University. This writing is financed by China Scholarship Council Program (201808430261), The Center for Hunan Cultural Heritage Program(15WFF02) and Research Program on Teaching Reform for Universities in Hunan Province (2018660). Professor Bu Aihua is head of International office, Centre for Hongkong, Macau and Taiwan Exchange as well as International School of Huaihua University. Her major research interests cover comparative education, biculturalism and bicultural active living lifestyle with a special focus on the Hmong young people in western part of Hunan Province and the state of Minnesota. She is also the vice director of the Hunan Cultural Heritage Center. This article is also supported by the 2018 key project of the Philosophy and Social Sciences Fund Project of Huaihua Municipality (HSP2018ZDA08). Ma Xiangyuan, a graduate of Foreign Languages School in Huaihua University, is host of the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program for College Students “Publicity Translation of Dong Customs.” She now works as an English teacher at Datianfang Middle School of Ningxiang County, Changsha City, Hunan Province.

The Dongs of Tongdao Dong Autono- The songs can be on “first meeting,” “self- until one side finally agrees to take a seat. You keep the key and I retain the mous County of Huaihua city, western Hu- abasement,” “compliment,” “question- Both sides sit on their own leaves or grass lock, nan Province, is known for their romance and-answer,” “keepsake,” “company,” several meters away from each other. They No one could open the lock without and openness. Their pursuit of romance has “first love,” “farewell,” “love sickness,” may sit face to face or in a line. In the first your key. been an attraction, which arouses endless “complaint,” “disappointment in love” and round of antiphon, both compete to praise curiosity of outsiders. Dong people have “reunion.” The forms of singing include each other in a humble way. Female response their own special ways of dating and they solo, antiphon, talking and singing. A-Ge, may date at various locations. In China Playing on the hillsides is an important Male Seeing you off across a long distance Insight’s November-December 2018 article way for Dong young people to find love. A-Mei, your singing allures cuckoos of winding stone paths, “Dating practices of Dong young people,” Participants often keep the date and place to fly here from the hillsides, I sow some flower seeds to the ter- it introduced several unique ways of Dong of their appointment confidential, only and Your singing makes peach trees in race. young people’s dating, including conveying their mothers, sisters and those accompany- full bloom, When the seeds sprout and the flow- romantic love around the fire pit, climbing ing them know the date and location. Under Your singing lets the carps jump out ers bloom in the terrace next year, windows to woo girls gathering at the shelter the disguise of cutting wild vegetables as of water. Remember to come back and pick up pavilions, getting together at the community green feed for pigs or going to fairs, they the flowers on time. house, and being guests to visit other vil- secretly play on the hillsides. Before face- Female lages. This article will describe two other to-face meetings, young men and women A-Ge, If mutual affection grows between young interesting ways of dating: playing on the can only hear songs from afar. At the very You are really flattering me too men and women while they are playing on hillsides and farming in the public fields. beginning, they sing songs across the hill- much. the hillside, they will exchange keepsakes to sides to attract the attention of each other. No coach whip is so long as the express their willingness to establish further 1. Dating by playing on the As the singing goes on, they move to the bamboo rhizome. courtship. I To show fondness, the young hillsides agreed place slowly. Upon their first meet- No coarse cloth is so beautiful as women take off their silver necklace or Playing on the hillsides is a very tradi- ing, both look shy. Some young women are silk. bracelet f and present it to the young men to tional way for Dong young men and women so shy that they even lower their heads and Stars can’t be so bright as the moon. whom they fancy. In return, the young men to get acquainted with each other. At town- hide themselves behind trees with leaves would then send their new Dong-cloth dress ships like Boyang and Yatunbao in Tongdao or straw hats to cover their blushing faces. The content of the singing changes as to the women as keepsakes. Such exchang- Dong Autonomous County, young men and Behaving humbly, both young men and their affection deepens. When the sun sets, ing activity is usually carried out secretly women are not permitted to sing songs in- women are reluctant to be the first to take they have to part with each other. Before between both sides. However, exchanging side their houses at night. Alternatively, they seats. Instead, they sing songs to invite each leaving, they would discuss about the date keepsakes doesn’t mean engagement. For- climb to the local hillsides and sing there in other to be seated. of the next meeting. Then, they would sing mal marriage etiquette requires the consent the daytime. During festivals, slack farming Please take a seat, farewell songs to each other. of both sets of parents. seasons, or village fairs, Dong youths court Sit on the leaves if there is no bench, while singing antiphonals and competing on Sit on the grass if there are no leaves. Male 2. Dating by farming in the the hillsides. After frequent gathering on the Our singing would be more exciting A-Mei, public fields hillsides, they get to know each other. They when we are seated. We leave and come. “Farming in the public fields” is another exchange keepsakes in token of affection This kind of antiphonal singing competi- Let me make a brass lock for the collective activity for Dong young people to and some get married as a result. tion test each other’ s wits. It doesn’t stop flower terrace. seek loves. Lasting from March 3 to Aug.15 The young people participating in sing- of the Chinese lunar calendar, farming in the ing activities on the hillsides are usually public fields is divided into three phases: those from neighboring villages. At each sowing on March 3 and April 8; cultivating gathering, male and female participants plants and weeding fields on May 5 and June may differ in number, but their age must be 6; harvesting crops and celebrating the reap a good match. Such gatherings are often held on Aug.15. The dates are picked mainly ac- every 10 days except during busy farming cording to the periods of the 24 Solar Terms. seasons or frozen winters. The hillside, hua “Public fields” are actually a stretch of yuan (花园, meaning “garden”) where they wasteland reclaimed by young men and play is usually several li (里, one li is approx. women from neighboring villages. The vil- 1,640 feet) away from their own houses. No lage that owns the public fields is called the one is allowed to say dissolute words during host village. On March 3, young men from the gathering. The young women are often the guest village and young women from called A-Mei (阿妹, meaning “younger the host village get together to plant sweet sister”) and young men are greeted as A-Ge potatoes, corn, beans and other upland crops (阿哥, meaning “elder brother”). in the reclaimed public fields. Through these When playing on the hillsides, young reclaiming and planting activities, young women usually wear fine traditional Dong women from the host village get some basic costumes. A silver chain hangs on their neck information about young men from the guest and a broad embroidered belt wraps around village. When young men from the guest their waist. Decorated with silver headgear, village play lusheng (traditional bamboo they look like wild flowers in full blossom. pipe instrument) on the way back to their As for the singing activities, the main Antiphonal singing on the hillsides: photographed by Su Dingyuan in Tongdao Dong Au- purpose is to express love to each other. tonomous County Continued on page 9 www.chinainsight.info arts & culture November-December 2020 / PAGE 9 Dong dating Continued from page 8 Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

