ChinaFostering business and culturalInsight harmony between China and the U.S. VOL. 15 NO. 3 March 2016 MN China Friendship Garden Society unveils designs for St. Paul – Changsha China Garden

at Phalen Park News, p.3-4 By Linda Mealey-Lohmann (with acknowledgement to Ivy Chang)

As previously reported in the January entrance arch, and an arched bridge. The included in the Plaza. China Insight, Minnesota China Friendship main pavilion will be of Changsha-style Construction on Phase 1, the Main China Garden Society has been working architecture and modeled after the famous Pavilion, is expected to begin in 2016. with two architects from St. Paul’s sis- Aiwan pavilion in Changsha. A stone The China Garden will likely be built in ter-city Changsha on the St. Paul-Changsha garden will lead from this pavilion down 3 phases, depending on fundraising. The Sister-City China Friendship Garden at to the water channel and feature Minnesota Environmental Committee of the Payne Phalen Park. The Changsha architects, stone. These structures and elements will Phalen District 5 Planning Council will be Jennifer Junfang Fan and Jon Youhua Wen reflect Chinese culture and the long-history scheduling a community meeting to gather Food, p.5 from Hunan Jianke Landscape Company, of Chinese garden aesthetics. The Hmong further community input. Ltd., visited Minnesota in November, and Cultural Plaza is an important element The China Garden will be located north have been working with senior landscape in the China Garden because Minnesota of the Phalen Park picnic pavilion and water architect Alice Messer from St. Paul Parks Hmong claim Changsha as their ancestral channel, and east of the Stone Arch Bridge & Rec. home and a large Hmong community lives along Lake Phalen. The China Garden will The garden design concept includes in the Phalen Park area. A Hmong advisory complement the “Meditation” sculpture an open-air pavilion and stone garden, a panel will be formed to ensure authentic- already located at Phalen Park, created by lakeside pavilion with a waterside patio ity and accuracy of the Hmong cultural and veranda, a Hmong Cultural Plaza, an symbols and historical information to be continued on page 8

Community, pp. 1, 8, 16 Asian Americans rally behind ex-NYPD officer Peter Liang By Elaine Dunn

The local Chinese community under the tragic shooting occurred. Startled by the direction and organization of the a noise, Liang accidentally discharged his Minnesota Chinese Association (MCA) gun and the bullet ricocheted off a wall Arts & Culture p. 5, 8–9 joined in a nationwide rally that took and hit Gurley, who died from the wound. place on Feb. 20 in more than 40 other Police records showed neither officer major U.S. cities in support of ex-NYPD knew someone had been hit for another Officer Peter Liang. Liang was found four minutes. guilty on Feb. 11 of second-degree In addition to manslaughter, Liang manslaughter of Akai Gurley, a young, also faces a litany of other charges rang- unarmed black male. Nationwide rallies ing from second-degree reckless endan- drew more than 1,000,000 participants germent to official misconduct, based and took place in Boston, Chicago, Hous- on the fact he did not administer CPR ton, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, to Gurley. (In his own defense, Liang Raleigh, San Francisco, and Washington stated he had not been properly trained to D.C. amongst others. administer CPR, a fact substantiated by Society, pp. 1, 10, 14 The Minnesota rally took place at Landau.) Saint Paul’s State Capitol Lower Mall. Liang’s conviction stood in stark Approximately 300 demonstrators, most- contrast to many other cases across the In This Issue ly Chinese Americans, waved American country in which police has been accused Arts & Culture 5, 8–9 flags and carried a variety of signs that of killing unarmed black victims. His Peter Liang proclaimed “Justice for Liang, Justice verdict carries a sentence of up to 15 Book review 12 for All!” “Justice-Yes, Politics No,” “No years in prison. Sentencing takes place The problem for Asian Americans, Business 14, 15 Scapegoat!” “Tragedy Not Crime!” “One April 14. In return for his testimony, Li- as for others, is we cannot control how Community 1, 8, 16 Tragedy Two Victims.” The local rally ang’s partner Landau was never criminal- we appear on the stage of a tragedy that Events 7 ly charged. Both Liang and Landau have participants also signed a petition that has been playing since well before our Food 5 will be sent to Brooklyn Judge Danny since been fired. arrival. We have been cast against our History 6, 12 Chun, a fellow Asian American whom The guilty verdict against Liang is will, as a model minority until we are not. News 3–4 some in the Asian communities felt may viewed by many, and especially in the We cannot help but seem to have come “feel compelled to levy a harsh sentence Asian community, as unfair. People 11 only lately, despite Asians being here in so he can’t be accused of being soft on Frank H. Wu, professor of law at Pronouncements 2 significant numbers since before the Civil another Asian.” University of California Hastings College Society 1, 10, 14 of Law, San Francisco, wrote in a Feb. War. Perceived as perpetual foreigners Liang, a 28-year-old rookie cop and Travel 13 his partner Shaun Landau were patrolling 13 Huffington Post Opinion piece, called who are not quite members of the commu- an unlit stairwell of a Brooklyn public Liang “a scapegoat,” a fall guy sacrificed nity, we are an easy target. housing project on Nov. 20, 2014, when for the sins of others: continued on page 14 PAGE 2 / March 2016 pronouncements chinainsight.info Publisher’s Pronouncements ChinaInsight

Greetings: Publisher: Gregory J. Hugh We trust that most of you have been need to speak up. The Chinese American Unfortunately, when politicians need a [email protected] enjoying our relatively mild winter thus community needs to be united and speak scapegoat for the broken judicial system far and have recuperated from the holidays, with one voice to demonstrate that all lives and racial injustice, Asian Americans are including Chinese New Year. We now look matter, with justice for all. There should be the first ones to be sacrificed, because we Manager of Operations/ forward to St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) no scapegoat. There is no doubt the fatal are the silent “model minority” with little Circulation: with the traditional corned beef along with shooting was tragic, but it was an accident, or no political clout. Sadly this has been Richard He all the other customs that the Irish uphold in not a crime. However, Liang could face up demonstrated over the past 150 years in this [email protected] celebrating their national holiday. Ten days to 15 years in prison. Would this have been county, beginning with the sweat of Chinese later, Easter arrives and will be observed the verdict had the officer involved been laborers building the Transcontinental Rail- by the Christian community throughout other than a Chinese American? way. Also, The Chinese Exclusion Act from Staff Writers: the world. Reaction to Liang’s conviction has 1882-1943 does not reflect well on how Greg Hugh The arrival of spring also marks the re- been swift and decisive in many Chinese the Chinese have been treated in the U.S. [email protected] turn of the 9th annual “A Passage to China” American communities across the country. The Chinese American community cannot that will be held at Mall of America on April Within days, Chinese American organiza- afford to be silent anymore; we must speak Elaine Dunn 9-10. The Chinese Heritage Foundation is tions banded together to plan nationwide up and stand up. [email protected] busy planning this annual event. See page protests and to launch fundraising efforts China Insight will continue to monitor 7 for details or go to www.chineseheritage- to help pay legal fees for Liang, who this case and report on it accordingly. In the foundation.org. along with his partner, was fired from the meantime, do whatever you can to support Contributors: The Chinese-American community re- NYPD. Relying heavily on social media, Peter Liang. Chang Wang cently held demonstrations in many major including Facebook and WeChat, a popular [email protected] U.S. cities to protest the conviction of New Chinese-language platform, supporters have York City police officer Peter Liang (pages quickly galvanized support for the rookie Sincerely, Robert Webber 1, 14). Sadly, there was not any kind of officer among many Chinese Americans. [email protected] coverage of the local rally by our local Historically, Chinese-Americans are media, which begs the question: why not? frequently labeled the “model minority,” Patrick Welsh While it is not normally the policy a group that doesn’t make waves; but now Gregory J. Hugh [email protected] of China Insight to comment on political we must no longer remain silent. Chi- Publisher-CEO matters, this incident has brought the Chi- nese Americans need to speak up now or China Insight, Inc. nese community together and there is a continue to be invisible and mistreated. Production Editor: Teresa Khamlusa [email protected] Honorary: Jennifer Nordin, Editor Emertus Be Your Own Boss! [email protected]

China Insight is seeking a self-motivated individual to sell advertising space for our newspaper. China Insight has been publishing for 15 years. The ideal individual we seek must be passionate about our About ChinaInsight mission, be resourceful, creative and capable of ChinaInsight is a monthly English language newspaper fostering business working independently. We offer a very generous and cultural harmony between China and commission structure and you get to set your the U.S. own hours. ChinaInsight is a Member of The Minnesota Chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA). Contact Greg Hugh at 612-723-4872 or email [email protected] Submissions & Correspondence ChinaInsight welcomes guest articles and letters to the editor. Correspondence should be addressed to:

Editor, ChinaInsight 750 Mainstreet, #230 Hopkins, MN 55343 Tel: 612-723-4872 ChinaInsight Insight [email protected] Guaranteed Letters to the editor become the property SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM of ChinaInsight and may be edited for 10 issues - $24 for a domestic subscription and $40 for length and published. Articles will not be published without the express consent of international. YES you could run to the the author. store and pick up a copy, but Please make check payable to ChinaInsight, 750 NOTICE TO READERS: The views Mainstreet, #230 Hopkins, MN 55343 did you know you can have expressed in articles are the author’s and ChinaInsight delivered not neccesarily those of ChinaInsight. Name______Authors may have a business relationship Address______directly to your mailbox? with the companies or businesses they A subscription costs a discuss. City/State/Zip______mere $24 and brings a full Phone______year (10 issues) of new Email______understanding about today’s Company______China, from language to Title______business opportunities. Copyright 2016 ChinaInsight, Inc. All Rights Reserved. chinainsight.info news March 2016 / PAGE 3 Chinese graduate China designing stadium Briefs made entirely of bamboo

