hina nsight C Fostering business and culturalI harmony between China and the U.S. VOL. 14 NO. 5 May 2015 Major General William S. Chen, highest-ranking Chinese-American to serve in the U.S. Army By Greg Hugh

Major General William S. Chen (retired) in World War II with the 14th Air Force Alumnus. Driving in China, p. 3 recently presented an autobiographical (Flying Tigers). He later became an airline As he began his presentation, Chen account of his life, incorporating some executive and aviation consultant. stated that the objective of his presentation parallels with those of his father. The was to share the experiences of his father presentation was co-sponsored by and himself, who both worked in career Peking University and Tsinghua Alumni fields rarely pursued by Chinese Americans: Associations. The presentation was civil and military aviation and missiles and delivered in English and was held on the weapons development. He would provide campus of the University of Minnesota. insights on the challenges they faced and The meeting room was filled to capacity his views on leadership. He aimed to and included a multigenerational and promote an understanding of the legacy of ethnically mixed audience. progress and generate interest in relating to Chen has a distinguished record of and reminiscing about our own experiences ethical leadership. He retired from the U. from the 1930s to the present. Doing business, p. 6 S. Army with the rank of major general after Highlights Chen revealed: While his serving on active duty from June 1961 to father was born in the U.S. and was referred September 1993. When he was promoted in to as an ABC (American Born Chinese), he October 1989, at age 49, to major general, (the son) was born in Shanghai. Therefore, he became the first Chinese-American of the younger Chen rearranged the letters and two-star rank in the U.S. Army. referred to himself as a CBA, Chinese Born The major general is a third-generation American. He also noted other similarities Chinese-American. His father, Chen Hong- Major General William S. Chen (Retired) - their education; their involvement with Mon, born in Columbus, Ohio, was an the F.F. Fraternity, the first Chinese student aviation pioneer who graduated from the Chen (the son) received a Master of fraternity that was founded in 1910; their University of Michigan in Aeronautical Science in Engineering from the University career paths that were rooted in aviation, Engineering in 1932. He also was a pilot of Michigan in 1961, and an MBA from military service in foreign countries and, for the U.S. Mail Service, a commercial Auburn University in 1970. He also finally, careers in the private aviation sector. airline pilot who flew the Hump (name attended the Air Command & Staff College, Although there were many similarities in Chinese watercolorist, p.8 given to the eastern end of the Himalayan Defense Systems Management College and their lives, Chen also noted the differences. Mountains by Allied pilots in the Second the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. While his father graduated from the college World War) delivering supplies to the In 2014, the University of Michigan named of hard knocks, troops, and a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot him Distinguished Aerospace Engineering continues on page 10 East Asia Pacific update adjusting to a changing world The World Bank, April 13

SINGAPORE – Economic growth will “Despite slightly slower growth in East revenues. In Indonesia, the net impact on Chinese inventions, p. 14 ease slightly in developing countries in Asia, the region will still account for one- growth will depend on how much a decline East Asia and Pacific this year, even as the third of global growth, twice the combined there will be for its coal and gas exports. region benefits from lower oil prices and a contribution of all other developing The headwinds facing the world continued economic recovery in developed regions,” said Axel van Trotsenburg, World economy continue to pose risks to East In This Issue economies, according to the East Asia Bank East Asia and Pacific regional vice Asia’s globally integrated economies. Pacific Economic Update released today president. “Lower oil prices will boost The recovery in high-income countries by the World Bank. domestic demand in most countries in the continues to be slow and uneven, and a The developing economies of East Asia region and provide policy makers a unique downturn in the eurozone and Japan would Arts & Culture 8-9 are projected to grow by 6.7 percent in 2015 opportunity to push fiscal reforms that will weaken global trade. Higher U.S. interest Business 6, 12 and 2016, slightly down from 6.9 percent raise revenues and reorient public spending rates and an appreciating U.S. dollar, Chinese Inventions 14 in 2014. China’s growth is expected to toward infrastructure and other productive along with diverging monetary policy Commentary 13 moderate to around 7 percent in the next uses. These reforms can improve East paths across advanced economies, could Genealogy 15 two years compared with 7.4 percent in Asia’s competitiveness and help the region raise borrowing costs, generate financial 2014. Growth in the rest of developing East retain its status as the world’s economic volatility and reduce capital flows to East History 4-5 Asia is expected to rise by half a percentage growth engine.” Asia. The continued strengthening of the News 1-3, 7, 14 point, to 5.1 percent this year, largely driven Low global oil prices will benefit U.S. dollar against other major currencies Opinion 10 by domestic demand — thanks to upbeat most developing countries in East Asia, also could hurt highly dollarized economies People 1, 10-11 consumer sentiment and falling oil prices especially Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, such as Cambodia and Timor-Leste. Pronouncements 2 — in the large Southeast Asian economies. Thailand, and the Pacific island countries. “East Asia Pacific has thrived despite an

Several smaller economies, especially But the region’s net fuel exporters, including unsteady global recovery from the financial commodity exporters such as Mongolia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea, will see crisis, but will see lower growth. slower growth and lower government continues on page 4 PAGE 2 / May 2015 pronouncements chinainsight.info Publisher’s Prouncements ChinaInsight Publisher: Greetings: Gregory J. Hugh [email protected] A sure sign that spring has arrived is Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotan to beings and patched the sky, should be Manager of Operations/ how my body reacts to the pollen that is receive a leadership award (page 11). considered the mother of the Chinese Circulation: circulating in the air, so I sure hope that Although not recognized as a major nation. Her birthday, the 10th day of the Richard He not many of you are having to deal with holiday in China, Mother’s Day also third month of the lunar calendar, should [email protected] this annual malady but are experiencing is celebrated there in May. Many be taken as the Chinese Mother’s Day. the more pleasurable aspects of the children would buy carnations for their Whenever and however you choose Staff Writers: season. mothers as most think that carnations to honor your mother, China Insight Greg Hugh Also, marking the return of spring are the flower for mothers. However, wishes all mothers, Chinese and [email protected] is the Festival of Nations and the in China, there is another special flower otherwise, a “Happy Mother’s Day,” in celebration of Asian-Pacific American for mothers, the daylily. According to pinyin, mu qin jie kuai le (母親節快樂). Elaine Dunn Heritage Month, which all takes place legends, if the expectant mother wears Last, but not least, we invite you to [email protected] in the month of May. See details on a daylily on her chest, she would give complete the short survey on this page to these events elsewhere in the paper on birth to a baby boy. In the old days help us provide content that better reflect Contributors: the back page. people believed that boys would carry your interests. We’d love to hear what Madeline Christensen [email protected] Also, only a few more days remain to on the family line. Nowadays, you your two top articles are and what you’d see the “Jewish Refugees in Shanghai” simply won’t find a young woman “in like China Insight to cover in the future. Raymond Lum exhibit now on display at the Sabes a family way” (pregnant) wearing a [email protected] Jewish Community Center, St. Louis daylily. Instead, mothers in mainland Sincerely Park (page 5). The 14th annual Bob also get carnations (sometimes mixed Gregory J. Hugh Chang Wang and Kim Griffin “Building U.S.-China with roses or other flowers) from their [email protected] Bridges” lecture will be held on May 5 children on Mother’s Day. (page 7). Another school of researchers has Clara Wang We also would like to congratulate other suggestions. According to them, [email protected] Chang Wang, a frequent China Insight Nuwa, the Chinese goddess who, Publisher-CEO Patrick Welsh contributor, on his being selected by the according to legends, created human [email protected]