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Fat pig prepared for dinner at the harvest ceremony. Photographed by u Dingyuan in Tongdao Dong Autonomous County Fever Cough Shortness Chills own village, young women from the host The following morning, Aug. 15, young of breath village would present them with dry straw men and women would harvest crops to- knots as gifts. The knots are usually tied in gether in the public fields. With the reaped a bundle to the lusheng of the guest leader, produce and the fat pig brought by the which means inviting them to farm in the guests as a gift, they make a delicious din- Headache Muscle pain Sore throat Loss of taste or smell public fields. After the young men from the ner. Drinking wine and singing antiphonal guest village return to their own village, they songs, they celebrate the harvest until early For more information, visit health.mn.gov would hold a solemn rally in front of their next morning. Then young men from the HOTLINE: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 drum tower to allocate the straw knots to guest village would kill the ox and hold a young men in their same village who are of banquet to treat and thank elders and broth- a suitable age for marriage. Those who get ers of the host village. Young women of the a straw knot may participate in further farm- host village would hang Dong cloth and ing in the public field activities. The number flowery scarves with their names on bam- Minnesota Department of Health Contact [email protected] to request an alternate format. of young women and men joining in the boo poles for demonstration in front of the 06/10/2020 farming on both sides should be the same. drum tower. The cloth and scarves are then On April 8, young men from the guest presented as gifts to the young men from village would bring salted sour fish and glu- the guest village. Carrying the presents, the tinous rice sandwiched with large pieces of guests would play lusheng to say goodbye. meat to join in the farming activity. Carrying The host villagers will set off firecrackers seeds and tools, young women and young in response. Young women of the host vil- men walk together to farm the public fields. lage would then stand in the entrance of They romp joyfully while working. After the village to block the leaving guests and lunch in the public fields, young men from ask them to sing antiphonal songs. Both the guest village would then be enthusias- seem unwilling to part with each other. In tically treated to supper by young women every village where the leaving guests pass, of the host village. Such farming activities young women of that village would gather do not stop until Aug. 14 when the harvest to make the guests stay and appreciate the ceremony is held. On that day, young men gifts hanging on the poles, and ask them to from the guest village would play lusheng, sing antiphonal songs. carry a fat pig and lead a strong ox to the Through such frequent activities of host village. The young women of the host “farming in the public fields,” Dong young village would invite them to dance lusheng men and women get to know each other dances, drink tea, sing antiphonal songs and and develop mutual affection. As they fall enjoy helongyan (合拢宴, a joint banquet) in love, they may marry if parents of both together. sides agree. ♦

Dong young women of the host village blocking the guests for singing antiphonal songs: photographed by Su Dingyuan in Tongdao Dong Autonomous County PAGE 10 / November-December 2020 books www.chinainsight.info

You may notice the more-than-usual number of books included this issue. With Christmas giving around the corner and also the snowy winter approaching, China Insight thought these titles may provide gift ideas or just material for a “good read” in front of the fireplace. Enjoy!

“Chinese Brothers, American Sons” by Ed Shew Reviewed by Dale Singer, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Aug. 1, 2020

Reprinted with permission from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

