FosteringC Businesshina and Cultural HarmonyInsight between China and the U.S. VOL. 10 NO. 5 www.chinainsight.info May 2011 Fourth Annual Celebrate APA Heritage Month A Passage to China n 1978, a joint congressional resolu- to the strength of the United States, help The 2009 American Community Survey tion established Asian/Pacific Ameri- shape its future and share in its promise (http://factfinder.census.gov) found that at Ican Heritage Week. The first 10 days and opportunity. The 2011 National Asian there were 3.8 million Asians of Chinese Mall of America of May were chosen to coincide with two Pacific American Heritage month celebrates descent in the U.S. in 2009. Chinese-Ameri- important milestones in “Leadership, Diversity, cans were the largest Asian group, followed Pages 8-9 Asian/Pacific American Empowerment and Be- by Filipinos (3.2 million), Asian Indians (2.8 history: the arrival in yond”. million), Vietnamese (1.7 million), Koreans the United States of the According to popu- (1.6 million) and Japanese (1.3 million). first Japanese immigrants lation estimates from The Survey also found that 2.6 million (May 7, 1843) and con- the U.S. Census Bureau people 5 and older spoke Chinese at home in tributions of Chinese (http://www.census.gov/ 2009. After Spanish, Chinese was the most workers to the building popest/estimates.html), widely spoken non-English language in the of the transcontinental there were an estimated country. Tagalog, Vietnamese and Korean railroad, completed May 16 million U.S. residents were each spoken at home by more than 1 10, 1869. In 1992, Con- of Asian descent in July million people. gress expanded the ob- 2009. Also, the percent- The Survey of Business Owners (http:// servance to a month-long age growth of the Asian www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/ar- celebration. Per a 1997 population between 2008 chives/economic_census/cb10-107.html) Office of Management and 2009 was 2.6 per- found that 1.6 million businesses were and Budget directive, the cent, making Asians the owned by Asian-Americans in 2007, an China Insight sits down with Asian or Pacific Islander second fastest-growing increase of 40.7 percent from 2002. Busi- young Minnesota performer racial category was separated into two minority group (following the Hispanic nesses owned by Asian Americans had total Andrew Moy categories: one being Asian and the other population). Both of these statistics include receipts of US$514 billion in 2007, up 57.3 Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander. those who said they were both Asian alone percent from 2002. Page 10 Asian Pacific American (APA) Heri- or Asian in combination with one or more Throughout May, there will be many tage Month honors the achievements of other races. ways to celebrate APA heritage, the strength American ethnic groups with roots in Asia All in all, 48 percent of Asians turned out of Asian Americans and the many contribu- and the Pacific Islands and recognizes their to vote in 2008 — up 4 percentage points tions of Asian American and Pacific Island- contributions to the United States. The from 2004. A total of 3.4 million Asians ers to their local communities and the United U.S. Census Bureau lists more than 25 voted. (http://www.census.gov/newsroom/ States.  such groups. As Americans, they contribute releases/archives/voting/cb09-110.html)

Nation's city leaders push to Delegation from Loudi, China visits Eden Prairie, MN expand U.S. ties Page 6 By Chen Weihua, China Daily

"The lower the level, the less standing of modern Xi'an. Happy ideological it is," said Rogers He described Xi'an as China's version of Weed, director of the Depart- Seattle since both cities have a strong avia- ment of Commerce of the state tion industry and are leaders in education Mother’s of Washington. and technology. His words were echoed by On [April 19], Xi'an's bureau of com- Mark Funkhouser, mayor of merce and the Trade Development Alliance Day! Kansas City (Missouri), who of Greater Seattle signed a Memorandum of said: "We don't have that [kind Understanding to boost bilateral exchange of politics], this event is a posi- and cooperation. tive thing." In his presentation, Wang Guozhong, At the meeting, Chinese vice-mayor of Wuxi, Jiangsu province, mayors tried to impress their brought along Shi Zhengrong, founder of Yue Huafeng, vice-mayor of Xi'an, Shaanxi province, U.S. counterparts and poten- Suntech, while Xu Liquan, mayor of Wei- presents a gift to Rogers Weed, director of the tial investors by touting their fang, Shandong province, made the city's Department of Commerce of the Washington State on strengths. international kite festival a top selling point. Tuesday at the meeting of the US-China Initiative on Ma Zhengqi, vice-mayor A total of 41 U.S. cities sent their mayors City-Level Economic Cooperation being held in Seattle, of Chongqing, a sister city of and representatives to the conference. Washington. Chen Weihua / China Daily Seattle for the past 28 years, "It's a great thing and a huge opportunity described the largest city in for cities in the United States to talk with SEATTLE, Washington - Mayors from western China as an undeveloped region. cities in China for real economic benefit. both the United States and China shrugged But he painted a five-year blueprint in which This is not a zero sum game and this is good ALSO IN THIS ISSUE off the ideological conflicts that have come Chongqing will make leaps in urbanization, for both sides," Funkhouser said. to underscore bilateral trade between both industrialization and internationalization. Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn said it's Opinion...... 2 nations and said on [April 19] they only care He talked about the city's fast improving important for his city to identify its advan- Events...... 3-4 about the bottom line. transportation and infrastructural facilities tages and build on its strength "so we can Education...... 6 A 70-member Chinese delegation, com- and inexpensive land and utilities prices in successfully trade with Chinese cities and A Passage to China...... 8-9 prising businesspeople, mayors and vice- Chongqing. regions which are building their strength in Community...... 10 & 16 mayors from large and medium-sized cities Yue Huafeng, vice-mayor of Xi'an, the global economy". Culture...... 11 such as Shanghai, Chongqing and Xi'an, Shaanxi province, introduced his city, the The state of Washington exported US$9 Government...... attempted to demonstrate their strong inter- site of the terracotta warriors, as a natural billion in goods to China, making it one of 12 est in strengthening cooperation with their history museum on par with Athens, Rome the top U.S. exporters to the country. Commentary...... 13 U.S. counterparts at a [April 19] meeting and Cairo. McGinn said mayors in both the [United Economics...... 14 for the US-China Initiative on City-Level He said he believes the city's ancient Business...... 15 Economic Cooperation. wonder should not cloud people's under- U.S. ties continues on Page 14 PAGE 2 > MAY 2011 opinion www.chinainsight.info Release Ai WeiWei: to be awarded the Unilever Series commis- sion for the Tate Modern’s massive Turbine ChinaInsight An overseas Chinese perspective Hall in London, in an exhibition that con- tinues through May 2. The Tate Modern Publisher: By Christine Wong Yap, New America Media, Posted: Apr 17, 2011 is one of the most popular art museums in Gregory J. Hugh the world, receiving about 7 million people import when viewed in this larger familial [email protected] visitors per year. continuum. Ai was detained on April 3 at the Beijing Visiting China colored my perception Airport. Since then, the Chinese govern- Editor: of Chinese issues. But my views are shaped ment has maintained almost total silence Jennifer Nordin by my personal experiences there—not on his whereabouts and physical safety. In [email protected] my status as an overseas Chinese that the addition, some of Ai’s associates have been government was so keen to impress on me. taken away by police or have gone missing. For example, my perspective on China’s Manager of Operations/ According to FreeAiWeiWei.organd the economic growth is complicated by the fact Circulation: Ai Weiwei Guardian, the whereabouts of Ai’s friend that my relatives live in rural villages sur- Richard He Wen Tao, studio partner Liu Zhenggang, rounded by rice paddies where generations [email protected] ver since international artist Ai driver Zhang Jingsong (Xiaopang), and of ancestors were farmers, an occupation Weiwei’s arrest by Chinese se- lawyer Liu Xiaoyuan are also unknown. that is no longer tenable. I met a distant Marketing Director: curity forces, I’ve felt compelled Ironically, Ai would have been con- E cousin who rode a rusty bicycle to work in to speak out against China’s human rights sidered an overseas Chinese during his Will Ahern a factory. That job, however low-wage or abuses. I am a Chinese-American artist stay in New York spanning the 1980s to [email protected] long-shifted, was a critical financial lifeline. whose deepening sense of pride in my par- early 1990s. He returned to China when I could no longer take my privilege as an ents’ homeland prompted me to identify as his father, a poet forced into re-education Production Editor: American for granted. an overseas Chinese. Now that pride is su- camps, fell ill. Nor can I tolerate dismissive, simplis- Dawn Murphy perceded by a deeper moral imperative—to The Chinese government may view tic statements about China. I tend to be [email protected] demand Ai’s release. If such a high-profile overseas Chinese as industriously spread- sympathetic to the fact that such massive, figure can be "disappeared" despite pressure ing their culture, language, and ideas to the rapid economic growth is accompanied by Artist/Intern: from officials and major art institutions, world, but this view neglects the possibility growing pains. As a result, Western finger- Lauren Hugh then it follows that the Chinese government that members of the Diaspora may discard wagging often seems paternalistic and can perpetrate countless other human rights Chinese habits for superior ones. In the hypocritical to me. violations without consequence. case of free speech and human rights, laws Staff Writers: Yet when it comes to the Chinese gov- I discovered I was an overseas Chinese protecting individual rights should not be Greg Hugh ernment’s human rights abuses, I have to 10 years ago, at the age of 23. sacrificed for outdated Chinese ways. I may [email protected] side with international critics. The recent Born in California, I had always consid- not have a Chinese vote or representation, detention and state-sponsored disappearance ered myself Chinese American—Chinese but I enjoy my freedom of speech and plan of Ai is remarkable for its brazenness. Elizabeth Greenberg in appearance, American in language and to make use of it. Ai is best known for designing the Bird’s [email protected] culture. But when I visited Guangdong, I look forward to participating in “1,001 Nest Olympic stadium in collaboration with China, in 2001, I gained a new identity as an Chairs for Ai Weiwei,” a poetic demonstra- Herzog & de Meuron. As his fame grows, Anthony James overseas Chinese as I studied an oversized tion scheduled for this Sunday, April 17 at so does the influence of his critiques of the [email protected] world map in a museum. Dots indicated 1 p.m. local time at Chinese embassies and Chinese government. In 2009, he published the presence of people of Chinese ethnicity consulates worldwide, to show my dissent. 5,385 names of child victims of the 2008 in almost all countries and continents. The I call on overseas Chinese—if they have Albert Leung Sichuan earthquake on his blog—which was authorities’ pride in the Chinese Diaspora discovered that identity or rejected it—to [email protected] shut down shortly thereafter. That same year, was obvious. Ai was beaten by police and later treated tell Beijing that such injustices must stop.  Being an overseas Chinese implies that Jennifer Nordin for a cerebral hemorrhage. Last fall, the an innate essence predominates over the in- government demolished Ai’s new studio in Source: New American Media [email protected] fluence of one’s environment. For example, Shanghai. Concurrently, he is recognized as http://newamericamedia.org/2011/04/ my maternal lineage can be traced over 20 a great artist—he is the first non-Westerner release-ai-weiwei-an-overseas-chinese- Mike Xiong generations. Where I live seems of little perspective.php [email protected]