# # 1 # 8 6 Year-end pay 3 A group of migrant construction # By the numbers # workers wanted to ensure they were 10 # # 2 paid before their bosses took off for 7 Chinese New Year. They hauled pieces U.S. companies in China of scaffolding from the site and encased planning to move the employer’s car within! There were U.S. firms are growing increasingly weary Chinese architecture graduate Shen Chen design and landscape architecture open to 4,815 complaints filed by workers for of business conditions in China. For decades, the Chinese economy nonpayment of wages in China last year. is drawing up plans for the next Archiprix colleges around the world, as a contender prize-winning project: a portable stadium for best graduate project globally. She had enjoyed a growth rate of 10 percent or more annually. However, amid the current Year-end bonus to be constructed entirely of bamboo. The hopes her bamboo stadium will contribute slowdown in the Chinese economy, the worst Another Chinese New Year custom stadium features three major components: to the development of more environmental- in the past 25 years, a survey by the American took a strange twist. An Internet a roof, grandstand and facilities. It can be ly sustainable ways of construction in the Chamber of Commerce in China shows all’s “romance app” company in southern completely taken apart and put back together architecture world. However, load-bearing not well with U.S. companies in China. Five hundred members representing 496 China gave its model male employees in again. limits of bamboo must still be conducted. U.S. companies from a range of industries their 20s inflatable sex toys in lieu of cash Chen, who has been shortlisted by The new structure will be unveiled for and size of companies took part in the 2016 at its year-end bonus party. Product-use Achiprix International, a biennial compe- the first time in De Brettn, a green zone in business climate survey. Most cited unclear demonstrations included! Employees tition in the fields of architecture, urban Amsterdam’s Geuzenveld. regulations, “murky” laws, rising wages and are not happy about this new non-cash 6.9 percent was the increase in China’s trend, possibly brought on by the slowing gross domestic product for 2015, the worst economy? Apple Pay in 25 years. Rent-a-girl 7.7 percent was the growth rate in 2015 No, no, no! It’s not what you think! doesn’t pay compared with 14 percent in 2007. During last month’s Chinese New Year 45 percent of U.S. companies in China home visits, many worried singles rented Millions reported the user experience experienced declining revenues. “girlfriends” to bring home to satisfy was poor at best! Complaints of poor parents’ and relatives’ “Do you have a connection resulting in taking hours to add 75 percent of American companies currently girlfriend yet?” questions. For an average in China feel “less welcome” than they did a a credit card and difficulty in obtaining ver- year ago, compared with 47 percent in 2015 fee of 2,999-4,000 RMB, the clients will ification code ran rampant. An additional and. 44 percent in 2014. get to choose from 20-30 girls. The problem was Apple’s failure to train its non-refundable contracts covers visit of partners adequately before the launch. One 44 percent of technology companies 6-7 days. user reported a McDonald’s server ordered companies si=aid they felt less welcome and are pessimistic about the future regulatory an apple pie for him when he tried to use environment. Thumb-size pets Apply Pay! Worst yet, it doesn’t have vir- Wealthy Chinese has found a new February 2016 probably will not be a favourite month for Apple Inc. Not only is tual hongbaos! “What? Apple Pay doesn’t 25 percent of respondents to the survey status gift for the Year of the Monkey: have Red Envelopes? Then it’s useless to reported they had already “moved capacity thumb-sized monkeys! These pygmy it embroiled in legal war with the FBI, its out of China” or plan to do so soon.. live launch of Apple Pay in China did not my parents,” tweeted one potential user. (see monkeys are native to the Western item below). Amazon Basin rainforest of South go smoothly. 30 percent of those planning to move out of China report they will move to other America. They are sold illegally for developing Asian countries while another 30 USD$4,559 each and are taking the place percent said they plan to move capacity back of diamond bling! Record users for to North America. Five-storey death thrill? 68 percent said they plan to increase investment in China. A mall in Shanghai installed a five- online money giving storey slide for customers to “enjoy!” 50 percent, however, still rank China as “one However, so far comments from the A record number of cellphone users sent of the top three investment destinations” and netizens had been less than enthusiastic: feel optimistic about China’s domestic growth and received “lucky money” via Tencent’s potential. “What if someone farted inside?” “What WeChat messaging platform on Chinese if someone gets stuck inside?” One New Year’s Eve (Feb. 7). 60 percent or respondents said China’s comment that garnered 4,500 “likes” was, WeChat users sent and received 8.08 bil- Internet censorship hindered their ability to “It’s very scary, I feel like if you die in lion red envelopes at a total of 490,000 each conduct business effectively. there, it’ll take a while for people to find second, eight times more than last year’s percent respondents complained about out.” The slide of questionable structural number. It appears Chinese mobile phone 77 integrity requires no compulsory the slow speed in accessing websites outside users have no issues with using third-party of China. inspections from Pudong’s Market payment and Internet financing services. Supervision & Management Bureau. This 52 percent mentioned China’s heavy free 16-second slide is pure ______pollution resulted in difficulty in recruiting (provide your own adjective!). senior executives to work there. A cellphone user sends hongbao, or lucky money, 13 percent of respondents said they faced using a WeChat account. losses, 23 percent will break even and 64 (China Daily/Yan Xiaoqing) percent turned a profit in 2015. PAGE 4 / March 2016 news chinainsight.info Xi Jinping’s other “Chinese dream” By Elaine Dunn

Back to the textbooks: These are aimed expert, as consultant to the Chinese Ministry at students at schools nationwide to begin of Education. He’s been tasked with studying soccer knowledge and techniques. teaching good technical skills to the kids They incorporate pioneering new features, and also to impart a love for the sport to the such as QR codes, 3D graphics and high- kids. Byer’s method focuses on ball control resolution pictures. “Every QR code will and how to address various problems the lead to an authentic tutorial video,” said kids might encounter on the field, AND he Chen Keqi, head of the Physical Education also has to develop events and content that Department at People’s Education Press. will introduce the sport to the millions of Chen also added that the gender ratio of Chinese kids. demonstrators within the book was carefully Xi is driving the momentum for soccer balanced to avoid giving the impression that success by overhauling government football is a male dominated sport. departments that were running the sport. For lower grade kids, the book focuses He’s implementing changes through the on establishing their habit of using their feet Central Leading Group for Comprehensively and body parts to touch the ball. Middle Deepening Reform. Key to the plan is to grade students are introduced basic soccer sever the Chinese Football Association skills. Shooting and passing the football are (CFA) from government control. Instead, what higher grades are expected to learn. it is to be run by a panel of sports Beijing Youth Daily reported in March officials, representatives from local soccer 2015 that more than more than 30 soccer associations and leagues, and people from education professionals and teachers put academic circles and the public. Kindergarten pupils in Dalian city participate in a soccer match on June 1, 2015. together the materials. However, this is not Alisports, an influential Chinese sports [Photo/CFP] without dissent. Critics say the country’s marketing company, was in talks with former soccer shortcomings stem from the lack U.K. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho for a Xi Jinping has propagated his “Chinese was one pointed comment! Ouch. of coaches and that it will take more than consultancy role to improve the national Dream” since 2012. But, being a BIG soccer As if that’s not bad enough, the sport textbooks to revitalize the sport in China! team, the top clubs and coaching techniques fan, he has been sowing seeds for another has been riddled with scandals -- scandals Another complaint is that China’s exam- in China. Mourinjo and Byer are not the dream to become reality - a dream soccer that have paralleled China’s decline in the oriented education system downplays only foreigners being sought by the Chinese. team. In January 2016, China published its sport’s world rankings. The men’s national the importance of physical education, Recent “acquisitions” include Brazilian first soccer instruction kindergarten textbook team was ranked No. 37 in December 1998 a condition that will be hard and time- forward Alex Teixeira who joined Jiangsu nationwide. There also are textbooks for by FIFA, the world’s soccer-governing consuming to reverse. Suning early February where he will be middle and senior grades. Soccer has body, but by March 2015, it ranked No. 83, The State Council had set out goals – hooking up with former Chelsea midfielder become serious business officially. behind Asia powerhouses like Iran (No. 42) short-, medium- and long-term - for the Ramires Santos do Nascimento. Colombia Chinese are competitive. However, and Japan (No. 52). The women’s team sport. Mandatory soccer classes are now in striker Jackson Martinez joined Guangzhou much to the chagrin of the country’s soccer was No. 13. play to increase the skills of future players. in late January. fans, the Chinese national team has only Xi Jinping would like to put an end to Football tournaments are in primary, junior However, former Guangzhou coach qualified for the World Cup once, in 2002, this type of disgrace. In March 2015, he and high schools. Businessman Hui Kayan, Italian Marcello Lippi have told the Chinese where it failed to score a single goal and was linked soccer success to the “rejuvenation of founder and chairman of Evergrande Group club directors that spending lots of money eliminated in the group stage! During the the Chinese civilization.” Serious. And, to (China’s second-largest property developer), on foreign players isn’t the way to reach the 2014 World Cup opening match, there was further emphasize his intentions, during the spent US$200 million to set up the world’s top. Lippi stressed developing a solid base a single fan waving a Chinese flag in the 2014 World Cup, Xi announced his “Three largest soccer academy, which trains 2,300 of home-grown players. So back to those stadium. That met with mixed sentiments on Wishes for Chinese Football”: to qualify for young players. textnooks! the Internet. “Does he mean to remind the the World Cup, to host the World Cup, and Beijing authorities hired American The road to achieving Xi’s soccer dream entire world that China failed to qualify?” to win the World Cup. coach Tom Byer, a youth development is going to be a long, hard journey. ♦

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The top two articles that interested me most in this issue are Page Article title Page Article title On a mid-February weekend, 216 lambs were sacrificed for a chef to break anoth- I would like to see more articles on er Guinness Record! The Guangxi chef Employment Status student self-employed retired Age 19 & under 41 - 60 Gender Male roasted the lambs simultaneously in two other (please specify) 20 - 40 60 + Female hours with the use of two long metal racks. Employment Sector education government private industry Ethnicity Asian Caucasian Hispanic This same chef established another record other (please specify) African American Other in 2007 for roasting 2008 chickens in 100 Name minutes. However, an unofficial record for First Last Address Email cooking 300 goats to a crisp went to a truck Street City State Zip driver whose truck caught on fire on route from Guilin to Guangxi on Feb. 15. Three One entry per month. Please return entry to: hundred live goats went up in flames on the China Insight 750 Mainstreet St #230, Hopkins, MN 55343 Expressway. ♦ chinainsight.info food March 2016 / PAGE 5 Anthony Bourdain includes three restaurants’ dishes in his upcoming Pier

57 food market Bourdain samples char siu By Elaine Dunn and crispy pork at Joy Hing. Photo: Youtube screenshot

Edgy food show(s) host Anthony Bourdain recently released a 10-dish “wish list” of the food vendors he would like to be at his 150,000-square-foot food hall scheduled to open in 2017. Located on Pier 57 on the Hudson River in Manhattan, there will be approximately 100 retail and wholesale food stalls offering global street foods a la Singapore’s hawker markets. Bourdain’s list includes a lot of Asian fare. Of that, three are from Hong Kong:

Beef brisket and shrimp wonton noodle BBQ pork and roast goose from Joy Hing Michelin-starred dim sum from Tim Ho soup from Mak's Noodle Shop, 77 Wellington Roasted Meat, 265-267 Hennessy Road, Wan Wan, 9-11 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po Street, Central Chai Established only in 2009, the yum cha spot is the newest Mak's is a tiny family-run joint that had proudly The shop is known for its classical roast Hong Kong restaurant on the list. Only 7 years young, Tim displayed Bourdain’s glowing review under the restaurant's meats. It has legions of fans and has famously maintained Ho Wan had already made a name for itself as the cheapest glass tabletops for years. pre-war cooking techniques, which require chefs to check Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. the oven temperature with their bare hands. The shop dates back to the late Qing Dynasty.

Arts & Culture The Wong Street Journal

A new solo theater work written and performed by performance artist and comedian Kris- tina Wong will have a limited two-night run in the Twin Cities:

Opening Night Discussion + Reception, Friday, March 11 Stick around after the opening night performance for a special post-play discussion with Kathy Mouacheupao and Wong, followed by a reception with snacks and music .