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School’s out for summer … and you’re no further. You’re NOT allowed to drive. headed over to China! In the Chinese Ministry of Public Hong Kong’s third from the bottom If you’re from Boston / San Francisco / Security’s “Rules of Motor Vehicle Driving of a customer service survey. The Chicago, you probably think you can handle License Application,” a 2012 publication, Mystery Shoppers Service Association tough traffic conditions. As the saying goes, divides foreigners in two general categories: survey pegged service staff in the Fragrant “You ain’t seen nothing yet!” until you’ve those who already have a license in their Harbour the “third-least hospitable” to experienced China traffic. home countries, and those who do not have their customers out of 41 places in the First of all, Chinese road rules and a foreign driving license. world. Mainland China ranked 14; Macau, traffic laws apply to all vehicles except 38 and HK, 39. A Retail, Commerce and Those with valid foreign DL military vehicles, that is, military vehicles Clothing Industries General Union staff If you have a valid driving license from are allowed to move in the lanes going blamed rude customers from the mainland your home country, you can apply directly the opposite direction (as in the wrong making unreasonable demands and the to your city’s Vehicle Administration Office direction) AND they do not have to stop at lack of support from employers for to convert their license. You will need to # red lights. In addition, vehicles generally frontline sales staff for the bad results. bring the following: 3 1 do not stop for pedestrians. Worst yet, 6 Perhaps some of those frontline staff 1. Application form drivers have a tendency to stop in the are from the mainland with no customer 2. Identification Certificate, work permit, By the numbers # middle of the street with no warning to talk 4 service training?? passport # # 2 on their mobiles. Needless to add, there 3. Medical report issued by designated 7 is a lot of honking but to no avail as they Feet in mouths Talk about hospital weave around pedestrians and other cars, insensitivity! In October 2014, Hong 4. Foreign driving license with Chinese Wealthy Chinese fleeing motherland especially in stop-and-go conditions. Kong’s chief executive commented translation Mainland Chinese applicants are inundating on universal suffrage “…if it’s 5. One 1” full-face photograph on a plain immigrant investor programs the world over. entirely a numbers game and numeric background A fall 2014 Barclays survey of 2,000-plus representation, then obviously you would If all your documents check out, you individuals around the world with personal wealth over US$1.5 million showed Chinese be talking to half of the people in Hong must then take a theory test of 100 questions. are more eager to emigrate than the very Kong who earn less than USD1,800 a The 100 questions are randomly selected from 900 questions. In order to pass, you well-off from any other country. Chinese month… Then you would end up with millionaires maxed out the U.S.’s 2014 must correctly answer at least 90 percent. that kind of politics and policies.” And Immigrant Investor Program quota (minimum in March, Financial Secretary John Tsang This test is offered in several different of US$500,000 investment and create 10 jobs) told prospective property buyers to “self- languages if you’re in a larger Chinese city. in five months! Australia reported that 90 assess,” saying, “If it is not affordable, In smaller tier cities, you have to take the percent of its Significant Investor Visas were then don’t buy a property.” D’oh! test in Chinese, i.e., if you read Chinese given to Chinese nationals as well. A 2013 World Health Organization characters! If not, don’t despair! You may study reported about 250,000 people were No “hot” women in Lebanon bring a friend/translator to help. 213 billionaires (in USD) are in China killed on Chinese roads each year. This is A shipment of made-in-China sanitary After passing the theory test, the Vehicle in 2015, second country with largest approximately 45,000 people injured and products for women was seized in Beirut Administration Office will issue a Chinese number, after the U.S., which has 536! 680 killed on China’s roads each day! Road in late March. The pads and pantyliners driver’s license within five working days. Hong Kong ranked number 6 with 55. traffic crashes are believed to be the leading were found to be radioactive at 35 times This license only applies to cars. To obtain Taiwan was 12th with 33. cause of death for Chinese 15 to 45 years more than the permitted level. This a license for buses or trucks, the applicant old. If these statistics don’t scare you, watch follows the discovery of a shipment of will need to take a practical exam for that a Jan. 3, 2012, video on YouTube (type 125 percent increase in number of radioactive mobile phone covers at the vehicle. in “Chinese driver leaves behind trail of Chinese people emigrating. China is Beirut airport in February, which were Those without valid foreign DL destruction to escape police”) that will leave now the fourth largest “exporter” of promptly returned to China. If you do not have a valid driving immigrants! you dumbfounded. Granted that’s taking it license from your home country, you’ll to the extreme, but …if you’re still gamed China’s dead ahead of the game have to go through the same process as to drive in China …be prepared! 47 percent of rich Chinese from the Think you’ve got all the latest gadgets Chinese nationals. You apply to the Vehicle China does not recognize the mainland planned to move abroad within from Apple? Well … think again! Administration Office, bring the documents International Driving Permit or other the next five years, compared to 23 The dead in China are already getting listed above, and take the theory test just like foreign driver’s licenses. So, if you’ll percent in Singapore and 16 percent in iPhone7s during Tomb Sweeping Day foreigners holding a driver’s license from be living in China and you wish to drive Hong Kong. (QingMing) on April 5. Yes, iPhone 7! another country. In addition, you will need in China (and I’m not sure why any sane The shops selling papier-mâché offerings to take classes and pass several practical person would!), you’ll need to get yourself 64 percent of millionaires from the to those who’ve passed are selling Apple driving examinations. This process, a Chinese driver’s license. mainland had already emigrated or are watches, Internet routers, subway passes depending on the city you’re in and the How do you do that? First, you’ll need planning to do so. and iPhones (complete with chargers, number of applicants, could take anywhere proof of a valid residence permit before you USB cable and headphones) from three months to one year. can apply. If you’re a tourist, you need read 33 percent of the super rich Chinese Sample page from manual from the mainland - those with assets A 20-something female “I quit!” exceeding US$16 million - had already employee submitted her resignation emigrated. to her boss via WhatsApp, giving one day notice. She also demanded her half Chinese nationals were in the “to month’s salary or she’ll see him in Labour 65,000 be processed” queue when the Canadian Court! The redeeming factor? Most government halted its Immigrant Investor Chinese netizens were not supportive of Plan in February 2014. The Canadian her behavior or attitude. plan was launched in 1986. An app for everything You can hire a thug to beat someone up on your 66 billion USD were remitted back to mobile! Rates ranged from US$30-80, mainland China in 2012 by Chinese depending on the degree of harm to be emigrants. inflicted. Just provide the victim’s photo, and time and place where victim could 221 billion USD in real estate purchases be found. The app, which started as a in the U.S. were made y Chinese from talk show gag, was quickly removed, but April 2013- March 2014, which is not before 40,000 downloads from one approximately 24 percent of total price website alone. of real estate purchases in the U.S. PAGE 4 / May 2015 history chinainsight.info New trends in Imperial China after 1860 By Pat Welsh, contributor

In 1860, there was a widespread The size of the national army was the Second Opium War urged a policy the bureaucracy. Indeed, most of the fear among China’s conservatives that progressively reduced and made more of moderation and cooperation, and restrictions separating Manchus from the Qing Dynasty was about to topple efficient. As the Taiping Rebellion later overthrew the “war party” faction Chinese were removed in 1865. The and that China would enter an age of ended, the Qing court made training of the Imperial Court. Prince Gong ban on Han-Manchu intermarriage anarchy. However, the dynasty lasted of soldiers one of the main duties emerged as the de facto head of state remained on the books but lost its another 51 years. Why? of the provincial authorities. Local and attempted to formulate a new effectiveness. Chinese, especially from The Confucian conservatives of authorities took this obligation seriously. national policy of accommodation with Shandong Province, began to emigrate 1860 felt the need for not only an Gradually, the local governors and the West. Recognizing Prince Gong’s from China into Manchuria, despite eleventh-hour establishment of effective governor-generals secured real military the “sealed off” border. The policy government but also the need for new authority over their local garrisons and of reserving special lands for Manchu policies that could deal effectively with with it, greater local political power. cultivation failed because the Manchus modern foreign and domestic threats This process changed a single unified tended to be poor farmers. By the end while preserving Confucianism and the military organization into a largely of the 1860s, the use of Manchu as a Confucian society. Out of this concern decentralized military establishment. second official language had almost arose an attempt to achieve all this, the From this decentralization rose the disappeared because so many of the Tongzhi Restoration (同治中興) in the various warlords that held sway in China Manchus had almost forgotten their 1860s. During this time, the Chinese well into the 20th century. own language. According of the Edict and Manchu upper classes supported Another change that occurred was of March 31, 1871, Manchu candidates a discredited dynasty with a virtually the rise of a new local force, the landed sitting in the examinations no longer unanimous loyalty. To appreciate this gentry. During the Taiping Rebellion, were required to translate Chinese new movement and the causes of its this educated class often took on the job classics into Manchu. failures, it is necessary to understand of training the local militias, especially With these changes in China’s the way times were changing in China. in the critical Yangtze Valley. This new political scene understood we can now class also did much of the recruiting and talk about the Tongzhi Reformation the raising of funds to suppress bandits Prince Gong of 1862-1875, the topic of my next and quell local disorders. Through these offering. ♦ activities, the landed gentry gradually intentions, the West came to support this participated in important local political new faction. Most foreigners during About Pat Welsh affairs. In time, many governors began the1860s believed their best interests lay In 2009, while teaching English at to consult with the gentry and secure with the maligned central government Sichuan University, Welsh was asked to their support in matters related to local and their grudging tolerance quickly give a speech where he was introduced to the audience as a “pioneer of Chinese security. This auxiliary political force shifted to an enthusiastic support of what American relations” as a result of his came to be used by all parties during a appeared to be a new order. To them, cooperative work in international banking Lord Elgin entering Beijing subsequent reform and constitutional the idea of revolution and conquest were during the Deng Xiaoping era. For more movement. both abhorrent and to be avoided at all than 65 years, Welsh has been learning The impact of China’s disastrous costs. These Western Power policies Chinese and has used this knowledge experiences with the West prior to Stabilizing factors enabled the new Chinese government both professionally and personally to 1860 brought about a number of There were also a series of changes to settle its own destiny without foreign enhance his understanding of Chinese major changes in China. First ,during that tended to stabilized the dynasty. coercion. and Asian affairs. He currently resides the last four years of the Taiping First there was a gradual reduction Finally, the tendency of the Manchus in Georgia and occasionally lectures on Rebellion, Xianfeng Emperor (咸豐) of land taxes even while government to become Sinicized increased rapidly China to classes in World History and World Literature. recognized the need to free Zeng Guofan revenues from other sources gradually after 1860. The Manchus began to (曾國藩), the military general most increased. New lands were opened to rapidly lose their special position within responsible for suppressing the Taiping cultivation and the lands devastated by Rebellion,from the constraints placed wars and rebellions were rehabilitated. upon him by jealous local officials Secondly, standards for entering the East Asia Pacific update, and hostile members of the Beijing civil service were reestablished although Continued from page 1 court. Prior to that time, the imperial there was a continued use of an overly court was increasingly dependent upon rigid, pedantic eight-legged essay ( many risks remain for the region, both in the steps to cut fuel subsidies, but Shetty Zeng’s military successes. That year 八股文) literary writing format for short and long run,” said Sudhir Shetty, chief said the momentum needs to be sustained (1860), Zeng was made governor of entering answers to the qualification economist of the World Bank’s East Asia and broadened, even if oil prices begin to Jiangnan and Jiangxi provinces, and tests. Thirdly, Chinese merchants and Pacific Region. “To address these risks, recover. also named imperial commissioner for competed more successfully against improving fiscal policy is key. With low oil In China, as it shifts to a consumption- prices, countries – whether oil importers or the suppression of the Taipings in South foreign merchants in handling China’s led, rather than an investment-led, growth exporters – should reform energy pricing China. foreign trade. model, the main challenge is to implement to usher in fiscal policies that are more By entrusting Zeng to wipe out A fourth change was the handling of reforms that will ensure sustainable growth sustainable and equitable.” the Taipings, the emperor marked foreign relations with the West. Prior to In most of the larger East Asian in the long run. Policies to spur growth, the a significant turning point in the the wars with the West, foreign relations economies, efforts to bolster revenues and report says, should support restructuring concentration of political authority were carried out through local offices restructure spending can help fill the gap in efforts. and military power. Prior to Zeng’s of the Ministry of Rites (禮部) and the infrastructure investments and create more In the medium term, the report says, new commission, the nerve center of Lifan Yuan (理藩院) whose officers funding for social protection and insurance countries should expand and upgrade military administration was entirely from time to time would consult with programs, which are already under pressure physical infrastructure and improve public in the hands of the emperor. Although the Imperial Court. In 1861, foreign amid rapid aging in the region, the report access to higher education and health care. the national standing army was weaker affairs became the province of a newly says. In the major fuel exporting countries In the long term, countries will need to find than local temporary irregular troops, created Zongli Yamen (總理衙門) in and Mongolia, fiscal consolidation is ways to sustain productivity growth, contain required. the various local governor-generals still Beijing with Prince Gong (恭親王) as health care costs and expand the revenue Lower oil prices, in particular, create had little real power. This all changed its first chief officer. base for social security. an opportunity for governments to reduce The East Asia and Pacific Update is with Zeng’s new commission. He, a A fifth factor that enabled the Qing fuel subsidies and raise energy taxes, the local general, amassed considerable dynasty to last another 50 years was report says. Across much of the region, the World Bank’s comprehensive review real military power that his detractors the support provided by the Western fuel subsidies and related tax expenditures of the region’s economies. It is published in Beijing and elsewhere could not powers in the 1860s. Chinese officials, have strained public finances and weakened twice yearly and is available free of charge hinder. After defeating the Taipings, especially the Xianfeng Emperor’s current accounts. Some countries, including at http://www.worldbank.org/eapupdate ♦ Zeng retired and disbanded his army. brother Prince Gong, who had before Indonesia and Malaysia, recently took chinainsight.info history May 2015 / PAGE 5 Professor Xu Xin, China’s premier Judaic scholar, speaks about Jews in modern China By Greg Hugh