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East Culture Center invites all to its Grand Opening The Grand Opening of East Culture only register once and they may come and Center at Lift Kids Global Village in St. go as often as they like during the four days. Paul will be held on May 18 to kick off the Shen Pei, Executive Director of East Chinese Cultural Festival “Understanding Culture Center is a highly-recognized, and Appreciation of Chinese Culture”. East senior expert in Chinese Culture. She and Culture Center is a collaboration between her co-presenters will host several work- Lift Kids, Inc and Sun Ray Education and shops, performances and exhibits. Groups Culture Center, a company founded by re- are welcome: schools, families, businesses nowned Chinese cultural leader, Shen Pei. and civic groups. This is a unique opportu- East Culture Center will conduct workshops nity for Chinese cultural immersion with throughout the summer and all year round. Chinese artists, story-tellers, dancers and There will be learning experiences for musicians. all age groups at East Culture Center. Some During the Chinese Cultural Festival, the may be studying an Asian language or may East Culture Centre at Lift Kids Global Vil- US-China Business Connections be interested in travel to, or business in the lage will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday Far East. Others may be curious and want and Friday, May 19 and 20; and noon to 9 presents David Edmiston, U.S. to understand the intricacies of Chinese p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and culture, history and protocol, or may want 22. General admission will be US$20 per Commercial Service to develop relationships and friendships adult and US$10 per child. with members of the Asian community. It East Culture Center is located at Lift TOPIC: How the Government Can Increase Your Sales to China all starts with culture at Lift Kids Global Kids Global Village in the Historic Produce The UCBC May breakfast meeting will 612-865-6543 The cost is US$25 per per- Village. Exchange Building at the corner of 10th and be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 from son (UCBC members and college students The Grand Opening of East Culture Jackson in downtown St. Paul. Metered, 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at McNamara Center at FREE). Parking is free in the student lot. Center will be Wednesday, May 18 from street parking is available during the day Dunwoody College, 818 Dunwoody Blvd., UCBC is a non-profit organization 6-9 p.m. The Chinese Cultural Festival will and parking is free after 4:30 PM and all Minneapolis, MN 55403. providing an educational and networking continue through Sunday, May 22. This is day on Sundays. David Edmiston, International Trade forum for entrepreneurs and companies a unique opportunity for all ages to learn To learn more visit Lift Kids at Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service will interested in developing business relation- about all aspects of Chinese culture. Those www.facebook.com/liftkids or call present “How the Government Can Increase ships with China. The organization consists who wish to participate in this Festival, need 651-298-9200.  Your Sales to China” Mr. Edmiston will of entrepreneurs, who either already been share how Minnesota companies can use doing business in China or are looking for what the Commercial Service has to offer business opportunities in China, and all with to expand their sales into China varying levels of knowledge and experience Happy Mother’s Day! To make a reservation to attend, e-mail in China. www.ucbcgroup.org  [email protected] or call Jim Smith at PAGE 4 > MAY 2011 events www.chinainsight.info The 100 Years of The Dalai Lama Chinese American returns to History in MN - from Minnesota 1911 - 2011 - A 10 years have passed since His Holiness’s last visit to the state is Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is honored to collaborate with the Tibetan Story from Within will be welcomed to the Uni- American Foundation of Minnesota on His Hversity of Minnesota May 6-9, Holiness’ visit to the Twin Cities,” said Mary ten years after his last visit to Minnesota. Jo Kreitzer, PhD, RN, FAAN, director of the The University’s Center for Spirituality & CSH at the University of Minnesota. Healing (CSH) and the Tibetan American “The Dalai Lama is a world leader who Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM) will co- has collaborated with scientists around the host the visit. The theme will be “One Heart, globe to advance the understanding of the One Mind, One Universe.” power of the mind to heal. At the Center, There are six events planned for this we have conducted NIH-funded research visit: on the health outcomes associated with Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, a Official University Welcome at Eastcliff, practice that includes meditation and yoga.” home of the University President Robert Bruininks 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2011.

KIPO! World Premiere at Rarig Center The Chinese American community erected this arch on Nicollet Mall for 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2011. CSH the 1970 Minneapolis Aquatennial Festival. and TigerLion Arts are pleased and excited to add a cultural component to the spring ponsored by Minnesota Chinese • Photo and Audio/Video Exhibition, visit of His Holiness. The world premiere of Cultural Services Center (MCC- May – June, 2011 (along with Chinese “KIPO!” celebrates the Dalai Lama’s culture SC), Chinese American Academic American Artists’ works) S and lineage with a “circus of spirit, song and and Professional Association in Minnesota • Educational Package with DVDs, in- dance from Tibet, the Land of Snow.” (CAAPAM), Asian Media Access (AMA), cluding Photo Exhibition of Chinese Ameri- Minnesota Chinese Veterans Association can History in Minnesota, 15 Oral History Additional performances**: 2:00 – 3:30 (MCVA) and several other Chinese com- Interviews, 100 Chinese Families Slide p.m. and 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7, munity organizations, the "100 Years of Show and the whole year event records. 2011; 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Sunday, May 8, 2011 Chinese American History in MN from 1911 - 2011 - Story from Within" project Upcoming Events Meet the Press: His Holiness the 14th will kick off May 4, 2011 at the Landmark 100 Years of Chinese American History Dalai Lama greets Minnesota media Center from 5 to 7 p.m. The project will in Minnesota Photo Exhibition Preview, 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7, 2011 at the highlight the Chinese American Minneso- Chinese Music Concert, & Pan Asian Arts Marquette Hotel, downtown Minneapolis tans, their contributions and struggles, with Festival His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama a special emphasis on the Oral and Photo Date / Time: Sunday, May 1, 2011 / Noon Medicine Buddha Empowerment: A History throughout Minnesota. The May 4, to 5 p.m. Tibetan Cultural and Spiritual Ceremony “The Tibetan American community event will include reception, ribbon cutting Photo Preview: Noon to 5 p.m. Promoting Personal and Societal Healing of Minnesota is overjoyed about the emi- ceremony for the photo exhibition, introduc- Pan Asian Arts Festival: Noon to 3 p.m. featuring His Holiness the 14th Dalai nent visit of His Holiness,” said Tsewang tion of the 15 oral history interviewees, and Chinese Music Concert: 3 to 5 p.m. Lama Ngodup, MD, president of the Board of exhibition tour. Place: Landmark Center, 75 5th St W., Saint 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 8, 2011 at Directors for TAFM. The reason of choosing the 100 years Paul, MN 55102 Mariucci Arena, hosted by TAFM “Indeed, we consider it a very special - from 1911 - 2011 is inspired by the Min- coincidence that it was on May 8, 2001 that nesota Historical Society book – Chinese 100 Years of Chinese American History in Peace Through Inner Peace: A Public His Holiness came to the Twin Cities for the in Minnesota description - "By 1910 the Minnesota Photo Exhibition I Address featuring His Holiness the 14th very first time.” Chinese population had grown to nearly Opening Reception: Wednesday, May 4, Dalai Lama Minnesota has the second largest con- 400. This included more than 100 Chinese 2011 / 5 to 7 p.m. 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 8, 2011 at centration of Tibetan Americans in the men in Iron Range towns, where they oper- Exhibition: May 4 to June 12 Mariucci Arena, co-hosted by CSH and United States. ated small businesses, including laundries, Hours: Mon. – Wed. & Fri. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., TAFM His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiri- to meet the demands of the men who worked Thu. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., tual leader of the Tibetan people. At age two, in lumber camps and mines. Family life Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Second International Tibetan Medicine he was recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama, developed slowly in Minnesota's early Sun. Noon – 5 p.m. Conference: Healing Mind & Body continuing a line of political and spiritual Chinese community and elsewhere in the Place: Landmark Center, 75 5th St W., Saint 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 9, 2011 leaders spanning six centuries. The Dalai United States, due to the restrictions of the Paul, MN 55102 at the University Radisson Metrodome Lama has commited his life to the promo- immigration law, Chinese tradition, and the Hotel. , co-hosted by CSH and TAFM. tion of human values such as compassion, high cost of trans-Pacific travel. Neverthe- 100 Years of Chinese American History in (His Holiness is not expected to attend this forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and less, at least six families were established in Minnesota Photo Exhibition II & Chinese conference.) self-discipline as well as the promotion Minnesota before 1910." American Arts Exhibition of religious harmony and understanding We see 1911 is a new beginning for Opening Reception: Saturday, June 18, ** Performances of “KIPO!” will continue among the world’s major religious tradi- Chinese American in Minnesota, with estab- 2011 6-8 p.m. at Rarig Center through May 22, 2011. tions. He was awarded the Nobel Peace lishing immigration patterns and soon many Exhibition: June 16 to July 16 Prize in 1989. events followed, such as: establishing cul- Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., The Dalai Lama's return to the Min- For more information about the Univer- tural and social organizations, businesses, Sat. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. nesota coincides with the official launch sity of Minnesota Center for Spirituality & involving in mainland politics, and active Place: Burnsville Performing Arts Center, of the Tibetan Healing Initiative (THI) at Healing visit www.csh.umn.edu. For more education exchange, etc. 12600 Nicollet Avenue. Burnsville, MN the CSH. For more than 10 years, the CSH information about the Tibetan American The project will capture information 55337 has offered graduate courses in traditional Foundation of Minnesota visit www.tafm. about Chinese immigration history in The Minnesota Historical Society’s Tibetan medicine. org. For information about the Dalai Minnesota, settling experience and their Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund made this New THI initiatives will include re- Lama’s Minnesota visit and for tickets to memories in relationships to historical project possible. All events are free and open search on the benefits of blending Tibetan the planned events, visit events back in the homeland. The whole to the public, visit http://roc100minnesota. healing with conventional health practices project will include: www.dalailama.umn.edu.  info/ online, call 651-733-9827, or e-mail: and integrating Tibetan practices into re- • 15 Oral History Interviews with Chi- [email protected].  gional clinic and hospital settings. nese Americans in Minnesota “The Center for Spirituality & Healing Tickets are available for most Twins games this season. Check back often for up-to-date availability. TWINSBASEBALL.COM • 612-33-TWINS PAGE 6 > MAY 2011 education www.chinainsight.info Delegation from Loudi, China visits Eden Prairie, MN By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer

ten member delegation from the city of Loudi (metropolitan area and its affiliated counties/cities/district) in Hunan Province, China recently paid a visit to Eden A Prairie, Minnesota. The delegation was led by Yan Fuchu, Vice Mayor of Loudi Municipal Government in charge of Education, Health and Science for the city of Loudi, principals of several schools in Loudi along with education officials from Liangyuan, Lengshuijiang, Xinaghua and Shuangfeng County under Loudi. China Insight assisted in making arrangements for this visit and the Eden Prairie School District and the City of Eden Prairie extended invitations for this delegation’s visit which would focus on education and business opportunities between the two cities. To ensure that the delegation’s mission was fulfilled, their hosts arranged a day packed with a schedule of events.

