March 2020 Show Some Legs …

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

VOL. 19 NO. 3 March 2020 Show some legs …

News, p. 3

Business & Economy, p. 5

History, p. 7

Shake. Stomp. Tap. Get those legs a-moving! What’s going on? New line dance at the gym? The Asian version of the Macarena? Whose behind this? Hint: see page 16.

Community Society, p. 10 Snuff said! By Margaret Wong, Chinese Heritage Foundation Friends; contributor

The first Liu’s perhaps surprising subject was corner from the Scholar’s Study for those Sunday Tea Mia’s collection of Chinese snuff bottles. of you familiar with the Museum’s layout). of 2020 pre- Originally a utilitarian personal accessory He titled this exhibit “Worlds in Miniature.” sented by Chi- for carrying snuff (powered tobacco), they These examples were the subject of the Feb. nese Heritage became an object of display for Chinese 16 talk and Powerpoint slide show. Foundation gentlemen of means. The art form began We learned that we can approach Chi- Arts & Culture , p. 14 Friends on in the 18th century when taking snuff by nese snuff bottles on many different levels. In This Issue Feb. 16 was way of the nose became fashionable in For example, we could begin by cataloging a fascinat- China. The practice of the art flourished the varied materials and techniques that have Arts & Culture 14 ing scholarly into the first half of the 20th century, and is been used. While most of us today associate Books 13 exploration still practiced, and the works are certainly snuff bottles with reverse (interior) painting Business & Economy 5 of what you collected, to this day. of glass or crystal bottles, snuff bottles have Commentary 15 might regard Mia has several hundred snuff bottles been made of jade (meaning both jadeite Community 8-9, 12, 16 as a simple in its collection, but no group display has and nephrite), coral, ivory, carved lacquer, Events 14 collectible occurred in living memory, largely because gold and other metals, turquoise, cloisonné, object. About art scholars and historians have traditionally porcelain, exterior painting, various stones Food 14 40 guests and members gathered at Paul dismissed the snuff bottle as mere decora- or, of course, any combination of materials. Health 4 Kwok’s bright and cheerful studio in the tion and its creators as artisans or craftsmen. Even the shape of the object is not restricted History 7 Traffic Zone galleries on North 3rd Ave. in Liu, whose education includes a Ph.D. in to the familiar glass bottle, but may take the Language 6 Minneapolis. The presenter was Dr. LIU Asian Art from the University of London, shape of a standing human figure, a reclin- News 3 Yang, the curator of Chinese Art and the was intrigued by the Mia snuff bottle col- ing lady, an animal (real or imagined), or an Opinion 15 director of Asian and African Art at Mia lection, and undertook a study of the pieces. entire garden in relief. (as the Minneapolis Institute of Art is now From them, he selected about 100 to be Pronouncements 2 called). displayed in the Chinese gallery (around the Continued on page 9 Society 10-11 PAGE 2 / March 2020 www.chinainsight.info Publisher’s Pronouncements ChinaInsight Greetings: Publisher: Unfortunately, the outbreak of the see page 7. Elaine Dunn if you have any ideas about fu- coronavirus that originated in China has We also congratulate the 19 Stanley ture content or wish to discuss an article that Gregory J. Hugh now spread and has become a worldwide Chong Scholarship winners who were you feel would be of interest to our readers. [email protected] health concern, as attested by the extensive awarded by CAAM on page 8. coverage by mainstream media. While it Also, do not miss the third part of our Manager of Sincerely, is important to track the progress of the exclusive series by Jackson Venjohn on Operations/Circulation: coronavirus, China Insight will focus on page 11 about Confucianism, consumer- local news regarding the virus. A few lo- ism and the pursuit of wealth in a changing Richard He cal Chinese organizations are organizing China. You also are encouraged to contact [email protected] Gregory J. Hugh fundraisers to provide assistance to medi- Bill Chen if you have stories to share as President – CEO cal personnel in China as noted on page 4. requested on page 7. Staff Writers: China Insight, Inc. While we hope you will and encourage you A Jan. 23 fire in New York city's Chi- Greg Hugh to do your part in support of such causes, natown engulfed a building that housed [email protected] we also caution you do due diligence in historic and artistic items belonging to the ensuring any donations you choose to make Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA). Elaine Dunn (as in any of the charitable givings you do China Insight has included their interest- [email protected] throughout the year) are handled by repu- ing and unusual exhibitions in our “Arts & table organizations. Culture” sections in the past. Their one-of- Intern: The coronavirus outbreak has caused a-kind items tell the story of Chinese migra- some organizations to cancel their Chinese tion to the U.S. They include restaurant Jackson Venjohn New Year celebrations so we are not report- menus, textile, tickets for ship's passage, [email protected] ing on as many as we usually do. However, etc. The main museum space at 215 Centre if your organization rescheduled one, and we Street is unaffected, and is open and operat- didn’t include your organization’s celebra- ing normally. Museum staff are currently Contributors: tion, please feel free to submit a recap of in a recovery mode. If you wish to make a Will Ahern your event. We will be happy to consider donation toward archives recovery efforts, [email protected] it for our April issue. Simply send your there is a GoFundMe page: recap of no more than 500 words along with https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/cam- Bill Chen photos and captions to ghugh@chinainsight. paign/mocafirerecovery. [email protected] info by March 17, 2020. To learn how the Thank you for continuing to support Year of the Rat has treated China in the past, China Insight and feel free to contact me or Ximen Chuixue [email protected]

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Ingenious fun As news of the coronavirus outbreak minister, “… we have a very, very strong came to light in January, a Danish daily tradition in Denmark not only for freedom A few bored, had some fun with the Chinese flag. Where of expression, but also for satire drawings, but spirited women the stars are supposed to be, images of the and we will have that in the future as well… living in their high- coronavirus were substituted. An image of it is a well-known Danish position, and we rise apartments in President Xi Jinping appeared on the right will not change that.” Chengdu started as well. Chinese netizens were not amused an impromptu The Chinese embassy in Denmark either. They pushed back online, scorning “cross-residential- promptly demanded an apology, citing Denmark’s surrender to Germany in 4 hours community dance the image had “crossed the bottom line of during World War II. They responded with battle.” civilized society and the ethical boundary their own spoofs of the Danish flag, from A video on Chi- of free speech.” The Danish government emphasizing the 4-hr surrender to ruder ones nese social media defended the country’s tradition of free that engaged the use of the middle finger. ♦ shows one woman speech with a statement from its prime No crowds (top image) making spastic moves in front of her floor-to-ceiling window. Another woman a few floors below in the apartment building across from her responded with similar moves! According to the video, the second woman was accompanied “by a dude waving back and forth.” Not sure how long this went on for nor who won the dance battle! But at least it was No s#@t! cheap entertainment. People can be cruel. Added to the “run- Hong Kongers, too, have deserted their ning out of stock” list of face masks, hand love of shopping, eating out and movies Dumb moves sanitizers and anti-bacterial wipes, an online and staying home to avoid contracting the This woman from Shanghai should take rumour circulated in Hong Kong early Feb- infections virus. They work from home and a hint from the young women in Chengdu. ruary stating production of toilet paper is venture out only when necessary. The Shanghai lady went on a drinking being suspended because of factory closures Usually standing-room-only subways binge to break her isolation boredom. On in the mainland. Whoa! are running empty. Shopping mall escalators returning home after her few drinks, she got Panic-buying Hong Kongers bought are void of people. High-end luxury stores into a screaming and pushing match with a up rolls and rolls of the all-essential item, have more employees than customers, and neighborhood security guard over having clearing out supermarket shelves in no time. the employees all stand at the door looking her temperature checked. The leading supermarket chains quickly out into equally empty streets. After sobering up in jail, she realized squelched the rumour and restocked their The usually bustling city is now like a she had actually “returned” to the wrong shelves. The government also issued a ghost town. The city, struggling to recover neighborhood. Duh! statement saying there was no shortage of from months of pro-democracy protests are food staples and daily essentials, and urged dealt another hand to negotiate. But Hong Shameful activity the public to “stay vigilant against rumors.” empty 30 minutes after opening the fol- Kongers are tough and they are survivors. So Isolation means isolation. And that Despite the reassurances, toilet paper lowing morning. After all, no one will risk … with a US$3.6 billion government relief means no get-togethers, especially not for shelves at one of the supermarkets went running out of TP. ♦ package to help medical workers, business engaging in the national pastime! But for owners and others, it’s a good start to help four people in a Chongqing prefecture, that weather this current challenge. ♦ was too much. And how were they punished No sales when caught playing mahjong? The police made them walk down the street carrying In mid-February, Adidas said their sales No heart the mahjong table on their shoulders. Each in China had dropped 85 percent since Jan. player holding onto one table leg. An of- 25. ficer in the police cruiser following behind Half the shopping malls in China are announced on the bullhorn, “During the still closed. Consumers had been restricting epidemic, playing mahjong and cards is their shopping for daily essentials ever since prohibited.” the coronavirus outbreak. Those malls that Nothing like public humiliation. open have curtailed their operating hours. As of mid-February, the largest jeweler and fast food chains still have 80 percent TP heist of their stores closed, while approximately ing policies to support companies in many A delivery driver to a Hong Kong super- 95 percent supermarkets are open, with regions. A director general is hopeful that market was waiting for the metal shutter of limited ours. “large shopping malls will gradually return A 49-year-old Hong Kong man was the store to open when three masked men The Ministry of Commerce are launch- to business.” ♦ arrested Feb. 17 for animal abuse. He threatened him with a knife. The robbers got had thrown 29 pets out the window of his away with 600 rolls of toilet paper, estimated fifth-floor housing estate flat. Police found value: US$129. Why? Because of the recent No break parrots, chinchillas, hamsters, cats, rabbits online rumour that China TP manufactur- Virus out- Chengde, which is approximately 186 miles a guinea pig – 25 in all -- on a hillside path ers were halting production, which caused break or not, northeast of Beijing, is 2,707 hectares with along his block. Those that were still alive panic-buying. Despite assurances from the it’s not stop- venues for cross-country skiing and biath- were immediately sent to the Society for the supermarkets and government, TP hoarding ping the ap- lon. Parts of the training center is completed Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for treat- is still going on. ♦ proach of the and being used for training already. ment. The following day, there were four 2022 Beijing The National Ski Jumping Training more injured cats found. The man turned Winter Olympics. Construction of training and Research Base approximately 90 miles himself in that evening. Wonder what the Read ChinaInsight online facilities in Hebei Province are moving southwest of Beijing covers 51.8 hectares. story is behind his cruelty? ♦ www.chinainsight.info along. The National Snow Events Train- It is expected to be done and put into use ing Base (designer’s rendering above) in in October. ♦ PAGE 4 / March 2020 health www.chinainsight.info Calling for donations