Professor Xu Xin, a guest of the where Xu was then deputy chair of the to 25,000 during World War II when the known as “treaty ports” because it was a Jewish Relations Council of Minnesota English department. As Xu tells it, city became a haven for those fleeing treaty that opened them up. By the same (JRCM) and the Dakotas and the Friend was surprised to find a Chinese Nazism. After WWII, most of the treaty, Britain acquired a Far Eastern Confucius Institute at the University scholar teaching a course on American community emigrated. base of its own, Hong Kong. of Minnesota, recently presented a Jewish writers, and the two became fast The Jewish Diaspora in Kaifeng has After the Second Opium War ending lecture at the University of Minnesota. friends. This led to a trip to Chicago the most documented history among in 1860, other cities were opened to This event was in conjunction with the State University by Xu the following all Jewish communities in pro-modern trade, including several inland cities current Jewish Refugees in Shanghai year as a visiting scholar. It was during China. Available information, though such as Nanjing and Wuhan. (1933-1941) exhibit on display at the this period while staying with Friend fragmentary, indicates that Kaifeng Various Western powers also took Sabes JCC through May 7. that Xu was exposed to Jewish holidays Jewery was predominately of Persian pieces of China, called concessions, and and celebrations. origin around the 11th century (Song administered them. Some of the treaties At the University of Minnesota Dynasty). It seems certain that the Silk specifically provided that Chinese campus, Xu presented his academic Road, a major throughway between law did not apply in these areas or to lecture on “Jews in Modern China, China and Persia at the time, was the foreigners in China. To Western powers, 1840s to the present.” route, and business opportunities were this was an obvious precaution against Xu noted in his introductory remarks one of the attractions. a barbaric system; to many Chinese, it that since 1995 he had delivered more Professor Xu has written two books was a deeply felt insult. Several nations than 600 public lectures all over the in English about the Jews in Kaifeng: had concessions in Shanghai; today the world on the topic of Jews in China. “Legends of the Chinese Jews of old French Concession is one of the He is president of the China Judaic Kaifeng” and “The Jews of Kaifeng, more elegant tourist attractions. Other Studies Association, editor-in-chief China: History, Culture, and Religion.” areas such as Hankou (part of Wuhan), and a major contributor to the Chinese The period after 1840 is considered Gulangyu in Xiamen, Shamian Dao in edition of Encyclopedia Judaica, and modern China when it ceased to be Guangzhou and parts of Tianjin also had Xu is a professor of the Department has been honored with many awards, a closed society. This was a time concessions for several nations. of Philosophy and Department of including an honorary degree from Bar when China was forced to “open its The fact that these concessions Religious Studies and founder and Ilan University and the State of Israel doors” because of its involvement in were not ruled by China angered director of the Diane and Guliford Glazer in recognition of the important research the number of opium wars. The East some of the local Chinese since it Institute for Jewish and Israel Studies at he has done on Jewish people in China. Indian Company was established and sometimes allowed the foreign countries Nanjing University. He teaches courses administering these areas to create rules on Jewish religion, history, Holocust that prevented the locals from enjoying studies, American Jewish Diaspora and complete freedom, in their own land! Western civilization. Since Japan ruled Shanghai as a At an informal salon at the residence concession territory and the Japanese of Jodi (president, JRCM) and Jeff may have feared the Jews for their Upin the day prior to his formal lecture, powerful economic strength and may Professor Xu told the gathering how he have contributed to Shanghai being a refugee destination for stateless Jews first became interested in the study of fleeing persecution by the Germans. Jews during the late 1970s. At that time, However, since the Japanese did not China was beginning to open up to the require a visa to enter Shanghai, more West and many Chinese academics were than 20,000 Jews settled there until the studying American literature and some Japanese changed the requirement in of these scholars, him included, became 1940. interested in American Jewish literature. Although there are no accurate At that time, there was not much study of statistics as to how many Jews are Jews in China and China was promoting He stated that we needed to know marked the beginning of Jews in modern currently living in China, the number its open door policy, which focused the historical background of Jews China. It is estimated that there were is probably less than 5,000. However, its modernization along with seeking in China. While China is enjoying approximately 40,000 Jews in China that does not diminish the fascination investments. While Xu pursued an a resurgence in learning more about from 1840-1940. of the Chinese government since the English major, he understood there were Judaism, there is great interest in the When Europeans came to China by Jews’ purported connection to financial useful lessons to learn by understanding ancient community of Kaifeng (east- sea, from the late 1500s on, the emperor successes is something that would be Greek-Roman and Judaic-Christian central Henan Province), where Jews strictly controlled their trade and welcome to help stimulate the Chinese societies. He also recognized that, as a settled about 900 years ago. Although movements. For several centuries, the economy. scholar, pursuing Judaic studies may be he believes that Jews settled in China in only Western base was the Portuguese “Not to understand Jewish culture is risky as it was not a popular topic that earlier times, there is no solid evidence colony of Macau. Trade was permitted not to understand the world,” stated Xu would lead to career advancement; but of this and only cross references exist. only at Guangzhou, known as Canton several times during his lecture, which he felt he was safe inasmuch there was According to Xu, there was also a then, under a variety of restrictions. concluded with a Q & A session. a prevailing attitude of “Those that can, Jewish community in Shanghai, which After the Chinese defeat in the first You can visit the “Jewish Refugees do; those that can’t, teach.” was first established in the 14th century. Opium War in 1842, much of that in Shanghai” exhibit at the Sabes Jewish Xu’s journey from scholar of Iraqi Sephardic Jews settled there in the changed. Many of the restrictions Community Center, 4330 Cedar Lake American literature to Jewish studies mid-19th century and became active in were removed and five cities were Rd S, Minneapolis, until May 7. For pioneer gained momentum in 1985, the international commerce. After 1917, opened to Western trade: Guangzhou, more information or directions, visit year he first met a Jew: James Friend, Russian Jews joined them and by the in Guangdong, Xiamen (Amoy) and www.sabesjcc.org or call 952-381- a Chicago State University literary early 20th Century, there were three Fuzhou in Fujian, and Ningbo and 3400. ♦ scholar visiting Nanjing University, synagogues. The number of Jews rose Shanghai in Zhejiang. These were PAGE 6 / May 2015 business chinainsight.info Doing business with China and the Chinese people: a conversation on cultural challenges, part 5 By Chang Wang and Joe Pearman, contributors

Editor’s note: This is the continuation of the six-part conversation series on doing business with mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) and the Han Chinese living within mainland China. It describes some of the ins and outs of interacting with Chinese individuals or firms in the contexts of cross-border communications and negotiations. Through this conversation, the authors hope to help the business community become aware of the miscommunication that stems from the “parallel universes” the American and the Chinese inhabit, to expose the hidden rationales underscoring the official narratives of Chinese history, and to reveal cultural and linguistic misunderstandings that frequently occur during the process of finding “common ground.” Last month’s conversation on guanxi, the authors discussed what the term meant and how easy it is for Westerners to miss its subtleties. This month’s conversation on “ti- yong” differentiates the inherent principles that mold Chinese and Western styles. Watch for the last installment of the series in the next issue where the authors will discuss additional resources available that will help you gain a greater understanding of China and the Chinese way.