Loudi’s Vice Mayor, Yan Fuchu (r) provides an overview of Loudi with Richard He translating. Robinson, both of which are businesses headquartered in Eden Prairie. Vice Mayor, Yan Fuchu, also provided an overview of Loudi city during which he stressed that Loudi has designated an economic zone and because of it’s central location, could be a transportation hub easily accessible to the rest of China. It was obvious during the question and answer period that followed, there are business opportunities that would be worth pursuing. The final, official event of the day was a reception at the of- fices of the City of Eden Prairie. There, the group was welcomed by Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens along with other city staff mem- bers, school district board mem- bers and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and business community. The visit was coordinated Part of the Loudi delegation that visited Oak Point Intermediate School in Eden Prairie by China Insight and Global Learning Alliance to provide To begin their day, the delegation was split into 2 separate groups of 5 each so that they transportation and translation. could visit 2 different Eden Prairie Schools. One group visited Oak Point Intermediate Mrs. Ergan Xu, a newly hired and the other group went to Eden Prairie High School. During these visits, the delegation Chinese language teacher at was greeted during breakfast meetings, visited various classrooms and given a tour of the EPHS also helped translate for school. Each session ended with a robust question and answer session that generated much the group visiting EPHS during discussion about U.S. teaching methods which put some of the group behind schedule for the morning. their next event. Although the delegation was The group’s next stop was a visit to the Eden Prairie School District Administrative exhausted after their whirlwind Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Mayor of Eden Prairie, welcomes Services Center where they would learn about how money is raised to support various visit, a trip to Minnesota would the delegation from Loudi, China programs through the efforts of the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools and the Booster not be complete without a visit to Club for EPHS. Although it was made clear that this is strictly a voluntarily program, the Mall of America so they completed their day by closing Mall of America with their gener- delegation expressed concerns that this might put undue pressure on families that may not ous contributions to the Minnesota economy with as much shopping they could squeeze be able to contribute financially, but it was noted that a donation of time was also acceptable. in prior to the Mall closing to purchase presents for their family and friends before they departed Minnesota for Los Angeles the next morning. 

White House Initiative Calls upon AAPI Youth to become Teachers

Initiative Releases Video of Roundtable Discussion on the Importance of Teaching WASHINGTON -- The White House and Singer-Songwriter Clara Chung and Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Singer-Songwriter David Choi. The dis- Islanders issued a call to action today en- cussion focused on the vital role teachers couraging AAPI community members to can play both in the classroom and in consider making a difference in the lives reforming education, and steps young of children by becoming teachers. As the people can take to become teachers. The baby boomer generation retires, the U.S. purpose of the event was to change the anticipates losing more than a million way the community thinks about the Eden Prairie School District Superintendent, Mellissa Krull (r), welcomes delegation teachers. Today, AAPIs make up less than teaching profession as a way to help shape with Richard He (l) translating. 1 percent of all teachers. the future. Video from that roundtable is In his 2011 State of the Union, Presi- available here: http://www.youtube.com/ Following these discussions, School District Superintendent Melissa Krull welcomed dent Obama highlighted the importance of watch?v=WVJ0IPE5yac the group and expressed that Eden Prairie was very pleased with the Sister School rela- teachers stating, “If you want to make a “We need to inspire the next genera- tionship that was created in 2006 with Loudi No. 1 Middle School and looked forward to difference in the life of our nation, if you tion to make a difference in the lives of continuing a mutual beneficial student exchange program. This delegation, especially the want to make a difference in the life of students. This is a conversation that needs principals from several other schools from Loudi, expressed great interest in expanding a child, become a teacher. Your country to continue among AAPI communities the exchange programs with schools besides Loudi #1 Middle school, plus ideas how to needs you.” across the nation,” Commissioner Aina implement the expansion. The group then took a lunch break. Earlier this year, to promote the teach- said. “Teachers are the unsung heroes of After lunch the delegation gathered at the offices of Emerson-Rosemount (E-R) where ing profession among AAPI youth, the our country and we need more AAPIs to they were greeted by Rick Getchow, City Manager of Eden Prairie, David Lindahl, Eden Initiative hosted a roundtable featuring join their ranks.” Prairie Economic Development Manager, John Ehresmann, V.P. of Global Operations and Commissioner Sefa Aina, TEACH cam- Learn more about how you can be- Supply Chain for Rosemount and Jason Craig, Logistic Manager-Government Services paign director Taryn Benarroch, Teacher come a teacher at www.TEACH.gov.  for CH Robinson Worldwide. The group then heard a presentation about E-R and CH 481115_01529

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481115_01529 10x15 bw.indd 1 3/29/11 11:50 AM PAGE 8 > MAY 2011 a passage to china www.chinainsight.info

Raise the Red Lanterns here are many reasons, other than For other adventurous and fun-seekers there a wedding, for a Chinese family to were the palm readers and fortune tellers, always Traise its red lanterns. A Passage to ready to bestow blessings and to offer paths/keys China, an annual celebratory event presented by to personal understanding and enlightenment. Chinese Heritage Foundation Friends (CHFF), Name translators and calligraphers were on hand is one of them. This year, in addition to its own also to exhort laid-back youths to diligence and 10 red lanterns, CHFF raised another dozen of hard work. And for those with food on their them, graciously loaned for the occasion by Karl minds, there were cooking demonstrations and Wong Catering. The high ceiling of the Best Buy hands on opportunities to learn how to make Rotunda in Mall of America was awash in a sea jiaozi, the traditional dumplings. of festive red, anchored in a corner by a demure Across the hallway from the Rotunda cultural bamboo ceiling, covered with blooming forsythia performances were going full force throughout and wisteria, and lowered to human proportions the entire two days at Sears Court. There were to hover over guest tables. numerous performances of Chinese dance, Festive indeed was the atmosphere of the singing and opera, and musical instruments. Rotunda as soon as the welcome gates were Interspersed among them were demonstrations opened at 11 a.m. sharp Saturday morning, April of qigong, kung fu and taichi. When Master Jim, 16. Families started streaming in, some return the first African American master, from Spring visitors from past years, and many, clearly Mall Forest Qigong took the stage he invited every- visitors and new to Passage, came in to have a one, in the audience on the main floor as well as look. They stayed and participated in numerous onlookers from the second and third floors, to activities and games. An early estimate indicated move along with him, raising and stretching arms that at least half of the visitors were non-Chinese. and feeling one’s own qi. It was quite a sight to This was welcome news to CHFF, since the come along and see outstretched arms, smiling primary goal of Passage was to promote mutual faces and closed eyes, three stories high, moving understanding between the Chinese community to Master Jim’s sonorous commands. and the Twin Cities community at large. Get- Throughout the two days, steady streams of ting new visitors to come in through its gates of families came through the Rotunda and on to mutual understanding and mutual courtesy was Sears Court. As 5 p.m. rolled around on Sunday the first step towards achieving this lofty goal. and Passage officially closed, many visitors were Once inside the gates, families found much reluctant to leave. Participating organizations to do: paper folding, paper cutting, calligraphy, were equally reluctant to stop from reaching making opera masks or lanterns or musical in- out to just one more visitor. But it was simply struments, testing one’s knowledge of Chinese uplifting to close and leave everyone wishing history or geography, or learning to use an for more. CHFF is deeply grateful to the record abacus or to speak Mandarin Chinese or trying 55 participating organizations and numerous on traditional Chinese clothing. For the seri- individuals for making Passage such a thrill- ous minded there were tables set up for playing ing success and the best to date. An entirely traditional Chinese chess or the cerebral game volunteer-run and free event like this can only of Go. Non-Chinese members of the American succeed when everyone pitches in and works for Go Club were on hand to entice quiet elderly the greater good. The whole is indeed greater Chinese gentlemen to sit down for a game. From than the sum of its parts.  the intensity of the engagements it was obvious that the Go board was fantastically effective in Editor’s Note: To learn more about the Chinese moving past language barriers. It was also obvi- Heritage Foundation Friends visit their Web site at www.chineseheritagefoundation.org for membership ous and satisfying to see many tweens and teens, information or to make a donation. Videos of A from diverse backgrounds, sitting down to learn Passage to China are available at the game. There was definitely a thirst to learn www.chinainsight.info by clicking on the YouTube something new and challenging. Channel link at the top of the page. www.chinainsight.info a passage to china MAY 2011 > PAGE 7