25801 5x7 for Wuhan bw The outbreak of the coronavirus has exchanges and collaborations with spread from Hubei Province to all corners of Minnesota in fields such as Chinese China. The people of China, and especially education and culture. the medical workers on the front lines, are • Council for US-China Medical Tech- locked in a desperate battle of prevention nology Exchanges, LLC (www. and control against this new virus. In rec- uschinamedicaltech.com ) ognition of the global implications at stake, Implementing American hospital ad- we hereby appeal to all Minnesotans to take ministration training and collaborating an active role in the efforts to contain this with Chinese hospitals and medical outbreak and do what we can to show our organizations since 2013. solidarity and support for all those fighting • The Chinese American Chamber on the front lines! of Commerce, MN (htpps://mncbc. Minnesota International Chinese School org/en/) is partnering with the Minnesota Chinese A nonprofit committed to strengthening American Chamber of Commerce and the exchanges and cooperation between Council for US-China Medical Technology Chinese businessmen in Minnesota; Exchanges to raise funds for purchasing and strengthening cooperation and medical supplies including 50-100 medical- exchanges among members by provid- grade oxygen concentrator devices, 1,000 ing a platform for Chinese people in infrared thermometers, single-use protective Minnesota. Managing your money your way clothing and face masks for medical use. All supplies will be purchased directly from t Supporting organizations You have places to go and people to see. Stay on top of your Jiangsu Konsung Bio-Medical Science and (order by committed time) finances when and where it’s convenient for you — with your Technology Co., Ltd. and sent directly to • US-China Peoples Friendship Associa- laptop or mobile device, in a branch, or at one of our ATMs. hospitals in need in China. tion- Minnesota Chapter At Wells Fargo, it’s all about making your banking easier. If you have friends or relatives working • MN Shandong Folks Association in the medical field in China and know of • MN Northeast Folks Association Call, click, or stop by any branch. hospitals facing a shortage of these devices, • Phoenix Chinese Dance School please contact us to apply for that hospital • Minnesota Chinese World- MNCW to be one of our recipients. • Meilin Art Studio Please pass on this donation request to • Mamei Music Studio wellsfargo.com your friends as well. • X-Design ♦

© 2020 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. IHA-25801 Recipient hospitals to date Special thanks to Justin Lipsky for • Tianmen No. 1 People’s Hospital, translation. Hubei • Wuhan Dongyuan Hospital, Hubei 25801_CBCL-CB-CB_2020_Adshop _PRNTAS_A1_P1_0.indd 5 2/13/20 11:59 AM • Jingmen People’s Hospital, Hubei

How to donate HOST FAMILIES NEEDED Please specify “In the Name of Love.” Host a Chinese student and make a difference… Donation receipts available upon request. • PayPal: [email protected] Enrich their experience and enhance your own • Checks payable to: MICS, P.O. Box 390423, Edina, MN ♦ As a host family you share American 55439 or, culture with a student from China American Chinese Chamber; 7901 12th and provide them more than they Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55425 could learn in a classroom. • Credit/Debit cards: https://mnchinese.org/love ♦ Learn about their culture, explore the differences and develop new The donation committee will publish re- connections. ports and online updates containing detailed donation amounts and information on the Global Learning Alliance (GLA) is a Twin Cities based organization that usage of funds. serves as a facilitator to assist students from China that want to study in the United States. To ensure that the students obtain the best experience Sponsoring organizations possible, GLA seeks to place the students with host families. The length of • Minnesota International Chinese their stay could vary from a few months to a full school year and include School (www.mnchinese.org ) high school and college students of both sexes. A nonprofit organization registered Mask and suit in Minnesota to serve the commu- Since we recognize that hosting a student from China may place a financial nity by promoting Chinese culture burden on some families, we will provide some financial reimbursement and language and carry out extensive but expect a family to be a host because of the mutual cultural exchange that both will receive and not just the financial aspect.

While we are seeking host families in all parts the Twin Cities area, we are especially seeking families in Eden Prairie.

To learn more about being a host family, contact Richard He at 612-987-6540 or email, [email protected].

Thermometer Oxygen concentrator www.chinainsight.info business & economy March 2020 / PAGE 5 How did multinational companies offend? Let us count the ways! By Elaine Dunn

2019 may go down as the “Year of customer survey. Its website and app were Apologies” for multinational companies immediately blocked by the Shanghai Office doing business in China. of the Cyberspace Administration of China. In the days before international business Worse, during this blackout period, the was an official business school curriculum, Chinese discovered Marriott International most business and advertising faux pas had “liked” a tweet by Friends of Tibet! were a result of badly executed translation To redeem itself, Marriott International’s and mistaken cultural cues. So, these days official apology stated that it ”respects when “cultural diversity” and “cultural the sovereignty and territorial integrity of sensitivity” are drummed into the brain of China. We don’t support separatist groups every international business executive, how that subvert the sovereignty and territorial is it that international companies have had integrity of China.” to issue an increasing number of apologies Another 2018 offender was Mercedes- to the Chinese? Benz. It’s because of China’s increasing global “Look at situations from all angles, and power and more vocal Chinese citizens’ na- you will become more open,” proclaimed tional pride (at times goaded on by the state the 2018 Mercedes -Benz ad for a white media) expressed over its very influential Mercedes. Probably never crossed the cre- social media. And, the Chinese government ative director’s mind using that quote from has been prompt in stepping in to demand the Dalai Lama would land them in a “repu- apologies. And multinational companies tational crisis” in China. Beijing considers are quick to comply because of the power the Dalai Lama a “dangerous separatist.” and strength of the Chinese market, which The car company had to apologize. Twice! will surpass the U.S. as the country with the The first apology was “deemed insincere.” largest middle class in 2020, to a tune of 50 Then came 2019 and the Chinese gov- million households. That’s a very strong ernment seemed to have upped their ante, bargaining chip! especially in the assertiveness over territo- As opposed to the early 2000s, the recent rial issues. years’ transgressions have a lot to do with There are also companies that have China’s “territorial integrity.” (Fig. 1) taken to self-censorship, either by direct In January 2018, Marriott International “instruction” from Beijing or because they Customer eating at McDonald’s in Chongqing while offensive commercial of man begging had to issue an “eight-point rectification are trying to stay ahead of being forced for discount plays on TV above. plan” after it listed Hong Kong, Macau, to apologize officially. One such group is what the studios did to bypass the Chinese message was no one needs to beg to take Taiwan and Tibet as separate countries in its Hollywood film studios. A few examples of censors: a Tibetan monk in “Dr. Strange” advantage of a McDonald’s promotion. was replaced by a white actress so as not to State media complaint that Chinese has raise Tibetan-related issues. In the remake more dignity than to beg on their knees for Fig. 1 Partial list of international companies that had of “Red Dawn,” the Chinese army depicted a discount! to issue apologies in 2019 invading the U.S. was replaced with a North • 2008, months before the Olympics, a Korean army, after a leaked script was criti- CNN commentator described the Chinese cized by Chinese state media. government as “goons and thugs” in his Company Offense Additionally, some other organizations coverage of the riots in Tibet, which the Listed Hong Kong and Taiwan as separate countries or practicing self-censorship: Chinese government demanded a retraction. Calvin Klein (U.S.) regions on its website. • Apple rejected an app that Hong Kong pro- • 2008, Fiat had to apologize because testers can use to track police movements. Richard Gere, who was in its commercial, 1) Hong Kong and Taiwan listed as regions separate • ESPN told its staff to avoid talking about supports Tibet autonomy. from “China” on its website Coach (U.S.) Hong Kong politics. It is understandable that companies 2) Sold a T-shirt that had “Hong Kong” without China • Tiffany and Co. removed an ad that feel the pressure to apologize for fear of listed after it, and “Taiwan” listed after “Taipei.” showed a model who had one hand cover- losing access to the large Chinese market. Receipt in one of its Hong Kong branches included a ing one eye, a symbol of the Hong Kong However, Kevin Carrico, a lecturer in CoCo (Taiwanese) message of support for HK protesters. protests. Chinese Studies at Macquarie University • Cathay Pacific employees were prohibited in Sydney, Australia, told Hong Kong Free A presentation in China showed a map of China that Dior (French) from participating in Hong Kong protests Press that “companies apologizing to China did not include Taiwan. and one was allegedly fired for her posts on for offending nationalist sensibilities are Sold a T-shirt that had “Hong Kong” without a country Facebook about the protests. complicit in what Oxford political scientist Givenchy (French) listed after it, and “Taiwan” listed after “Taipei.” • Ray-Ban quietly “corrected” its descrip- Stein Ringen calls a ‘controlocracy,’ refer- Advertisement in Taiwan included a two-second clip tion of Taiwan and Hong Kong to China in ring to the sophisticated mix of hard and soft McDonald’s (U.S.) of a student ID card that showed Taiwan as a country. early 2019. measures used to sustain the Party’s rule.” Compare these to the missteps in the “I can’t blame a company for wanting Described the location of an event in Shanghai as “in early 2000s: access to China market – this makes perfect MUJI (Japanese) the French Concession;” netizens complained it being • 2003, Toyota apologized for “humiliat- sense. I would, however, blame a company culturally insensitive and disrespecting Chinese history. ing” ads. One ad showed a Chinese stone for this very unthoughtful, very unhelpful lion saluting a Toyota vehicle with a name – for example – demonisation of the Dalai Houston Rockets’ General Manager Daryl Morey sup- NBA (U.S.) and tagline that unfortunately translated into Lama, or denial of realities about the current porting the Hong Kong protests. Chinese to say, “Despotic rule, you have status of Taiwan. If companies are going to Listed Hong Kong and Taiwan as countries on its Osaics (Japanese) to pay respect to it.” Another ad showed go along with these kinds of behaviours, website. a Toyota Land Cruiser towing a Chinese- they’re really creating a disturbing prec- Withdrew ads from Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing TV station made truck. edent for how the world is going to engage Pocari Sweat (Japanese) TVB in July, outraging Chinese nationalists. • 2004, Nike apologized for a commercial with China,” said Carrico. showing Lebron James defeating a kung-fu Where do you stand? Do you think com- Swarovski (Austrian) Listed Hong Kong as a country on its website. master, women dressed in traditional cloth- panies that bend to the Chinese’s political Listed Hong Kong and Taiwan as separate regions from ing and two dragons. Online chatter showed sensitivities are compromising human rights Valentino (Italian) China on its website. Chinese were offended by being beaten by and freedom of speech in China? How far an American. will the international community allow Sold a T-shirt that did not list “China” after “Hong Versace (Italian) • 2005, A Xi’an McDonald’s branch ran a Beijing to impose its political views on the Kong.” commercial that showed a Chinese getting rest of the world? Will the day come when Employees in Hong Kong branches joined strikes in on his knees to beg an electronics salesman some will decide it’s not worth their while Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea the city. to honor his expired coupon. McDonald’s to enter the Chinese market? ♦ PAGE 6 / March 2020 language www.chinainsight.info Chinese Language Corner (漢語角落) Simple descriptions of people and things By Pat Welsh, contributor