ing to establish himself, finds a foothold The other is history, first of the search for Author: Ed Shew for others and who, in desiring attaining gold, then of how railroad crews — Chinese Publisher: Earnshaw Books himself, helps others to attain.” and otherwise — laid track in impossible Publication date: June 2020 The brothers decide in 1854 to journey conditions to unite America in the wake of Softcover: 316 pages from their home in Kwangtung province, the Civil War. searching for a better life in the United And the story is obviously very per- Ed Shew grew up in St. Louis, hearing States. They leave behind their mother, sonal for Shew, a native St. Louis and with stories of the Chinese migrants who Li Yu’s wife and soon-to-be-born child, family roots in Hop Alley, the old local helped construct the Transcontinental intending to stay for only a few years, send Chinatown that was torn down for con- Railroad in the 1860s. After retiring money home and finally return to reunite struction of Busch Stadium downtown. He in 2011, he took on writing about their families. doesn’t always write with the most polished two Chinese brothers, their lives and But like many assumptions the pair prose, but the novel shows obvious pride experience as railroad workers in has made about life in America, what they in his heritage, and the book is enriched America. Shew admits the two broth- experience is far different from what they by sketches done by his own brother, John ers were “somewhat based upon my had planned. First in the search for gold, Shew, a retired Post-Dispatch artist. brother and me.” then on the work gangs for the railroad, In the end, readers of “Chinese Brothers, they face trials they never dreamed of. Not American Sons” will learn, if they didn’t What was to be a six-month project the least of their troubles come from strong know it already, what Shew says was his took more than eight years! Now, prejudice against men seen as interlopers lesson behind writing the book: that dis- in his spare time, Shew engages in from across the Pacific whose only aim is crimination may target different groups, but social justice activities for his church to steal American jobs. the impulse behind it and the effects it has and the community in his spare time. A newspaper at the time, published as are universal. the railroad gangs move eastward through In an afterword, he writes that “the fun- In the middle of the 19th century, when Their golden dreams quickly collide unyielding terrain, puts it this way: damental elements of fear, ignorance and gold was discovered in California and con- with reality, but their innate optimism and “Beware, the Chinese are outwardly arrogance are common to all such racial struction of the Transcontinental Railroad strong character help them over the rough- quiet and submissive but are inwardly tragedies. No one is better than anyone else. provided a link across the United States, est patches and through the seemingly im- sinister and cunning. We’re sure the To rank historical struggles by one’s race is crowds of American workers heeded the pervious mountains. Readers of “Chinese Chinese railroad workers are part of not purposeful, but respect is an absolute advice to “Go West, young man.” Brothers, American Sons” will travel the a secret plan to invade and take over requirement.” ♦ From China, thousands of men decided dangerous and sometimes deadly journey the government of the United States to travel east to the same destination, to with them, learning about both Chinese replacing American culture with that of make their fortune in a land where gold was culture and American history. the Chinese. … The United States must rumored to be so easy to find that nuggets On the ship, Li Chang tells his brother: not allow the Chinese to contaminate About the reviewer were lying in the street, just waiting for “’When we get to Gold Mountain, all will our society and must enact exclusion- someone to pick them up. be better, you’ll see.’” ary immigration policies to keep these Dale Singer retired in 2017 after a 45- That rough-and-tumble time is the From the epigraph, a quote from the yellow people out.” year career in journalism in St. Louis. subject of the first book by St. Louisan Ed Chinese philosopher Confucius, Shew sets In telling the story of what the Chinese He covered business, education, news, Shew, who combines fiction with fact to tell a tone of humility and brotherhood, two brothers endure, Shew has essentially com- sports, reviews and editorials. He was the story of two Chinese brothers, Li Chang virtues that were not always present in the bined two books. One is the novel, as Li nominated three times for a Pulitzer and Li Yu, who journey far from their home brothers’ harsh American lives: Chang and Li Yu gradually make their way Prize. He lives in west St. Louis County. to seek their fortune. “A man of humanity is one who, in seek- through American culture and prejudices. “My Museum” by Joanne Liu

"Little readers can relate to the story from a child’s perspective, and discover the work of artists such as Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, Johannes Vermeer, and Piet Mondrian whose pieces are subtly il- lustrated throughout the picture book." My Modern Met Author-Illustrator: Dorling Kindersley Publisher: DK Children Liu is an illustrator by training, so it’s no Publication date: November 2017 surprise this is a text-free book! Preschool- Hardcover: 32 pages ers to third-graders can relate to and follow along young Max’s day at the museum. As Joanne Liu grew up and lives in Hong Kong. Max tours the museum, they can experience of his frustration of not being able to see the “My Museum” was inspired by a trip to New York city art, so, instead of focusing on what’s hang- the summer of 2016. She and a friend visited some ing on the walls or on the display pedestals, museums and felt a little intimated by “not understand- Max looked at his fellow museum visitors’ ing” all she was looking at. Her other children’s book faces and their expressions. He chatted up is “My City.” Published in 2019. a custodian, viewed the gallery upside down from under a bench, checked out someone’s “My Museum” earned Liu a special mention from the tattooed arm and light patterns on the floor. 2018 Bologna Ragazzi Book Awards.: In short, he looked at a variety of things around from a different angle. Liu aims to encourage us all to discover and see the beauty around us. As one reviewer said, Liu’s whimsical and bold-color illustrations are “playful and joyous.” ♦ www.chinainsight.info books November-December 2020 / PAGE 11 “China Through Time: A 2,500-year journey along the world’s greatest canal” illustrated by Du Fei Reviewed by Melanie Ho, Asian Review of Books, March 12, 2020 In “China Through Time: A 2,500 year level of detail on each page commands, journey along the world’s greatest canal,” at the very least, a close second look. The young readers are invited to explore the book covers time periods from 486 BCE in people, the stories and the fortunes of the Yangzhou to today in Tianjin, underscor- canal throughout history. With illustrations ing the importance of the Grand Canal by Du Fei, the book is very much a journey, throughout history as well as its continued taking readers through key moments in the relevance today. canal’s history. The organization of the book also makes The book opens with the idea of the for an interesting choice: rather than pro- Grand Canal: ceeding chronologically or from one end Some 2,500 years ago, in ancient China, of the canal to the other, the pages move an emperor had a bright idea. If he joined to- around. Starting with the construction of gether two rivers, the Huai and the Yangtze, the canal, the book travels through time up he could transport his troops quickly through until the 12th century in Hangzhou before his lands to conquer an enemy kingdom. going back to 760 CE in Suzhou. Tianjin Du Fei’s illustrations comprise the bulk in 2020, for example, appears before three of each double-page spread. A short intro- key moments in the 15th and 16th century Author: Dorling Kindersley ductory paragraph explains the era and the in Tongzhou. Illustrator: Du Fei location, while a brief description describes At times, the jumps through time and Publisher: DK Children the context of the time. But — as it should from location to location can be disorient- Publication date: January 2020 be — the focus rests on the illustrations. ing. At other times, it serves as a way to help Hardcover: 32 pages Certain elements are identified: on the page absorb the reader into a specific moment. illustrating the start of construction in 486 The book does well in finding ways to DK, a division of Penquin Random House, is the world’s leading illustrated BCE, readers can see King Fuchai of Wu engage with young readers: the simple text reference publishe. It has books in more than 100 cuntries in 60 languages. and his advisors, soldiers and canal diggers; and the large illustrations help, as does the Its products aim to inspire, educate and entertain readers of all ages. at a night fair on Maple Bridge in Suzhou in presence of a time-traveling cat, hidden on 760 CE, the Hangshan Temple is named as is each page as a special treasure to find. ♦ Illustrator Du Fei was born in Beijing, and has 25 years’ experience as a the Jiangcun Bridge. The integration of the professor of mural painting and artistic creation. He specializes in painting text is subtle, as are the notes that encircle realistic works portraying Chinese history and traditional culture. His work the illustrations and frame each page. “Can About the reviewer encompasses a variety of art forms, from murals and oil painting to sculpture you spot the guard whose shield is painted and ceramics, and has been displayed in public spaces including museums, Melanie Ho is the author of “Journey with the face of a tiger?” asks a page dedi- concert halls, stadiums, parks and subways. to the West: He Hui, a Chinese Soprano cated to Kaifeng in 960 CE. in the World of Italian Opera.” Each scene is richly illustrated and the