Raise the Red Lanterns here are many reasons, other than For other adventurous and fun-seekers there a wedding, for a Chinese family to were the palm readers and fortune tellers, always Traise its red lanterns. A Passage to ready to bestow blessings and to offer paths/keys China, an annual celebratory event presented by to personal understanding and enlightenment. Chinese Heritage Foundation Friends (CHFF), Name translators and calligraphers were on hand is one of them. This year, in addition to its own also to exhort laid-back youths to diligence and 10 red lanterns, CHFF raised another dozen of hard work. And for those with food on their them, graciously loaned for the occasion by Karl minds, there were cooking demonstrations and Wong Catering. The high ceiling of the Best Buy hands on opportunities to learn how to make Rotunda in Mall of America was awash in a sea jiaozi, the traditional dumplings. of festive red, anchored in a corner by a demure Across the hallway from the Rotunda cultural bamboo ceiling, covered with blooming forsythia performances were going full force throughout and wisteria, and lowered to human proportions the entire two days at Sears Court. There were to hover over guest tables. numerous performances of Chinese dance, Festive indeed was the atmosphere of the singing and opera, and musical instruments. Rotunda as soon as the welcome gates were Interspersed among them were demonstrations opened at 11 a.m. sharp Saturday morning, April of qigong, kung fu and taichi. When Master Jim, 16. Families started streaming in, some return the first African American master, from Spring visitors from past years, and many, clearly Mall Forest Qigong took the stage he invited every- visitors and new to Passage, came in to have a one, in the audience on the main floor as well as look. They stayed and participated in numerous onlookers from the second and third floors, to activities and games. An early estimate indicated move along with him, raising and stretching arms that at least half of the visitors were non-Chinese. and feeling one’s own qi. It was quite a sight to This was welcome news to CHFF, since the come along and see outstretched arms, smiling primary goal of Passage was to promote mutual faces and closed eyes, three stories high, moving understanding between the Chinese community to Master Jim’s sonorous commands. and the Twin Cities community at large. Get- Throughout the two days, steady streams of ting new visitors to come in through its gates of families came through the Rotunda and on to mutual understanding and mutual courtesy was Sears Court. As 5 p.m. rolled around on Sunday the first step towards achieving this lofty goal. and Passage officially closed, many visitors were Once inside the gates, families found much reluctant to leave. Participating organizations to do: paper folding, paper cutting, calligraphy, were equally reluctant to stop from reaching making opera masks or lanterns or musical in- out to just one more visitor. But it was simply struments, testing one’s knowledge of Chinese uplifting to close and leave everyone wishing history or geography, or learning to use an for more. CHFF is deeply grateful to the record abacus or to speak Mandarin Chinese or trying 55 participating organizations and numerous on traditional Chinese clothing. For the seri- individuals for making Passage such a thrill- ous minded there were tables set up for playing ing success and the best to date. An entirely traditional Chinese chess or the cerebral game volunteer-run and free event like this can only of Go. Non-Chinese members of the American succeed when everyone pitches in and works for Go Club were on hand to entice quiet elderly the greater good. The whole is indeed greater Chinese gentlemen to sit down for a game. From than the sum of its parts.  the intensity of the engagements it was obvious that the Go board was fantastically effective in Editor’s Note: To learn more about the Chinese moving past language barriers. It was also obvi- Heritage Foundation Friends visit their Web site at www.chineseheritagefoundation.org for membership ous and satisfying to see many tweens and teens, information or to make a donation. Videos of A from diverse backgrounds, sitting down to learn Passage to China are available at the game. There was definitely a thirst to learn www.chinainsight.info by clicking on the YouTube something new and challenging. Channel link at the top of the page.

Photos by John Ho and Cindy Bai of Cindyrella Studio. PAGE 10 > MAY 2011 community www.chinainsight.info China Insight sits down with young Minnesota performer Andrew Moy

By Anthony James, Staff Writer

You could say that Andrew Moy is your His small stature and youthful pres- average middleschooler. He likes comput- ence was deceiving: I grew embarrassed ers, video games, and learning magic tricks. while he fumbled an overhand shuffle of 952-881-1810 What you didn’t know, but would probably his cards only to have him masterfully pull find out if you talked to off a challenging trick him, is that he has landed right before my eyes. roles across the Twin Performing magic is not Cities theatre scene and new to Andrew. When aspires to eventually be- he was in 2nd grade he come a game show host. started using a Scholastic At only 12 years old, magic kit and immedi- Andrew has performed ately caught on. In a year in the Guthrie’s “Christ- he was showing off his mas Carol”, understudied talents for Boy Scout with the Children’s The- meetings and graduation atre, and is currently a parties. Teenagers and part of the cast of “Jesus even fellow magicians Christ Super Star” at the were impressed that such Chanhassen Dinner The- a young kid could learn atre that runs until July. the tricks so quickly. It I was able to catch up wasn’t long before his Andrew as he displayed parents knew that he was his magic skills at the A destined to entertain. Passage to China event Even by 6th grade in the Mall of America. Andrew Moy performing magic tricks Andrew’s acting path has In our conversation, he recently at A Passage to China at had its bumps and even talked about how all of Mall of America bruises. His first audition his performances are just for his 4th grade play a stepping stone to a career mirroring Pat “West Side Story” did not land him a part, Sajak, Bob Barker, and Alex Trebek. Even but his teachers urged him to keep audi- after we talked, I noticed how much time he tioning. When he landed much larger parts, spent working on his goal when he demon- his experiences were far from injury free. strated off his magic tricks. While with the Guthrie’s “Christmas Carol”, Andrew sprained his ankle four times and Vincent Who?, bringing to while performing “Baseball Saved Us” at Igniting a Pan-Asian movement by light incidents which have Mixed Blood Theatre he got a nosebleed. occurred throughout the But through the tough times Andrew nation similar to the crime has kept going. Even on his off days there reflecting on past tragedies against Vincent Chin. always seems to be performing on Andrew’s While starting to de- mind. In the car he often plays improvisa- By Albert Leung, Staff Writer velop this documentary, tional games with his mother and constantly Curtis had no real expecta- works on his magic tricks when he is not In June of 1982, a 27 year old Chinese drove throughout the Detroit area, paying tions and originally wanted to keep this as a going to school. As he wants to be a game American named Vincent Chin went out fellow Detroit-natives to help them find personal piece. As he shared his thoughts on show host when he is older, he often makes with friends to celebrate his engagement in Chin and his friends. After a few hours of creating this film with his friends and fam- slideshow games modeled after “Who Detroit, Mich. What was supposed to be a driving around the city, the two men found ily, he found something rather unexpected. Wants To Be A Millionaire?”. Not only is celebratory and joyous outing unexpectedly Chin, alone, waiting for a ride at a local “As people started hearing I was work- he working on magic and acting, he takes turned tragic. McDonald’s. They kept Chin from fleeing ing on this documentary, so many people voice lessons, just learned film editing at During the early 1980s Japanese au- the scene and then bludgeoned him to death came out of the wood work either to offer school, and is aspiring to work on his danc- tomakers Honda and Toyota were starting with a baseball bat. money or names of people to speak with or ing technique. In all, it doesn’t quite matter to out sell American made cars, leading to Ebens and Nitz never spent a night in their time,” Curtis Chin said. “I think it’s a to Andrew what he is doing, but rather that layoffs in the American auto industry. As prison for their crime. testament to the power of this subject Vin- he is able make a pleasant experience for a result the media perpetuated negative The new documentary Vincent Who? cent Chin and how the case still resonates his audience. “I like people to have fun...I coverage about the Asian auto industry aims to shed light on the Vincent Chin case for people. That made the job of making this like to entertain.” which, unintentionally, reflected negatively and, in a greater effort, empower a pan- so much easier.” Whether behind the camera or on the towards Asian Americans who started to Asian movement against hate crimes. I had Despite being a significant and impor- stage, watch out for Andrew Moy; you feel threatened. the opportunity to meet the documentary’s tant event in Asian American and Chinese might see him soon enough.  “There was so much anti-Asian senti- producer and family friend of Vincent Chin American history, the film paints a grim ment not just on the street but literally during a screening of the film hosted by the picture of how little the latest generation when you turned on the TV. You had these Hennepin County Public Library. people to do good in their communities. of Asian Americans know about this crime. television ads basically bashing Japanese During a visit to Detroit four years ago, “We hope that people who watch this At the start of the film, it showed a series of products while politicians and celebrities the documentary’s producer and L.A.-based film will be inspired to get involved, whether people who were asked if they knew who were saying anti-Asian things,” said Curtis writer Curtis Chin asked his family and you’re a student or professional or retiree, Vincent Chin was. The film showed about Chin, Vincent Who? Producer and Detroit- friends about what was being done around everybody has a role to play in terms of a dozen people who could not answer the native. “I remember my parents warning Vincent Chin’s death anniversary. In Curtis’s building and strengthening the Asian Ameri- question, “Do you know who Vincent Chin me to be careful when I was out in the city eyes, this incident had significant ramifica- can community,” Curtis Chin said. is?” because of the negative tension.” tions for the Chinese American and greater Hopefully the film Vincent Who?, The film wasn’t focused on those few While at the strip club Fancy Pants, Asian American community. through its discussion of real life experienc- people who didn’t know of Vincent Chin. Vincent and his friends had a fight with two To his surprise and disappointment, es and true stories of minority community Vincent Who? as a whole showed a human auto workers Ronald Ebens and Michael through his discussions he found that very members who have had their civil liberties characteristic which can be truly inspiring, Nitz, who mistook Chin for being Japanese. little was planned to reflect on this tragic broken, will be the catalyst that changes our abilities to take negative incidences and It was reported that Ebens said, “It’s because incident. So he set forth on a personal quest the role younger generations of Chinese strive to make positive changes. of you […] that we’re out of work.” to change that. Curtis decided to organize Americans and fellow Asian American will Through perspectives of popular blog- To avoid any further confrontation 14 town hall meetings across the nation to take in their communities. gers, lawyers, journalists, activists, artists, with the two disgruntled men, Chin and his discuss hate crimes which have occurred “Don’t wait for the next person to be politicians and event community members, friends left the bar. However, rather than in minority communities. From these dis- killed in order to fight for your civil rights,” Vincent Who? told the greater story of how forgetting the incident, Ebens and Nitz cussions, Curtis created the documentary incidences such as Vincent Chin has inspired Curtis Chin said.  www.chinainsight.info culture MAY 2011 > PAGE 11 Chameleon: How Chinese food has adapted to its surroundings worldwide Oh Canada... By Elizabeth Greenberg, Staff Writer our years ago, I helped my brother came into Canada to work on the Canadian Tao’s chicken (aka General Tso’s Chicken), less adventurous than those you’d find in move into his apartment in Roch- Pacific Railway. After the completion of that dish of indeterminate origin, is popular authentic Chinese cuisine. fester, NY. Since Rochester is so the railroad, many traditional occupations in Canada, along with egg foo young, chop close to the U.S.-Canada border, we decided were legally closed to the new immigrants, suey, hot and sour soup, and other American Best restaurant worldwide? to take a family trip to Toronto. I adored the so, as in the States, they gravitated towards staples. A few popular dishes are at least I would be remiss to decide this myself whole city, but when we got to Toronto’s lower-status employment like restaurants, somewhat unfamiliar, though. Cantonese- when, according to Jennifer Lee of The Chinatown, I promptly forgot about the laundries and salmon processing. The first style chow mein is very different than Fortune Cookie Chronicles, the best Chinese rest of the city. The bargaining, the smells, kind of Chinese restaurant to open in Canada American-style chow mein, a mix of egg restaurant in the entire world outside of and the restaurants (I managed to find a was the “Chinese cafe,” often specializing noodles, five vegetables, and four meats China is located in Richmound, outside of Szechuan hot pot restaurant and a noodle in “Chinese and Western Food.” in a thick sauce. Sweet and Sour Chicken Vancouver. Zen’s Chinese Cuisine, which shop) all reminded me so much of China Because of the novelty of Chinese food Balls are a staple in Canada the way Sweet briefly closed and relocated after Lee’s book that I felt homesick. and Chinese cooks’ success at adapting and Sour Chicken is here, and a dish called came out, is probably most famous for its My experience wasn’t really representa- Chinese food to local tastes, Chinese cafes Jar Doo Chicken Wings is extremely com- tasting menus, which offer variety and un- tive of Canadian Chinese cuisine, though: became more and more popular. Having mon in Canadian Chinese restaurants as usual dishes (like curried whelk) and change as in the rest of the world, Chinese cuisine a private Chinese chef became a status well. There are other small differences-- in regularly. The clientele is mostly Chinese, morphed into something new when it hit symbol. Even today, in northern British Vancouver there are apparently drive-in though the owner, Sam Lau, also uses West- Canada. Columbia and the prairie states, nearly every Chinese restaurants, and Chinese buffets ern cooking techniques in his dishes. Canadian Chinese cuisine bears a lot of town has a Chinese cafe, regardless of the are called smörgåsbords-- but by and large, Join us next month for a vacation in similarity to Chinese cuisine in the United town’s size. Canadian. Many more things are breaded Europe!  States-- not just in flavor, but in history. In Many Canadian Chinese dishes will be and deep-fried, many more things come in the 1800s, large groups of Chinese laborers familiar to the United States reader. General sweet sauces, and the ingredients used are