Since language is fluid and regional variations do creep in to daily use and can be heard in Pronunciation reminders many Chinese movies, I will try to include these as well, especially those Beijing variations. This system follows Chinese Pinyin with the exception that the letter “u” which has In Chinese, adjective phrases always come before the noun being modified regardless two pronunciations. Sometimes it has the value of ü (“ee” as in see with rounded lips). of how long the adjectival phrase is. The word 的 “de” is inserted between the adjective At those times we use the symbol “ü” instead of Pinyin “u.” In making this sound, it is and the noun. most important that the vowel more resembles an “ee” sound and definitely not sounding like a “oo” sound as in “moon”.

English Chinese characters Mandarin Pinyin a, an, ang The “a” in these syllables sounds like the “a” in “father”. ao Sounds like the “ow” in “cow”. The man 人 Ren de, ge Here the “e” sounds much like the “a” in “above” or the “u” in “under”. The man who came 来的人 Laide ren ei Sounds like the “ay” in “say” or “day”. The man who came yesterday 昨天来的人 Zuótian laide ren en, eng Sounds like the “un” in “fun” or the “ung” in “lung”. ian Sounds like “ee-ehn” or “yen” (Here “ehn” and “en” almost sounds like the word “yen”.) was Mr. Wang 是王先生 shì Wang Xianshēng ong The “o” here sounds much like the “oo” in “ooze” or “spoon”. qian Sounds “tchee-ehn” (ehn rhymes with “hen”) The man who came yesterday 昨天来的人是王先生。 Zuótian laide ren shì qǜ Sounds like “tchee” but said with rounded lips. was Mr. Wang. Wang Xianshēng. shi Sounds almost like the “shir” in “shirt.” The tongue is retracted and lightly curled. si Sounds somewhat like sz, the vowel is short, it is between “i” in “it” and Who was it? 是谁？ Shì shei? “u” in “mut”. Who was it who came 昨天来的人是谁？ Zuótian laide ren shì shei? ü Sounds much like the “ee” in “see” but the vowel must be uttered with yesterday? rounded lips. x Sounds like a weak “sh;” xing sounds like “sheeng”. The suffix的 “de” is frequently added to adjectives, especially when 是 “shì” (to be) is you Sounds somewhat like the “yo” in “yodel.” the main verb of the sentence and when the adjective is made up of two or more syllables. z Sounds like a “tz” without any aspiration. Pronouncing this as ‘dz’ betrays American accent which will still be understood by the listener. zi Unaspirated tz, the vowel i is short, it is between “i” in “it” and “u” in “mut.” English Chinese characters Mandarin Pinyin zh This is an unaspirated “ch” with the tongue retracted and lightly curled. For example “zhu” almost sounds like “drew.” zhi Sounds almost like “djir.” It almost rhymes with “fur.” This is 這是 Zhè shì what 什么 shenme color 顏色 yansè Tones Using numbers: 5 = your normal high 4 = mid-high 3 = your normal mid pitch What color is this? 这是什么顏色？ Zhè shì shenme yansè? 2 = mid low pitch 1 = your normal low pitch

red 紅色 hóngsè Tone Description Notes orange 橙色 chengsè yellow 黄色 huangsè ā High level pitch (55) Regarding Tone ă á Mid-Rising Tone (35) 1. When occurring directly before an- ă Dipping (213) other dipping tone, tone ă becomes green 綠色 lüsè à High falling pitch (51) tone á. Thus, “hĕn hăo” (very good) blue 藍色 lansè a An unstressed neutral tone. Follow- changes to “hén hăo.” purple 紫色 zĭsè ing other syllables, syllables in this 2. When occurring directly before any tone tend to be somewhat lower that other tone, Tone ă will change to a of the previous syllable. The lone mid-falling tone (31) blond 金色 jīnsè exception is when it occurs after Regarding Tone à brown 褐色 hèsè tone ă. Here the neutral tone is often 1. When occurring before another à pink 粉色 fensè slightly higher in pitch. tone 2. The first tone à reduces its fall to 53

白色 white baisè Next month, we will deal with asking and describing where things are located. ♦ grey 灰色 huīsè black 黑色 hēisè

About Pat Welsh In 2009 while teaching English at Sichuan University, Welsh was asked to give a English Chinese characters Mandarin Pinyin speech where he was introduced to the audience as a “pioneer of Chinese American relations” as a result of his cooperative work in international banking during the Deng her 她的 tade Xiaoping era. For more than 65 years, Welsh has been learning Chinese and has used his 他的 tade this knowledge both professionally and personally to enhance his understanding of hair 头发 tóufa Chinese and Asian affairs. He uses Beijing Mandarin most frequently when meeting is what color? 是什么顏色的？ shenme yansède? with senior Chinese government officials when conducting business in China. For 17 years, Welsh taught Chinese, German and Spanish in two local high schools. Now fully retired, he currently resides in Georgia where he used to lecture on China Tade tóufa shìe sh nme What color is her hair? 她的头发是什么顏色的？ to a number of classes at Dunwoody High School. yansède?

She has blond hair. 她有金色的头发。 Ta yŏu jīnsède tóufa. She has red hair. 她有红色的头发。 Ta yŏu hóngsède tóufa. 她有黑色的头发。 She has black hair. Ta yŏu hēisède tóufa. Scan the QR code to read read ChinaInsight online His hair is brown. 他的头发是褐色的。 Tade tóufa shì hèsède. His has greying hair. 他的头发是灰白色的。 Ta tóufa shì huībaisède. www.chinainsight.info history March 2020 / PAGE 7 Rats! Rat years are not kind to China By Elaine Dunn