The following two books are part of the six-book Hong Kong Literature Series. According to John Minford, the series’ editor, the project provides a glimpse into the “extraordinarily warm and ‘human’ city … at this time when Hong Kong is the focus of attention all round the world, to give those people a deeper sense of those hidden depths of the Hong Kong soul.”

“The Drunkard” by Liu Yichang, “The Teddy Bear Chronicles” by Xi translated by Charlotte Yiu Xi, translated by Christina Sanderson

Author: Liu Yichang Author: Xi Xi Publisher: Chinese University of Publisher: Chinese University of Hong Kong Press Hong Kong Press Publication date: September 2020 Publication date: September 2020 Softcover: 388 pages Softcover: 200 pages

Liu was born in Shanghai in 1918. Hong Kong writer Xi Xi (pen name He left China in 1948 and, in 1957, for Cheung Yin) was diagnosed with settled in Hong Kong editing literary breast cancer in 1989. Post-operative supplements for various newspapers. treatment damaged nerves in her right hand. To regain movement, she In 1985, he launched Hang Kong focused on handicrafts, including Literature, a literary magazine. He making stuffed teddy bears begin- published 30 books and was mentor ning in 2005, developing a uniquely to a whole new generation of writers. Chinese breed!

Liu passed away six months before Born in 1938, Xi’s family migrated from Shanghai to Hong Kong in 1950. She his 100th birthday. worked as an English teacher after completing graduate school.

Charlotte Yiu who translated the Translator Christine Sanderson has a background in Asia Pacific studies. book, is currently studying for her She majored in Chinese, Chinese Studies and Spanish at Australian National doctorate in Asian Languages and University, and also studied at Southeast University in Nanjing. Culture at the University of Michigan.

Don’t be fooled by the title, the book The author sent “invitations” to her bear First published in Chinese in 1962 and The novel captures the essence of Hong has nothing to do with teddy bears of the guests, dressed them in exquisite outfits, set in Hong Kong in the 1960s, this book has Kong in the early 1960s – the culture of Winnie-the-Pooh variety. Instead, Xi’s which she created herself, and wrote a been called “the Hong Kong novel.” The rampant capitalism of postwar Hong Kong. bears are based on her favourite characters “script” for each. narrator is at odds with a “philistine” world. The novel was made into a film in 2010. from history and legends such as Geng- The book is a whimsical book about He withdraws to his drunken world: his de- It was also an inspiration for HK director his Khan, the Queen Mother of the West, Chinese culture and the ways in which scent through the seedy bars and nightclubs, Wong Kar-Wai’s “In the Mood for Love.” ♦ Chang’e, even Cleopatra and Lawrence of Chinese clothing and fashion have evolved his encounters with bar girls. Arabia, to mention a few. through the ages ♦ PAGE 12 / November-December 2020 points of view www.chinainsight.info What does it mean to ‘belong’ as Asians in America By Ed Shew, Oct. 3, 2020

Reprinted wih permission of author and AsianAvenue magazine.