silk proved expensive; it is said that Cai Lun ers, you can thank the rows of Charmin and looked to bees and wasps for inspiration into Cottonelle to the Ancient Chinese inventors. Chinese Inventions creating the early papermaking technique. Paper eventually made its way to Europe Paper By putting together materials such as hemp, and the Middle East via traders and crafts- bark, silk, and even fishing nets, the first man who shared the creation techniques. By Anthony James, Staff Writer paper was born. Obviously, paper was not the best way to Cai Lun’s story is well known, but pa- preserve writing, but it was very cheap and he ancient years of the human who have studied western civilization would per might have been used in China much efficient to make which allowed literacy to race were quite grandiose for recall papyrus: a plant based material that earlier…a whole century early. In 2006, expand to even commoners. The Chinese, Tthose wanting to have any sort was mulched and woven together to keep specimens of paper from the ancient Chinese Arabs, and later the Europeans would even- of knowledge of their past. Records were written records for the ancient Egyptians. army suggest that paper was being used long tually improve on the process of papermak- painstakingly chiseled onto stone tablets, Even though the use of papyrus was a cheap, before 105 AD, which is popularly thought ing, create paper mills and develop mass notches were inked onto any sort of garbage wrist-easing method of keeping records, of as the birth of paper. Yes, paper could production industries by the 19th century. to keep track of possessions, and oral tradi- many noted that it did not hold very well to have been used as early as 8 BC; at a time Information began to flow much easier by tions painstakingly committed to memory aging or weather conditions. A replacement when most of the western world was still then with such cheaply made material. Paper by the chief historians. The art of communi- had to be sought. chiseling on stone tablets. would help in many ways to the advance- cation through written word was still a glint 105 AD. Across the globe the second Paper’s first uses were not as common ment of civilization, though its impact could in the eyes of society. Safe to say not very imperial dynasty, the Han Dynasty, was in in the writing area as in wrapping purposes. not have been justified if we were still writ- many people could recall what happened full reign in ancient China. It was in this time Excavations dating back to 2nd century BC ing all of our information by hand. A means too far in the past. that a court official named Cai Lun noted showed that paper was used to wrap mirrors, to duplicate information fast and cheaply Since the Stone Age men and women that the traditional method of keeping mili- medicine, and other delicates. Later on, an- was also critical to our survival… were trying to come up with a less expensive tary records and sending messages between other secondary use was discovered: toilet …stay tuned.  technique to preserve the written language armies was highly inefficient. Bamboo tab- paper. Though the thought disgusted some other than chiseling onto tablets. Most of us lets were bulky and heavy while writing on and even was frowned upon by Arab trad-

sensitive performances by ¡Sacabuche! and guest soloists. An intricate map of world history The last number was a Huang Ruo set- ting of one of Ricci’s poems. As the finale, By Elizabeth Greenberg, Staff Writer it had to reflect the evening’s themes of he Map and Music of Matteo Ricci The resulting program is an incredibly “kun opera... which was popular in south cross-cultural exchange, bringing together originally sprung from a series of layered, multimedia experience matching China at the time Ricci was there.” It was many disparate elements into a single cohe- Tpitch-perfect coincidences and projections of Ricci’s map with texts in sparse, a cappella vocals alternating with sive composition. It was an ambitious goal, from the mind of Cathy Barbash, who was Chinese and English and with contemporary piano; the result was a bit like kun opera and the performers did not disappoint. The creative enough to link the coincidences and classical compositions selected both joining with Debussy’s Isle of Joy on a day piece employed the full ensemble of both together. In 2010, Barbash’s daughter for their connections to Ricci’s life and for trip to meet avant-garde. Chinese and baroque instruments, the text Sarah Barbash-Riley joined ¡Sacabuche!, their aesthetic qualities. I was overwhelmed The eerie tone of the first piece provided chosen expressed clearly Ricci’s sentiments which was led by Linda Pearse, her sack- by all the different kinds of expertise that a startling contrast to the next: a beauti- towards China, and the ¡Sacabuche! vocal- but (baroque trombone) teacher at Indiana went into creating the project. Despite its ful, simple, traditional Renaissance-era ists sang in Mandarin rather than Italian for University. Later that same year, Cathy complexity, however, the underlying mes- harmony by Andrea Gabrieli. ¡Sacabuche! the first time that evening. The piece itself Barbash learned from a family friend that sage was comparatively simple to read: played with a lighter, cleaner touch than you was striking: it explored the sound and 2010 marked the 400th anniversary of the tales of Ricci’s life, and an exploration of hear in most contemporary classical music, texture of every instrument in the ensemble death of Matteo Ricci. A few days after unusual connections between Chinese and demonstrating their high level of both mu- without allowing even a breath of silence, a that discussion, an article came out in the Western culture. Approaching this show sicality and historical understanding. Each technique Huang refers to as dimensional- New York Times about the oldest remaining from a primarily musical background, the ensemble piece featured a different set of ism. None of the instruments were any more Chinese-language map of the world, drawn musical elements stood out to me the most. instruments, and each player was a strong important than the others to the haunting by Matteo Ricci, of which only 6 copies re- And those musical elements were exquisite. musician. overall effect-- which is especially unusual main. One of those copies turned out to be in The program opened with “Fisherman’s The performance continued with read- in the case of the vocalists. the custody of one of Barbash’s friends, Ann Sonnet,” a composition by Huang Ruo. I’m ings from carefully selected texts in both If you’re fortunate enough to have this Waltner, at our own University of Minne- generally skeptical of most instrumental English and Mandarin Chinese-- stories of program come to your town, go experience sota. All those strange serendipities induced music composed after Schoenberg invented battles with the Ottoman Turks, descrip- it for yourself. You won’t regret it.  Barbash to approach Linda Pearse with the the 12-tone system, but I was pleasantly sur- tions of Ricci, selections from Ricci’s di- idea of bringing them together along with a prised by Huang’s work: it was innovative ary-- interspersed with more music of the modern Chinese composer, Huang Ruo, to without being unlistenable. The program era, including virtuosic performances by set some of Ricci's Chinese poetry to music. identified the opening piece as a tribute to guzheng and sheng players and historically PAGE 12 > MAY 2011 government www.chinainsight.info Understanding China’s Social Security System By Adam Livermore In this way even citizens that have used up require a contribution from the employee. Administration of housing fund differs the personal portion of their pension will In the event an individual becomes unem- greatly around the country. In Shenzhen no he social security system in China have some income on which to support ployed they will be able to make a claim contribution is required from the employee is based upon guidelines issued by themselves (although it is likely to be only to receive unemployment benefits on the at all, while the employer is required to pay Tthe central government, although several hundred RMB per month). In terms precondition that contributions have been a fixed rate of 13 percent. In contrast, in the specifics and administration of the sys- of the amount of contributions that need to made for a period of at least one year. Dalian the employer can be required to pay tem is managed at the local level. This is be made each month by both employee and However the amount that can be re- up to 25 percent (although there are some the only practical method in a country as employer, pension is generally the largest ceived will be a fixed amount determined special reduced rates that can be applied) diverse as China, as any rigid system defin- component of social insurance. locally, and will be unrelated to the salary while the employee contributions can be a ing specific contributions to be made and received by the individual previously or the maximum of 15 percent. The housing fund benefits receivable could not be expected to Medical insurance amount of accumulated contribution. The can be quite a significant additional cost for meet the needs of citizens in cities as diverse By contributing to the medical insurance benefits can be received for a maximum of employers, so it is necessary to understand as Lhasa, Harbin, Shanghai or Zhongshan fund Chinese citizens can defray some of 24 months. the system well in the locality where they for instance. the costs of medical expenses in the event are employing people before making any All over urban China social insurance of illness or injury. Both employees and Maternity insurance offers to new employees. is broken down into five distinct categories. employers are required to make contribu- Contributions to maternity insurance Together, social insurance and housing These are: tions to this fund. are made by employers only. In the event fund are commonly referred to as “manda- 1. Pension Unlike in some countries where medical that an employee becomes pregnant, she tory benefits.” We will use this term when 2. Medical insurance treatment is provided for free, in most cities will be entitled to receive a lump sum to referring to these five insurances and hous- 3. Unemployment insurance in China the patient is required to bear a cer- defray some of the costs of the childbirth. ing fund throughout the rest of this article. 4. Maternity insurance tain percentage of the total hospital fee. This During the period of maternity leave from Employers are usually required to 5. Occupational injury insurance can be quite straightforward if the hospital is the company the maternity fund will cover handle the administration of mandatory Let’s take a brief look at the function of based in the city in which the medical insur- payment of salary. benefits on behalf of their employees, which each of these insurances. ance premiums are being contributed, but it Note that if the employee is earning means first of all affiliating the employees to can be complicated if employees are injured more than three times the average salary for the company “accounts” and then calculat- Pension or become ill while on holiday or business the region in which she is located the portion ing and making the contributions (both the As in many countries, China has put in trips. Reimbursement can still be received of salary that will be borne by maternity employer’s and the employee’s portion) on place a system to ensure its citizens will be for urgent medical treatment received in insurance will be capped at this amount. a monthly basis. Fortunately for employers, able to maintain some income after their other cities, but there are certain special In practice, some companies will continue although there are five different types of retirement. It operates by receiving contri- requirements which the patient must follow. to pay the balance of the salary during the contribution to be made for social insurance, butions on a monthly basis from both the In addition, each month individuals period of pregnancy if the employee earns a lump sum can be paid each month. This is employee and the employer. The portion receive a small amount of money onto their more than this amount to ensure that the in- usually made to the social insurance bureau, contributed by the employee goes into a medical insurance card. The funds can be dividual receives the same amount of salary which will manage the disbursement of the personal fund (the contribution directly ac- used to purchase medicine or other goods during the maternity leave. contributions received to the various funds. crues to the individual) and after retirement at pharmacies, or to pay small medical ex- Another amount should be paid to the hous- the individual can draw on the funds in this penses at hospitals. Occupational injury insurance ing fund bureau. pool directly. In contrast, the contributions Contributions to this fund are made Recently in some Chinese cities, the made by the employer go into a social Unemployment insurance only by the employer and the amount of the responsibility for collection of social in- pool. Funds in this pool are distributed to Employers in all major cities are ex- contribution depends upon the nature of the surance has shifted away from the social all citizens that have made contributions pected to make a contribution towards un- work being carried out by the employees. insurance bureau to the local tax bureau. The into the system during their working life. employment insurance and most cities also The more dangerous the work is deemed to reason for making this transition is to allow be, the higher the percentage contribution the local tax bureau to monitor the social (usually the range is between 0.4 percent to insurance contributions being made as this 2 percent of the gross salary). The precise will affect the amount of individual income amount of the percentage premium will be tax payable (contributions made to social made by the local social insurance bureau insurance by individuals are considered tax Call for Articles… according to the category of industry the exempt for individual income tax purposes). company is deemed to be affiliated to. In some cities the administration of Concerned about misconceptions about China? In the event that an employee is injured mandatory benefits can be managed online,