“Ti-yong, 体用” group of Chinese government officials came to resist. Bill Clinton, encouraged by the summarized in the phrase “Chinese learning to the University of Minnesota to receive capitalist reforms and mild liberalizations of for fundamental principles, or ti, and Pearman: I’d like to ask you about training on public administration and public Deng Xiaoping, made this same assumption Western learning for practical application, something I read in the news: On Jan. 30, policy. Before the course began, they coolly when he normalized trade relations with or yong.” Minister of Education Yuan Guiren spoke at informed the professor, “We are coming China. After seeing Japan’s great successes, a conference on ideology and propaganda in here to see how you are doing things, but we What these smart men failed to take China sought to bring in technical experts, higher education, saying it was necessary “to will never adopt a Western-style government into account was the “ti-yong” dichotomy. engineers and manufacturers to acquire strengthen control over the use of original- system.” And by “Western-style” they The “ti-yong dichotomy” is best explained the knowledge to recreate and adapt edition [i.e., not processed and censored by meant “democratic.” this way: China can use practical Western Western weapons and machines. Many the party] Western materials. We must by Pearman: Well, what on Earth is the ideas, such as jet fighters or stock markets. in China believed that the West’s power no means allow materials that propagate point of studying administration and policy But the guiding principles of China, its “ti,” came from its deadly and effective arms Western values into our classrooms; it in a Western college if you don’t support will always stay Chinese, untouched by and warships. Thus, Imperial officials is absolutely forbidden for all kinds of democracy? Western influence. In the 1860s when this hired experts to build the ships, munitions, speech that attacks and slanders the Party’s Wang: I believe they were trying philosophy was developed, “ti” meant the and other weapons they believed would leadership and blackens socialism to appear to find out if Western-style methods of Imperial system and Confucianism. After give China the capacity to become a in university classrooms; it is absolutely administration were more efficient than a brief interlude of comparative intellectual great military power. What they failed forbidden to have all kinds of speech that the ones they were using. China, you see, freedom during the reign of the Republic to realize was that the Meiji Restoration violates the Constitution and the law spread has become very good at using bits and of China, when “Mr. Democracy and Mr. also had been founded on building an in university classrooms; it is absolutely pieces of the Western system to support Science” were introduced to the nation by efficient bureaucracy and a parliamentary forbidden for teachers to complain and vent the maintenance of the authority of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, “ti” was re-established as monarchy with a Constitution. Neither of in the classroom and to transmit all kinds of Party. It’s something that Chinese have Marxism, and later, Maoism. these were introduced in China, nor were harmful moods to students.” been doing ever since the 1860s, and it’s The “ti-yong” dichotomy was introduced there educational reforms or a loosening of What I found interesting about this best explained by a vital concept called the after China suffered a crushing defeat in the social classes. And from then on, China’s speech was the fact that Mr. Yuan did “ti-yong” dichotomy. First Sino-Japanese War, its antiquated absolute rulers, though willing to accept not know or had chosen to forget that his I’ll explain that more fully in a moment. armed forces thoroughly outclassed by the Western guns, science and economics, have country is run on a Chinese interpretation But first, think back to when Nixon opened Western-trained Japanese. Though there was turned their back on political freedoms. It’s of a “Western value”: namely, Maoist Marx- China in 1972. Nixon, guided by Kissinger, general agreement that China could learn a notable that when Deng Xiaoping decided to Leninism (for the given value of Lenin as assumed that he was setting China on the lot from the West on how to strengthen itself, rebuild China after Mao’s death, he did so a European). road to democracy. More contact with the there was very little agreement on how to with ‘four modernizations’ taken from the Wang: I understand your confusion. West would increase democracy’s allure, learn, how much to learn and how fast the West: agriculture, industry, national defense, This incident reminds me of a time when a make the forces of liberalization harder learning could be implemented. The concern and science and technology. Some political was that China should activists also declared the need for a ‘fifth not lose its uniqueness modernization’ – democracy – but this was and traditional values not accepted by the CPC. as it tried to craft Pearman: And yet, as we have said, widespread reforms and Marxism remains a Western idea. fundamental changes Wang: That’s why we need this throughout the country. conversation. Perhaps if people understood China sought the contradictions in their own philosophy, to emulate the Meiji they would be more open to change of all Restoration that had kinds. ♦ strengthened Japan through modernization. To read the complete series, please Similar to the Meiji visit www.chinainsight.info, scroll down restoration, the to “Past Issues” screen right and start Chinese Foreign with January 2015 Affairs Movement was an attempt to extract Western knowledge About the authors to bolster Chinese power. The principle Chang Wang, a native of China, of the movement was is the chief research and academic articulated by Zhang officer at Thomson Reuters, the world’s Zhidong (張之洞), leading source of intelligent information who in 1898 published for businesses and professionals. Joe “Exhortation to Study.” Pearman, a native Minnesotan, is an undergraduate student majoring in Portraits of Lenin and Stalin on the Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Their portraits, as well as portraits of In it, he insisted on a business at the University of Minnesota. Karl Marx and Frederic Engels, are normally displayed during the most important holidays in China. The method of relatively practice lasted until the 1990s. conservative reform, chinainsight.info events/news May 2015 / PAGE 7

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China makes filing Age of Ambition: lawsuits easier Truth, Faith, and Edited by Song Miou, Xinhua News, April 15 Fortune in China

The Supreme People’s Court (SPC) If the case cannot be filed due to a on April 15 streamlined procedure on lack of material, courts must clearly accepting and hearing cases, another explain to applicants what material Date: Tuesday, May 5 step toward an authoritative judicial is needed. If the case cannot be filed Time: 3:30 p.m., Social hour system in China. according to law, courts should inform 4:30 p.m., Lecture and Q&A The rules, to take effect on May applicants immediately, so they can 6 p.m., book signing 1, state that any interference in court appeal or apply for a review. Location: Northrop Memorial procedure will be severely punished. Cases involving state sovereignty, Auditorium, University of Minnesota, To address difficulties for the public territorial integrity, national unification 84 Church St., N.E., Minneapolis in filing cases, current accreditation and unity or national religious policy, Cost: Free and open to the public by courts will be replaced by a case and matters outside the courts’ registration system. Authorities are jurisdiction, may not be filed. determined to put an end to obstructive The rules “do not encourage people The China Center at the University of behavior by courts and officials to file lawsuits” according to SPC Vice Minnesota presents Evan Osnos, Beijing meddling in cases. President Jing Hanchao, but “going to Bureau Chief of the Chicago Tribune and who The rules state that “people’s courts court is the last resort and certainly not specializes in all things Chinese, and author of must accept cases that should be the best way to resolve disputes.” the 2014 National Book Award (nonfiction) title “Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, handled according to the law, and no Other means of dispute settlement, Truth, and Faith in the New China.” This unit nor individual may obstruct for such as mediation and arbitration, presentation is part of the 14th annual Bob any reason.” should be used to alleviate pressure on and Kim Griffin Building U.S.-China Bridges Cases referred by the rules are the courts and save costs, said an SPC Lecture series. first instance only, excluding appeals statement. Osnos was based in Beijing from 2005-2013 and retrials. Civil, administrative “Courts should be subject and reported on China’s rise to power. His and criminal lawsuits, executions and to supervision by the legislature, award-winning book describes the everyday applications for state compensation procuratorate, news media and the life of real people, the rise of the individual must be accepted by courts immediately. public,” it said. and the Communist Party’s struggle to retain If a case cannot be filed immediately, Those who delay or interfere with control. He is now The New Yorker’s Washington correspondent. The Bob and Kim Griffin “Building U.S.-China Bridges Lecture” is it should be filed within the legal the filing of suits should be punished. the Griffins’ commitment to promoting the mutual respect between the deadline. If there is no clear ruling of Criminal liability should be pursued if two cultures and their passion to connect people to China. whether a case should be filed, the rules the interference leads to grave results To sign up for the lecture and for additional details, please visit www. instruct the courts to file first and ask or a harmful social influence.♦ chinacenter.umn.edu. questions later. PAGE 8 / May 2015 arts&culture chinainsight.info Duluth Chinese watercolorist exhibit opens By Elaine Dunn

“100 Koi”

Duluth Depot

“Along Li River, 2003,” is one of Chee’s favorites in the show

knowledge forthright subscription to the nature exhibition by the artist at TMA since • Have strong feelings toward the of watercolor. It gives the medium a 1992, and will be accompanied by a subject matter greater chance to obey its own laws, publication with essays by artist and • Possess a thorough understanding of achieving lovelier effects than you can writer Ann Klefstad and guest curator design elements to compose an abstract paint.” Peter Spooner. structure for his paintings Those two statements helped Chee A number of free public programs • Be competent handling specific media connect the creative process to the also have been planned throughout the and in expressing the subject matter in Tao philosophy and to the innovative exhibit, including: a natural way painting methods practiced by the early “After many years of practice, I Chinese masters. “I was inspired to Members exclusive cocktail hour have concluded that the watercolor formulate my own goal in painting: to with the artist medium is closer to Tao than any other pursue the essence of Tao, the state of May 14, 5-6 p.m. medium. The very flowing movement effortless creation beyond craftsmanship The Tweed Museum of Art (TMA) Opening reception for general public of washes has a strong evocative power. and artistry,” he said. at the University of Minnesota Duluth May 14, 6- 8 p.m. The interpenetration of colors creates Chee’s passionate commitment to will feature the art of internationally Artist painting demonstration mysterious precipitations and nuance. the medium is seen through his tireless June 11, 6-8 p.m. celebrated watercolorist Cheng-Khee In watercolor, the artist can let the efforts to engage new audiences through Gallery talk by essayist Ann Klefstad Chee from May 12 through Sept. 20, medium obey its own laws and create teaching workshops, leading cultural July 19, 2-4 p.m. 2015. Forty watercolors painted by Chee wonders in the same way that nature tours and organizing international Curator’s gallery talk by Peter from 1974 - 2014, including “Duluth creates her own works,” said Chee. exhibitions. Spooner Depot” of 1974, the first painting Chee Why did he choose watercolor? Peter Spooner, the exhibit’s guest Aug. 23, 2- 4 p.m. exhibited with the American Watercolor “Painting in watercolor I feel that curator, said, “In Chee’s art, the interplay Society, as well as the monumental “100 feelings and energy from my heart are between Taoist philosophy, Chinese Koi” completed in late 2014, will be on most directly transmitted through the brush painting and Western art forms A rare three-day workshop (June 12- display. brush and medium to the sensitive paper - from realism to complete abstraction 14) for practitioners and novices alike, Born in 1934 in Fengting, surface, transforming into the most - offers us an expanded way to look at led by Chee himself, is open to Tweed southeastern China, the artist emigrated direct, honest, and true visual marks,” watercolor painting. He offers viewers Museum members only. Registration to Malaysia (still under British rule then) Chee replied. multiple ways to approach his art. Each and fee are required for this event. at age 14. A self-taught artist with both Chee also credited Edgar Whitney, path yields an enriching opportunity to Details are available at www.d.umn. Eastern and Western mentors, Chee possibly one of the greatest and most perceive the world through his eyes. A edu/tma. ♦ developed and adapted a repertoire charismatic watercolor instructors of focus on technique is one path; attention of techniques from both East and all time, for having “the most direct to spiritual influences is another. This About TMA West that clearly identified his work and profound influence” on his art. exhibition gives everyone - local fans, The Tweed Museum of Art is a collecting and influenced countless students. Whitney was at UMD in 1978 to judge watercolor aficionados and students art museum that holds in trust a historical For the philosophical underpinnings the Second Annual Midwest Watercolor alike - several means to appreciate his and contemporary art collection of over of his creative practice, the artist Society (now Transparent Watercolor work.” 8,000 artworks on behalf of the University cites Confucianism and Buddhism as Society of America) Exhibition and to Asked whether any of the exhibited of Minnesota and the people of Duluth powerful influences. conduct a weeklong workshop. During works would be for sale, Chee said and the outlying regions. The museum is located on the campus of the University Over his six-decade artistic career, he the workshop, two of his statements without hesitation, “No, these are for of Minnesota. Hours and directions can has faithfully adhered to the following stuck in Chee’s mind: “ ... substances my children.” be found at www.d.umn.edu/tma or by principles: obeying their own laws do beautiful “The Way of Cheng-Khee Chee: calling 218-726-8222. • Paint only subjects of which he has things,” and “Wet method is the most Paintings 1974-2014” is the first chinainsight.info arts&culture May 2015 / PAGE 9 China: Through the Looking Glass” exhibit