Chat & Chew with Guest Artist Kristina Wong, Saturday, March 12 Following the performance, mingle with Wong and informally dig into “The Wong Street Journal” over sweet treats.

“The Wong Street Journal” tells the true story of how Wong, as a not-so-white savior, became a hip hop star in Northern Uganda. Part plushy TED lecture, part amateur hip-hop extravaganza, and part travelogue, “The Wong Street Journal” breaks down the complexities of global poverty, privilege and economic theory using uneasy-to-read charts, live hashtag wars, and riveting slideshows from post-conflict Northern Uganda. All of this plays against an all-felt version of the New York Stock Exchange that Wong sewed with her own hands. The award-winning Wong has been a commentator for American Public Media’s “Market- place,” PBS, and “Jezebel,” among others and was recently featured in the New York Times’ “Off Color” series “highlighting artists of color who use humor to make smart social statements about the sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious ways that race plays out in America today.” To buy tickets, call 612-871-4444 or visit www.intermediaarts.org/Box-Office. PAGE 6 / March 2016 history chinainsight.info Boxer Rebellion of 1899-1900 義和團運動 By Pat Welsh, contributor

The governorship of Shandong was given to Yuan Shikai (袁世凱), who forced the Boxers out of Shandong northward into Zhili (直隸). Now near Beijing, with the help of Prince Duan (端郡王) and Grand Secretary Kang Yi (康頤), the Boxers gained entrance to the Forbidden City. Meanwhile, the Dowager Empress Cixi (慈禧太后) was playing a dual role. On one hand, she was publicly ordering Kang Yi and the Minister of Punishments Chao Shuqiao (趙舒翹) to arrest and disband the Boxers while on the other hand she had privately ordered them merely to investigate the conditions of these “righteous people.” Chao had recognized that the so- called “righteous people” were mostly untrustworthy thugs, but being unwilling to Last month I mentioned how the stage incur the wrath of the empress dowager, he was set for the Boxer Rebellion to occur. reported that they were “very dependable, You may recall that the movement had its righteous people.” At the same time, Kang origin with the “Big Sword Society” (大刀 Yi reported how the Boxers might be useful 會) and its goal of removing foreigners and to the country. their influence from China. In greater detail, let’s backtrack to 1895 when Li Bingheng (李秉衡) was the governor of Shandong Province. He harbored similar anti-foreign sentiments and had encouraged the activities of the Big Sword Society led by its founder, Liu Shiduan (劉士端). In an odd quirk of fate, after disorders caused by the Big government due to confusion by conflicting killer of von Ketteler would give himself Sword Society, Yü Xian (魚線) who had orders from Beijing. General Nie Shicheng up to Western allied occupying forces. also been sympathetic to anti-foreign (聂士成) had allowed Seymour’s army He defiantly proclaimed his guilt and was sentiments, was appointed as Shandong transport by train. Before arriving in subsequently tried, convicted and executed judicial commissioner and charged with The Boxer Rebellion evolved and be- Tianjin, the Allied detachment found that by Chinese authorities. suppressing the Big Sword Society. He came ever bloodier by the springtime of they could not advance to Beijing because Also on June 11, the Allies had their arrested and executed Liu Shiduan and his 1900. As a result, Austria-Hungary, France, the railway connection between the two first encounter with the Boxers. Soon after, main lieutenant Cao Deli (曹得禮). Liu Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, United King- cities had been severed earlier on June 5. the Allied convoy was attacked again from was replaced by Zhu Hengdeng (朱紅燈) dom and U.S.A., organised a fleet demon- As the distance between two cities was only all sides by Chinese irregulars and some who selected a new name for the society, stration in the port of Dagu (大沽) near the 75 miles, Seymour decided to move forward governmental troops. After learning about Yihe Quan (義和拳, which translates into city of Tianjin. On May 31, warships of the on foot. In the meantime, the Allies worked attacks on the foreign legations on June 18, Righteous and Harmonious Fists) and set eight Western powers landed a detachment on repairing the railway. Seymour decided to continue advancing, up its new slogan as “Protect the Qing and of 438 men. They were dispatched by train this time along the Beihe river toward annihilate the foreigners” (扶清滅洋). from Dagu to Beijing. Tongzhou (通州), about 16 miles from On the night between November 1 and In June of 1900, only the S.M.S. Zenta Beijing. Facing stiff resistance on the 19th, 2, about 30 men broke into the mission cruiser of the Austro-Hungarian Navy was Seymour had to retreat. The wounded were compound in Zhangjia Village (張家莊), directed by Vienna to the Chinese coast. so numerous that they had to be carried in about six miles from the town of Jüye (巨 The Austro-Hungarian government also junks along the river, pulled along with 野) in Shandong Province. There they slew prepared to send three other warships. Rear- ropes by healthy combatants on the banks. two missionaries shortly before midnight. Admiral Count Rudolf Montecuccoli was While retreating, the allied forces managed The quick arrival of other Christian Chinese appointed as commander of this squadron. to take-over the Fort at Xigu with its hidden prevented the slaying of others. This attack The S.M.S. Zenta arrived at Dagu on June 2, arsenal of field guns, rifles, ammunition, had been motivated by the refusal of a 1900. The next day it dispatched 30 sailors rice and medical supplies. Here they were wealthy Christian Chinese family to pay under one officer and two midshipmen surrounded by the Chinese until June 25. for a temple feast. This attack later was to Beijing to protect the Legations and Fortunately for Seymour, he was rescued by referred to as the Juye Incident.(曹州教案 subjects of Austria-Hungary. Later another a regiment composed essentially of a force or 巨野教案). detachment of 70 sailors was dispatched of 900 Russian troops, 500 British seamen Germany responded by seizing Jiaozhou under the captain of the Zenta, Commander and 400 others from Port Arthur on June Bay on Shandong’s southern coast. Under Eduard Thomann von Montalmar and one 25. Now unopposed, the Allies completed further threats by Germany, the Qing officer. their retreat back to Tianjin on June 26 after government was forced to remove Li At the same time the Boxers, now On June 11, 1900, Akira Sugiyama (杉 sustaining a loss of 350 men. Bingheng. He was replaced by a close joined by elements of the Imperial Army, 山 彬), a secretary of the Japanese Legation, On June 21, the Empress Cixi declared subordinate, Yü Xian who simply followed attacked and killed 230 foreigners in Tianjin was murdered, presumably by Boxers or war against all Western powers, but regional Li’s policy of encouraging the anti-foreign and Beijing. In Beijing, the endangered Boxer-supporters. On June 20, a German governors who commanded substantial activities. Yü then changed the name of foreigners’ legations were situated on the career diplomat, Clemens August Freiherr modernized armies refused to join in the the Boxers to Righteous and Harmonious Legation Quarter close to the Forbidden von Ketteler was killed in the street as an act imperial court’s declaration of war and Society (義和團). Thereafter the Boxers City, where all of the foreigners were of revenge for the killing of a Chinese boy withheld knowledge of it from the public flew a banner inscribed with the character collected. and for his ordering of his German Marines in the south. Yuan Shikai had used his own yǘ (魚), which stood for Yü’s name. On June 10, the situation had grown on June 17 to fire back at Kansu Muslim forces to suppress Boxers in Shandong The Boxers’ activities in killing more violent and another international force Chinese troops, killing of some 20 men. while Zhang Zhidong (張之洞) entered into Christian converts and burning churches of 2,000 sailors and marines commanded by Von Ketteler, together with his interpreter negotiations with the foreigners in Shanghai were then protested by the French foreign the British Vice-Admiral Edward Seymour and other associates, had been on his way to to keep his army out of the conflict. The ministry in Beijing. Fearing a war, Yü was dispatched from Dagu to Beijing. The the Zongli Yamen (總理衙門, the Ministry neutrality of these provincial and regional Xian was recalled to Beijing and given the troops were transported by train from Dagu of Foreign Affairs) accompanied by armed governorship of Shanxi Province nearby. to Tianjin with the agreement of the Chinese escorts. After the Rebellion, En Hai, the cotinued on page 12 chinainsight.info events March 2016 / PAGE 7 PAGE 8 / March 2016 community chinainsight.info Changsha China Garden at Phalen Park continued from page 1

internationally known Changsha sculptor a China Friendship Garden in the Twin Master Lei Yixin. Cities by founding the Minnesota China The China Garden will be a recognition Friendship Garden Society in 2005. In Bird’s eye view of the planned China Garden of the many contributions by the Chinese in addition to Linda’s and C.C.’s efforts, the Minnesota to the fields of science, medicine, success to date is also the result of hard work technology, art and culture, since their first and dedication by Joyce Hsiao (founding arrival in Minnesota in the 1870s. The director), China Garden Society advisors China Garden will integrate nature and Weiming Lu, Brenda Fong, Bill Zajicek, culture, expand cultural understanding, Romi Slowiak, and Bill Pesek, and by foster further sister-city activities and trade, Representative Tim Mahoney and Senator and create a sense of community as a place Hawj who secured Legacy funds for the for celebrating life events, recreation and conceptual designs. meditation. This project is seeking volunteers and The idea for this garden was initiated by donations. To contact the China Garden Professor C. C. Hsiao and Linda Mealey- Society or learn more about this project, Lohmann, who planted the seed for building visit www.MnChinaGarden.org. ♦

The future garden site will be north of Phalen Park’s picnic pavilion

Architects’ renderings of the Lakeside Pavilion in Winter. Architects’ renderings of the China Garden with arched bridge in Winter.

Arts & Culture A Sea of Change: Chinese Modern Ephemera from the Collection of Richard Bodman and Hongyuan Lang

Date: through March 11 Location: Law Warschaw Gallery, Macalster College, 1600 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55105 Gallery hours: M/T/W/F: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Th: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sa/Su: noon – 4 p.m.