at work, the employer will collect evidence saving a lot of time and effort visiting bu- ChinaInsight is a local newspaper fostering U.S.-China cultural and business reaus and facilitating the provision of such harmony. concerning the injury and the associated costs and apply for reimbursement from the mandatory benefit management services from a remote location. Online services We are interested in publishing articles that engage audiences in America. Potential occupational insurance fund. Note that the are by no means universal, Beijing being a topics range from understanding daily life in China (or for Chinese in America) to discus- employer will still need to pay the salary sions of business markets from both an American or Chinese viewpoint. to the employee during the recuperation notable example. In such cities a lot of chop- period. ping of documents, running to government For example, consider the following: bureaus and waiting are still necessary.  • Chinese movies/entertainment Housing fund • Book reviews Adam Livermore is a regional manager • Old Minnesota-China ties/relationships In addition to the five social insurances, for Dezan Shira & Associates and oversees • Recommended Chinese restaurants/food employers are also required to pay into a • Chinese painting/calligraphy housing fund. The housing fund is funda- the firm’s payroll division. Companies need- • Chinese impressions of America mentally different from the above insur- ing assistance or advice on salary structur- • Tea ances in two ways. First of all the contribu- ing, mandatory benefits, payroll services, • Impressions of China by Americans tions made by both employee and employer and taxes in China, please contact the firm • Chinese musical instruments accrue directly to the employee. Secondly, at [email protected]. • American business people in China This article was excerpted from the Sep- • Questions about China administration of this fund is handled by the housing fund center separately from social tember issue of China Briefing. To purchase • Cartoons a PDF version of the magazine complete • Chinese immigrants that have succeed in America insurance. with the most recent updates and amounts • Local Chinese Businesses The reason behind the Chinese govern- • Chinese-owned businesses in Minnesota ment requiring employees to contribute to for social insurance and minimum wages, • Travel tales a housing fund is to encourage them to save please visit the Asia Briefing Bookstore. The • Cross-cultural exchanges in education and businesses money to purchase a house. Funds accrued cities featured include Beijing, Changchun, • Americans who are studying Chinese – why are you learning Chinese? in this account can be used to make the Chengdu, Dalian, Dongguan, Guangzhou, • How do Chinese students adapt to America? initial down-payment as well as to repay Hangzhou, Jinan, Kunming, Nanjing, • Chinese business customs Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, mortgages taken out when purchasing a house. Individuals that have sufficient funds Shenzhen, Suzhou, Tianjin, Xi’an, Zheng- If you have an article on one of these topics are any others that might be of interest zhou and Zhongshan. to our readers, please contact Greg Hugh at (952) 472-4757 or accrued in a housing fund account can also e-mail [email protected]. apply for a lower mortgage rate compared to a normal commercial loan. www.chinainsight.info commentary MAY 2011 > PAGE 13 China’s Growth Path- New Directions and Trends Speech at the China Development Forum, March 20, 2011, Beijing from the “middle income trap”. China’s prices to reflect the true cost and increases “China’s Growth Path- New Directions and Trends” recent record of rapid growth of GDP and in the resource tax are also moving into the productivity, can be linked to successive right direction. Expanding the VAT system By Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Managing Director, bold efforts to reform and open up the to the service sector would also help reduce The World Bank economy, and to undertake needed public distortions. investments. Continued success will require But reform of the overall system of fis- AS DELIVERED new reforms and a business climate condu- cal intergovernmental relations is probably cive to innovation and upgrading. the most important element of the agenda. Honorable Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, vestment-oriented, industry-led and export There is no question that China may Expenditure responsibilities in China’s driven. At an estimated almost 49 percent of need to implement a whole array of policy decentralized fiscal system generally do Thank you for inviting me to speak here GDP in 2010, the investment to GDP ratio measures and institutional reform in order not match revenue capabilities well. Ad- today, to learn and to contribute to this pres- is higher in China than in any other major to achieve the goal of growth pattern trans- equate local funding in poor regions would tigious Forum that has become a place for country and, with the secondary sector con- formation. remove serious constraints on the delivery open and meaningful discussions between tributing 47 percent to GDP, the production First, embark on forward looking re- of social protection, education, health, and China and her friends all over the world. It structure is geared heavily to industry. forms that help channeling resources to sec- rural services. is a privilege to be here. As an aside, it is interesting to see the tors, activities, and areas that need to expand In the absence of increased and reformed Before I get into the substance of my unique challenge that China is trying to in the new environment, while maintaining net transfers from rich to poor regions or remarks, I would like to express my deep- address. In most developing countries and efficiency. other new revenue sources, large disparities est condolences to the people of Japan. emerging markets, the issues and objectives Measures to effectuate this include (i) between regions in spending per person on The country is a close friend and important are quite different: how to increase invest- improving access to finance for private sec- public services will unavoidably persist. partner of the World Bank and we are ready ment? How to raise the share of industry in tor, service oriented, and smaller firms and Reforms can promote more permanent to support its recovery and reconstruction. GDP? I know that other countries in Latin in rural areas; (ii) removing subsidization urbanization, especially by giving local We are humbled by the resilience and America and throughout the world envi- of inputs into industry such as land, capital, governments stronger incentives to be “on strength the Japanese people are showing in ously look to China’s growth rate and her energy, and other resources, and exchange board” with the rebalancing agenda. Pilot these difficult times. All too well, I under- pace of industrialization and tried to learn rate appreciation; and (iii) further scaling up projects in several large cities may gradu- stand the impact that such a tragedy can have from her experience. It seems almost para- the dividend payments by SOEs, to improve ally be rolled out nation-wide to this effect. on people, communities and the country. doxical: The issue discussed in many de- the allocation of capital. In addition, there As you know much of China’s public So while today I will talk about economic veloping countries is whether progress has is significant room to remove restrictions infrastructure is currently financed off bud- development and growth, recent events are been made too little and too slow whereas on service sector development and open up get by separate local government platforms. a reminder that we need to place importance the discussion in China is about too much more service sectors to the private sector. Shifting infrastructure finance on budget can on the ability to plan for the risks, natural or and too fast! Second, introduce reforms both at make urban development and infrastructure otherwise, that we all face. Overall, China’s traditional pattern of policy and institutional level to help to expenditures more transparent and better Over the weekend we have been dis- growth has helped supply to grow alongside, boost permanent urbanization. Urban people integrated in the overall public finances. cussing intensively about China’s macro or even outgrow, demand. As a consequence consume more than rural people, and in This is an ambitious agenda: But can it economic development and the global China grew rapidly without running into the particular spend more on services. Thus, be done? Yes. economic outlook: issues that are ever more problems of other emerging economies such more and permanent urbanization stimulates Preliminary modeling work carried intertwined as are China’s and the World’s as demand-led inflation and external current service sector development and labor inten- out a few years ago in cooperation between economy. We have heard about the short account deficits. sive growth in urban areas. China has seen the Development Research Centre and the term prospects and challenges, the need to For quite some time, indeed already a lot of people moving to urban areas in the World Bank suggests that implementing a unwind state led economic stimulus and to since the preparation of the 11th 5 Year Plan, last 20 years. However, many migrants left policy package along those lines would by reduce fiscal deficits, over time and in ac- policymakers realized that this pattern of their families behind and have not been able and large transform the pattern of growth cordance with the state of the economies all growth while impressively successful has to take on an urban lifestyle. while keeping overall growth on track. around the world. also contributed to imbalances. Changing In addition to removing obstacles to Over time we would see a higher share And we have discussed how to chart the growth pattern—towards a relatively service sector development, other key policy of consumption in GDP, a higher share of the right path to steer clear of the dangers greater role for services and consumption, areas include further liberalization of the wages and household income in GDP; a rise of deflation and inflation, prolonged fiscal with less relative emphasis on industry and household registration system, land reform, in the share of services; a lower external profligacy and premature frugality. investment—became a key pillar of the de- and reform of the inter-governmental fiscal surplus; higher rural incomes; less rural- Today I would like briefly to discuss velopment strategy and rightly so. During system, to give municipalities the resources urban inequality; and faster urbanization. some aspects of the longer term structural the 11th Five Year Plan period there has been and incentives to provide basic public Because of the smaller relative role of challenges for China that also have been the good progress in some areas, for example in services (such as education and health) to industry, growth would be less intensive subject of intensive debates in the National improving basic public services for social migrants. in energy and primary commodities, and People’s Congress over the last two weeks. protection, education, health, and conditions Indeed, in my World Bank responsibili- produce less pollution. I will focus on what sometimes has been in rural areas. ties for Latin America and the Middle East/ The implications of China’s develop- called the “Great Rebalancing” to sustain There have also been some advances North Africa and previously in my tenure ment in such a scenario for the rest of the China’s growth and development. towards attaining environmental objectives. as Minister of Finance in Indonesia, I have world are benign. China would remain a You are, of course, aware of the main But the sudden onslaught of the global finan- learned and seen that sustainable economic manufacturing and export powerhouse, threads of the discussion: China, it is ar- cial crisis and the need for state intervention development has to be built first and fore- competing in an increasing array of sec- gued, needs to find a new balance between to stimulate economic activity has slowed most on a strong fiscal foundation. Fiscal tors and products. This will continue exert export led and domestically driven growth. down progress in restructuring the economy. policies drive expenditure patterns, and tax downward pressure on prices of manufac- China should shift its growth pattern from More needs to be done and is being policies provide for revenues. Good fiscal tured goods internationally, to the benefit of investment to consumption, from enterprises contemplated by Chinese policymakers. policy requires good and sound institutions global consumers. towards households. And China needs to According to the 12th Five-Year Plan, the to implement. Institutional reform should By itself this will tend to put upward address and overcome the divide between major overall targets include “stable and be designed and implemented on pace with pressure on China’s current account position urban and rural development, between relatively fast economic growth, major the policy reform. with the rest of the world. However, with coastal provinces and the central and west- economic restructuring, raising people’s The right sequence and speed are key the successful transformation of the growth ern regions. income relatively fast, and deepening re- to the success of transformation. Done pattern and urbanization, domestic demand And if this was not enough: in today’s form and opening up.” Indeed, the success successfully, they establish the framework will play an increasingly important role, world with worries about carbon emissions of China’s economic development in the for the right balance between state and boosting imports of an increasingly wide and climate change, growth and develop- past 3 decades demands adjustment to the economy, public and private, and for cor- array of goods and services. ment needs to be rebased on green environ- institutions and policy making process to recting imbalances between the rich and mental strategies. A truly daunting agenda sustain this progress. poor income groups. Ladies and gentlemen, for a country that, in aggregate, may be the In terms of development strategy, this On the expenditure side, continuing to second largest economy of the world but still pronouncement translates into policies to- increase government spending on social For more than thirty years China has houses more than 100 millions of people wards achieving three long term objectives: protection, health, and education would both been growing relentlessly. By and large below the poverty line and ranks around first, transforming the economic growth pat- provide direct benefits and increase house- China has also managed balanced growth Number 90 in the world in terms of GDP per tern; second, addressing the regional divide hold disposable income and consumption. and social inclusion over these years. China capita. As several of China’s senior leaders by emphasizing the development of inland On the revenue side, public finances has changed. And China’s rise is changing have noted, the need to change the pattern regions; and, third, upgrading the industrial can be used to increase household dispos- the world. of growth has been ever increasing in recent structure. able incomes, for instance by lowering Thirty years ago China needed the world years, accentuated, in part, by changes in the The first two of these are part of the social security contributions in a financially for its development. It needed external fi- international environment. overall rebalancing effort. sustainable way. The dividend policy for nancing and knowledge. Today the World What exactly is the issue with China’s The third: “Upgrading the industrial SOEs can be further expanded in coverage needs China’s prosperity to overcome the growth pattern? Over the last 15 years structure” will ensure that productivity and level. Adjustments in fuel and water China’s growth has been particularly in- growth continues and China stays away China’s Growth continues on Page 14 PAGE 14 > MAY 2011 economics www.chinainsight.info