Silas Chou will serve as Honorary Chair. provocative new insights into the West’s West has been enchanted with enigmatic The evening’s co-chairs will be Jennifer fascination with China,” said Thomas objects and imagery from the East, providing Lawrence, Gong Li, Marissa Mayer, Wendi P. Campbell, director and CEO of the inspiration for fashion designers from Murdoch, and Anna Wintour. This event Met. “The artistic direction of acclaimed Paul Poiret to Yves Saint Laurent, whose is The Costume Institute’s main source of filmmaker Wong Kar Wai will take visitors fashions are infused at every turn with annual funding for exhibitions, publications, on a cinematic journey through our galleries, romance, nostalgia, and make-believe,” said acquisitions and capital improvements. where high fashion will be shown alongside Andrew Bolton, curator in The Costume Wintour held a press conference in masterworks of Chinese art.” Institute. “Through the looking glass of Beijing in January to promote the upcoming The Anna Wintour Costume Center’s fashion, designers conjoin disparate stylistic exhibit. She said she chose to unveil Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Gallery will references into a fantastic pastiche of details for the show in Beijing in a bid to present a series of “mirrored reflections” Chinese aesthetic and cultural traditions.” acknowledge the country that inspired it. through time and space, focusing on Designers in the exhibition will include “We have a good tradition of going to the Imperial China; the Republic of China, Giorgio Armani, Cristobal Balenciaga, appropriate cities to launch these events especially Shanghai in the 1920s, 1930s and Roberto Cavalli, Coco Chanel, Christian … it’s a gesture of support and respect for 1940s; and the People’s Republic of China. Dior, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, whatever the subject matter of the exhibition These reflections, as well as others in the Tom Ford, Jean Paul Gaultier, Guo Pei, might be,” she said. According to Women’s exhibition, will be illustrated with scenes Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Missoni, [NEW YORK] The Costume Institute’s Wear Daily, the National Silk Museum in from films by such groundbreaking Chinese Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent, Anna spring 2015 exhibition, “China: Through Hangzhou will be lending a silk gown made directors as Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Sui, Vivienne Tam, Jason Wu, Laurence Xu, the Looking Glass,” will be on view at The in China and the Palace Museum will maybe Ang Lee, and Wong Kar Wai. Distinct and many others. Metropolitan Museum of Art from May 7 loan out a court-robe that belonged to the vignettes will be devoted to “women of Internationally renowned filmmaker through Aug. 16. Presented in the Museum’s last Chinese emperor, Puyi. style,” including Oei Huilan (the former Wong Kar Wai will be the exhibition’s Chinese Galleries and Anna Wintour This is The Costume Institute’s first Madame Wellington Koo), Soong May-Ling artistic director working with his longtime Costume Center, the exhibition will explore collaboration with another curatorial (Madame Chiang Kai-shek) and Empress collaborator William Chang, who will how China has fueled the fashionable department since “AngloMania: Tradition Dowager Cixi. supervise styling. “William Chang and I are pleased to be imagination for centuries, resulting in highly and Transgression in British Fashion” in Directly above the Anna Wintour 2006, a partnership with the Department of Costume Center, the Chinese Galleries working in collaboration with The Costume creative distortions of cultural realities European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. on the second floor will showcase fashion Institute and the Asian Art Department of and mythologies. In this collaboration “China: Through the Looking Glass” will from the 1700s to the present, juxtaposed The Metropolitan Museum of Art on this between The Costume Institute and the feature more than 130 examples of haute with decorative arts from Imperial China, exciting cross-cultural show,” said Wong. Department of Asian Art, high fashion couture and avant-garde ready-to-wear including jade, lacquer, cloisonné, and “Historically, there have been many cases will be juxtaposed with Chinese costumes, alongside masterpieces of Chinese art. blue-and-white porcelain, mostly drawn of being ‘lost in translation’–with good and paintings, porcelains, and other art, as well Filmic representations of China will be from the Met’s collection. The Astor Court revealing results. As Chinese filmmakers we as films, to reveal enchanting reflections of incorporated throughout to reveal how our will feature a thematic vignette dedicated to hope to create a show that is an Empire of Chinese imagery. This exhibit coincides visions of China are shaped by narratives Chinese opera, focusing on the celebrated Signs–filled with meaning for both East and with the Museum’s year-long centennial that draw upon popular culture, and to performer Mei Lanfang, who inspired John West to discover and decipher.” celebration of the Asian Art Department, recognize the importance of cinema as a Galliano’s spring 2003 Christian Dior Haute A publication by Andrew Bolton will which was created as a separate curatorial medium through which we understand the Couture Collection, ensembles from which accompany the exhibition. It will be department in 1915. richness of Chinese history. will be showcased alongside Mr. Mei’s produced by The Metropolitan Museum of In celebration of the exhibition opening, “I am excited about this partnership original opera costumes. Art and distributed by Yale University Press, the Museum’s Costume Institute Benefit between these two forward-thinking “From the earliest period of European and will be available in early May. ♦ will take place on Monday, May 4, 2015. departments which will undoubtedly reveal contact with China in the 16th century, the Images are provided by the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Court robe (detail), 19th century Qing dynasty (1644–1911) John Galliano (British, born Gibraltar, 1960) for Tom Ford (American, born 1961) for Yves House of Dior (French, founded 1947) Saint Laurent, Paris (French, founded 1961) Silk and metallic-thread tapestry with painted details Dress, fall/winter 1997–98 Evening dress, fall/winter 2004–5 PAGE 10 / May 2015 people chinainsight.info Major General William S. Chen continued from page 1

Chen’s only job while growing up was their lives that occurred not by conscious • Involves hard work, study, practice generations of Chens are living the a newspaper delivery route. His father design, but nevertheless, had an effect • Must do continuous self-assessment American dream. He also said he had a booming voice and knew how on their careers. He also made a point Leadership was a journey that always advocated need for Chinese to work a room while Chen admitted to recognize the women in his life, his • Requires study, hard work, practice Americans to assimilate if Chinese are to being reserved & quiet by nature, mother and wife, Sandra, and how both • Learn as a leader or as a team member to progress and succeed. only speaking out when necessary. In of them helped their husband’s careers. • Take initiative, be proactive, resolve Although the presentation ran close addition, while his father smoked and Before his closing remarks, Chen conflict to two hours without a break, the liked his scotch or martini on the rocks, discussed his views on leadership, • Communicate effectively audience was fully engaged. The Chen does not smoke, and seldom which are being presented below in his • Develop subordinates; delegate program closed with a lively Q & A drinks. One additional difference exact words: authority session. between the two of them: the elder Chen Leadership is the art of influencing • Accomplish mission/tasks and gain Although Chen did not mention this was highly connected and very sociable, others to do work. sense of accomplishment in his presentation, public records note affable and widely sought after for • Yes, there are natural leaders, but we’re • Use your intellect, emotional that among his many decorations and help, Chen admitted to not being active not all born that way intelligence distinctions, he is the recipient of the socially, but was a frequent speaker Leadership can be developed but • Do not be reticent Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and panelist at professional association requires: • Understand value and benefits of the Meritorious Service Medal (with 5 conferences. • Education and training interpersonal relationships Oak Leaf Clusters), the Air Medal, the To encourage audience participation, • Conscious need to exercise leadership • Emulate good leadership Joint Services Commendation Medal Chen split the audience into two halves • Constant practice/rehearsal/ • Manage expectations and manage your (with Oak Leaf Cluster), and the Army and asked them to select from a list of visualization/simulation supervisors Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf vignettes about him and his father they • Self-assessment and willingness to In closing, Chen recapped his Cluster). would like him to discuss. After he improve presentation along with a commentary Chen now lives in Edina with wife, shared these vignettes, he spoke about • Feedback and reinforcement about the legacy of progress: from Sandra. ♦ the interesting connections throughout Leadership is a journey Chinese railroad worker to how four

Chen with President George H.W. Bush Chen with wife Opinion: Thoughts on Major General Chen’s America By Clara Wang, contributor