This exhibit provides a glimpse into the myriad artistic practices that transformed the cultural landscape of China since the turn of the 20th century. Ranging from slick commodities to icons of political propaganda, these works exemplify how art and media contributed to the dramatic social and political changes that occurred over the last 100 years. Moreover, they point to the close relationship between the development of mass media and modern fine art practices in China, both in the past and in the post-millennium. The exhibit organizers hope to prompt a conversation about shifting cultural and artistic value systems in China and how these works’ meaning transforms when they become part of a collection. chinainsight.info arts & culture March 2016 / PAGE 9 Asia Contemporary Art Show celebrates 8th edition

[HONG KONG] The organizers of the Asia Arts Exhibition and the Golden Award for the Contemporary Art Show announced the exhibitor International Salon of France. What we can line-up for the 8th edition of the show, to be see in Du’s work is his understanding of how held March 24 – 27 at the Conrad Hong Kong. The sold-out event will feature 84 exhibitors "Peeling Wall No.3" from 15 countries in Asia and around the world, presenting more than 3,000 works of art spanning original paintings, limited editions, sculpture and photography. Director Mark Saunderson noted that the show will be held at the heart of Hong Kong Art Week and, at the same time as Art Basel Hong Kong, the most important week of the year for the visual arts in Hong Kong. “Of course, many art collectors from China, other parts of Asia and Left: "Aurora Star" worldwide come to Hong Kong at this time for Right: "Aurora Map" the specific purpose of visiting the shows and creative oil painting series that will be shown and the relationship of human solidarity. Each other art events. We are delighted to provide at the 8th edition of the Asia Contemporary brushstroke is created using a unique circular an exceptional collection of works in what we Art Show is called “Aurora Revelation,” and is motion. These numerous small circles, depicted call ‘art spaces’ — much as you would see art urbanization remoulds cityscapes, and how these inspired by the mysteriously beautiful but volatile on a circular canvas, act as that appeal to presented in a home or office, and far more residences hold the secrets of everyday drama. aurora borealiswhich can be seen in the north of everyone to join together to protect our mother welcoming and engaging than an normal gallery His “N Windows” series has been collected Scotland. The aurora borealis used to be seen earth in harmony. T.K.Chan is represent at the or exhibition space.” by the National Art Museum of China, and only in the northern hemisphere, known as the Show by BLINK Gallery, Hong Kong, Room Two featured artists “northern lights,” but can now be seen in different 4121. “Window” and “Cellist” by the Korean Consulate T.K. Chan – Hong Kong locations across Europe and the USA, thought to Du Haijun – China in China. Nancy’s Gallery, Hong Kong-born artist Chan has been be linked to global warmingThe artist has used Du was born in Jiangsu province in 1978, High-res images and information are painting Scotland through her eyes since her time this series of paintings to bring an awareness of and graduated from China’s prestigious Central downloadable from: as a student at Edinburgh’s Napier University, global warming. Academy of Fine Arts. He has won several https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ where she graduated in 2008 with a Masters The “Aurora Revelation” are circular national and international awards, including the qskbz9jph7zeyep/AAC0q0dLFRR9pE7IU_ Degree in Interdisciplinary Design. Her new artworks, which represent the Earth, Sun, Stars Excellence Award for the 11th National Fine xpQVpna?dl=0 ♦ China at the Center: Rare Ricci and Verbiest world maps

this day.” While their cartography was drawn Ricci map is one of only six complete copies mostly from European sources, the Ricci and in existence and the only copy in the U.S. The Verbiest maps differ from European maps of the map is owned by the James Ford Bell Trust, same period in their placement of the Americas to held at the James Ford Bell Library, University the right and Eurasia and Africa to the left, with of Minnesota, and has been loaned to the Asian China and the Pacific Ocean positioned near the Art Museum. center. The Chinese tradition of densely annotat- A 2010 CBS News reported Ricci gave a ing maps is evident — their surfaces are covered brief description of the discovery of the Amer- with text, in some places supplying place names icas. and in others providing a remarkable depth of “In olden days, nobody had ever known information about the geography of the world that there were such places as North and and the customs of the people within the regions. South America or Magellanica,” he wrote, These maps identify the longest river in Africa, using a label that early mapmakers gave to the peninsula of Florida, the feathered garb of Australia and Antarctica. “But a hundred Amazonian tribes, as well as descriptions and years ago, Europeans came sailing in their ships to parts of the sea coast, and so A Complete Map of the Ten Thousand Countries of the World, 1602, by Matteo Ricci opinions on the products of certain regions such as Madeira, which was noted to make excellent discovered them.” (Italian,1552–1610), with Li Zhizao (Chinese, 1565–1630), printed by Zhang Wentao wine. These maps are also a testament to the The Ricci map gained the nickname the “Im- (Chinese, dates unknown). China; Beijing. Six-panel woodblock print; ink on paper. Owned power of imagination, with fanciful descriptions possible Black Tulip of Cartography” because it by the James Ford Bell Trust, held at the James Ford Bell Library, University of Minnesota of some of the world’s people, flora and fauna, was so hard to find. Travel back in time more than 400 years to will provide the chance to virtually “touch” the as well as giants, unicorns, mermaids and other Ferdinand Verbiest: an era when the globe was being mapped and its maps and access image details as well as English mythical creatures referenced in legends from A Complete Map of the World wonders discovered. translations of the Chinese text. From these maps around the world. The colossal 1674 map of Ferdinand Verbiest The Asian Art Museum presents two rare and interpretive displays, visitors can discover Matteo Ricci: A Complete Map (1623–1688) was made for the Qing emperor Kangxi and included significant information masterpieces of 17th-century cartography, the the world as it was perceived by Europeans and of the Ten Thousand Countries result of early collaborations between Jesuit Chinese in the 17th-century and witness the about the Americas, as well as images and priests and Chinese scholars sharing knowledge nascent beginnings of the collaboration between of the World descriptions of strange and exotic animals of and curiosity about the world. The 1602 Ricci East and West. Dated 1602, the first of the two maps on the world. The text on the map near Peru, for map, developed by Matteo Ricci while in China, These days, with easy access to GPS technol- display was made by Matteo Ricci (1552–1610) example, details the region’s products and natural is the earliest known Chinese map to depict the ogy, the world is literally at our fingertips. These in collaboration with Chinese scholars. Ricci, one resources, and also describes a bird (a rhea) that Americas. The 1674 Verbiest world map, created massive vintage maps transport us to an age when of the most influential Jesuit priests in China, can outrun a horse and whose eggs can serve as a by Ferdinand Verbiest for the Chinese court, is tremendous effort was required to understand was the first Westerner allowed entry into the cup. The map also illustrates animals from North being exhibited for the first time ever. the contours of the world and to record (and Forbidden City. Roughly 5 feet by 12 feet, the America like the turkey, the beaver from Europe, These massive woodblock-printed maps are imagine) the marvels within it. Two interactive Ricci map was printed on paper using intricately and the chameleon from Africa, which would physical representations of the joint scholarship digital displays reveal translations describing the carved wood blocks. It is the first Chinese map have been strikingly unusual to many Chinese. of two very different cultures and show the world peripheries of the “known world”: lands where to show the Americas, and the oldest extant The Verbiest map, on loan from the Library of as it was perceived roughly four centuries ago. giants paint their faces, oceans with mermaids map to incorporate both Eastern and Western Congress, Washington, DC, has never before A highlight of the Asian’s 50th anniversary ex- and flying fish, and a kingdom inhabited by foot- cartography. The map was made at the court been exhibited. hibition series, “China at the Center” will be on tall humans who live in constant fear of being of the Wanli emperor of the Ming dynasty and This exhibition is organized by the Asian view from March 4 through May 8, 2016, in the devoured by hawks. was designed to integrate Jesuit understanding Art Museum in partnership with the University museum’s Lee Gallery. “China at the Center exemplifies our vision of science and cartography as well as Chinese of San Francisco. Presentation is made possible To enhance visitors’ interpretive experience, to spark connections across cultures and through knowledge of Asia. The resulting conception with the generous support of The Akiko Ya- the museum is partnering with Ideum, a pioneer time,” says Jay Xu, director of the Asian Art of the world, while based on a European model, mazaki and Jerry Yang Fund for Excellence in in the use of computer-based multi-touch and Museum. “These intricately crafted maps repre- reflects Chinese familiarity with the geography Exhibitions and Presentations, James Ford Bell multi-user interactive experiences, to create sent the beginning of a history of collaboration of Asia. It also presents ethnographies gathered Trust, Penelope L. Wong and S. Timothy Kochis, two vibrant 55-inch interactive displays that between China and the West that continues to (and imagined) from all parts of the globe. The and Maura and Robert Morey. ♦ PAGE 10 / March 2016 society chinainsight.info Submit your “Act To Change” public CAPM Leadership Award awareness campaign to prevent nominations now bullying among Asian American [ST. PAUL, Minn.] The Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans (“the Council”) is currently seeking and Pacific Islander youth nomination submissions for the 2016 Every day, kids of all ages suffer from address bullying, including in the AAPI cyberbullying. Asian Pacific Minnesotans Leadership being bullied in schools across the country. community. “Act To Change” aims to -YMCA of the USA: YMCA of the USA, Awards. Awardees will be selected In the Asian American and Pacific Islander empower students, families, and educators working to strengthen more than 10,000 by a committee of Council board (AAPI) community, this problem is often with the knowledge and tools to help prevent communities through youth development, members and honored at the Maplewood compounded by cultural, religious, and and end bullying in their communities. In healthy living, and social responsibility, Community Center on May 20, during linguistic barriers that can keep AAPI youth addition to raising awareness, the campaign will disseminate “Act To Change” content Asian Heritage Month. from seeking and receiving help. Anecdotal encourages AAPI youth and adults to to Ys across the United States to build The award honors outstanding evidence has shown that certain AAPI share their stories, engage in community awareness and encourage participation in groups – including South Asian, Muslim, individuals or groups of Asian Pacific dialogues, and take action against bullying. the campaign. They will also contribute Sikh, Micronesian, LGBT, immigrant, and Y-USA-owned tools and materials to the heritage who have: The campaign website, ActToChange. limited English proficient youth – are more org, includes video and music empowerment “Act To Change” resources page. • Made significant contributions to the likely to be the targets of bullying. playlists and an organizing toolkit, and -National Education Association: Asian Pacific Minnesotan community; AAPI Bullying Prevention encourages visitors to “Take a Pledge” to The National Education Association will or Task Force join the #ActToChange movement and promote the “Act To Change” campaign to • Advanced systemic social, economic, stand up against bullying. As one out its 3 million members as part of its ongoing or educational justice for and/or on In November 2014, on the fifth anniversary of the Matthew Shepard and of three AAPIs does not speak English national campaign to raise awareness and behalf of Asian Pacific James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention fluently, resources will be available in engage adults and educators in stopping • Contributed to the well-being of others Act, the White House announced several Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, Urdu, bullying whenever or wherever it occurs, here in Minnesota and/or elsewhere in new initiatives to address hate incidents and and Vietnamese. “Act To Change” will also and to make the nation’s schools and the world hate crimes, including a new Interagency feature video testimonials of AAPI celebrity classrooms safe, bully-free environments Initiative on Hate Crimes. Additionally, the athletes, artists, and entertainers. for all students. Candidates are to be nominated under White House Initiative on Asian Americans Coalition of “Act To Change” -Islamic Networks Group: Islamic Networks Group (ING), a nonprofit one or more of the following categories: and Pacific Islanders, in partnership with Supporters the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. organization whose mission is to counter • Outstanding Service Award The “Act To Change” campaign builds prejudice and discrimination against Muslim • Lifetime Service Award Department of Education, and the U.S. a broad, diverse coalition of supporters Department of Health and Human Services, Americans, will promote “Act To Change” • Humanitarian Award and forges public-private partnerships across its platforms and incorporate “Act To • Asian Pacific Minnesotans to Watch launched the AAPI Bullying Prevention across media platforms, and through Task Force (AAPI Task Force). In light of Change” resources in its INGYouth Program (under age 25) nonprofit organizations, celebrities, and for young Muslim Americans. concerns about the high rates of bullying other stakeholders. “Act To Change” and harassment targeting Sikh youth and -Hindu American Foundation: In Awardees in the past have included supporters will champion the campaign by: addition to promoting “Act To Change” incidents such as the attacks on immigrant -Promoting “Act To Change” content, the Tibetan American Foundation of Asian students at South Philadelphia High through its various platforms, the Hindu using the brand and logo on their Minnesota, Sr. Judge Gail Chang Bohr, School in December 2009, the AAPI American Foundation (HAF) will publish Bo Thao-Urabe, Chang Wang and the Task Force has been charged with raising platforms. This includes using media space survey data on anti-Hindu bullying and bias Cultural Society of Filipino Americans. awareness among the AAPI community of online, on television, and on other platforms in schools. HAF is working with other AAPI federal resources and remedies available to spread the word about “Act To Change.” and faith-based groups, including Sikh and Submissions are due 5 p.m., Friday, to them. -Sharing resources with “Act To Muslim organizations, on educating teachers The AAPI Task Force brings together Change.” This includes cross-promoting on how to combat bullying. March 18. The submission packet must bullying prevention resources. -Center for Asian American Media & include: federal experts in civil rights, language access, education, community relations, -Making influencer and personality PBS: The Center for Asian American Media, • 1–2 page(s), typed letter from the public health, mental health, and data to commitments. This includes integrating in association with the Public Broadcasting nominator(s). work closely with community stakeholders “Act To Change” content on different Service (PBS), will promote and amplify the • Give a detailed description explaining to: influencers’ and personalities’ platforms to message of “Act To Change” through their why the nominee is the ideal candidate -Identify barriers to reporting bullying spread the word. web and social media platforms. for an award. and harassment -Creating original content for their -GLSEN: GLSEN has contributed • Specific examples should be used such -Understand obstacles to full and audiences and promoting it through their materials to the “Act To Change” resources as copies of newspaper articles and other equal access to remedial and support own platforms and talent. This includes page and will promote “Act To Change” on written resources creating content that resonates with their its social media platforms. • Please include any compelling reasons -Analyze data on bullying and particular audiences and doing what they -National Council of Asian Pacific which capture why you believe the harassment in the AAPI community do best: communicating with, engaging, and Americans: The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), a coalition nominee is a -Improve the federal government’s mobilizing communities to act. outreach and resources -Developing new or expanding of 35 national nonprofit organizations • Describe the impact of the nominee’s The AAPI Task Force has collected upon existing programs. This includes representing diverse AAPI communities, contribution: who and how many have and disseminated information through building upon existing programming and will promote “Act To Change” through benefited from the convening listening sessions between youth outreach efforts to include bullying social media platforms and targeted youth • On a separate third page, please federal experts and community members. prevention themes and messaging. outreach engagements. document the following for BOTH To date, the AAPI Task Force has conducted -Examples of commitments by “Act To -ISAtv: ISAtv, founded by Asian thenominee and more than 25 listening sessions in cities Change” supporters include: American entertainment groups Wong Fu • Include nomination category(s) across the country to facilitate discussions -Innovation session of thought leaders: Productions and Far East Movement to • On a third page, provide the full, with youth, parents, and educators and learn Socket Group will convene a brain trust elevate Asian Pacific American lifestyle correct name and complete mailing more about issues of bullying in the AAPI of leading experts from diverse fields to and culture, will host video content on its address, contact phone and email for community. determine a collaborative and creative YouTube channel, involve its digital space both the nominee and nominator Additionally, to address a lack of data on solution to help AAPI youth identify personalities, and promote “Act To Change” bullying as it affects AAPI youth, the AAPI • And be mailed to: 2016 Asian Pacific bullying. on its social media platforms. Task Force is conducting an informational Teach For - #ActToChange Live Event in Minnesotans Leadership Awards -Teach For America: survey of community leaders through America’s Asian American & Pacific Los Angeles: The campaign partners in Nominations the end of 2015. The survey is gathering Islander Initiative will host a listening collaboration with local organizations in Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans information about what bullying of AAPI session with its corps members and alumni the greater Los Angeles area will host an 658 Cedar Street, Suite 160 students looks like, who is being bullied, on to discuss AAPI bullying in their classrooms. #ActToChange live event at the Japanese Saint Paul, MN 55155 what basis, and whether AAPI students are In addition to promoting “Act To Change” American National Museum on November talking to adults and peers in their schools content on its various platforms, Teach For 21. The public live event will feature Additional material includes: and communities about the bullying they America will develop a blog campaign armchair dialogues and performances with • Letters of support experience. The responses will help inform to elevate the voices of both teachers and distinguished personalities. Prior to the event, • Resume or brief biography of nominee recommendations of the AAPI Task Force former educators who have dealt with AAPI OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, a • One color photograph of nominee, 3 for its May 2016 report. bullying in their classrooms. national civil rights organization, will host x 5” or 4 x 6” Launching “Act To Change” -Twitter: As part of its mission to create a high school advocacy training, expanding Today, the White House Initiative a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment upon its existing “APA Y-Advocate” program to include a bullying prevention Telephone (651) 757-1740, or email on AAPIs, in partnership with the Sikh for users, Twitter will promote “Act To Change” on its Safety Center webpages, curriculum. the Council at [email protected] for Coalition and the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment, is launching “Act To blog, and handles, as well as create new For more information on the campaign, additional details on nominations. Change,” a public awareness campaign to translated materials about safety and visit ActToChange.org. ♦ chinainsight.info people March 2016 / PAGE 11 Living within parallel universes, part II By Chang Wang and Robert Webber, contributors