The right to lead a good life China’s Growth continues from Page 13 current financial crisis and sustain reduc- By Chung-yue Chang, China Daily tions in poverty. China is reaching out. It has taken on he [recently-concluded] annual remarks reiterate the importance issues of global importance such as climate sessions of the National People's of improving people's livelihood, a change. It is working in the G-20 to establish Congress (NPC) and the Chinese point highlighted even in his Gov- T a new basis for sustainable, environmentally People's Political Consultative Conference ernment Work Report on March 5. friendly economic growth. It is increasingly (CPPCC) National Committee were espe- The report says the income tax and active in support of partner countries in the cially important for two reasons. First, they income distribution reforms are key developing world, such as in Africa. signaled the beginning of the 12th Five Year steps toward realizing fair wealth China is uniquely positioned in this Plan (2011-2015). Second, the new plan distribution and thus improved regard: It is an economic powerhouse, in- signals the formal restructuring of China's livelihood for the people. creasingly at par with the economies in the economy to focus on domestic develop- The NPC and CPPCC sessions developed world. At the same time it is still a ment. Many believe that the end result will discussed socio-economic issues developing country with huge development be momentous, in large part because of which exuded passion, reason and as the world's second largest economy. But needs ranking at 90th place in the GDP per China's pivotal role in helping the world will - the passion to promote people's well- in terms of per capita income, China still capita league. China, one might argue, economy recover. being, the exercise of reason to find ways ranks below more than 100 countries. China straddles the gap between developing and The economic restructuring has a special for such promotion, and the will to deliver remains a developing country, but one that developed countries. meaning for China. For example, there will what people need. has discovered a way to eradicate poverty. China’s role in the International Finan- be material development in the high-speed The sessions provided the rationale This is a powerful demonstration of human cial Institutions mirrors this development. train network and other infrastructure fa- for ensuring fair distribution of wealth rights in action, as opposed to human rights Last year China became the third largest cilities. There will also be socio-economic and improvement in people's livelihood. in locution. China's success will have last- shareholder in the World Bank. It is actively development with long-term significance, It goes something like this: In the past 30 ing implication on countries still battling engaged as a shareholder in the reform of the intended to narrow the widening income years, China's "creation of shared national with poverty. World Bank’s governance structure, contrib- gap between the rich and the poor, to lift wealth", achieved pragmatically "a footprint The world may be interested in know- utes to the Bank’s concessional finance arm more people out of poverty, and to fortify with every step" at a time, must "benefit all ing that China's enormous economic and the International Development Association a growing, strong and stable middle class. Chinese people". human rights success is because of its and it is ready to cooperate with the World Given the government's goal of social It takes good governance, and people's radical pragmatic approach, akin to Deng Bank in direct support to developing coun- economic development, they will naturally hard work and sacrifices, to create national Xiaoping's "crossing the river by feeling tries. At the same time China and the World have implications on the reforms in indi- wealth. And this is the time to deliver the the stones". China did not start its journey Bank are continuing their partnership of 30 vidual income tax and income distribution. benefits of this wealth back to the people, on the "river" of economic reform with a years in cooperating in support of China’s Public sentiment is now galvanized over where it belongs. A "people-based" govern- universal model. In the beginning and along domestic development through advice and the reforms, which aim to help the poor ment must therefore be "law-based" and the way, the only aspects China knew were well targeted interventions to pilot reforms and focus on larger policy issues of fair "service-oriented", and government workers conditions such as currents of unpredictable and new initiatives. wealth distribution and better livelihood must be "true public servants". socio-economic twists and turns along with But the emphasis of our cooperation has for the people. National wealth now supports China's favorable conditions, or the visible and in- shifted from meeting financing needs to a The State Council, China's Cabinet, modernization. With the creation of wealth visible factors (or "stones"), which offered knowledge partnership. I believe that such recently sent a draft on income tax reform comes the responsibility to distribute it fairly footing and direction. cooperation is beneficial to China and the to the NPC's Standing Committee, the to support and improve people's livelihood. The Chinese people are close to the other World Bank: Indeed it may set an example country's top legislature, for approval even The primacy of people's livelihood is rooted shore of the turbulent river thanks to their for the World Bank’s future work with other as the public debates whether the individual in the Chinese tradition of governance. sacrifices, passion, reason and, above all, fast growing middle income countries in income tax threshold should be raised from This unbroken line of thinking goes back will. Even now Premier Wen uses phrases Latin America, the Middle East/North Af- 2,000 yuan ($304) to 3,000 yuan or 5,000 to philosopher Hsunzi (313 - 238 BC) who like "a footprint with every step" to describe rica, East Asia and around the world. yuan a month or whether a more compre- said: "Without enriching people materi- how tasks are done pragmatically. This radi- hensive tax reform (reducing tax brackets ally, there is no way to develop them." The cal pragmatic tradition, rooted in Chinese Ladies and gentlemen, and simplifying tax rates) should be imple- book, Guanzi (attributed to statesman Guan culture and philosophy, can be traced to mented. Zhong, about 725 - 645 BC), states simi- philosophers Confucius (551 to 479 BC), China is shifting her growth pattern, Income distribution reform is the other larly: "When the granaries are full, people Laozi (4th century BC), and Mozi (circa gradually and carefully. For an economy important issue. The 12th Five-Year Plan, know their rites and manners; when fed and 470 – 391 BC). with more than 1.3 billion people this is the for example, aims to raise the annual growth clothed, people know their sense of honor But it should be known that whatever right and responsible approach. Rebalanc- of per capita disposable income by 7 percent and shame." A modern translation would be China has achieved (and is achieving and ing will help China to sustain its develop- both in urban and rural areas. Interestingly, something like this: "To live well is the most will achieve) is for "peace and harmony". ment. And it will also be beneficial for the the annual national GDP growth rate for fundamental of human rights." World Economy. We all have ample reason the next five years has been lowered to 7 It is in this sense that China's reform The author teaches philosophy in the United to support this direction. The World is a percent. The government has already imple- and opening-up should be appreciated. States. stakeholder in China’s future. mented some measures to reform income Economic reform has eradicated poverty to Thank you for inviting me to participate distribution, including increasing the wages a large extent and enabled people to lead a Source: China Daily in this important event. I wish the Forum of low-income people, protecting legal in- better life. In a short period of one genera- www.chinadaily.com.cn come and cracking down on illegal earnings, tion, China succeeded in lifting 400 million great success.  and regulating excessively high incomes. people out of poverty. Within another one to On [March 14], Premier Wen Jiabao two decades, China aims to root out poverty Source: World Bank addressed a press conference after the con- altogether. Permanent URL http://go.worldbank. clusion of the NPC session. Premier Wen's Everyone is impressed by China's status org/24WXID8YR0