This novel celebrates and illuminates constantly try to “fit in” amidst the racism I proudly did not “fit in” the stereotype. In August, voters in Missouri passed expan- the struggles and achievements of a largely- of outright hostility or microaggression I’ve even been asked, “Don’t you think sion that provides health insurance for the ignored group in the rich history of the U.S. of thoughtless, unintentional racism and you’ve benefited from being Asian?” After working poor. The night it passed, Facebook - the Cantonese men who conquered build- violence of the macho west. They faced dis- being spat at a couple times during the pages exploded with celebratory messages ing the toughest part of the construction of criminatory western laws, ruthless railroad Vietnam War, denied employment and from supporters. I received several mes- the Transcontinental Railroad - the tunnels moguls, and endured the back- and mind- housing, and stopped seven times for traffic sages. One said, “Ed, you were the first through the granite of the Sierra Nevada breaking construction of the treacherous, violations — and not once given a warning, person to speak to me about why Medicaid Mountains. “Chinese Brothers, American western portion of the Transcontinental always receiving a ticket — well, I hide my expansion is important to you and why Sons” tells the little-known story of these Railroad, and yes, American food. scornful smile. I also believe every Asian you were involved in making this happen brave adventurers through the eyes of two My family also tried to “fit in.” A poi- American is wounded when asked, “Where ... Personal conversations like that make a brothers, Li Chang and Li Yu, who arrive gnant story was when I was in second grade, are you from?,” which continues to cast us difference.” Another told me, “I voted yes, in San Francisco in 1854 in search of the and my mother was invited to a potluck. She as “perpetual foreigners.” thanks to your promoting on the issue.” Gold Mountain. Despite being the target cooked a Cantonese dish of tomato, green What irks me is that unless one is hung This is an example of how we can make a of racism and not fitting in, their journey pepper and beef — food usually reserved for by one’s neck, the racism directed towards difference for the lives of others. is one of hope and triumph - the Chinese Sunday’s special meal prepared by father. Asian Americans, specifically Chinese, is “Belonging is being somewhere where brothers are no longer invisible, they are No one sampled mother’s food. I vividly often dismissed. In fact, the largest mass you want to be, and they want you. Belong- now American sons. recall the heartache in her face. She did not lynching in the U.S. happened on October ing is being accepted for you. Fitting in Every group that has immigrated to “fit in.” When she turned her back, I quickly 24, 1871, in Los Angeles, when 18 Chinese is being accepted for being like everyone America has struggled to “fit in” while scooped up several servings of the tasty immigrants were tortured and then hanged else,” Brene Brown, Ph.D. said. battling the hatred and discrimination from dish and gobbled them down. Later, know- while a crowd of white onlookers watched I have made that evolution from al- those already established. ing some of that food had been eaten, her and even cheered. ways trying to “fit in” to knowing that I First there was the “Yellow Peril” and countenance was joyful — I was happy, too. But I have learned that the fundamental “belong.”♦ later xenophobic myths that Asians were It is common in Chinese culture to not elements of fear, ignorance and arrogance disease carriers, a threat to the nation and question authority, to not be problematic or are common to all racial tragedies. To rank could never truly become American. Now opinionated. Thus, a defining moment while historical struggles by one’s race serves no history repeats itself with the mantra of I was working in human resources was when purpose. President Trump, calling COVID-19 the I heard an employee grievance on behalf of In the novel, the scared, unsure boy Li Ed Shew was born in 1949 to Chi- “Chinese Virus” and the “Kung-flu.” Since a new HR director. The director advised me Yu becomes a confident, guiding force of nese parents in St. Louis, Missouri. the pandemic, there have been more than to remember that I was part of management the Chinese railroad workers’ strike. Like His story of trying to ‘fit in’ is re- 2,500 reported “hate-crime” attacks against and to make my decision accordingly, and I Li Yu, I have evolved. flected in his first novel, “Chinese Asians in the United States. responded that my recommendation would For nearly six years, I assisted with Brothers, American Sons,” as well In “Chinese Brothers, American Sons,” be based on an objective investigation. I the effort to expand Medicaid. Colorado as this editorial. Li Chang and the younger brother Li Yu was never asked to hear another grievance. opted in for Medicaid expansion in 2013.

Planning for the future in five-year cycles By Laurence Brahm, China Daily, Oct. 29, 2020