To build a sense of community having grown up in America with a group wants to attain is a multifaceted society were at the point where Major is important to the older generation yellow face just like Chen, it instead felt representation. We can be the one doing General Chen didn’t have to talk about because it feeds nostalgia, and to the like him puffing feathers for Chinese your taxes, or the one who’s playing his ethnicity because in that world, younger generation because it fosters senior’s mahjong night. Perhaps it was a superhero on T.V. Leaving race no child would ever view race as a identity. his age, but it felt he was simply listing completely out of the picture is part of limitation. But the fact that I was so When Major General William Chen his achievements for the sake of the representational progress - Isn’t the goal struck by the lack of mention of any spoke at Keller Hall on March 29, older immigrants in the audience, not to be, instead of a Chinese-American real racial struggles, especially for I was, first and foremost, extremely particularly to anybody who shared major general, just a two-star Major somebody his age, shows otherwise. proud of him, and all the Chinese- his experience growing up Chinese- General who happened to be of Chinese This isn’t to downplay any of Chen’s Americans who have been part of American. heritage? achievements or the success of his building this country. His grandfather Even though he lived through an era In an ideal world, yes. However, presentation. It’s simply a realization by helped construct a railroad connecting where Japanese Americans were put in the event was promoted as, “First a naive teenager that my very reaction the two coasts of America, and he and internment camps and served in a war Chinese-American starred general.” to this means our society hasn’t quite his father served this nation militarily. that instilled a fear of Asians in many Chen did a great job presenting his and yet gotten to the point where I thought This is the American dream of many veterans, there was no mention of any his father’s life stories and his views it was. ♦ immigrants slaving for a better life type of adversity in being Chinese- on leadership; and 20 years down the for their progeny. Throughout his American. I’m sure Chen is aware of road, that probably would be enough; presentation, Chen talked about being this irony, and chose not to mention but unfortunately, our society hasn’t Clara Wang, senior at Mounds View High School in Shoreview, freelances Chinese, and he connected with being many of the above for personal reasons. gotten to that point yet. For the kids in for Twin Cities Daily Planet and Rift American. He barely touched on being There’s certainly nothing wrong with the audience who grew up hiding their Magazine. She was Born in Singapore, Chinese-American. that, but unfortunately, the omission dumplings and “smelly seaweed” from came to the U.S at age 5. She loves It wasn’t the lack of racial, cultural, or was stark because society hasn’t gotten classmates in elementary school, Middle Tupac and Hemingway, and champions financial struggle that struck me. It was to the point of being able to ignore race America is still a place that Chinese- educational equity. She will be heading off to the University of Texas-Austin in that even though it was a presentation completely yet. Americans need direct encouragement the fall to study journalism. I was supposed to relate to the most, Ultimately, what every minority to accomplish their dreams. I wish chinainsight.info people May 2015 / PAGE 11 2015 Asian Pacific Leadership Award goes to China Insight contributor Chang Wang By Elaine Dunn Wanted: English Language Tutors Are you a native English speaker? Would you like to help Chinese students (G. 8-10) polish their spoken and written English skills (and, occasionally, math/ history) while learning a bit of Chinese culture at the same time?

Tutoring will usually take place in the afternoon and weekends at western suburbs (Eden Prairie, Plymouth, Maple Grove). Number of hours are flexible. Rates are from $25-$35/hr based on tutor’s experience and student’s needs.

Teaching experience preferred, but not necessary. Chang Wang (right) receiving “China 100 Distinguished Chinese Alumni Award” If interested, please contact Richard at 612-987-6540 or [email protected]. from Dr. Eric Kaler (left), president of the University of Minnesota, in 2014.

Chang Wang, a regular contributor area. Besides holding associate and universes; to China Insight and chief research and adjunct professorships at seven top law • “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen academic officer of Thomson Reuters, schools in the U.S., China and Europe, Hawking, taught me time does not China said his first reaction to learning he he also has published four books on law really exist (that does not mean we are is one of this year’s recipients of the and cultural studies, including the first immortal, though); Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans’ Chinese language book about the State • “Se una notte d'inverno un viaggiatore braces for Asian Pacific Leadership Award was, of Minnesota, “New Tales of the Twin (If on a winter's night a traveler)” by “I smiled.” That response is not hard Cities: The History, Law, and Culture Italo Calvino, taught me the unlimited crowded to believe, coming from a most down- of Minnesota.” potential of imagination; to-earth individual. He credits his “teacher and mentor” • “Destructive Emotions” by His The Asian Pacific Leadership Awards Rick King, Chief Operating Officer Holiness the Dalai Lama and Daniel May Day honor, recognize and celebrate the for Technology at Thomson Reuters, Goleman, taught me being happy is the work of individuals and organizations for his accomplishments. “Without common goal of faith and science; and who have demonstrated continuous Rick’s trust and support,” Wang said, finally holiday commitment to and leadership in the “none of my career accomplishments • “Justice” by Michael Sandel (one of Asian Pacific Minnesotan community. would have been possible. He is a my favorite Minnesotans), taught me Xinhua, April 11 Wang will be honored for his outstanding business executive with profound there are right things to do. contributions to education, legal service intelligence, superb management skills, Wang plans to forge ahead with his and diversity in business at the Council’s and tremendous integrity. In short, law practice, teaching, research and Asian Leadership and Heritage Dinner he is a wise man with a big heart … I writing, but hopes to contribute more to BEIJING -- About 41.2 million trips on May 8 at The Prom Center in dedicate this award to Rick King and the Asian Pacific community by getting are expected to be made by train during Oakdale. his wife Gina King, two of my favorite more involved in community affairs. the May Day holiday from April 30 His nomination letter reads, in part, ‘transplant’ Minnesotans. They help The Asian Pacific community of the to May 3, Chinese people’s first long “…as an educator, he has inspired me appreciate Minnesota, and life in Twin Cities is fortunate to have such a thousands of students to be global general, in the most positive ways.” dedicated and knowledgeable member period of leave since the Lunar New citizens; as an author, he demonstrated A lifelong learner and an avid reader among us. China Insight is grateful for Year holiday in February. an astonishing breadth of scholarship: with a personal library of 6,000 books Wang’s contribution and extends our Travel will peak on May 1 with from Chinese law, comparative law, in Chinese, English and Italian that run sincere congratulation on his award. an expected flow of 11.8 million and legal research, to cultural studies, the gamut from poetry to art history to About the Council passengers, the railway authorities said art history, and Minnesota history; as an astrophysics to social psychology to The Council on Asian-Pacific on Saturday. attorney, he is keen to civil rights and the information technology and other topics, Minnesotans was created by the Last year’s May Day holiday saw plight of minorities, and is committed to he mentioned the following books had Minnesota State Legislature in 1985 pro bono service; as a business manager, made “significant impact” on his life nearly 37 million railway trips. pursuant to Minnesota Statute 3.9226, he is an advocate of innovation and a because: May Day is one of the major Chinese perfect example of thought leadership • “The Gulag Archipelago” by Aleksandr subdivision 1, to fulfill three primary public holidays. Huge numbers of and corporate responsibility...” Solzhenitsyn, taught me history is objectives: to advise the Governor and people take it as an opportunity for a When China Insight asked what the nightmare; members of the Legislature on issues spring day out, bringing chaos to tourist motivating force behind his very “full • “Animal Farm” by George Orwell, pertaining to Asian Pacific Minnesotans; attractions and congestion to the roads. plate” was, he replied with nary a bit of taught me that nightmare is real; to advocate on behalf of those issues; Authorities warned that popular hesitation, “The prospect of collective • “The Importance of Living” by Dr. and to serve as the bridge for and tourist destinations including Guilin, happiness.” Lin Yutang, taught me the beauty of between Asian Pacific Minnesotans and Huaihua, Wuyishan, Weihai, Beijing, Wang, a native of Beijing and a traditional China; non-Asian Pacific Minnesotans. ♦ graduate of the University of Minnesota • “My Life in China and America” Xi’an, Hangzhou and Xiamen should Law School, practices in the Twin Cities by Yung Wing, taught me parallel be prepared for large crowds. ♦ PAGE 12 / May 2015 business chinainsight.info What does Europe’s AIIB entry mean for China and U.S.? By Pang Zhongying. China US Focus, April 1