The rat. On the good side, it is associated 1948 Siege of Changchun on the afternoon of May 12. It hit Wench- Nixon visited China in 1972; President with fertility and cleverness. But Numero The People’s Liberation Army launched uan, Sichuan Province. There were 70,000 Reagan visited in 1984; and Beijing hosted Uno in the Chinese zodiac is also looked a siege against the city of Changchun, the killed, 374,177 injured, 18,392 missing (and the 2008 Olympics with an opening show upon with fear and revulsion. Medieval largest city in Manchuria then. It also was presumed dead). More than 45.5 million that left the world in awe. ♦ Europe’s “Black Death” was transmitted by one of the headquarters of the Nationalist people in 10 provinces and regions were rats on board ships from China. forces, who were defending it. The block- affected. At least 15 million people were 2020, the current Rat year, had an inaus- ade created food shortage, amidst other evacuated from their homes and more than picious start with the coronavirus outbreak, supplies. The New Seventh Army accused five million were left homeless. Landslides wreaking havoc with global business, and, Nationalist soldiers of receiving airdropped and rockslides in the aftermath blocked ac- certainly putting a big damper on the 2020 supplies. Taking advantage of the tension, cess to the region for days, making rescue Lunar New Year festivities in China. But this the communists encouraged the Nationalists efforts even more difficult. Economic loss Rat year is no different from many others in to join their rank. On Oct. 16, the Nation- amounted to US$86 billion. the past. It appears Rat years have not been alists officially switched and attacked the Of course, good things also happened in kind to China. Rat years, it seems, have in- New Seventh Army, which led to the fall Rat years. To counter-balance the negatives cluded a variety of calamitous events from of Changchun. mentioned above, here are some positives: man-made to natural disasters. Following Civilian deaths from starvation was the Chinese Mount Everest expedition was are a few examples. the first to successfully ascend Mount Ever- 2008 drummers at 2008 Olympics Opening estimated to be in the range of the tens of Ceremony thousands on the low end, and as high as est via the North Ridge in 1960; President 1840 Opium War 150,000-300,000, a fact that did not come to Chinese and Britain went to war over light until the publication of “White Snow, trade, national dignity and drug traffick- Red Blood” in 1989, which has since been ing. China lost. As settlement, Hong Kong censored. Do you and your family have went to Britain, beginning the “Century of Humiliation” for China. 1960 Laobaidong Mine Blast, a story to tell? the Great Famine 1900 Boxer Rebellion The second deadliest mine blast in By Major General William Chen, U.S. Army, retired; contributor China took place in May at the Laobaidong coal mine in Shanxi Province. It killed 684 people. The government kept the explosion a secret until 1992! Mao Zedong’s drastic policy change on farming (prohibiting private farm ownership, inflexible procurement and poor distribution systems) and a long drought, followed by floods in 1960 created the perfect recipe for low crop production. Number of deaths from the famine were never openly published, but estimated to be An uprising in northern China, known in 20-30 million. as the Boxer Rebellion, against the spread of Western and Japanese influence, killed 1996 Lijiang Earthquake foreigners and Chinese Christians. They also On Feb. 3, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake destroyed foreign property. U.S. troops led shook southwestern China. Lijiang, a city in an international force to subdue the Box- Yunnan Province, sustained property dam- Recommended medal design depicts Chinese American servicemen and a nurse. The ers, which officially ended in 1901 with age amounting to approximately US$506 reverse side shows a battleship, a Sherman tank and a P-40 Warhawk from the Flying Tigers. China paying more than $330 million in million, more than 300 deaths and 17,000 reparations. (The U.S. returned the money injuries. In addition, 358,000 buildings were As we anxiously wait for the Speaker of 2) Chinese American community efforts received with the stipulation it would be damaged, making 320,000 homeless. the House’s announcement on the official in response to the Sino-Japanese War, e.g., used to fund the creation of a university in date on Capitol Hill for the award ceremony for China relief and volunteering to fight Beijing. Other nations also returned their 2008 Sichuan Earthquake, and of the Congressional Gold Medal to Chinese the Japanese. shares of the Boxer indemnity.) more American World War II Veterans. Subse- 3) Stories of Chinese American families in Just before February’s Lunar New Year, quent to the Washington, D.C. ceremony, support of the war effort; and 1924 Second Zhili-Fenglian the country’s southern and central regions regional cities around the country will hold 4) Stories of veterans during the war and War were hit by the worst winter storms in five regional award ceremonies. their life post-WWII. This conflict between the Japanese- decades that left scores dead, power out- Meanwhile, there is an important project The objective of the souvenir book is to backed Fenglian clique based in Manchu- age in numerous cities and hundreds of underway to fill a void of Chinese American recognize and honor our WWII veterans and ria and the more liberal Zhili clique that thousands of travelers stranded during the history during WWII not currently covered serve as a remembrance to all of us; and for controlled Beijing and backed by Anglo- country’s busiest travel period. in our standard K-12 education system. our follow-on generations, and to fill a void American business interests was one of the Major anti-government protests broke Where I reside in Boston, the award of Chinese American history during WWII worst during the warring warlords era. It was out in March in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa, ceremony is planned for May 29, 2020. The – sorely lacking in our current education over the control of Shanghai. The Fenglian which led to widespread violent protests Boston regional will be for veterans and/or curriculum. It is critical we add our stories clique won, which resulted in a wave of throughout Tibet. It was the “biggest chal- next-of-kin recipients who reside in the New to this segment of U.S. history. If we don’t protests from the more liberal Chinese. The lenge to the Chinese rule in the Himalayan England states. tell our own stories, the experiences of our conflict ended on Nov. 3, 1924 and proved region in nearly two decades.” As part of our ceremony and celebra- ancestors may be lost forever. Please talk to to be very destructive and costly. It set in In April came China’s worst train acci- tion, the Chinese American Citizens Alli- your family members and submit articles so motion a series of events that resulted in dent in a decade. The high-speed train wreck ance (C.A.C.A.) Boston plans to publish we may capture the important contribution Chiang Kai-shek's Northern March in 1926 left 72 dead and more than 400 injured in a Souvenir Book dedicated to all Chinese Chinese Americans made during WWII. and a united China under him. rural Shandong Province. American World War II veterans from the C.A.C.A. Boston is a nonprofit organi- Then came a magnitude 7.9 earthquake New England states and to honor and rec- zation. We are looking for contributors to 1936 Xi’an Incident ognize them. submit articles as described above, espe- Nationalist Generalissimo Chiang Kai- The first section of the book will include cially for the first three topics above. Prior shek was seized by two of his own generals articles on the overall contribution of Chi- published articles are fine with approval who opposed his policy of continuing to nese American World War II veterans, and given for reprint. Recommended length is fight the communists rather than fighting the coverage on historical background from 600 to 2,000 words with inclusion of photos, Japanese, who had invaded northern China. veterans and their family members from as appropriate. Chiang was released, a second communist- across the country, such as: Please send your articles to me: Nationalist United Front was formed to 1) The pre-war setting and environment [email protected] by April 15, combat the Japanese and the incident ended. affecting Chinese in America and Chinese 2020 ♦ Americans. PAGE 8 / March 2020 community www.chinainsight.info CAAM awards scholarships to 19 at annual banquet By Ximen Chuixue, contributor

On Jan. 20, the oldest Chinese-Amer- praised by the local Chinese community. Wang and Tianyue Liu. The champions took ican organization in Minnesota, the Chi- After the first round of the lottery draw, to the stage and sang "Red Flag Fluttering." nese American Association of Minnesota Jeff Jiang, the first local Chinese entrepre- Two of them chanted in unison: "The red (CAAM) held its annual banquet and award neur to run for the Minnesota senator seat, flag flutters, the red flag flutters.” Then the ceremony at the Peking Garden Restaurant, made the keynote speech. He thanked the champion sang "Young hearts don't age, Saint Paul. Because of the thick snow and Chinese community for their unrelenting your bright eyes are pulling me, let me stay freezing temperature, a lot of people could support and then related the past and present in my dreamland and look at the future ..." not make it. However, I had the honor of of the Chinese community of Minnesota. At half-time, the athletes’ representatives receiving an invitation to the dinner and am Lastly, Jiang encouraged the Chinese in gave speeches for the New Year and sang, delighted to share with you the proceedings Minnesota to engage more in politics and which encouraged people to be grateful to of the banquet. to speak for the interests of the Chinese. the motherland and cherish their mothers. Around 6 p.m., more than 140 people His excellent speech received a thunderous The raffle continued, and other exciting from Twin Cities area had flocked to the round of applause. performances took place. For example, the banquet. Playing an elegant tune on the gu- Then Chair Wang and Secretary Zan award-winning student Mina Zhang sang a zheng was Annelise Carlson, whose music Gao co-hosted this year’s Stanley Chong popular and beautiful song "You Raise Me serenaded old friends and acquaintances into Scholarship award ceremony. After rigorous Up." She sang and danced, with her delicate enthusiastic social interaction. selection by the jury, there were a total of 19 hands and deep emotions echoing gracefully The restaurant prepared a variety of outstanding high school seniors in Minneso- through her voice. The last performance delicacies including, but are not limited to, ta with outstanding academic achievement, was a guzheng performance. A master of steamed sole, fried lobster with scallion, leadership ability and community service. the zither, Jiaxiang Li played the famous steamed oysters, roast duck, salt and pepper Wang introduced them separately through classical song "Plum Blossom Tree Alley." shrimp, Chinese beef fillet and braised tofu. detailed stories. After the awards, Aunika Carlson then performed "Harvest Gong" The delicacies spiced up the performance Zheng from Mounds View High School and with him. The guzheng's soft sounds sifted while it infused the air with soothing smells. Xinze Tan from Wayzata High School spoke through the room. That beautiful melody This made the ceremony a feast for the eyes, on behalf of the winners. echoed deep in our imagination even after ears and nose. Then came breathtaking performances! the performance. As the banquet began, Ping Wang, Two sisters from Chinese Language School, Bringing the banquet to its end was the chair of CAAM, warmly welcomed all and Alecia and Alexis Jendro, effortlessly spat main lottery draw by Stone Yu, the 1992 introduced the CAAM branches: Chinese out the familiar tongue twister, “wide CAAM chair (and then the director of the Dance Theater and Chinese Language shoulder pole and bench length.” This was Chinese American Association of Minnesota School. Wang stated CAAM aims to provide followed by the traditional performance of Bylaws Committee). It was won by Bei various cultural exchange activities for the bringing in the Chinese New Year; the num- Shen, the former arts director and senior Chinese in Minnesota, promote friendship bers one to 10, each began a four-character choreographer of the China Dance Theater. and mutual assistance, and promote cultural stanza. The two sisters’ fluent Chinese and After the party, some attendees were still and scientific exchanges and cooperation excellent memory won the crowd’s mighty enthusiastically expecting more. Some even between China and the Minnesota region. In applause. They were followed by Hunan rushed to the front desk and asked: "Is the the past year, CAAM had organized many singer Ma Mei who sang the folk song “The show really over? Is there more to come?" cultural exchange activities and provided Opening of Spring.” She sang as spring In response, Lin Shu, the chief financial funding for large-scale events such as the sprout forth before our eyes. officer in charge of logistics, came up and Spring Festival Gala and Mid-Autumn The party committee also invited eight solemnly told everyone, “Unfortunately the Festival in the Chinese communities. In members of the World Sports Champion- show’s over. Not even the prizes remain." the annual financial report, Wang proudly ships from China presently studying at the As I left the restaurant and gazed at the pointed out the Association provided more University of Minnesota: volleyball player billowing snow, my heart was warm with than $126,000 in Stanley Chong scholar- Luchang Shi, wrestler Jiahui Dong, short joy. ♦ ships to 27 Chinese teenagers in Minnesota track skater Han Xiao and Yue Lin, swim- in 2019, a move that is widely supported and mers Siwen Liu and Zhao Liu, boxers Yuyan Photos by Ping Wang www.chinainsight.info community March 2020 / PAGE 9 Snuff said! Continued from page 1

NEW VIP HIGH LIMIT Specimens may also be grouped by a quotation from the book. Unsurprisingly subject matter. Some strongly reflect a for an accessory predominantly carried by specific element of Chinese culture. For males, one other common subject for snuff BACCARAT example, some bottles clearly exhibit bottles is referred to as “Beauties,” usually Confucian values with depictions of of- meaning historic court ladies famed for ficials at work at the desk, family groups their beauty. or references to family lines of heritage. All in all, Liu’s talk was informal, ROOM Daoist-themed bottles often show flora informative and a great pleasure to attend. and fauna of nature. Buddhist bottles, of He spoke for over an hour and held the course, will typically show the Buddha or audience’s complete attention. We all came Only 25 Minutes North of Downtown refer to Buddhist stories. away not only with a totally new apprecia- Visit us at Runaces.com for more details Landscapes and pictures of flowers and tion for snuff bottles, but with a personal list birds are common themes and not necessar- of elements of Chinese culture and history ily Daoist. Particular species may be cho- to explore further. sen for symbolic or homophonic meaning, Yin Simpson, as always, arranged a or the subject matter may represent nothing table of Chinese snacks for the attendees. deeper than a simple decorative choice. And a special “Thank You” to Paul Kwok Literature is another common theme for for the use of his studio, a perfect site for Chinese snuff bottles. The scenes are usu- an intellectual Sunday afternoon. RunAces.com ally easily identified because a scene from The “Worlds in Miniature” snuff bottle the classic Chinese novel “Dream of the exhibit will continue at Mia through June Red Chamber,” for example, will include 7, 2020. ♦