The 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) is China's five-year plan system allows for that have resorted to protectionism and uni- Washington see environmental protection as high on the agenda of the ongoing Fifth a far longer-term assessment of economic lateralism, and on the other is the rest of the an obstacle to economic growth, China sees Plenum of the 19th Central Committee of and social needs in transition, requiring the world seeking a multilateral environment environmental technologies, new energy the Communist Party of China, as it will organization of budgets and infrastructure to alongside China. systems, and the shift from fossil fuels to set the economic and development targets meet the needs of the people and businesses This has created new challenges for renewables all as business and development extending to 2035. as society moves forward. This differs from China in its marketization process. With opportunities. Western politicians and economists the Western system, which is driven more China's trade with the U.S. and the European Given the immensity of vision needed often deride China's system of planning by election cycles and politics where eco- Union slowing down, there is likely to be an in this transition, planning will be required in five-year cycles, claiming that planning nomic health and people's livelihoods are overall shift in China's development strat- along with the market acting as the driver does not allow for the innovation and en- seconded to priorities of political power and egy－from robustly promoting globalization incentivizing this shift. Renewable energy trepreneurial spirit required for a market the dark-handed funding of political power to focusing on the domestic economy, inte- requires very advanced technology, and economy. But through planning, China can by lobbying institutions. grating the internal communication systems massive use of big data to manage the build a more vibrant and innovative market We see this in the United States where to boost domestic consumption, and further energy matrix. Therefore, this is an oppor- economy. the threat of the novel coronavirus, which developing the domestic market. tunity for growth, and creating jobs, new Let me put this in perspective by offer- has affected people's health and lives, as In the past, China relied heavily on the technologies and industries, businesses and ing some personal reflections. I first came well as the health of the economy, is ignored U.S. and the EU for high-end technologies. new forms of finance. to China as a student in 1981, and found an for very short-term political interests. But with globalization facing new challeng- And that's why markets need planning. ♦ economy of scarcity. Nothing was available. China's planning process takes a far es, mainly due to U.S. policies, the world is Even if you wanted to buy rice or bread longer-term view than any other country. being forced into a state of localization. So you had to have ration coupons. There was The traditional thinking of Chinese people there could be localization of manufactur- The author is a documentary film- nothing in the old planned economy that sourced from Confucian philosophy, Tao- ing, and technology development, especially maker, an explorer, environmental people could buy even if they had money. ism, Buddhism and universal laws es- for software and chips, in China. Which will lawyer and a senior international It's another matter that people then had little tablishes a cultural context allowing for require further transformation of China's fellow at the Center for China and money. planning. Long-term considerations of the domestic economy and a sharper innovation Globalization. For the next four decades I watched and broader public take priority over short-term strategy. This may be challenging in the participated in China's transformation, first individual needs of the politicians who seek early stages but in the long run it will benefit as a foreign investment lawyer helping bring to make personal gains or wealth, as we are the country. As such, the focus on localiz- multinational corporations to China, which seeing in the U.S. today. ing higher-end manufacturing, technology transformed the economy in the 1980s and The 14th Five-Year Plan will take into development and innovation is likely to be the 1990s. Now, China's policy of "ecologi- consideration the new global environment. an important part of the 14th Five-Year Plan. cal civilization" has been driving the shift We are living in a world where de-global- Much of China's technology develop- from fossil fuels to renewables, and promot- ization sentiments seem to be on the rise. ment will go into environmental repair－ ing technology innovation to achieve that In fact, we are looking at a bilateral world. shifting of the energy grid from fossil fuels goal through green finance. On one side are the U.S. and other countries to green energy. While policymakers in www.chinainsight.info points of view November-December 2020 / PAGE 13 At last, the UK and US see eye-to-eye on the danger posed by China This Oct. 23, 2020, Opinion piece is reprinted with permission of author Gray Sergeant and Hong Kong Free Press. ANCIENT MEDICINE During the mid-19th century the United rative. It is a line ever popular with critics States prided itself on its self-professed of what they themselves demeaningly call FOR MODERN HEALTHCARE peaceful posture towards China. Greater “the special relationship”. economic ties, Washington maintained, Another episode in 1971 also disproves would only be achieved through diplomacy. the sneering jibes of the anti-Atlanticists. That is after the Europeans had, using This time Britain, against America’s wishes, not so peaceful methods, imposed extraor- voted to throw the Republic of China, still dinarily strict terms on the Chinese. In what under the rule of the Generalissimo, out of has been dubbed “jackal diplomacy,” then the United Nations. Again Britain proved and only then would the Americans ap- it was not going to be Uncle Sam’s lapdog. proach the weakened Qing dynasty asking But let us not get too bogged down in all for equal terms. the canine metaphors. Jackals and poodles Not only did the Treaty of Tianjin of are ultimately neither here nor there. Rather, 1858 contain some of the most egregious they are just a crude way of alluding to British demands on the Chinese, from who is following who (or not, as the case preferential tax and trade policies to the es- may be). The point is that Anglo-American Diversity tablishment of treaty ports, its enforcement relations are complex. All the shared val- Scholarships revealed the superficiality of America’s ues in the world, and historic ties, cannot Available fence-sitting. guarantee cooperation. Britain more than Receive 50% In 1859, in an effort to ensure compli- amply demonstrated this with its policies Off Tuition ance with the treaty, the British once again towards China during the latter half of the assaulted the Taku forts. However, this time 20th century. Yet right now the situation is a reinforced Qing army beat them back. different. In the past few years there appears Join a growing integrative healthcare movement and help improve Coming to the aid of the embattled Royal to be a growing consensus on both sides of lives by providing non-invasive and drug-free treatments Navy, despite his country’s declared neutral- the Atlantic. A growing consensus for chal- as a Doctor of Chinese Medicine. ity, was American naval commander Josiah lenging, containing, confronting (call it what Tattnall. The British were towed to safety you like) a rising China. A “new Cold War,” ChiropracticMassageMassage • Massage Therapy Therapy Therapy •• AcupunctureAcupuncture • Acupuncture && ChineseChinese & Chinese Medicine Medicine Medicine and their injured attended to. In justifying some might say. his actions Tattnall proclaimed: “Blood is It is for this reason I include the his- nwhealth.edu/ChinaInsight [email protected] 952-885-5409952-885-5409 952-885-5409 thicker than water.” torical preamble. As a result of this recent nwhealth.edu Some 90 years later the Brits were not alignment the superpower sidekick slur is nwhealth.edu/ChinaInsightnwhealth.edu willing to reciprocate this fraternity. After being resuscitated. Sure, it can be argued Mao Zedong’s victory in the Chinese Civil that since the 1940s Britain has been less a war the British swiftly attempted to recog- “junior superpower” than a “superpower’s Johnson replies how high” was uttered not his enthusiasm for Xi Jinping’s Belt and nise his People’s Republic of China, much preferred junior” as the polemicist Chris- once but twice. I was in stitches… Road initiative, Johnson vowed to keep to the displeasure of Washington who was topher Hitchens once quipped. However, Trump’s distinct approach to “Chiiina” Britain the most open place in Europe for hellbent on containing global communism. portraying Britain as an unquestioning and is well known. If for no other reason than Chinese investment. This was no surprise. This made the United Kingdom the first subservient junior deserves a rebuttal. his bombastic rhetoric. In trying to make Not only did this former Foreign Secretary western country to seek to switch recogni- Recently I had the displeasure of virtu- sense of their man his administration has simultaneously have a general disinterest tion from Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalist ally attending the Stop the War Coalition’s ushered in a new approach to the country, in foreign affairs and a post-Brexit “Global government. “The US, China and the Threat of War” one which seeks to learn the mistakes of Britain” slogan to make something of. He For Britain, “blood” clearly counted for fringe meeting at the British Labour Party previous administrations. Secretary of State also had a reputation, from his time as little when compared to its lucrative assets conference. This is supposedly one of the Mike Pompeo put the problem better than London Mayor, as someone keen to splash in mainland China and its recently reclaimed benefits of the Covid age. That is, the abil- his President ever could: the cash on big infrastructure projects – in- Crown colony of Hong Kong. Of course, ity to attend the panels you would normally “We [the United States] did an awful lot cluding £52 million on a bridge which was Whitehall mandarins would also justify the do best to avoid but from the comfort of that accommodated China’s rise in the hope never built. move as an attempt to drive a wedge be- your own home. It was as disappointing as that communist China would become more After winning a “stonking” election tween Beijing and Moscow. A masterstroke expected. free, more market-driven, and ultimately, victory last December on a promise to level of realpolitik, not mere self-interest, they Not only was there little actual China- hopefully, more democratic.” up Britain’s economically lagging regions, would insist. Yet whatever the rights and related talk, least of all about Beijing’s What America failed to realise, Pompeo the question soon turned to who was going wrongs of the switch, or its motivations for aggressive impulses (plenty of complaints went on to say, was how China was actu- to pay. There were even murmurings in that matter, the incident gives the lie to the about Washington, though). But the tired old ally evolving. That has all changed. Now, February of the Chinese coming in to put “British poodle”, “American master” nar- cliché that “when Trump says jump, Boris with engagement ditched, both great power back on track the construction of Britain’s competition and the topic of China-proofing high-speed rail. Not only has this not hap- the USA have risen up America’s agenda. pened but five months later the British gov- Abroad, the United States has stepped up ernment U-turned on Huawei, announcing efforts to contain Beijing’s growing power its complete removal from the country’s and send strong signals in opposition to its 5G networks by the end of 2027 and a ban aggressive actions in the South China Sea on buying its equipment after the end of and towards Taiwan. this year. At home, the Trump administration has Beijing must be wondering what went sounded the alarm on Chinese Communist wrong. According to James Forsyth, politi- Party (CCP) influence campaigns, while na- cal editor of The Spectator and a man with tional security concerns have become a more his ear firmly pressed to the walls of No.10, prominent aspect of trade policy. There has Covid-19 changed everything. The problem even been, in spite of the Commander-and- was not where the virus originated, he re- Chief’s inability to provide moral leader- ported, but rather what the crisis revealed ship, encouraging words from high-ranking about the Chinese state and Britain’s depen- administration officials who have repeatedly dence on it. According to sources, Downing highlighted human rights abuses in Hong Street’s pandemic-postponed foreign policy Kong and Xinjiang. review will now aim to get Great Britain It was never guaranteed that Boris “off the trajectory of ever-increasing depen- Johnson would sign up to this. In fact, after dence” on China. winning the Conservative Party leadership Demonstrators in Hong Kong wave US flags at a march in September 2019. campaign he quickly brandished his “pro- Photo: May James/HKFP. China” credentials. As well as proclaiming Continued on page 14 PAGE 14 / November-December 2020 arts & culture www.chinainsight.info MOCA’s “OneWorld Collection” recent acquisitions