U.S. ties continues from Page 1 States] and China are facing tough chal- level, the first China-US Governors Forum ment, the forum is also expected to address Source: China Daily lenges created by the global financial crisis. will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, in July. issues of energy, environmental protection, www.chinadaily.com.cn Shanghai Vice-Mayor Tu Guangshao, Zhou Qiang, head of Hunan province, cultural exchange, tourism and education. who led the Chinese delegation, described and Washington state Governor Chris Gre- Local-level exchanges have grown Editor’s Note: A delegation from Shaanxi the trip as a result of the second round of goire signed an agreement in February to steadily in recent years. In 2010, more than Province, China, the Sister State of Minne- China-US Strategic and Economic Dia- formalize ties, which seeks to foster face- 110 local government delegations from sota, lead by its governor, Zhao Zhengyong, logue, which was held in Beijing last May, to-face discussions between U.S. governors both countries exchanged visits. So far, 36 recently visited Minnesota. During their as well as President Hu Jintao's visit to the and Chinese provincial leaders over trade U.S. states have set up friendship ties with visit they met with Minnesota Trade Office [United States] in January. and education. Chinese provinces while 161 U.S. cities representatives, toured the University of He said cooperation between cities will "Expanding exports is key to our eco- have established sister-city relationships Minnesota, the 3M Company, the law of- establish a new platform for cooperation nomic recovery," said Gregoire, who chairs with Chinese cities. fices of Dorsey & Whitney, met with board between the two countries. the National Governors Association. Four U.S. governors, including former members from the U.S.-China People’s Zou Jiayi, an official from China's Min- Zhou Qiang called the governors forum California Governor Arnold Schwarzeneg- Friendship Association-Minnesota Chapter, istry of Finance, said the event will pave the a "wonderful platform". ger and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, toured the State Capitol and were hosted way for the third round of the Strategic and "We can solve problems from our bilat- went to China to promote business ties.  by Governor Mark Dayton at an Official Economic Dialogue, expected to be held in eral trade and economic disputes through the State Dinner. the [United States] next month. At the state forum," he said. Besides trade and invest- www.chinainsight.info business MAY 2011 > PAGE 15

from their diligent and patient fathers, the new generation is aware of their value to China short of people? industry, apprised of their rights as work- ers, and eager to realize their own agenda. By Lan Fang Money alone won’t retain them. elieve it or not, in recent years the But not all are flocking back to where to their families. “Taicang is less attractive armada of factories on China’s they were. The River Deltas used to be the in this sense,” concluded Yan. The Way Out Is Urbanization Bcoast have to grapple with an magnet force for China’s migrant workers RMB 1,000 used to be big money for Some experts think that shortages are undersupply of laborers for an extended – now they are less attractive. rural inhabitants, but now the increase in here to stay and that the unlimited low-end period following the annual Spring Festival. NBS monitoring data show that among farming incomes and job opportunities have labor supply China was used to won’t be “In a sense, the shortage of migrant workers those planning to set off to work in the cities taken the shine off. seen again soon. Growth that depends on is a wake up call to upgrade and transform in 2010, 29 percent eyed the less developed Ai Zhenjun, a farmer in Hebi in the cheap labor cannot be sustained. According our industries,” remarked an official in central and western provinces, an increase central province of Henan, led a dozen fel- to Zhang Libin, director of the Employ- the Employment Promotion Department, of seven percent. Of all the migrant workers low villagers to work in the downtown near ment and Labor Market Department of Ministry of Human Resources and Social back to their hometowns for the Chinese his village. Originally he planned to go to the Institute of Labor Science, the labor Security (MHRSS). New Year, eight percent indicated no desire Beijing, but changed his mind on hearing shortfall has its roots in the slow industrial to leave home anymore. an experienced construction worker there upgrading that lags behind improvement in "Garden Variety" Workers Scarce labor pool skills. This will drive the upgrad- Just after the 2010 Spring Festival, the ing of China’s manufacturing sector, and labor market in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, eventually the whole industries. When the was jammed with thousands of employers industries refine their operations they will holding up handwritten want ads. Since the need fewer but better-skilled workers. end of summer in 2009, when orders for The upgrading of both industry and exports exploded, the same scene can be workers will promote sustainable develop- found in many Chinese cities, especially in ment and the refinement of industrialization the coastal Yangtze River and Pearl River in China. However, there are still many Deltas, the most industrialized pockets in obstacles on the path. The most serious China. complications are posed by urbanization; In late February 2010, the MHRSS con- it too trails far behind the industrialization ducted an extensive social study on migrant process. workers in 2009 and a needs assessment for Cai Fang, another CASS scholar, point- factories in 2010. The conclusion is that ed out the effects of the household registra- the labor shortage is – so far – confined to tion system. It technically keeps migrants parts of China, but may spread more widely from remaining in urban areas and means across the region in the coming years. the source of demand (cities and coastal The economic recovery is bringing areas) and the source of supply (usually the about a rapid growth in new orders, and countryside of central and western areas) exporters, many of whom are located in the are separated. Under this system, changes in coastal areas, need more hands to meet the demand are not reflected in a timely manner demand. The MHRSS survey shows that in In Zhengzhou, Henan, recently: an ocean of want ads reminds this migrant worker how on the supply side, resulting in sharp fluctua- 2010 every company plans to employ 143 badly he is needed. tions in specific areas of the labor market. new workers on average, an increase of five China Foto Press The first generation of farmer workers percent over the corresponding period in who flooded into cities in the 1980s and 2008; but 70 percent of companies expect or Li Tie is the director of Small Town earns only RMB 120 a day. In the local city, 1990s still have strong roots in the country- have already experienced difficulty recruit- Research Center, National Development and the boss gives him RMB 100 or more and side. The second generation, most of whom ing workers. Reform Commission. He believes the inland three meals a day. “I don’t have to abandon grew up in cities, retain vague memories of, Ordinary workers, those not necessarily regions, with improving local economies my land and family,” he said, “This way I and little connection to, the rural experience. skilled in particular fields, are in the most and an influx of industries relocating from have no worries.” They don’t know how to farm, nor are they demand, contrary to the assumption that the coast, now offer more job opportunities; On the coast, the wages have gone up but attracted to this traditional way of life. these will be in ready supply. The reality many migrant workers are lured back from are still comprised of the minimum hourly The logistics of household registration is a surprise divergence from the popular the coastal areas as a result. wage and overtime. The income growth is and immaturity of social security systems view that it is technical workers that are Under the RMB four trillion stimulus tied to longer hours, which is apparently are themselves obstacles to easing of the badly needed. plan, a large sum of money was earmarked unappealing to potential workers. stresses,” concludes Wang Meiyan. If only Describing the widening gap, Zhang for infrastructure construction in the central restrictions related to migrant workers Chewei warns this is a faint but unmistak- and western provinces; enhanced employ- What Can't Be Bought were relaxed – giving them equal access able signal that structural and seasonal ment followed like flowers from showers. Increasing the wage standard doesn’t to social security and public welfare in cit- deficits in the labor force are gradually Meanwhile, to cope with the early 2009 solve all the problems either. Twenty-year- ies – their numbers would swell the urban growing into overall shortages. The vice- crisis-induced unemployment, these prov- old Zhou Zhengfu is paid RMB 2,700 a labor pool.  director of the Institute of Population and inces have introduced a series of policies month in a large processing factory in Labor Economics, Chinese Academy of to encourage laid-off workers to establish Nanjing, a sum he could hardly make in his Lan Fang is a journalist for New Century Social Sciences (CASS) also predicts that their own businesses in their hometowns. hometown Leshan, Sichuan Province. But magazine. such a labor shortage will become a com- he isn’t excited about the current job, and Source: China Today mon phenomenon in China’s labor market. Show Me the Money is ready for a new one anytime. “The labor pool cannot meet expand- Need any more reasons why coastal “I work 15 to 16 hours a day, sometimes ing demand from the market indefinitely,” cities are not the first choice for migrant till one o’clock in the morning. I go directly said Wang Meiyan, a scholar with the same workers any longer? Another disenchant- to my bed when I am back from work, ChinaInsight institute. “If it’s not an overall shortage, it’s ment is the low wages. wake up the next morning and do it all over at least a limited surplus.” Looking farther a field for workers who again,” he smiles bitterly. “I feel like part of SEEKS would be satisfied with the remuneration, an assembly line. What does it matter that I ADVERTISING Options at Hand Inland 19 companies based in Taicang, Jiangsu, earn more money?” REPRESENTATIVE… What may have touched off the situation went to Pingliang in the western province Yan Feng, the Taicang official, knew a of Gansu in September 2009. The search for young woman freshly arrived from a rural is a series of preferential measures for the Must be passionate about our mission: hired hands was nearly fruitless. For about area. She worked in a shoe factory for two agricultural sector that began to be felt in in addition to being success-oriented, 1,000 positions they attracted only 100 ap- months and saved 2,000 yuan, and then quit 2004. In the following two to three years must be self-motivated, resourceful, plicants. Finally no more than 20 workers to do a little traveling. When the money runs Chinese economy experienced high-speed creative, disciplined and community- made their way east. Yan Feng, an official in out, she will come back and find a job. It’s growth, leading to demands that further minded. taxed the labor pool. charge of human resources in Taicang, said easy. “The older farmers would not see the The strain on the labor supply was eased the city organized this headhunting excur- value in this idea,” sighed Yan. The first Generous Commission Schedule in the latter part of 2008, when at least 12 sion on the assumption that the wage level generation of migrant workers are still think- million jobs were shed due to the global would appeal to farmers in less developed ing of saving money for retirement or better financial crisis. However it was proved to places in the west like Pingliang. But the living conditions whereas the second gen- Contact: Greg Hugh be episodic. According to the National Bu- deal was not so sweet once other factors eration apparently have broader ambitions. (952) 472-4757 reau of Statistics (NBS), by the end of the are taken into consideration. Though jobs in Young people born in the 1980s consti- third quarter of 2009, more than 150 million Pingliang are paid less, the local cost of liv- tute the better part of this workforce. Statis- E-mail: [email protected] farmers were back at work in the cities, 11 ing is lower too. What’s more, by working in tics show that 61 percent of migrant workers million more than at the end of 2008. nearby towns farmers can happily stay close were born in this decade or later. Different PAGE 16 > MAY 2011 community www.chinainsight.info

Spice & Slice of Asia

This is the Chinese Calligraphy by Stephen Mao character for “Asia.”

Legacies of War Get a Exhibit: May 1-31 glimpse of: Films: Thursday, May 5, 6-8 p.m., “Bombies,” 57 min. Wednesday, May 18, 6-8 p.m., “Bomb Harvest,” 88 min. • The continued impact Brookdale Library 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Brooklyn Center of the Vietnam War Supported by Legacies of War, a nonprofit organization based in D.C. and the Lao Assistance Center, a Minnesota-based on the lives of many nonprofit organization. Laotians Pride of Vietnam Exhibit May 1-31 Augsburg Park Library • The journeys of local 7100 Nicollet Ave., Richfield Asian ethnic groups Additional funding by the Vietnamese Culture and Science Association - Minnesota. to America Burmese, Chinese and Laotian Storytelling Sunday, May 15, 2 p.m. Brookdale Library • The art of calligraphy 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Brooklyn Center and Asian Spoken Word Saturday, May 21, 1:30 p.m. Eden Prairie Library Guaranteed to start 565 Prairie Center Dr., Eden Prairie conversations! Chinese Calligraphy Saturday, May 7, 1:30 p.m. The series is funded with Plymouth Library money from Minnesota’s Arts 15700 36th Ave. N., Plymouth and Cultural Heritage Fund. Hmong, Indian and Vietnamese Storytelling Sunday, May 1, 2 p.m. Southdale Library 7001 York Ave. S., Edina Saturday, May 21, 2 p.m. North Regional Library 1315 Lowry Ave. N., Minneapolis Spoken Word in Hmong and Lao (For teens grade 6 and up) Friday, May 13, 4:30 p.m. Sumner Library 611 Van White Memorial Blvd., Minneapolis

www.hclib.org 3/11