Chang Wang

sities, could you tell us more about your Webber: Finally, I would like to ask The Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) Section of Immigration Law recently teaching? you to share three fun facts about the place hosted the Second Annual “Immigrant Attorneys Among Us - Successes and Challenges Wang: In 2006 when I graduated you were born – Beijing. of Our Colleagues Who Were Born Outside the U.S.,” a panel discussion and a con- from law school, I was invited to join Wang: One, according to Chinese tinuing legal education program . Chang Wang, regular China Insight contributor, is a the faculty of School of American Law census, there are about 22 million resi- member of the Immigration Council at MSBA and served as a panelist at the program. at China University of Political Science dents in Beijing, and another 5 million The panel was moderated by Robert Webber, chair of MSBA Section of Immigration and Law (CUPL). CUPL is the largest non-residents living and working in Law. Following is Webber’s conversation with Wang about his career at Thomson law university in the world, and School Beijing. Reuters and in immigration law. of American Law is the first American Two: the Beijing Subway, which be- If you missed Part I in last month’s issue on Wang’s journey from Chinese graduate style law school in China. CUPL is also gan operating in 1969, now has 18 lines, student to passing his Minnesota bar exam, please visit chinainsight.info and scroll to a strategic partner of Thomson Reuters. I 319 stations, and 527 kilometers (327 page 12 in the PDF. travel to China once a year to teach block miles) of track, is the second longest courses on Comparative Constitutional subway system in the world, and is first in annual ridership with 3.41 billion rides Webber: How did you land in Thom- Optional Practical Training (OPT), from Law, Immigration Law, and Legal Re- delivered in 2014. son Reuters? Could you tell us your H1B work visa to permanent residency, search in American Law based on West’s And three, this is actually not “fun”: experience with the job search? I have gone through the whole process Analysis of American Law – the Key the air quality in Beijing is beyond one’s Wang: As you can tell, I am one of the for myself and for my family: I-20 form, Number System, now the intellectual worst nightmare. According to the U.S. “non-traditional” law students. I was old- financial support affidavits, visa inter- property of Thomson Reuters. I have also Embassy in Beijing, it is “crazy bad.” er than most of my classmates; I was one views, labor certificate, expert support lectured at many law schools in China: When I was growing up in the 1970s of the few non-native English-speakers in letters, 140 petition, adjustment of status, Beijing Foreign Studies University Law my class, and my publication list – a few work permit, travel documents, advance School, Peking University Law School, and the 1980s, the sky was blue and the dozen journal articles and essays –was too parole, etc. You have to deal with them and Tsinghua University Law School, to river was clear. It took just a few decades long for law firms. Neither did I envision all the time. name a few. to completely destroy the environment. myself practicing corporate finance in a Secondly, language is of the utmost downtown firm. importance in cultural communication and I received a scholarship from the legal representation of immigration cases. University of Minnesota and, all through German philosopher Martin Heidegger law school, I worked as assistant training said “language is the house of being, in its program manager for the Office of Inter- home man dwells.” If I were not bilingual, national Programs and the China Center. I would not be able to manage cross-bor- During the second year of law school, I der projects and represent Chinese clients. worked on a global strategy and due dili- Third, my academic background in gence project for Thomson Reuters (then arts and literature is indispensible in rep- Thomson Legal and Regulatory). After I resenting artists and scholars petitioning had completed the project, I was offered for legal permanent residency to the a job, which I accepted. United States as “alien with extraordinary Thomson Reuters is the world’s ability.” Being a member of both the aca- leading source of intelligent information demic and art communities allows me to for businesses and professionals. I lead competently and zealously advocate for special research projects and facilitate them and present compelling cases on company joint initiatives with the aca- their behalf. I travel between different Chang Wang, left, giving a lecture in China demic and business communities. I also parallel universes: art, business, law, develop and manage Continuing Legal without being disoriented – thanks my 10 Beijing is suffocated by hazardous smog Education programs and diversity training years academic training in the arts. From 2009, I began to teach of PM2.5, the small particles smaller than programs and serve as a resident expert on Admittedly, challenges abound. The comparative law and legal research 2.5 micrometers (100 times thinner than a legal, regulatory, language, and interna- language and cultural barriers we im- courses at the University of Minnesota human hair) and a leading cause of lung tional project management for Thomson migrants overcome are frequently un- Law School and William Mitchell College cancer. The World Health Organization’s Reuters. derappreciated, for example, and people of Law in the U.S.; the University of I consider myself the most fortunate sometimes judge the competence and Lucerne and the University of Bern in guideline for PM2.5 level is less than 25, in term of career development. As the intelligence of others by family name and Switzerland; the University of Milan in Beijing is 200 on average, and frequently common saying goes: “you work for com- accent. As a Chinese immigrant in partic- Italy, and the University of Vienna in off the chart – over 500. You see blue sky pany, but you also work for people.” My ular, I am sorry to say that, even though Austria. My overseas teaching involves less than 30 days per year, and never see supervisor Rick King and colleagues at the Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed intense block courses of one or two weeks, stars at night. Thomson Reuters are great professionals in 1943, we still feel the shadow it casts four to five hours per day. Webber: Per Google Maps, how many with utmost integrity. in American society. Immigration law is a very important miles is it from Beijing to your office in Webber: I understand you also prac- Webber: How has your practice part of my teaching: refugee, asylum, Minnesota? tice immigration law. Regarding your evolved? And how do you see it continu- citizenship, due process, and equal pro- Wang: 7,533 miles or 12,124 kilo- current practice, please explain challenges ing to evolve? tection. I appreciate the opportunities to meters. ♦ versus benefits of being an immigrant. Wang: My work at Thomson Reu- interact with bright young students and Wang: In my company, I have been ters has evolved from legal information high caliber faculty members around the advising human resources involving vari- product development and international world. Chang Wang is chief researcher of ous aspects of work visas and legal perma- project management, to legal, regulatory, But going forward, I probably will Thomson Reuters, a member of the nent residency under EB1 (b) and EB1 (c). and compliance research and strategic reduce my teaching commitments and use Immigration Council at Minnesota Also, I practice immigration law part time, partnerships. My immigration practice my time to better serve ethnic minority State Bar Association (MSBA), and mostly pro-bono, for prominent artists and has evolved from non-immigration visas communities in Minnesota by practicing American Bar Association Section scholars under EB1 (a). I also serve as the to employment-based immigration. I immigration law. Recently I was appoint- of International Law’s official liaison official liaison to United States Citizen- have received many requests for repre- ed to Governor Dayton’s Diversity and to the United States Citizenship ship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sentation from leading artists, scholars, Inclusion Council’s Civil Engagement and Immigration Services (USCIS). for American Bar Association (ABA). and business executives from China, and Committee, and I look forward to working Robert Webber is the chair of MSBA The benefits of being an immigrant a big challenge for me is finding time to with my fellow Minnesotans to ensure that Section of Immigration Law and the practicing immigration law are quite ob- handle these requests. all Minnesotans have equitable oppor- principal attorney at Webber Law vious: first of all, immigration law is just Webber: We know you also teach tunities to participate fully in the policy Firm, LLC. part of my life. From F1 student visa to law at several law schools and univer- development within our democracy. PAGE 12 / March 2016 book review chinainsight.info The China Boom: Why China Will Not Rule the World Reviewed by Salvatore Babones, The Asian Review of Books, Jan. 25, 2016