Founded in 1980, the Museum of Chi- musical scores, etc. relating to Chinese Should you wish to donate items of nese in America (MOCA) in New York city American artists. His blog about Chinese cultural or historical value such as furniture, is dedicated to preserving and presenting American visual artists can be found at works of art, photos, manuscripts, books, the history, heritage, culture and diverse http://chimericaneyes.blogspot.com/. periodicals relevant to MOCA’s mission, experiences of people of Chinese descent A collection of publications about Chi- please contact: Museum of Chinese in in the United States. It was named one of nese American social issues in the 1940s America, Collections and Research Center, 20 “American’s Cuttural Treasures” by Ford was donated to the museum by Chinese 70 Mulberry St., 2nd Floor, New York, NY Foundation in October – a fine way to kick memorabilia collector Roy Delbyck. 10013. (Phone: (855) 955-MOCA; e-mail: off its 40th anniversary! [email protected]). On April 24, 2020, MOCA announced Iconic 69 Bayard Restaurant neon sign Do note that MOCA does not provide its effort to establish the MOCA OneWorld any appraisal services or consultation. For COVID-19 Special Collection (“OneWorld MOCA staff was allowed by the owner, Zhi new acquisitions, the museum will provide Collection”). The OneWorld Collection Cheng Zhang, to collect some items from the a tax-exempt form if it is requested, but features acquisitions of a wide range of restaurant, including dollar bills, menus and it is the donor’s responsibility to find out artifacts, including but not limited to photo- the iconic neon sign. the value of the donation. It has, however, graphs, letters, articles, journals, messages, The collection also includes: compiled a list of appraisers on its website notes, certificates, medical records, videos, A donation of more than 300 photo- (https://www.mocanyc.org), which may be and oral histories of Chinese Americans graphs, postcards and documents from helpful. during COVID-19. This collection will not CCBA President Eric Y. Ng, adding to his Finally, despite a devastating January only feature stories of community efforts but collection already at MOCA. One of the fire that ravaged the building housing the also highlight experiences of individuals and many highlights of his collection is a hand- museum’s artifacts, nine months later ap- families during these unprecedented times. written letter from journalist Wong Chin proximately 95 percent of damaged artifacts The public is invited to send a write-up Foo, who some credit with coining the term had been restored and the museum is prepar- and photos to [email protected], with Chinese American. ing a major reopening. the subject line “Submission for MOCA A donation by Douglas Chu of 600-plus However, MOCA faces a long complex OneWorld COVID-19 Special Collection.” photographs, documents and correspon- road to recovery ahead. With the Museum Tell how you, your association, or your dence of the family of Chinatown business- closed due to COVID-19, MOCA's need is community group organized to help the man James Yip Typond. greater than ever. Do contribute whatever pandemic crisis. Long-time museum supporter, collector you can at MOCA's GoFundMe page to help On March 27, the Chinatown staple 69 and blogger, Alex Jay, also donated more Report cover from the memorabilia collection with restoration efforts. ♦ Bayard Restaurant shut down. The next day, than 350 books, comic books, magazines, donated by Roy Delbyck