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nwhealth.edu/ChinaInsightnwhealth.edunwhealth.edu PAGE 10 / March 2020 society www.chinainsight.info Acts of human kindness bring hope in challenging times Couriers, community workers among those uniting to tackle contagion

Source: China Daily, Feb. 7, 2020

For days, the streets of Wuhan, capital of "I just want to tell my wife and daughter "Many people have now returned to orders placed by residents on Lunar New Hubei province, and epicenter of the novel that I'm fine here and I will come home after Shanghai after the holiday, so there is more Year's Eve that he delivered the food to the coronavirus outbreak, have been deserted. this epidemic has passed," he said. reason for us to stay alert." hospital in person, as no express delivery Buses and the subway have stopped run- Du Jinlong, a manager at one of Best In addition to providing information, services were available. ning. With the exception of a few taxis and Freight's warehouses in Yichang city, Hubei, community workers are going door to door On another day, the hospital received private hire vehicles, the roads are otherwise told National Business Daily the company to learn about residents' recent travel history nearly 100 cups of coffee with accompany- eerily empty. had formed a special fleet of trucks to trans- and the people they have come into contact ing messages stating, "Angels in white, your While the majority of residents have port medical supplies. with, as well as helping the more than 8,000 hard work is appreciated." opted to remain at home, people such as "My warehouse has sent 10 trucks, each individuals who are quarantined at home to Zhu Fan, a publicity officer at the hos- Yuan Shuang are doing their bit to ensure carrying 100 boxes of facemasks, to Wuhan cope with the situation. pital, said all its medical staff members that the city of 11 million people does not and surrounding cities," he said. One of the most recent tasks the com- thanked people for their support, but had come to a complete halt. "We know the situation is severe, just by munity workers had was to contact travelers called for such deliveries to stop, to prevent Yuan, a courier with Danniao Logistics, looking at the heavy workloads. But I hope from Hubei who have been quarantined at unnecessary waste. has documented his daily activities since the everybody can avoid panicking and work a hotel since before Spring Festival. Zhang In addition to food, facemasks and outbreak through his video blog, updating together to tackle this challenge." and his colleagues have also been helping leggings for nurses have been delivered viewers about the situation. Yi Dong, general manager of Suning's this group buy daily necessities. anonymously by residents to the hospital. He arrives at his warehouse at 6:50 am logistics branch in Wuhan, said his col- "We are aware of the risk of human News that a couple in Shanghai made every day. The first thing he and his colleagues delivered 50 metric tons of disin- contact, so we post messages on the elec- 150 loaves and 13 kg of cookies and sent leagues do is check their temperatures to fectant solution donated by neighboring tronic screens and gates. When we have them to doctors and nurses at four hos- ensure they are not running a fever. Jiangsu and Anhui provinces to Wuhan. It to make home visits, we make phone calls pitals before dawn on the second day of At 8:30 am, Yuan starts to load goods will continue to transport supplies, such as beforehand and ensure we are dressed in Spring Festival went viral on social media into a minivan before transporting them to computers and air conditioners, to the two protective gear." platforms. destinations across the city. The packages special hospitals built to treat those infected To help those quarantined remain cheer- A woman, surnamed Yin, said she and bearing yellow labels are essential supplies by the virus. ful, Zhang makes frequent calls to them to her husband, who own an Italian restaurant that need to be delivered first. Some 80 "Our truck drivers literally live at the provide emotional support. in Changning district, had the idea of mak- percent of Yuan's parcels contain face masks company now," he said. "All of them are "I've done some homework and have ing food for frontline medical workers on and disinfectants, while the remainder have ready to take on assignments, no matter decided to shortlist some local tourist spots Lunar New Year's Eve. food and beverages. what time it is." so that when this is all over, these people can Yin said the couple just wanted to give explore and enjoy Shanghai," Zhang said. their support to doctors and nurses battling the virus and to tell them that their efforts Hospital requests "will never be in vain." Doctors and nurses at Shanghai's Ruijin Many restaurants, which had been fully Hospital are asking for media help in telling booked for the Spring Festival holiday week the public to stop sending supplies of food, but later experienced cancellations as people which has flooded in since Lunar New Year's avoided gathering together, sold off their Eve on Jan 24. stock at cost price. The hospital is one of those in the munic- Zhuang Yuan Lou, a restaurant on ipality designated to receive suspected cases Gubei Road in Changning, set up stalls in front of its entrance on Wednesday to Goods are transported to a neighborhood of infection from the novel coronavirus. sell semi-cooked food to residents in the community in Wuhan. Variety of food and drinks sent anonymously Every day, a variety of food and drink by residents at Ruijin Hospital, one of those has arrived, accompanied by notes such neighborhood. designated to receive suspected cases as "Stay strong Shanghai! Pneumonia is The manager, surnamed Zhang, said, At 12:45 pm, Yuan drives back to the of infection from the novel coronavirus in doomed to be defeated!" and "From ordinary "We prepared a large amount of food to sell warehouse to have lunch, a simple meal Shanghai. Shanghai residents". to residents at lower than market price, to comprising a bowl of rice, pork and green The donations, which are piling up in avoid wastage." peppers. Once he finishes eating, he imme- an area of the hospital used by frontline Many netizens praised Shanghai for diately returns to work. Shanghai residents act being a "heartwarming city" and said they Residential communities in Shanghai medical staff members fighting the outbreak, "I don't feel that I am an ordinary courier. were looking forward to the safe return of have been playing an active role in prevent- include dumplings, pizza, spaghetti, ham- I now shoulder more responsibility than medical workers sent to Hubei to help battle ing the spread of the novel coronavirus. burgers, eggs, cherries, coffee, fruit juice before," he said. the outbreak. For example, residents across the city and even hairy crabs. "I want people to know that even when More than 430 doctors and nurses from have been taking part in daily patrols to Medical staff members at the hospital the city is locked down, we couriers are Shanghai working in the fields of critical provide updates and notifications about joked that kind-hearted people were trying still here to deliver essentials. Although my care, respiration and infection have been the epidemic to households, said Zhang to ensure that they made up for the food they colleagues often joke that they are scared to sent to Wuhan hospitals to treat patients who Guangxing, head of the West Yan'an Road had missed during Spring Festival. death, I know they will stick to their posts are critically ill. community. "Such kind actions from citizens have and we will all work together." On Jan. 28, Ji Minjiao, a nurse in the "We are now facing a crisis and have to moved us, and more important, inspired "Everyone has received something. emergency intensive care unit at Renji remain vigilant and take all possible mea- us," said Zhou Jianping, a chief doctor in the This makes us feel warm," he said. "I feel Hospital Affiliated With Shanghai Jiao sures to protect the community," he said. Respiration Department of Ruijin Hospital my work is meaningful to the city at such a Tong University School of Medicine, waved "A lot of residents are elderly and almost Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong Univer- tough time. I have faith in Wuhan, and we goodbye to her 3-year-old daughter before half of the population in this area are tenants, sity School of Medicine. will overcome this predicament together." heading to Wuhan. not homeowners. For several days over the past week, Workers at logistics companies such as She also left a letter for her, stating: "Our job is to ensure everybody is well- dozens of cups of coffee have also been Best Freight as well as JD and Suning's de- "Mama is sorry that she can't be with you. informed about infections and preventive delivered to medical workers at the Central livery branches have also been risking their Like many other nurses, mama's job is to measures, to learn about people traveling in Hospital of Minhang District in the city, health to transport supplies from outside help as many patients as possible to be re- and out of the city, and report any traveler accompanied by messages such as "We're Wuhan, according to a report by National united with their families. When you hear who is from an infected region." grateful for your hard work" and "From Business Daily, which interviewed several news that the epidemic has been controlled According to Yuan Lihua, head of the ordinary residents nearby". couriers in the city. and the battle with the virus has been won, Xinmei Community Center in Minhang Zhu Congying, a nurse in the Respira- Zhang Hao, a courier with JD Logistics, that will be the time that mama will be ready district's Xinzhuang area, such efforts are tion Department, was one of the first to no- worked through the Spring Festival holiday. to return home." also being undertaken by workers from the tice that food donations had been delivered Zhang said he originally planned to return to The girl told her mother as she departed, city's 4,000 residential and 1,000 village to the hospital for several days running. his hometown after his shift on Lunar New "Mama, I also want to be a medical worker communities. "I feel very touched. I never expected to Year's Day, but after seeing the city was when I grow up." "Seven of us community workers have experience anything so moving," she said. locked down, he decided to work to lend a Ji said it was her mission to serve and not taken a day off since Lunar New Year's She added that the manager of one res- helping hand. she had no second thoughts about helping Eve," Yuan said. taurant was so impressed by food donation people in Wuhan. ♦ www.chinainsight.info society March 2020 / PAGE 11 Han Dynasty Part II: Confucianism, consumerism and the pursuit of wealth in a changing China By Jackson Venjohn