history. It may or may not be the most useful than such global laggards as Mexico and Russia. capacity that Hung and other pundits worry lens, depending on your perspective. “The China Boom” shares the common short- so much about. They might even rescue state In a five-page summary of his theoretical ap- coming of most contemporary writing on China: banks by turning some of their bad loans good. proach, Hung references Max Weber, Immanuel it analyzes China in isolation and in comparison And they would raise ordinary people’s living Wallerstein, Fernand Braudel, Giovanni Arrighi with the developed West but not in comparison standards, just as they did once upon a time in and of course Karl Marx. Hung takes his theory to its peers. For China specialists (both Chinese what are today the rich countries of the world. of capitalism and growth directly from Marx’s and Western) it may seem as if China has no “The China Boom” is too carefully argued famous M-C-M’ equation, in which Marx pointed peers. But that kind of thinking is on a plane with to take such a leap into the unknown. out that capitalists invest money now (M) to get Voltaire, Kant, and Hegel. Not bad company, That said, it is no intellectual door-stopper. more money later (M-prime). Certainly true, but perhaps, but in the 21st century we can do better. It is a fast-paced, highly readable, thoroughly hardly profound. Despite these blinders, the book gets the provocative, and (rare for an academic book) Hung uncritically adopts the orthodox Marx- diagnosis right. China needs greater levels of truly enjoyable account of 400 years of Chinese ian proposition that there is something called consumption by ordinary people to stimulate economic history right up to the present day. It is “primitive accumulation” (an initial accumula- domestic demand. China’s massive foreign Marxian in orientation but is no Marxist screed. tion of capital that can occur in non-market con- currency reserves are symptomatic of an unsus- It is an intelligent and (leaving aside a few pages ditions, for example through conquest or — as tainable reliance on exports. Hung reiterates the on theory) relatively conventional account of Hung argues — under Communism) that can then now-conventional prescription that China must China’s rise and current place in the world. be used as the foundation for a successful market make a transition from investment-led growth to In this book Hung captures the zeitgeist of economy. In this view, Europe’s primitive accu- consumption-led growth. He agrees with most the moment, the pervasive feeling (inside and mulation came from the plunder of the Americas. economists that China’s massive dollar holdings outside China) that China must change course Capitalism took off from this launchpad. are as much to blame for global imbalances as to continue to grow. If the zeitgeist turns out to Hung argues that China once had a similar are America’s massive trade deficits. be wrong, it won’t be his fault. ♦ level of primitive accumulation made possible But since the book went to press China’s by an agricultural revolution in the early Qing currency reserves have rapidly deteriorated. In (1644-1911) dynasty. He presents data show- December alone the outflows were more than History ing that around the year 1800 China had higher US$100 billion. At the same time China’s state land productivity and similar labor productivity budgets have shifted into deficit despite the fact to . China had the capital necessary that the government has slowed the pace of public Boxer rebellion Ho-fung Hung Author: for growth. The problem, according to Hung, investment in infrastructure. Are these the first continued from page 6 Publisher: Columbia University was that China lacked the capitalists to take signs of much-advocated rebalancing of the Chi- Press, October 2015 advantage of it: nese economy toward domestic consumption? governors left the majority of China free of Hardcover: 264 pages the reproduction of the urban entrepre- Or are they worrying signs of lost confidence in neurial elite was constrained by the lack of the China’’s future growth? the conflict. Salvatore Babones is an associate state’s unconditional support of the elite against China surely needs a “profound redistribu- In Beijing, Dong Fuxiang (董福祥), professor of Sociology & Social contentious popular classes... China still lacked tion of wealth and income that will let average the Gansu military commander, was denied Policy at the University of Sydney any vibrant entrepreneurial elite capable of con- households share a larger slice of the pie,” but artillery held by Ronglu (榮祿), the com- and a visiting professor of sociology centrating the agrarian surplus to bring forth a then so do Brazil, India, Mexico, Russia, South mander of Wuwei Middle Troop (武衛中 at Nanyang Technological University. capitalist-industrial takeoff. Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and most of the 軍). Ronglu had been providing military He is the author most recently of Non-academics may be surprised to hear developing world. Those other countries have security for the Forbidden City. Ronglu’s that Marxists have anything good to say about “Sixteen for ‘16: A Progressive high levels of consumption, moderate levels of denial prevented Dong from leveling the capitalists, but Marx was fully committed to the investment, and no massive dollar hoardings. Agenda for a Better America.” foreign legations. When Dong complained idea that capitalism was a necessary way-station How are their households doing? Has “con- to Empress Dowager Cixi on June 23, she on the road to socialism. In fact, many western sumption-led growth” worked for them? What dismissively said, “Your tail is becoming Marxists were upset to see Russia and China these countries need is more investment, not less. China is up, China is down. China is a savior, too heavy to wag.” turn communist because in their model of the So does China. China is a bully. China lifts millions out of pover- Attempting to halt the Allied advance ty, China oppresses millions with its authoritarian world a successful communist transition could Ironically, academic Marxian analyses only occur in an advanced capitalist society. As to Beijing were 70,000 Imperial troops rule. China will be richer than the United States, and popular investment punditry come to the history shows, they may have been right. same conclusion: China’s economic model is with anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 China will collapse with its first recession. China But if imperial China ever had the economic unsustainable and China must change course to Boxers. The Allies with 20,000 men under will rule the world, China will... well, what then? base to support a capitalist industrial revolution, continue to grow. The academic Marxist wants British Lieutenant General Alfred Gaselee No one seems to be quite sure. Ho-fung Hung by 1949 that base had been destroyed. The higher wages to raise consumption. The popular encountered only minor resistance on Aug. poses the question in “The China Boom: Why Communists had to rebuild China’s capital stock pundits want economic liberalization to raise China Will Not Rule the World” but leaves the 4 in Beicang (北倉) and Yangcun (楊 from scratch. Hung traces China’s post-reform consumption. answer for the future to tell. 村), about 19 miles outside Tianjin. The economic growth directly to the urban capital But no country ever consumed its way to Hung is keenly aware that people are prone weather, however, was a major obstacle with built up by the Communist Party through its prosperity, not even the United States. China’s to exaggerate and romanticize everything about humid temperatures sometimes reaching ruthless exploitation of the countryside and its economy is faltering precisely because China’s China. He prefaces the book with a series of 110° Fahrenheit. The march also involved inhabitants. When China finally allowed the re- leadership does not have the political will to 18th-century quotes about China from Voltaire atrocities committed by both sides. In any turn of capitalism in the 1980s, there was already make the additional investments necessary (China is up) and Kant (China is down). Hegel enough “M” for China’s new capitalists to use in to boost China from middle-income status to case, after Yangcun the Chinese forces is in the basement: “the concept of virtue and creating lots of “M-prime.” high-income status. China doesn’t need a new melted away. The International Allied Force morality never entered the head of the Chinese.” This account is emerging as a new academic course. It needs to double-down on the old reached and relieved the Foreign Legation For Hung, China is down—but not out. A orthodoxy, but it can seem out of touch with re- course. on Aug. 13. The next day, the Allies occu- native of Hong Kong who now makes his home ality. By western standards, China had virtually The problem is that the old course — massive pied Beijing itself. in the United States, Hung prefaces the book no fixed capital in 1978. The subsequent forty government investments in education and infra- There were consequences of this rebel- by describing his family’s multigenerational years of massive capital inflows seem to confirm structure — is expensive. For four decades, the lion to both the Qing Dynasty and to China involvement in China’s ups and downs. His that China was in fact capital-poor in 1978, not bills paid themselves as tax revenues outpaced itself, the topic of my next offering. ♦ maternal grandfather actually migrated to Chi- capital rich. And from a comparative perspective spending growth. Economic liberalization gen- na in 1949 to participate in the new worker’s the Soviet Union certainly had much higher lev- erated easy money just by removing the fetters paradise, only to be marked as a pro-capitalist. els of physical and human capital when it let the of inefficient Communist Party central planning. About Pat Welsh Other relatives stayed in Hong Kong to work in capitalists in — and promptly went bust. Now the easy growth has come to an end. In 2009 while teaching English at Sich- the Communist union movement there. Hung sees China’s boom coming to an end The hard growth requires China to keep investing uan University, Welsh was asked to give a If Hung’s family origins are in the Chinese now. He shares the conventional wisdom that in education and infrastructure despite its budget speech where he was introduced to the au- Communist intelligentsia, his intellectual roots China has relied too much on investment to constraints. That can only be done by raising dience as a “pioneer of Chinese American are in the American Marxist intelligentsia. Like drive growth and he points to the usual suspects taxes, and in a big way. relations”as a result of his cooperative work estranged brothers, the two have much in com- as evidence: overcapacity in manufacturing, China’s total combined government revenues in international banking during the Deng mon. Social scientists will see a big difference empty office blocks, and falling producer prices. for all levels of government are just 23 percent of Xiaoping era. For more than 65 years, Welsh between Chinese state socialism and western He points especially to overcapacity in steel, an GDP. Compare that to 35 percent in the United has been learning Chinese and has used Marxian analysis. Lay readers may not. important indicator sector for the wider economy. States and 45-50 percent in Western Europe. this knowledge both professionally and Hung is no capital-C Communist, but the first Profitability is low and the banking sector is The Chinese state needs more money to fund personally to enhance his understanding of half of the book is firmly grounded in a Marxian plagued by bad debts. Hung is certainly correct continued public investment: to build schools, to Chinese and Asian affairs. He currently re- account of China’s economic history, 1650-2008. that these are not signs of an economy poised for hire teachers, to improve public health, to expand sides in Georgia and occasionally lectures Marxian economics is not necessarily wrong, but another four decades of record-breaking growth. transportation networks, to — in short — bring on China to classes in World History and it is a particular — and in the Chinese case, iron- What Hung fails to mention is that the China China up to first-world levels of development. World Literature. ic — lens through which to examine economic boom is ending while China is still much poorer Investments like these would soak up the excess chinainsight.info travel March 2016 / PAGE 13 Leisurely life in ancient Chengkan Wanted: Village ONLINE By Li Jingwen & Zhang Ke. China Today English Lanuage Teachers