benefit European countries. Politically, joining the bank will eliminate the possibility of China dominating it. So it is wise to choose participation rather than confrontation. China’s bid to establish and run a multilateral organization conforms to Europe’s philosophy on global management. The European Union itself is a multilateral establishment based on the members’ common will and agreements. China’s understanding of multilateralism may differ from that of Europe in a way, but Europeans generally identify themselves with multilateralist ideals. What Europe worries about is not a China-initiated multilateralism, but rather a China-controlled multilateralism. European countries are traditional financial powers who have dominated the IMF for 70 years. Their participation in the AIIB would forestall any possibility of “China domination.” With so many Western countries involved in it, the establishment of AIIB is definitely a blessing for the U.S., for their joining in the new organization should have helped remove Washington’s concerns about its hegemony being challenged. Therefore, Washington may change its attitude towards the AIIB. Then Japan will be the only major country that isolates itself It is quite unexpected that so many Some Americans believe that China statement as serious and earnest. It from the new bank. developed Western nations have joined created the AIIB because it wants to is true that China does not intend to China has a mixed feeling about the other Asian nations in an enthusiastic control the bank. That’s a groundless challenge the existing international latest development. On the one hand, response to China’s Asia Infrastructure allegation. China does not want—and is rules and order by initiating the AIIB, the participation of Europe has rendered Investment Bank, an initiative that unable—to control the AIIB, especially the “One Belt, One Road” program, or the AIIB an international credibility; on calls for the establishment of a after European countries and other other economic programs. the other, the new institution is already multilateral financial institution to assist U.S. allies join in. China has done Will the AIIB help China become the over-politicized even before its official in infrastructure construction across nothing more than initiate the new bank. rule maker? My answer is a definite no. launch and operation. Asia. The China-threat-theory-addicted The creative move doesn’t mean an There’s no need to raise the question to Chinese President Xi Jinping Western media once again became intention, or ability, to control the bank. the height of rulemaking. What China will soon visit the U.S. During the excited, alleging that the development It only represents one instance of China is doing at the moment is nothing summit, China will further explain “signals the end of the American century acting as an international leader for the more than increasing its contribution its ideas on the AIIB, the “One Belt, and the inception of an Asian century” good of the world, as well as an attempt to the financial world, just as it asks One Road” program, and some other and that “China is enjoying its own to enhance its “soft power” rather than for greater voting rights in the IMF, strategic concerns. The joining of some Bretton Woods time.” playing the game of competing for rather than increasing China’s power. European countries in the AIIB will help The Asian Infrastructure Investment hegemony. Inconsistency between contribution depoliticize the Chinese Government’s Bank (AIIB) is shortened to Ya Tou Hang China’s diplomacy is still and right is the reality we resent, but motivation. In other words, by doing in Chinese, literally Asian investment characterized with a series of “nons.” must accept. so these countries are telling the world bank. I don’t think the abbreviation I would call it a “non diplomacy,” Many Americans are overly sensitive that China’s contribution deserves reveals the true nature of the bank, for which is different from the United about China. They are only too used to appreciation. the intrinsic role of an “investment States’ hegemonic diplomacy. On many crying wolf, worrying that China will The AIIB is a new-type of bank” is speculation, while the AIIB occasions, China indicated that it “does replace the U.S. to become the “world international financial institution that denotes support for physical economy not challenge” the existent international leader,” echoing the media’s clamor supports the global economic growth and and infrastructure. rules and global agencies such as the about “China’s Bretton Woods time.” improves infrastructure construction in China should seriously state that International Monetary Fund and the In fact, China seeks to establish a Asia and other regions. It has immense the AIIB is no different from the World World Bank. In other words, it does not “new type of major powers relationship” potential to help improve the world’s Bank in its nature as an international challenge the U.S. and EU’s primacy in with the U.S. Many people regard economic management. We wish it all institution, which solicits member the organizations. that as China’s bid to acquire an equal the success. ♦ states’ public funds for its capital. It Earlier this month at a press status as the U.S. in the making of is a public establishment rather than a conference of the National People’s international rules. The real purpose market-based, speculative and profit- Congress and the Chinese People’s of Beijing, however, is that Washington seeking venture; it is an international Political Consultative Conference, treats China as equal and in a more financial organization in its true sense, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reasonable way. There is no intention Pang Zhongying is professor rather than a privately owned investment reiterated China’s principle of not on the part of China to challenge the of International Relations, School bank. Therefore, I would call the new challenging the current international U.S.’ status. of International Studies at Renmin bank Xin Ya Hang, or New Asian Bank, order and rules. As a scholar specializing Europe has its reasons to join the University of China in Beijing. for short. in diplomatic studies, I see Wang’s AIIB. Economically, the bank will chinainsight.info commentary May 2015 / PAGE 13 In anti-discrimination suit, Haiping Su took on big gov and won By Dr. George Koo, New America Media, February 2015

An aerial view of the NASA Ames Research Center in Mt. View, California, where Su worked as a researcher before being investigated by the FBI and later dismissed

Dr. Haiping Su was a victim of racial did not approach any other member partner in charge at McManis Faulkner, if he had any regrets. He said that profiling and he sued the United States of his work group for a similar sort of a prominent law firm in San Jose, was even though it became a six-year government and NASA for smearing background interview. the speaker and he spoke about fair nightmare and he had to pay a personal his reputation, invading his privacy, There was a second interview in employment practices. price suffering from insomnia and depriving him of realizing his full career March at the end of which he was told I was impressed by his forthrightness hypertension, he would do it again. potential and causing him emotional that he needed to take a lie detector test. and his attitude about the importance of He was convinced that the only stress and mental anguish. He sued Afterwards, the FBI agent told him that being fair, so I related Su’s story to him. way to stop racism was to stand up to clear his name and asked for $5.2 he “did not do well” on the polygraph McManis was appalled and invited Su to and object. He didn’t fight just for million in damages. test but did not otherwise explain why contact him. His willingness to take up himself, he said, but also for all Chinese Six years later, after various delays, Su was being investigated. Su’s case without fee made the historic Americans working in the U.S. legal maneuvers and challenges, the Early in April, Su was grilled by lawsuit possible. The Wen Ho Lee case at the turn judge heard the arguments and ruled in four people representing FBI and NASA McManis’ firm filed the complaint of the century was perhaps the most favor of the plaintiff, namely Dr. Su, and security to “clarify issues raised by the on behalf of Su against NASA and the notorious, but racial prejudice since then against the defendant, in this rare case polygraph.” Then on June 24, Su was FBI on the grounds that Su was not against professional Chinese Americans the U.S. government. As compensation handed a letter signed by Robert Dolci, involved in classified work, had no working in technical disciplines has not for damages, Su was awarded $10,000. head of security at Ames, stating that criminal history, was never told of the subsided. The lesson of Su’s experience with his continued presence constituted a charges against him nor given a chance Chinese Americans have continued American justice has implications for all security risk and he was escorted off to defend himself, and lastly was not to be accused, harassed, and thrown out Chinese Americans working in technical the premises. told of his right to appeal. of work. Subjected to personal ordeal, disciplines in the United States and is Dolci then called a meeting of The complaint further charged that including sitting in jail without bail, the worthy of more detailed examination. Su’s coworkers and to their surprise, NASA, in handling this case, did not victims frequently find the government In June 2008, Su was abruptly informed them that Su constituted a follow their own internal procedure accusers lose interest and drop all escorted off the premises of Ames security risk. Some of his coworkers and policy and thus deprived Su of charges — not before, of course, having Research Center in Mountain View, later testified that Dolci implied that due process, ruined his reputation and inflicted financial devastation and California and his access badge taken Su was removed from NASA Ames caused undue hardship and mental character destruction on their hapless from him. The only explanation given because he took money from a foreign anguish. victims. to him was that he had somehow government. In the court hearing, testimony by Su’s case is exemplary only in that become a security risk to NASA. Early in July, Su’s supervisor at Su and his wife indicated that he had the culprit – the government in this case At the time, he had been working for UCSC issued a letter of dismissal suffered greatly from this experience. – did not get away with discriminatory about three years as a staff member of because he had allegedly failed the His wife testified that Su had undergone actions and that Su was willing to take University Affiliated Research Center, lie detector test. Fortunately for Su, a personality change from outgoing to on the legal challenge, despite the operated by UC Santa Cruz under his supervisor compared the flimsy reclusive, from engage ng to distrustful personal cost. ♦ contract to NASA. He had come to accusations against Su’s exemplary of people, and suffered from frequent the United States from China in 1986, work record and decided to rescind his bouts of depression. earned his Ph.D. in agriculture science letter of dismissal. He simply asked Su The trial judge acknowledged that from Kansas State five years later and to telecommute and continue working Dolci invaded Su’s privacy but he was became a U.S. citizen. His work for from his home. unable to accurately assess damages NASA related to his technical expertise. Su was understandably distraught by done to Su, because Su continued to The work was non-classified. the treatment he received. He contacted be employed. In the end, the judge Dr. George Koo is a retired chemical Approximately a month after getting me and his story was still fresh in my found for Su a sum of $10,000 as engineer who has been following the his new identification badge to Ames in mind when I happened to attend a compensation for damages he suffered. careers of Chinese American scientists January 2008, the FBI asked to interview recent Silicon Valley dinner meeting for After the judge rendered his verdict, and engineers in America. him for a “background check.” The FBI technical professionals. Jim McManis, I asked Su if he felt vindicated and PAGE 14 / May 2015 inventions/news chinainsight.info Chinese invention: the stirrup By Elaine Dunn

Two of the world’s most famous horse they bounced along. It was uncomfortable The earliest documentation of Chinese made from a bent piece of mulberry wood racing events are upon us: the Kentucky for the riders and afforded them no control stirrups are depicted on pottery found in with a triangular cross-section that was Derby (May 2) and the Royal Ascot (June over the horse whatsoever. The first metal tombs. One tomb dated to A.D. 302 in covered with gilded bronze plates on the 16-20). Although the stars at these events stirrup not only provided the rider more Changsha, capital of Hunan Province, outer surfaces, and iron plates covered with are undeniably the horses and their trainers, stability once mounted, it also made the task held a “mounting” stirrup - one that is a layer of black lacquer on the inside where the jockeys and the horse owners, there’s of mounting the horse much easier for all. only attached to one side of the saddle and his feet would have been placed. a real “star” that allow the other stars to Until the stirrup was invented, mounting too short for the rider to use once he had Early stirrups also were found in tombs at perform well at these races. Were it not for a horse required a flying leap or an assist by mounted. Another ceramic figurine depicts Qixingshan (early fifth century), Yushanxia the stirrup, another Chinese invention, horse another person. The flying leap not only a pair of “proper” stirrup of full length, (mid-fifth century), and Maxian’gou (fourth races around the world would not be at the demanded great physical prowess but can hanging on both sides of the saddle. This through seventh centuries). The stirrups level they’re at currently. also prove dangerous, if not fatal, as in the was found in a tomb that dates back to A.D. found at Qixingshan had a wooden core This little bit of horizontal metal case of Cambyses, the king of Persia. It 322 in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province. and were covered with a gilded bronze attached to the horse’s saddle by a strip was said that in 522 B.C. Cambyses pierced Both the mounting and full-sized stirrups plate fastened by nails. Stirrups found at of leather is perhaps one of the most himself with his own sword while leaping were triangular in shape. Yushanxia used iron instead of bronze. pivotal contributions of the equestrian on to his horse that had no stirrups! He died In 1974, archaeologists found a grave By the sixth century, based on a pair world. It also has been credited with of gangrene from the wound 11 days later. near Anyang, the northern most city of of iron stirrups from the Northern Wei changing medieval warfare by allowing While it is hard to ascertain when the Henan Province, dating from approximately tomb at Ningxia, the shape of stirrups have knights in shining armour to use their horse was first ridden in China, the Chinese A.D. 322, where a body was found buried undergone some change. These latter ones lances effectively, becoming the dominant had been credited with producing three of with full equipage for a horse, including a had an oval bow and a rather short handle, warriors of their day. The stirrup also is the most significant equestrian tools: an gold-plated bronze stirrup that was circular with a slot at the upper end. Similar stirrups the basis of many controversial discussions effective harness, the metal stirrup and the in shape. were used during the Tang Dynasty, which on whether it fueled the development of horse collar. However, the earliest, datable specimens also bear close similarity to ones used by feudalism (“Medieval Technology and Early Chinese stirrups of actual stirrups were discovered in the the Turks and were thought to have been Social Change,” Lynn White Jr.). Some No known “inventor” had ever been tomb of Feng Sufu (馮素弗), a Chinese brought to Europe in the eighth century. scholars even equate the impact of this basic identified for the stirrup. Nor is it clear prince from the state of Northern Yan (北 Who knew this small extension from equestrian footrest to that of the printing where it was invented, though some experts 燕), a region north of Korea, dating back a saddle would be the innovation that press itself! believe it was in Northern China and that by to A.D. 415. transforms the way warfare was conducted! The earliest horsemen rode horses the third century, the Chinese were casting Feng’s stirrups were said to be “quite bareback, grasping on to the horse’s mane as “perfect” metal stirrups. complex” in design. They had rounded tops Early Chinese stirrups Colds, clinics and cough syrup By Madeline Christensen, contributor