Editor’s note: This is the third of a series Here we see Ban Gu having a disregard If there is a man who does not involve suppressed. The ancient discourse of free of articles based on a thesis by Venjohn, for the private sector. The style of economics in farming, there will be someone in market economics and centrally lead form University of Minnesota Carlson School Ban Gu is promoting is quite different from starvation in the state…. Now there of socialism is evident in ancient times and of Management undergraduate and China Sima Qian,and might best be summarized by are more than 100,000 people who is important to consider when analyzing how Insight intern, on how Confucianism has “when there is one more businessman in the are workers, merchants, artists and the modern-day economy of China works in impacted consumerism in China, and the society, there would be one less productive servants and they are unproductive. line with these traditional Confucian ideas trade-off between the individual’s pursuit of farmer, thus resulting in a decrease in food How can we hope that everyone will or lack thereof. wealth vs virtue in Chinese society. production.”1 Ban Gu continues to support have a full belly?1 Next month’s issue will begin looking his argument by citing Confucius in “The Here we see a continuation of Ban Gu’s at how the ancient Chinese literature put In the January and February issues, we Analects,” Chapter 16, line 1, saying: interpretation of Confucius’ texts during the forward by Confucius, Sima Qian, Ban Gu explored the sentiment of Confucius and Confucius says, “What I have heard Jin Dynasty with regard to social hierarchy. and others throughout the first three articles Sima Qian during the Zhou, Qin and Han is that the head of a state or a noble The highest classes are the state, the emper- relate to contemporary China, starting with dynasties (510 B.C.–A.D. 220) toward family worries not about under or, academia (those who passed the imperial the Mao era. ♦ consumerism and the pursuit of wealth population but about uneven distri- examination) and farmers, followed by the in a changing China. Where Sima Qian’s bution, not about poverty but about merchants, businessmen and traders at the 1. The History of the Former Han Dynasty, “Shiji” was influential to early Chinese instability.” bottom of society’s hierachy. The idea that Ch.91, “The Money Makers,” Memoir 61. dynasties, it was an unofficial historical When things are stable and evenly dis- the working class serves the emperor and 2. Translated and presented by Chan Flor- account displaying Sima Qian’s personal tributed, there exists fairness and wealth the state is clear, while the negative view- ence in “The Money Making in Ancient attitudes and ideas. Therefore, it was largely distributed equitably among the masses. point towards individual pursuits of profit China: A literature Review Journey Through criticized by many official, state authorized In a 2010 research paper, Chan Florence, through trading and acting as merchants is Ancient Texts,” (2010), pg. 28 texts of the Han Dynasty including “The a scholar with the Chinese University of History of the Former Han Dynasty” and Hong Kong, notes the state can only “be “The History of the Latter Han Dynasty.” stable if and only if there is equal wealth Ban Gu was a historian and politician dur- distribution.”1 This shows the theme of the ing the Han Dynasty and was responsible unification of China and in this instance se- for some of the literature authorized by the cured by a controlled population, economy, Han emperor to be published during the and culture by the state and emperor. Han Dynasty. Not only do these official If you remember back to the previous texts represent Ban Gu’s personal sentiment section in “The Analects,” book 11, line 18, towards individuals pursuing wealth, but Confucius said: also more broadly, the state and emperor’s Hui is completely full, yet always view towards whom he ruled. Understand- possession-less. Si is not wealthy by ing how the state in ancient China viewed fate, so he has to contrive in order consumerism and the pursuit of wealth to enrich himself and is usually on helps us develop a deeper perspective when the mark. comparing with contemporary China and the In Ban Gu’s account in “The History of Communist Party. Throughout our exami- the Former Han Dynasty,” he analyzes this nation of Ban Gu’s official literature in the classical Chinese text in a different way Han Dynasty, he criticizes Sima Qian while which criticizes Sima Qian’s argument. Ban quoting Confucius several times. These are Gu writes the following: important aspects to keep in mind when we Confucius praised Hui and teased Si, look at modern day China, as this type of “Hui is perhaps difficult to improve discourse is still present today (where these upon; he allows himself constantly contemporary examples will be explored to be in dire poverty. Si refuses to in following issues). In the beginning of accept his lot and indulges in money Chapter 24, memoir 4A of “The History making, is frequently right in his of the Latter Han Dynasty” (Hao Hanshu), conjectures.”2 Ban Gu writes: This subtle difference in the first line is The men of antiquity say, “There “Confucius praised Hui and teased Si,” and will be someone in starvation when expresses the differentiating view between a man is not farming; and there will Ban Gu (the Han Dynasty government) and be someone in cold when a woman Sima Qian. Because “The Analects” was is not weaving.”1 written in Classical Chinese, there is am- biguity and room for multiple translations. However, we know from Confucius’ more explicit views when discussing ’The Way’ (dao), if profit is acquired through moral means it is acceptable. The point is that the Han Dynasty and Ban Gu misrepresent Confucius’ meaning in terms of individuals’ pursuit of profit. The tone of the Han Dynasty’s official literature sets the tone for later dynasties in believing that “all land and resources belong to the king.”1 To conclude our examination of the Call for Articles… ancient era of Chinese thinking towards ChinaInsight is a local newspaper fostering U.S.-China cultural consumerism and the pursuit of profit, we and business harmony. We are interested in publishing articles are going to look at one last example in the Jin Dynasty (A. D. 265-419 ). Like Han that engage audiences in America. Potential topics range from Dynasty and many others, the Jin Dynasty understanding daily life in China (or for Chinese in America) to had official publications of literature as well. discussions of business markets from both an American or Chinese In Chapter 16 of “Jin Shu” (the official book viewpoint.

on Jin Dynasty history), Ban Gu’s tone is still presented similarly: If you would like to contribute an article, contact Greg Hugh at Ban Gu 班固 952-472-4757 or [email protected]. PAGE 12 / March 2020 community www.chinainsight.info Hangzhou choreographer The Minnesota China Jinyu Zhou joins CAAM Friendship Garden Chinese Dance Theater Society’s new slate of By Beatrice Rothweiler, contributor officers

After an extensive and nuanced understanding of The Minnesota China Friendship Garden Treasurer – Ken Lau thoughtful search for new societies. I can explore mul- Society announced its new slate of officers Executive-at-large member – Joyce Hsiao artistic talent, CAAM ticultural and cross-cultural following their election on Feb. 18. Executive-at-large member – Mary Warpeha Chinese Dance Theater aesthetics and connections All are one-year terms except for the Executive-at-large member – Snowden Herr has announced the addi- in my choreography. directors Directors (two-year terms, ending March tion of Jinyu Zhou, inter- President – Bill Zajicek 2022) – Snowden Kau Herr, Kenneth nationally distinguished What interested you in Vice president – Chen Zhou Lau, Moua Wang-Yu Vu, Xuejiao (Joanie) artist and choreographer, joining CAAM Chinese Secretary/President emeritus – Linda Zhang.♦ to its artistic staff. Zhou is Dance Theater? Mealey-Lohmann among the highest ranked Because I knew of choreographers in China CAAM Chinese Dance The- and is a member of the ater’s success of more than Chinese Dance Artists’ 25 years. I was excited to Association. Over the come to the U.S. to learn course of her 40-year career, she has held more about it. I am very impressed with highly critical roles as a choreographer for the dedication of all the volunteers. I felt dance troupes around the world. very welcomed by CAAM Chinese Dance Theater and the broader community here. I Zhou laoshi, how did you get started in could see how I can build on its success. It the Chinese dance world? Where did it is a perfect opportunity for all of us. take you? I was born and raised in Hangzhou, What will you bring to CAAM Chinese one of the top cities in China for art and Dance Theater? culture, with its beautiful West Lake, which CAAM Chinese Dance Theater offers has inspired art and dance. As a child I was me the opportunity to take my experiences chosen to train to become a professional and skills into the U.S. Even though I can dancer. I obtained my dance degrees first at teach the works of other choreographers for Zhejiang Performing Arts Academy (spe- such programs as Chinese dance competi- cializing in dance performance), then later tions at CAAM Chinese Dance Theater, I am Liu Ming Yuan, Phalen Regional Park, created by the Minnesota China Friendship Garden at Beijing Dance Academy (specializing in excited to bring new and original Chinese Society and the USCPFA. (Photo: Bryan Murphy, St. Paul Parks & Rec) choreography). During these times I was dance work to the Minnesota community both studying and working. and beyond. I am constantly working and I declined opportunities to stay in Bei- learning, now I have the chance to observe jing to return to perform in my home town’s and create here, learn about history, culture Dragon Festival under new Zhejiang Song and Dance Theater, a na- and experiences here in U.S. and bring them tional level dance theater in Hangzhou. Only into my work too. ownership and new format a few years after performing professionally I was promoted to primary director/chore- What are your plans now? By Will Ahern ographer at Zhejiang Song and Dance The- I have been teaching classes and creating ater. I was responsible for directing dance choreography for CAAM Chinese Dance The Dragon Festival is being reimagined These include the new Phalen Regional Park dramas, dance performances, musicals and Theater dancers since February. I look for- as this is written. Instead of a two-day event China Garden with the Xiang Jiang Pavilion large-scale events. I never looked back and ward to building on its legacy, introducing from the past, this summer it will be one and the beautiful “Meditation” sculpture I became an ambassador for Chinese dance its dancers and audiences to the latest in action-packed Saturday on July 11, from (created and dedicated in July 2006) by on the international stage, including tours dance from China and take the dancers and 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Changsha artist Lei Yixin. Master Lei also around the rest of Asia. Within China, I organization to new heights. The new ownership and new format carved the sculpture of Martin Luther King also performed in and choreographed works In May, our dance performance will are meant to breathe new life and energy to Jr. on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for national performances for prominent feature my new choreography. I hope the the festival. Popular dragon boat races will The newly formed nonprofit is named Chinese leaders, including at least three community comes to see and experience the take place all day. Other new additions are Midwest Festivals dba as Dragon Festival. Chinese presidents! results. At CAAM Chinese Dance Theater, I also being developed for this colorful event. Ms. Maikhou Vang is the highly motivated am working on plans into the foreseeable fu- Through the 19 years of its existence, new president. She is owner of the Weaving What are some of the groups you have ture with stimulating and attention-grabbing the Dragon Festival has been a solid pres- Cultures, LLC a prominent service com- worked with? performances, including next year’s Chinese ence celebrating diversity and cultural pany providing interpreter and translation My original choreography has won New Year production and beyond. These experience in Eastside of Saint Paul. It has services in more than 120 languages. Vang many national level dance competitions are exciting times for both me and CAAM brought a diverse presence to Phalen Lake is herself an amazing success story having and awards, including from China’s Minis- Chinese Dance Theater. ♦ through hugely popular boat races, cultural come to the United States at the age of 10. try of Culture while I was artistic director performances, authentic foods and resources Mark your calendar for an eventful day at Zhejiang Song and Dance Theater. But Rothweiler is co-chair of CAAM Chinese for the community. At its height, attendance with all kinds of performances, food and fun I also received invitations to be featured Dance Theater. had been estimated at a whopping 10,000. this summer! The event is open to anyone guest choreographer at other theaters within Permanent landmarks at the event site interested in learning more about Asian China and abroad. At the Hong Kong Dance are now present because of the efforts of cultures and celebrations. ♦ Company, I created two premier dance people associated with the Dragon Festival. dramas that were internationally critically acclaimed. Within my own province of L to R: Gregg Blom- Zhejiang, I have been asked numerous times ker, Will Ahern, Ron to direct or choreograph or both for other Soppeland, Maik- Hangzhou theaters, such as The Voice of the hou Vang, Macy Ancient Canal Art Troupe, the Dongyang Lee-Johnson, Garden Arts Group, and Zhejiang Shengyi John Lavick, Pa- nou Xiong, Marina Culture and Creativity. My work is widely Netchepeava known in China.