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THE Internet has rejuvenated our old vil- gables rising in steps above the roofs form the lage,” Luo Qing said. “It has brought in more village’s districtive skyline. Winding narrow tourists and made travel more convenient.” A streets paved with polished blue stone connect Chengkan native, Luo has worked at the village’s the 600 households. tourism company for 15 years. “Tourists used to At the southern tip of the village stands a rush from one scenic spot to another, but have mansion by the river. Its high arched gate signi- since slowed down so as to truly experience life fies the unusual status of its creator Luo Yinghe in the countryside,” Luo said. (1540-1630), vice minister of finance during the Luo Qing cooperates with big tourism portals Ming Dynasty. Luo Qing and her family now like Ctrip and Qunar, which generate an average live here, and are responsible for keeping it in are a main feature. The oldest, Huanxiu Bridge, and gardens in the village. During the process of 70 percent occupancy of her inn. “We’re almost good order. As she said, “This is our ancestor’s was built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). construction they were also lavish with carvings, booked solid for Spring Festival,” Luo said. She house, so we have deep feelings for it.” Luo has Longxing Bridge is a stone arched bridge with paintings, plaques and other decorations that re- and her elder sister spend all their spare time set aside several rooms for tourists. “They have the longest single-span in the Huizhou area. The flect the temperament and interests of Confucian renovating another house built in the Ming Dy- the chance to stay with us in a real old house village alleys are narrow and winding, making scholars. Many Huizhou villages, well preserved nasty (1368-1644) by a prefecture chief. They and experience a life as leisurely as that of our it a giant maze in which travelers often get lost even today, were perceived as icons of traditional are trying to complete the project by spring and ancestors,” Luo said. until locals set them on the right path. society and the poetic idyllic life that modern so accommodate the soaring numbers of tourists Baolun Pavilion is another must-see build- Chengkan was built according to fengshui urbanites now crave. during the May Day vacation. Her younger ing. First constructed in 1542, shortly after- theory, which originates in the Yi Jing, or Book The house on which Luo Qing worked had brother also runs a village lodge called Xingde wards the building underwent the 70-year-long of Changes. The Luo brothers, who founded the just undergone a two-year renovation that cost Hall. “The village has more than 10 inns of extension that made it the ancestral hall of the village, were reputedly fengshui masters. They more than RMB four million. It looks almost different levels and scales, and several more are Luo clan, located on Chengkan Village’s highest are believed to have chosen this place for their the same, as regards structure and ornamenta- opening this year,” Luo Qing said. point. Covering over 3,000 square meters, the offspring because it is backed by mountains tion, as it did originally. Traditional ornaments Located in Huizhou District, Huangshan City ancestral hall consists of three courtyards. Its and faces a screen of hills, with several brooks and daily-use items, such as the well, corridor, of Anhui Province, Chengkan is only 30 km away horse-head gables in which as many as five steps flowing through. They changed the original pavilion, and old vines, have been retained. But from the bustling downtown area. But it is still are embedded signify the family’s wealth and name Longxi (dragon rivulet) to Chengkan. bathrooms have been added for the comfort of a tranquil setting, and famed as one of the best honor. This is one of the few preserved Ming They selected both characters from the Book of tourists. At lunch time, a visitor from Jiangsu preserved Ming Dynasty villages. Chengkan is civilian dwellings in China. The essence of the Changes. Cheng means yang (active, or bright) Province cooked on the old adobe hearth. “It’s site of more than 150 buildings from the 14th to timber structure building is apparent in its fine while Kan means yin (passive, or shadowy). wonderful to cook for myself!” he said. “My host early 20th centuries, among which 21 are on the wood and brick carvings, and plaque inscribed The Luo brothers believed that yin and yang has made this old building a warm and welcom- list of nationally protected items. by master calligrapher Dong Qichang. interaction would create a state of harmony that ing home. We enjoy meals cooked from fresh would bless their offspring. food ingredients while listening to old stories The eight hills around the village coincide about the house and village.” with the Eight Trigrams, symbol of fengshui. In light of new tourism trends, the local gov- The Longxi River meanders through the village ernment, along with the village’s tourism com- from north to south like a big S that appears as the pany, has explored practical ways of developing curve separating yin from yang at the center of tourism while at the same time preserving ancient the Eight Diagrams. Two ditches channel water buildings. They have attracted investment and from rivers and brooks to every household, so encouraged villagers to open lodges and inns providing daily water usage as well as that need- in their old houses. Aware of the inestimable ed for drainage, irrigation, and to extinguish fires. cultural value of these relics, they voluntarily The inception and prosperity of Chengkan protect these old houses for the benefit of future is closely related to Huizhou businessmen. generations. This group of entrepreneurs became active in In 2014, Chengkan was listed as exemplar of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and reached their the national heritage protection project and pilot heyday in the Ming and Qing dynasties. At that for a national ancient village protection project. time they controlled business in the middle and The village invited professional renovation teams lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the nation’s to carry out all-round refurbishment of old build- wealthiest region. Huizhou Prefecture (now ings according to the concept of restoring them Huangshan City) has long been immersed in in their original style. They also conducted moth Confucianism as it was the ancestral hometown proofing treatment and improved the fire-fighting of Song Dynasty Neo-Confucianists Cheng Hao, equipment and lightning conductors. Thus far, Freshly harvested red chilis dry in the sun. Cheng Yi and Zhu Xi. Huizhou businessmen the first stage of the project involving 10 old hence set great store by education, ancestor buildings has been completed. The launch of The 1,800-year-old Chengkan is a typical The top of the Baolun Pavilion offers a worship, and the principle of family clans. After the second stage is in the offing. Huizhou village on the banks of Yongxing panoramic view of the mountains encircling achieving commercial success, they shared these (Eternal Prosperity) Lake. Houses are white- the village and the terraced fields and farmland profits with their hometowns by renovating old The writers are public servants at the washed with lime that has mottled over time, between them. As many brooks and streams flow houses and undertaking public constructions such Huizhou District Government, Huangshan City, and the closely aligned ivy-covered horsehead down to the village, bridges in various styles as schools, ancestral halls, memorial archways Anhui Province. ♦ PAGE 14 / March 2016 society chinainsight.info

Ex-NYPD officer Peter Liang Committee of 100 continued from page 1 issues Letter of Race infuriates all of us. It becomes ment. It’s discrimination against Chinese treatment for Liang. Support and urges difficult to reason, to remember that people…White [officers] haven’t faced this There are also those who have maintained principles are only principles if they are when they’ve killed people.” that the indictment was just and that Liang Chinese American applied universally. must be held accountable. The argument that community Liang should not receive a pass, because the Caucasian officers in the Michael Brown he happens to be a minority himself. But and Eric Garner cases were not indicted to engage in he shouldn’t be subjected to selective does not justify Laing not being indicted. constructive action prosecution either, or a sentence that makes Should the fact that Liang also happens to him an example. He ought to be treated like be Asian American make any difference in [NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2016] -- The others… How strange, how wrong, it is, that whether he should have been indicted and, Committee of 100 has sent a letter to the face picked to represent police brutality now, found guilty? Judge Danny Chun of the Supreme Court toward blacks is yellow. of New York, Kings County, regarding marching in support the case of People vs. Peter Liang. The Committee urged the judge to render a To wit, the November 2015 incident fair and just decision commensurate with where a Caucasian police officer in Paradise, the applicable laws and circumstances of Calif., shot the driver of a vehicle that had Mr. Liang’s case. flipped over in the course of a police chase. The Committee of 100 empathizes The dash cam video showed the officer with the African American community aimed and “accidentally” fired a single shot over the loss of black lives without rally signs at the driver who was struggling to climb justification at the hands of law out the window of the overturned vehicle. Whichever side you fall on, perhaps the enforcement. We extend our sympathies MCA organizers, front row, leading the rally The driver fell back into the vehicle after the Liang case will ignite conversations within to the family and friends of Akai Gurley shot. Eleven minutes later, the officer was Asian American communities about the and urge collective action to address long The question of whether Liang should heard telling his commander, “I don’t think elephant in the room: when and how one standing systemic issues of disparities in have been indicted at all in the first place last I shot him … but the gun did go off.” The should get involved in ensuring fairness the criminal justice system. February has brought Asian Americans into driver died a few weeks later. Initially, the within our judicial system. At the same time, the Committee also a national debate concerning the role police county attorney refused to press charges and To get involved and to get additional supports appropriate and fair prosecution officers have played in incidents involving a Grand Jury will not investigate the fatal information about the Peter Liang case, of these matters. A judicial system that civilian deaths, especially those involving shooting (recent state law bars grand juries visit http://savepeterliang.org. To sign a indicts people selectively is troubling and young black males. from investigating deadly police shootings). petition requesting leniency in sentencing, contrary to our country’s treasured princi- Doug Lee, co-chairperson of the However, as of Feb. 18, the officer has been visit www.change.org/p/danny. ple of equal treatment under the law. The Coalition of Asian-Americans for Civil charged with involuntary manslaughter. Editor’s Note: See additional comments Committee fully understands the anger Rights, said in 2015 that, “If it was not The national rally organizations hope to in the Publisher’s Pronouncements on p. 2. ♦ and frustration of many in the Chinese for Ferguson (Missouri, Michael Brown raise funds for Liang’s legal proceedings. American community who believe that shooting) and not for Staten Island (New Part of the funds also will be donated to former officer Liang was singled out as York, Eric Garner choke hold death), Peter Gurley’s family. Shuigen Xiao, head of About MCA a scapegoat. Liang might not have been indicted.” the Greater Washington for Peter Liang The MCA was initiated by a group of “We understand how the community At a March 8, 2015, rally in New York Coordination Group, a new voluntary Asian Americans to support rallies for Officer feels, and are heartened to see people City, Shua Mu Lin drove from Connecticut organization, described both Gurley and Liang and to promote cultural development coming together with a strong voice,” “to support Peter Liang” said, “The man- Liang as victims. In a news conference on and equity in the greater Twin Cities area. It says Herman Li, Committee of 100 slaughter charge, that’s not really fair. He Feb. 17 in Fairfax, Virginia, he said he hoped is not political nor religious-oriented. Acting Chairman. “We strongly urge (Liang) shouldn’t receive this kind of treat- the rallies on Feb 20 would warrant a fairer supporters to channel their frustrations into constructive actions to help former Business Officer Liang and his family move forward within the legal process.” Internet firms battle for relevance The Committee noted in its letter that the evidence in the case pointed to an unintentional blunder by a frightened, in red envelope race inexperienced policeman who may not lowed users of its mobile payment app Alipay For others, cyber envelopes have made have been fully trained or adequately Wallet to draw money in the run-up to the Lunar gift-giving during this time of the year less supported. As importantly, Liang does not New Year Eve. burdensome. appear to be a danger to society. It partnered with the state broadcaster’s “Sending out money envelopes on smart- “How Peter Liang is treated in this annual Spring Festival gala as its official red phone is so much more efficient than handing case will signal to Asian Americans envelope distributor during the gala’s five-hour out physical ones,” said Wu Yan, who works at whether we are equal members of society, broadcast on the New Year’s Eve. a bank in central China. Li adds. “As concerned Chinese Ameri- Tencent got the upper hand on the social front “It really saves me from all the usual back- cans, we should and will continue to fight as its popular instant messaging app WeChat was and-forth when friends and relatives show their the primary platform for hundreds of millions of politeness by pretending to refuse your money for equal treatment of Chinese and Asian smartphone users sending and opening digital envelopes,” she said. Americans under the law.” ♦ red envelopes between friends, colleagues and Chinese microblog Sina Weibo reported a family. surge in daily active users on Sunday thanks to Traditionally, Chinese people give red Tencent launched the red envelope service the red envelopes distributed on its apps and a envelopes filled with money, known as two years ago in hope that tradition would en- surge in discussions about the Spring Festival courage people to exchange cyber red envelopes gala. “Hongbao,” to friends and relatives during on WeChat and spend the money through its Sina said the number of active users from the Lunar New Year celebrations. [Photo by payment service Tenpay. Sunday to the early morning of Monday, when Liu Junfeng/for China Daily] The plan worked, with millions of users tying the five-hour live broadcast of the Spring Festival their bank card with Tenpay to transfer money, gala ended and the Chinese Lunar Year of the [BEIJING, Feb. 9] Worried about losing shop online or simply sends out more cyber Monkey officially began, surged 31 percent from The Committee of 100 is an traffic on their smartphone apps while people envelopes on WeChat. Other domestic Internet last year’s Lunar New Year eve on Feb. 18, 2015. are distracted by Spring Festival celebrations, firms followed suit, but with mixed results. It said promotional cash gifts have been international non-partisan leadership Chinese Internet firms vied to keep users tuned The enthusiasm for various forms of cyber distributed to 100 million users through the organization of prominent Chinese in with cash gifts. red envelopes has been high among Chinese platform. Americans in business, government, Traditionally, Chinese people give red enve- smartphone users, though the money they get is Celebrities and dignitaries from Hong Kong academia, and the arts. For over 25 lopes filled with money, known as “Hongbao,” often minuscule. and Taiwan to the United States and the United years, the Committee has been committed to friends and relatives during the Lunar New Despite shaking her phone day after day for Kingdom also used Weibo to send out celebratory to a dual mission of promoting the full Year celebrations. into the tradition, pocket money from Alipay this year, Hao Yueyua greetings for the Lunar New Year. The United participation of Chinese Americans in all Internet firms including Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu often received less than one yuan. But she never Nations teamed up with Chinese actor Liux- fields of American life, and encouraging and Sina Weibo launched apps that enabled users gets bored. iaolingtong, known in China for his portrayal of constructive relations between the peoples to send, snatch and draw cyber red envelopes on “It has a lot to do with luck, but that’s what Monkey King in the TV series “Journey to the of the United States and Greater China. West,” to send out wishes to the Chinese for the their smartphones. makes red envelopes on the smartphone so fun,” www.committee100.org Alibaba’s financial arm Ant Financial al- Hao said. Year of Monkey. ♦ chinainsight.info business March 2016 / PAGE 15 Chinese make another US acquisition: Chicago Stock Exchange China Daily, Feb. 8, 2016