Points of View At last, the UK and US see eye-to-eye on the danger posed by China Continued from Page 13

Of course, the potential withering away ber 7th Westminster Hall Debate on Tibet Labour Party’s new China policy. Others Britain seeks to protect itself and its allies. of Johnson’s 80-seat parliamentary majority because, except for generously letting the will complain that it is insufficiently differ- Still, London’s thinking lags behind with the establishment of the CCP-critical previous Labour government off the hook, ent from “the Tories” or use Boris Johnson’s Washington. The Foreign Secretary, Domi- China Research Group within his own he puts the case against successive Conser- rethink as further evidence to prove he is nic Raab, insists Britain is not seeking to Conservative Party, and changes in public vative governments well. just another foreigner-loathing Trumpian prevent China’s rise and even Kinnock, a opinion, have also prompted the rethink. “It is becoming increasingly clear that “populist”. Yet surely the point is to have week on from that stonker of a speech which What has mattered less, it appears, is the our interaction as a United Kingdom, and the the right position, regardless of who else I approvingly quoted from, has spoken about need to massage Donald Trump’s ego. interaction and engagement of the United holds it (otherwise it would be impossible “constructive engagement” with China – If anything proves the unimportance of Kingdom Government – indeed, of succes- to take a stance on anything). whatever this means. America’s influence it would be the British sive Governments since 2010 – has been Like their counterparts in Washington, Ending Cameron & Co.’s “Golden Labour Party’s hardening anti-China stance. characterised, I am afraid to say, by naivety No.10 are eager to get China-proofing by Era” rhetoric, plus a few more Freedom of Forget the “anti-imperialist” spiel from Stop and complacency, both domestically and reducing Britain’s reliance on the country Navigation operations in the South China the War’s fringe meeting. It was fringe in abroad. Of course, in 2015 David Cameron for essential imports. Labour agree and want Sea, is not a sufficient global response. Like both senses of the word. Its panellists, in- and George Osborne announced the so- it done faster pointing to research highlight- Trump or loathe him (there are no prizes for cluding the previous Labour Leader Jeremy called golden era of Sino-British relations, ing 229 UK supply chains dependent on guessing my view) his administration has Corbyn and his Shadow Home Secretary based on the premise that we would open our China, of which 59 relate to critical national put competing with China for global and Diane Abbott, have returned to backbench markets to China and that the Chinese Gov- infrastructure. regional supremacy at the heart of America’s obscurity. As his successor Keir Starmer has ernment would reciprocate while gradually There is also a recognition in Westmin- foreign policy. emphatically made clear, Labour is under aligning with the international rules-based ster, on both sides of the green benches, that Hopefully where Washington continues new leadership. order and opening up to trade with the rest of the previous approach towards China of to lead, leaving a ripped up decades-old The fact that somebody with Corbyn’s the world. That approach viewed the UK’s so-called “engagement” (a euphemism for China consensus in its wake, other liberal views was ever elected Labour leader just relationship with China purely through an appeasement if there ever was one, as I have democracies including Britain will follow. goes to show the deep misgivings about economic lens, turning a blind eye to human previously argued on the Hong Kong Free This would be a reversal of America’s Atlanticism amongst the party membership. rights abuses in exchange for the naive and Press) has failed. Labour speak vaguely of jackal-like imitation of the British approach No Labour politician will gain plaudits narrow promise of future economic benefit.” the need to “build an alliance of democracies to the Qing dynasty – except this time it is from the rank and file for agreeing with an The similarities with Pompeo’s own to champion cooperation based on shared China who is the aggressor. ♦ American president. Let alone a Republican analysis of the West’s previous policies on values and promoting human rights.” In one. Let alone Donald Trump. If anything, as China, quoted above, are obvious. Although conservative circles there is talk of the Brit- Orwell put it, a bit of insincere anti-Amer- unintentional. Likewise the shadow minis- ish government’s similar scheme dubbed the icanism would help certain left-wingers ter’s list of complaints sound faintly familiar Democratic 10 (D10) which includes the Gray Sergeant is a writer based in keep in with the fashionable opinions of the too: unbalanced trade, intellectual property democracies of the G7, plus India, South Taipei who regularly comments on minor, albeit vocal, mob. theft and the dumping of heavily subsidised Korea and Australia. Taiwanese, Chinese and Hong Kong So when, this month, Labour’s new goods, to name a few. With further flagrant human rights politics. Previously he worked in hu- shadow Asia minister Stephen Kinnock Some of those opposed to America’s abuses in Xinjiang, the trashing of the Sino- man rights advocacy, and for many echoed Washington’s tune he had every actions in East Asia, or for that matter in British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong, and years was an activist for the UK reason, politically speaking, not to. Below any part of the world, will likely use Stalin- the ascendancy of Beijing’s “Wolf Warrior” Labour Party. Follow him on Twitter. I copy his closing remarks from the Octo- ist guilt by association tactics to smear the diplomacy over the past year, it is no wonder