What is your philosophy or view on creating dances? I embrace not only the rich dance tradi- tions of China but also want new experiences and new dance genres from around Zhou working with a CAAM Chinese Dance the world to influence my work. I seek a Theater class. Photo: Beatrice Rothweiler www.chinainsight.info books March 2020 / PAGE 13 “Vigil: Hong Kong on the Brink” by Jeffrey Wasserstrom Reviewed by Peter Gordon, Asian Review of Books, Jan 31, 2020

Author: Jeffrey Wasserstrom Publisher: Columbia Global Reports Publication date: February 2020 Softcover: 112 pages Wasserstrom is the author of four books on China and the editor or co-editor of several more, including, most recently, “Chinese Characters: Profiles of Fast-Changing Lives in a Fast-Changing Land,” which contains chapters by both fellow academics and such acclaimed journalists as Peter Hessler, Leslie T. Chang, Evan Osnos and Ian Johnson. Wasserstrom is a history professor at the University of Califor- nia, Irvine, and the editor of the Journal of Asian Studies. He is also the Asia editor of the Los Angeles Review of Books, an Associate Fellow of the Asia Society, and a co-founder of the "China Beat" blog.

For those of us who live in Hong Kong, and although it is likely many here will buy general and to the protagonists: this isn’t Despite Wasserstrom’s conclusion that the past six-eight months have been a roller- the book, read it and discuss it, this book is a detached account. Although one must “it’s become clear … that there is little stop- coaster. The (it is almost now universally not really for them: Hong Kong people are always be aware of the risk of conflating ping Beijing from destroying many of Hong accepted) ill-advised extradition bill — the more passionate, committed and nuanced anecdote with data and analysis, Wasser- Kong’s institutions,” it has not happened, at proximate cause of the discontent that has than any overseas observer, even perhaps strom has the ability to bring the reader least not yet. Wasserstrom’s pessimism in roiled the city — has been withdrawn, but any resident foreigner, could aspire to be. into the scene. the end may prove prescient, but many of too late to stem the tide of protest, which They, after all, they have skin in the game: His narrative, regardless, is straightfor- those of us who live here hope that Hong took on a momentum of its own and which most, unlike foreigners and the local elite, ward and goes a long way in clarifying com- Kong’s institutions remain robust. ♦ has been a matter of almost daily conversa- are unable to pack up and leave should plexity, whether it is the nature of the Basic tion, argument, newspaper commentary and, things turn sour. Law, Hong Kong’s unusual political system for no small number, involvement. Nor, I think, is the book for those outside and the various players, past and present. It is for many, on both sides of the divide, Hong Kong who follow the protests closely: Wasserstrom is good at putting people into About the reviewer a source of sadness. “Loss of innocence” is media, including and perhaps particularly context, so for those for whom C.Y. Leung, Peter Gordon is the editor of The Asian a term much employed, although the roots the Hong Kong media, have (despite claims Benny Tai, Joshua Wong and Denise Ho are Review of Books and founder of Hong of the problems are deep and were visible about diminishing press freedom) pro- little more than names, “Vigil” is a far more Kong’s online bookseller Paddyfield. to anyone who cared to pay attention: not vided good and blanket coverage. “Vigil” efficient way of remedying that than pour- He set up and was the inaugural that no one was paying attention, just that is instead perhaps better seen as a primer or ing through several years of South China Chair of the Man Asian Literary Prize little was done about them. guide for those who want to know, at a level Morning Post back issues. and was one of the founders and Hong Kong has finally become the deeper than a 30-second TV news sound Somewhat contrary to what one might organizers of the original Hong Kong focus of world media and even political bite, what is going on in “Asia’s World expect from the dramatic title and subtitle, it International Literary Festival. attention that residents long thought it de- City” and why. is only the last fifth of the book or so which He has also been involved in served, although not for the reason many “Vigil” is, like Wasserstrom’s other is concerned with the events arising from the international trade and investment would have wished. Although this atten- books and many essays in the press (content introduction of the now infamous extradi- development, and set up the Russian tion is sometimes seen as disingenuous by from some of which has been reworked tion bill. Here Wasserstrom delves into the Trade Association (a chamber of pro-establishment voices, the reasons for for this book), clear and well-written with zeitgeist rather than giving a chronological commerce) in Hong Kong in 1994. He it are not hard to fathom: young people, a prose style that makes for easy reading. account of the escalation. The difficulty with wrote regular editorial columns for barricades, cries for freedom have been a Most of this short book (it is under 100 any book that addresses ongoing political Hong Kong's English-language dailies heady mix since revolutionary France, a pages) is history, starting back before the developments is that it can very quickly for several years and is co-author of the reference reinforced when a song from Les Handover, running through the National go out of date. “Vigil” was written before recently published “The Silver Way: Misérables emerged as an unofficial anthem. Curriculum protests, the 2014 “Occupy” the local District Board elections in late China, Spanish America and the Birth The protests, which have echoes in several protests (better known, perhaps, as the November 2019 in which the establishment of Globalisatiion, 1565-1815.” other countries, also fit into larger geopoliti- “umbrella movement”), etc. and the rise of candidates were trounced. Although there cal and socio-political narratives prevalent new political movements and leaders, driven have been both marches and some violent in the media’s home markets. by young people who have for the most part protests since, escalation has at least taken Books, therefore, were to be expected. grown up the 20-odd years since the end of a pause and the atmosphere has calmed “Vigil: Hong Kong on the Brink” by Jeffrey British colonial rule. somewhat, not compared to the status quo Wasserstrom (and part of the Columbia It seems to be de rigueur these days for ante, but perhaps compared to November. Read ChinaInsight online Global Reports series) is one of the first. books on current affairs to include a lot of New elections for the legislature are on www.chinainsight.info Although Hong Kong people tend to first-person reportage. Wasserstrom obliges. the way. Not all court cases are going the leap at any expression of foreign interest He is, furthermore, sympathetic, both in Government’s way. PAGE 14 / March 2020 events www.chinainsight.info Ringing in the Year of the Where the Truth Lies: Rat The Art of Qiu Ying On January 30, 2020, more than 70 on the China Commission in the House of Through May 17, 2020 friends and supporters of the China Center Representatives, and the organization he Location: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire gathered at the Weisman Art Museum to founded to take students on educational celebrate the Year of the Rat, the beginning trips to China. Governor Walz emphasized Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 9003 of a new lunar cycle, and their shared efforts the importance of U.S.-China cooperation to The Los Angeles County Museum of Featuring a total of 65 works, 45 of in building U.S.-China bridges. address challenges such as the coronavirus Art (LACMA) presents “Where the Truth which are by Qiu Ying (two of which are This Chinese New Year is an exceptional and climate change, saying, “The world Lies: The Art of Qiu Ying,” the first exhibi- shown here), this exhibit brings forth the one for many Chinese international students demands solutions, and the two countries tion on the great Ming Dynasty painter ever largest gathering of paintings by the artist and community members, as the coronavi- best positioned to be able to do that are the organized outside of Asia. Few artists in ever assembled in the U.S. In addition to rus outbreak has impacted many families’ People’s Republic of China and the United Chinese history have proven as enigmatic masterworks by Qiu Ying, the exhibition in- New Year celebrations. To acknowledge States.” as Qiu Ying (1494–1552), whose life and cludes paintings by 17 other artists including this challenging time, the China Center The China Center thanks all in atten- art reveal a series of paradoxes. Though his predecessors and teachers, his daughter invited Jill DeBoer, director of the Health dance for celebrating the New Year with us, one of the most famous artists of the Ming Qiu Zhu, and followers from the early 16th Emergency Response Office, and Barbara and wishes a Happy Year of the Rat to all! ♦ period, almost nothing is known about his through the mid-20th century. Kappler, assistant dean of International Stu- life. Qiu Ying is said to have been illiterate, “Where the Truth Lies” is curated by dent and Scholar Services, to speak about yet surviving evidence demonstrates elegant Stephen Little, the Florence and Harry Sloan the University of Minnesota’s response to writing; and though he is said to have had Curator of Chinese Art and head of Chinese, the coronavirus. China Center Executive few followers, he remains one of the most Korean, and South & Southeast Asian art at Director Joan Brzezinski and Associate Vice copied painters in Chinese history. LACMA. ♦ President and Dean of International Pro- “Fisherman’s grams Meredith McQuaid also welcomed Flute Heard guests and delivered remarks. over a Lake,“ The highlight of the evening was a visit Ming dynasty, from Governor Tim Walz. Governor Walz c. 1545–52, expressed his gratitude towards Chinese hanging scroll; international students studying in Min- ink and colors on nesota, and discussed his own experience paper, 62 7/8 × teaching in China, his experience serving 33 1/8 in. Photo: Nelson-Atkins Media Services “Crab Apple and Mountain Birds,” Ming dynasty, c. 1534–42, fan painting; ink and colors on gold-flecked paper, 10 1/4 × 21 3/8 in., Shanghai Museum. Photo © Shanghai Museum