jurisdiction to examine an acquisition of Chemical Corp for Switzerland-based seed a U.S. business that will result in foreign and pesticide maker Syngenta AG, the control. CFIUS is only interested when the biggest foreign acquisition ever by China. transaction raises national security or critical Syngenta said last week it would file it plans infrastructure concerns. with CIFIUS. "It is possible that CFIUS could be Founded in 1997, privately held interested in this transaction because Chongqing Casin Enterprise Group has financial services can be considered part of interests in real estate, infrastructure, the critical infrastructure of the US," Laura financial services and environmental Fraedrich of Jones Day in Washington told protection. Casin Group has 821 employees China Daily." However, given the very with operations in Beijing, Hong Kong, small percentage of the U.S. market that this Sydney and other locations. exchange represents, CFIUS may determine "We have reviewed CHX's plans to that it can be comfortable clearing the deal, improve market share through new growth especially since it is a highly-regulated initiatives and fully support them. industry and those regulations will continue Together, we have a unique opportunity in place regardless of the owner." to help develop financial markets in China Joe Saluzzi, co-head of trading at Themis over the longer term and to bring exciting Trading and author of Broken Markets, said Chinese growth companies to US investors," A Chinese-led investor group is buying It would be the first purchase of a the deal may raise security concerns. Shengju Lu, Casin Group founder and the Chicago Stock Exchange, also known as U.S. exchange by investors from China, "Does foreign ownership open up chairman said in a statement. CHX, to eventually list Chinese companies but not to a foreign entity. A unit of any potential for information leakage to The investor group intends to preserve on it, and also may use CHX's technology Germany's Deutsche Boerse AG acquired someone who can take advantage of it? CHX's current business operations and and model to start an equities exchange the International Securities Exchange in As an investor, I would raise an eyebrow," proprietary trading platform, and Kerin where it is based in China, according to 2007. Saluzzi told CNN Money. "As long as would remain as CEO and chairman. the CEO and chairman of the 134-year-old Bloomberg reported that the deal values the information is secure, I don't have any With locations in Chicago and New bourse. the exchange at less than $100 million, problem with it." Jersey, the CHX is mainly used by market John Kerin also told Reuters that under according to a person familiar with the Anne Salladin of Stroock&Stroock&La- makers that buy and sell the most active the new ownership, the exchange would matter, who asked to not be identified van LLP said that she would be "very sur- exchange-traded funds and hedge their have the funding for efforts like revamping because the terms were not disclosed prised if CFIUS did not have an interest in positions using futures on CME Group Inc's its listings program." They like our strategy, publicly. taking a look at this deal." Chicago Mercantile Exchange. and they want us to continue to execute on The exchange said the deal is expected to The CHX acquisition came in a week The CHX, a subsidiary of CHX Holdings it," he said in an interview. close in the second half of the year, and will that saw two major purchases by Chinese Inc, is minority-owned by a group including The investor consortium led by Chongq- require the approval of the U.S. Securities companies: the $1.6 billion purchase E*Trade Financial Corp, Bank of America ing-based Casin Enterprise Group said on and Exchange Commission. announced on Feb. 4 by Beijing Enterprise Corp, Goldman Sachs Group Inc and Feb. 5 it will acquire the exchange, which The acquisition also might be reviewed Holdings for German waste-management JPMorgan Chase &Co, according to the handles about 0.5 percent of the average by the Committee on Foreign Investment company Energy from Waste, and the $43 company. The minority shareholders are daily trading volume in the US. in the United States (CFIUS), which has billion deal on Feb. 3 by China National also selling their stake, Kerin said. ♦

Community Minnesota International Chinese School (MICS) celebrates Year of the Monkey By Elaine Dunn

The halls of Valley View Middle School in Edina were decorated in Chinese banners, calligraphy, artwork and lanterns on the afternoon of Feb. 13. The occasion? A community celebration of Chinese New Year, the Year of the Monkey. The lunar New Year actually fell on Feb. 8. However, finding a venue and date that did not conflict with other major celebrations or family celebrations proved challenging and Feb. 13 worked out. This is the first year the Edina Chinese Association and MICS have jointly planned and hosted the Chinese New Year Carnival, the fifth that was hosted by MICS. Melody Zhou, MICS principal, reported more than 3,000 people attended the four- hour event, which involved 450 performers, 280 volunteers, 50 merchandisers and organization sponsors made it possible for a free-admission event. Red envelopes, hongbaos, were given to all children and elders to “spread the blessing.” The food court featured authentic street foods from nine food vendors.

Continued on page 16 PAGE 16 / March 2016 community chinainsight.info Monkey King graced US-China Peoples Friendship Association banquet By Ralph Beha, USCPFA-MN, president

The Monkey King made a brief but The annual USCPFA-MN event, which establishing a Chinese garden on the shores other door prizes for the event. Groups memorable appearance at the USCP F A this year drew more than 120 people to the of Lake Phalen in St. Paul. Honored guests attending included the Feng Shui Institute (Minnesota chapter) New Year’s banquet on Grand Szechuan Restaurant in Bloomington at the banquet included State Senator Foung of the Midwest and representatives of Meet January 31. Students from Anoka Middle also featured Chinese and American songs Hawj and Representative Tim Mahoney, Minneapolis. Table sponsors included the School were invited by the USCPFA to by Breck School students from China, Stacy who helped shepherd funding for the design University of Minnesota’s China Center and perform a few scenes from their play about Yuan (Shanghai) and Eryu E (Beijing). phase of the project through the legislature, Confucius Institute, the Hamre, Schumann, the adventures of the beloved Chinese They sang a cappella and also led the and several supporters from the Lake Phalen Mueller & Larson law firm, and long- classic tale of the Monkey King, part of entire group in a rendition of “Auld Lang neighborhood. their theater group’s “journey around the Syne” in both Chinese and English! Linda In addition to a sumptuous banquet standing supporters Ming Tchou, Margaret world” series. Led by their teacher Jefferson Mealey-Lohmann, vice president of the menu, the evening also featured a traditional Wong and Walter Graff, Glynis and Bob Fietek, student performers included Aidan USCPFA-MN and co-founder of the MN hong bao (red envelope) for one lucky Hinschberger, and USCPFA-MN President Ftacek, Josiah Ahlquist, Sean Cook and Chinese Friendship Garden Society, gave a guest at each table, good for a selection Ralph Beha. ♦ Sophia Pletcher. multimedia presentation on the progress in from a collection of treats and several

Anoka Middle School students in costumes performed A packed crowd attended the annual CNY banquet L to R: Stacy Yuan, Linda Mealey-Lohmann, Margaret Monkey King skit. Wong, Eryu E and Whitney Clark led the group in “Auld Lang Syne.” Minnesota International Chinese School continued from page 15

Long queues formed for delicious treats Photos courtesy of MICS such as spicy mung clear noodles, roasted Taiwan sausage, steam buns and bubble tea, to name a few. These items definitely conjured up the “taste of home” among the overseas Chinese. Attendees also enjoyed traditional Chinese games and craft activities, folk exhibits. Many said they could not wait to attend next year’s carnival! MICS and ECA wishes everyone happiness, prosperityand great health in the new year! ♦