Food Pizza as Italians will never recognize: bubble tea

By Elaine Dunn

debut, the boba (bubble tea) pizza was not invented in Hong Kong but in the home of the bubble tea: Taiwan. MCBC will conduct an important event on Artificial Intelligence in For the months of October and No- collaboration with Fredrikson & Byron vember 2019, Domino’s Taiwan launched the chewy dessert pizza. Its press release described it as, “the highlight of Taiwan that How the Artificial Intelligence Revolution is popular around the world: the black sugar will Shape US-China Collaboration in Tech pearl explosion." The toppings included black sugar pearls, honey and cheese. The event will be on March 5, 2020 But Domino’s claim of coming up with the boba pizza was challenged by a restaurant in southwestern Taiwan who claimed it 7:30 a.m. VIP Reception & Networking first served bubble tea pizza in April 2015, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Speakers even though its version was slightly differ- 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. Networking ent, “but better!” And the bubble tea craze does not end This program will discuss the implications of the growing competition with pizza. In Hong Kong, you can get between the U.S. and China in advanced technologies, including quantum Everyone loves pizza! But bubble tea bubble tea popcorn, bubble tea pancakes, computing and artificial intelligence, and what it means for American pizza? Really? Really. chewy tapioca pearls sandwiched between companies doing business with China. Apparently, a Hong Kong pizza chain two slices of crispy toast, and a cake infused banked on Hong Kongers eating and loving with bubble tea and topped with gobs of Speakers will be: it! In January, they offered a “flash promo- whipped cream and tapioca pearls. tion” of a cheesy pizza topped with black The bubble tea craze is not ebbing any • The Honorable Mr Tom Hanson, former US Diplomat and current tapioca pearl “bubbles.” And they were time soon. Bubble tea-inspired foods are co-Chair of MCBC correct! The controversial creation sold trending and it will not end with pizza, • Mr Bob Oberlies of Fredrikson & Byron and co-Chair of MCBC out quickly, even though not all thought pancakes and toast mentioned above. But • Mr Bjorn Stansvik, CEO & Founder of MentorMate of it favorably. Some Hong Kongers went you either love it or you don’t, and you can online saying its appearance resembled count me in the latter group. Thank you The event will be hosted at the Fredrikson & Byron offices, 200 South 6th “rabbit poop.” very much! Street #4000, Minneapolis, MN A follow-up email in early February to And if there are any Italians out there, a half-dozen Hong Kong residents all said pray tell: would you eat a pizza topped with The registration fee is $35 they have not heard of the boba pizza or the black sugar tapioca pearls and honey? I’m promotion. So … not sure how popular the not touching that vile creation! No way, no Visit www.minnesotachinabusinesscouncil.org/eventregistration/ pizza or promotion was. how. Would you? ♦ breakfastevent-97zwt However, regardless of its Hong Kong www.chinainsight.info commentary March 2020 / PAGE 15 Greater Asian American civic engagement in 2020 As a new year and decade begin, Asian resonating painfully with those who see cans to participate in the political process cally. Americans are participating in politics and in Andrew Yang’s media marginalization by voting, from the primaries all the way In the last half century, Asian Americans civil society like never before. The Com- a reflection of their own invisibility and through the general election, regardless have gone from silent and invisible to slowly mittee of 100 (C100) calls on all Asian limited success, from business executive of which party or candidate you support. but surely finding our voice and political Americans to seize this historic moment to positions, corporate boardrooms, and uni- Although Asian Americans are the nation’s power, but our work is just beginning. In stand up, speak out, and exercise their rights versity leadership to media newsrooms, the fastest growing ethnic group, we remain all areas of American life, Asian Americans as American citizens to participate in the debate stage and the silver screen. Despite politically overlooked because our share of have to continue to fight biases, speak out political process as responsible members their hard work and best efforts to be con- the electorate is not commensurate with our against injustices and unfair treatment, and of the community, so that we can live up to sidered on their own merits and to be given increasing population in this country. Vot- show up and forge new paths for others to the ideals of this great nation. nothing more than the same fair and equal ing is the surest way to assert our presence. follow. May 2020 be the year that unleashes The 2020 Democratic primaries have shot as the next person, it is disheartening Many people struggled and sacrificed so that the full visibility, strength and power of the featured for the first time three Asian Ameri- and infuriating when powerful institutions we may have this right to vote. Let us fully Asian American community as voting and can and Pacific Islanders (Tulsi Gabbard, such as the media continue to perpetuate that appreciate and embrace our equal status, and engaged citizens of this great country. ♦ Kamala Harris and Andrew Yang) running invisibility, intentionally or not. then couple this right with the responsibility for the highest office in the land, a fact that As guardians of fairness and equal of increased civic and political engagement, the Asian American community and all who treatment, the media has an obligation to whether it is in voting, registering voters, The Committee of 100 is a non-partisan value diversity and inclusivity can proudly the communities it serves to present the volunteering for a campaign, or even run- leadership organization of prominent celebrate. However, in recent months, there news in as neutral and unbiased a way as ning for office ourselves. Chinese Americans in business, govern- has been considerable criticism of the main- possible, and to conduct their research and Another way for Asian Americans to ment, academia, and the arts; it does stream media by many Asian Americans for reporting with the highest of professional become more visible is to participate and not support or oppose candidates for ignoring Andrew Yang in its coverage, from standards. Recognizing their great power in be counted in the 2020 U.S. Census. An political office. Since its founding in Yang consistently getting the least amount shaping opinions, C100 calls on the media accurate count will also help states and 1990, the Committee has been com- of debate speaking time despite polling to exercise their responsibilities with extra counties provide the required voter language mitted to a dual mission of promot- higher than many of the other candidates on due diligence, fairness, and sensitivity go- assistance in accordance with the Voting ing the full participation of Chinese stage, to being mentioned in the media fewer ing forward. Rights Act. An under-count will result in Americans in all fields of American times than other lower-polling candidates, In addition to pointing out bias and Asian American communities being under- life, and encouraging constructive and repeatedly misidentified by name and unequal treatment, Asian Americans have represented and underfunded, and will only relations between the peoples of the with the wrong photo. several opportunities this year to take further continue to marginalize and disenfranchise United States and Greater China. www. These slights by the media have angered impactful action to counter our invisibility. Asian Americans not only in politics, public committee100.org many in the Asian American community, For starters, C100 urges all Asian Ameri- policy, and government, but also economi-

Opinion Who is 'the real sick man'? China or biased author? By Chang Jun, China Daily, Feb. 7, 2020

at Bard College, the how seriously the Chinese government has community where all of us are interlinked Ravenel B. Curry III worked to contain the outbreak and cure and interdependent. Countries must join Distinguished Fellow in the infected, Mead jumps to conclusions hands to cope with the difficulties and chal- Strategy and Statesman- by alleging that "Chinese authorities are lenges they face." ship at the Hudson Insti- still trying to conceal the true scale of the Some American scientists have already tute, and the Journal's problem". headed to the front lines to fight the virus. Global View columnist. Did Mead cross-check his sources? The "virus hunter "Ian Lipkin, a professor of The article shows On Jan 30 in Geneva, Switzerland, epidemiology and the director of the Center the writer's inability to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director- for Infection and Immunity at Columbia see the big picture of general of the World Health Organization, University's Mailman School of Public what is happening in addressed the global media on the outbreak Health, went to the epicenter on Jan 29. Wuhan, capital of Hubei after returning from China, where he met After helping fight the severe acute province, and beyond, with Chinese leaders. respiratory syndrome outbreak with his as well as his denial of They discussed cooperation on contain- Chinese counterparts in 2003, Lipkin is China's contributions as ment measures in Wuhan and virus preven- known in China as a front-line trooper who Medical workers cheer for each other in the ICU (intensive care a responsible member to tion in other areas. China agreed to conduct shared his expertise to assess the state of the unit) of Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University in Wuhan, central the world community studies with the WHO on the severity and disease and helped orchestrate a strategy for China's Hubei Province, Jan. 24, 2020. [Xinhua/Xiong Qi] and to a shared future. transmissibility of the virus and to share data virus-containment and curtailing infections An opinion column published Monday Prevention and con- and biological material. and fatalities. in The Wall Street Journal (“China is the trol of the epidemic are the top priorities China deserves the international com- Mead needs to set aside his China-pho- Real Sick Man of Asia,” Feb. 3), headlined for China. The country is taking serious munity's gratitude and respect for having bic mentality and try to heed what Tedros "China is the real sick man of Asia," is not measures everywhere, including the lock- taken very serious measures to contain the said recently: "This is the time for facts, not only a manifesto for the author's deep-rooted down of the outbreak's epicenter Wuhan new coronavirus outbreak and prevent its fear. This is the time for science, not rumors. anti-China sentiment, but also demonstrates and postponing the resumption of work in spread overseas, Tedros said. This is the time for solidarity, not stigma."♦ his lack of empathy and compassion as a major cities across the country. The author, "China has been completely committed human being. however, chose to ignore those facts. to transparency, both internally and exter- The author is a senior writer with China The headline of the piece itself sounds Instead, he looks to find fault with gov- nally, and has agreed to work with other Daily. astonishingly racist－calling China "the real ernment procedures and raises the prospect countries that need support," Tedros said. "I sick man of Asia" is by no means acceptable of the collapse of China's economy and its will praise China again and again, because NOTE: Further fallout from the Opin- in today's civilized world. The expression is financial markets. Mead writes that "some its actions actually helped in reducing the ion piece by Walter Russell Mead: As also resented by the Chinese, whose country would expect a return of unipolarity if the spread of the novel coronavirus to other of Feb. 19, China had revoked press has suffered from past foreign invasions. only possible great-power rival to the US countries … We shall tell the truth, and credentials of and expelled three Wall Worse, the sarcasm, prejudice and bias were to withdraw from the game". that's the truth." Street Journal reporters in response to expressed are exorbitant. The professor fails to provide readers It also should be noted that the fight WSJ running the piece and for refus- I could not help but ask, "Who is sick?" with any humanitarian insights nor share against the coronavirus is a global one. As ing to apologize for doing so. The The opinion was written by Walter Rus- instructive research as a so-called distin- China's Ambassador to the U.S. Cui Tiankai WSJ maintains that the three reporters sell Mead, the James Clarke Chace Profes- guished scholar should. said recently at a forum at the University of worked separately and independently sor of Foreign Affairs and the Humanities Instead of carefully checking data on California, San Diego: "We live in a shared from its Opinion pages. PAGE 16 / March 2020 community www.chinainsight.info Chinese New Year celebrations

Yinghua Academy students put on two performances on Jan. 25 at Bethel Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., held its second successful New University. Year celebration despite concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. One attendee during the two-day event briefly wore a mask, but it disappeared early on. Attendance was strong as hundreds of people came and went during the entire event.

Dr. Luyi Lien, academic director, handed a hong bao containing $20.20 to commemorate the school's eight-graders’ graduation year.

Fourth-graders sang "Sending Warm Wishes to My Friends" under the direction of music teacher Lei Li.

Kindergarten mice danced around the imperial palace as they waited for the dawn of the New Year.