The first couple weeks of school this homeopathic. I looked it up - it contains year were off to a slow start. The students a bit of chrysanthemum to “purify” your came back to school only to be sent home a body, but it also has caffeine, sugar and Pair of heavy bronze or brass stirrups with few days later. We kicked off the semester acetaminophen, the active ingredient in pierced round treads or footplates, each with a four-day weekend, which we would Tylenol. Though some bloggers apparently with a raised lip around the edge. The then pay for by having Saturday classes swear by the stuff, I stopped drinking the curved arches have dragons on each side for the next four weeks. All of this was keli, but I did down three mugs of an herbal of the slots for the stirrup leathers. because the central elementary school was infusion that the cafeteria cooked up for the Pair of extremely rare ancient Chinese combining with another school, and school sick teachers. cast bronze stirrups from the Tang Dynasty couldn’t start until the central government of The worst of the fever and the cough period time (618-907 A.D) Jietou County, where my school is located, passed, but I was still drained. Finally, had reassigned teachers to different schools. the principal and my co-fellow, Xianming, And then, about a minute after classes took me to the village clinic. It was good finally got going, I fell mysteriously ill. I to get out of the school compound, if just to had luckily been fairly healthy thus far at remind myself that I could in fact still walk my placement, but suddenly, I was floored. across the village. I felt exhausted and miserable. I missed four The clinic was a little enclave on the lao days of class. I would trudge to the teacher’s jiezi – old street – of the village. Most of building only to admit defeat and crawl the patients seemed gathered in the small back to my dorm room. When I did journey wooden room open to the street, where the down the three flights of stairs to meals, my doctor sat at a desk. The man took a glass American co-fellow, Dylan, would kindly thermometer out of a drawer, wiped it off ask how I was feeling and I would reply with a rag, and handed it to Xianming, who with a cranky grunt. Other teachers would handed it to me. “Use this to take your look at me, confused, and tell me that they temperature,” he said. also had a sore throat lately. They might “For how long?” have thought I was being high-maintenance. “Five minutes.” Around day two, my Chinese co-fellow, So I sat with the thermometer under my Wang Shen, brought me some packets arm for five minutes, watching a small child of Chinese cold medicine that she had crying with an IV bag dangling over her bought. The packets were of the add-hot- head. IVs are everywhere in China - they water variety, like instant coffee. “Did you seem to be the go-to response to any type get sick because of cold weather or hot of ailment. One of our friends said that on weather?” she asked. a hot day in the Guangdong province, every “Because of the students,” I guessed. single one of her students came to class with “Well I got sick because of the cold,” she an IV. I remember one memorable school One of the earliest surviving metal stirrups said, cheerfully giving me a few packets. meeting when our principal conducted the For all the to-do about traditional meeting with his IV bag hitched to the top from the sixth century, made with bronze Ceramic figure believed to be from the herbal Chinese remedies, the keli (感冒 of the blackboard, cigarette in hand. and iron and currently at the Ashmoleum Tang Dynasty shows rider with stirrups. Museum in Oxford, UK. 清热颗粒- ganmao qingre keli- or cold fever alleviating granules) was far from continues on page 15 chinainsight.info genealogy May 2015 / PAGE 15 Tracing your Chinese roots, Part 1

By Raymond Lum

Women’s names should also be written such as 謝, can be spelled Der, Dare, Jaire, Editor’s note: We all yearn to trace our roots at some point. The author, retired as down; in immigration records women’s Jay, Dere, Xie, Hsieh, Tse, and even more Harvard Library’s Bibliographer for East, South and Southeast Asia and as instructor names most often appear as, for example, variations. Without access to the Chinese in Chinese in the University Extension School. He will be sharing helpful resources Lee Shee, Wong Shee, Lum Shee, Chan character, it is often impossible to identify specific to tracing your Chinese ancestry in this and upcoming issues of China Insight. Shee. Why did so many Chinese wives an immigrant and locate his records. Raymond Lum is a native of Chicago’s Chinatown and studied Chinese in Taiwan. He have the same name, Shee? They didn’t! It’s a very complex subject, Chinese holds a Master of Library Science from the University of Michigan and an M.A. and “Shee (氏)” means “surname” and also names. The best source for trying to figure Ph.D in East Asian Languages & Civilizations from Harvard University is equivalent to née, and thus identifies a it out is Emma Woo Louie’s “Chinese woman’s father’s family name. So, Lee American Names: Tradition and Transition” Chinese names names got reversed from the Chinese order Shee might be called “Ms. Lee,” with no indication of her personal name, but shee (McFarland & Co., 1998), a book brought “Lose your language, lose your of surname first to the American order indicates she was married to someone with to my attention by my friend Jane Leung history” is how someone described ABCs of surname last (thus, “last name”). The a different surname (traditionally, and, for a Larson. Jane’s father was Tom Leung, (American-Born Chinese) to me, but that’s Hollywood director James Wong Howe, long time legally, a man and a woman with whose family name was Tom. Americans not necessarily true. One’s identity is not for example, became “Mr. Howe” because the same surname were forbidden to marry could not seem to grasp that his “first tied only to the language of ancestors. A his primary school did not know that his in China). name” was not Tom and his surname Chinese reflection says, “When drinking surname, Wong, came first. water, consider its source (飲水思源),” My Cantonese cousin Lin Wei (her name meaning that as we enjoy life we should on her passport was in Romanized Mandarin When I visited our ancestral village in 1979, my think about where we came from and who instead of Cantonese) emigrated from father in Chicago directed me to put a tombstone on was responsible for giving us that life. Guangzhou when I sponsored her, but the Cantonese immigrants to the U.S. next time I saw her, she was Chanel Lovett. his mother’s grave. She had died during the Cultural sometimes refer to the ABCs ̶ their own Chanel Lovett? She married a Mr. Lovett Revolution when erecting tombstones was dismissed children and grandchildren ̶ as “jook sing ( and took Chanel from a perfume bottle in as a “feudal” activity. But when I asked relatives 竹升),” which is the hollow section between a department store in Boston. I once met a what my grandmother’s name was, the responses nodes on bamboo canes, indicating that they Chinese-American whose surname is Mitu. were along the lines of “Auntie/Elder Sister-in-Law/ are empty, devoid of Chinese culture. I suggested that sounded like a Japanese Wife of Cousin on Father’s Sister’s Side.” The grave Filling those voids with family histories surname. He told me that his grandfather that reflect where we came from is not easy and the grandfather’s brother went through remains unmarked. In fact, when my father told but certainly can be done. This article U.S. immigration together and that after me her name was Lee Shee, I dismissed Shee as an suggests how to approach that and includes the grandfather gave his Chinese surname, indicator of her father’s surname. Alas, Shee was her given name, only some of my personal experiences. the brother in his turn said “Me too.” This not the same Shee (氏) that indicated she was of the Lee lineage but a Americanized names might be an apocryphal story, but it is not character meaning “happy (喜).” The U.S. government maintains, and irrelevant to the way immigration officials provides access to, copious records relating devised or invented Chinese (and other to Chinese immigration in the 19th and immigrants’) names. But if U.S. immigration records rarely was not Leung, so the family adopted his 20th centuries, but they are almost solely Anyone who wants to discover the include Chinese characters, why bother given name, Leung, as their surname (see in English or in Romanized Cantonese as history of a Chinese immigrant family finding names in Chinese? Because there “Sweet Bamboo: A Memoir of a Chinese needs to do two things: interview older devised and revised by immigration and are other records - ones that do include American Family” by Louise Leung Larson, naturalization officials who did not know family members and get them to write down characters, in both the U.S. and China, such University of California Press, 1989). the Chinese language. Often, the records are personal names and place names in Chinese. as tombstones, genealogies and association In the next issue, I’ll explain the difficult to locate because personal names The personal names should include all records. Also, many Chinese surnames can “Chinese Exclusion Act” and how the term in official records might not be the names variations (Chinese men traditionally be Romanized the same way but are written immigrants actually used. For example, the changed their given names at various stages with completely different characters, such as “paper sons” came about. ♦ familiar prefix “Ah” was frequently thought in their lives and it is not always clear 孔, 洪, 唐, and 湯, all Romanized as Hong to be a surname or a personal name. And which ones appear in immigration records). in records. And some Chinese surnames, Colds, clinics and cough syrup continued from page 14

them more reliant on window next door. down upon the local health care. The the income from IVs, The principal returned with a plastic bag principal responded in exasperation when I tests and other services. of three different types of medicines. The tried to avoid the cough syrup and antivirals. Nonetheless, one of the first was more packets of keli. The second And I really did appreciate our principal first reactions you’ll get was a bottle of cough syrup. The third and Xianming taking me to the clinic. So I when you complain of a was several bundles of four pills in little dutifully took the drugs. cold is, “Do you want to origami-like paper packets. “It’s a kind of Whether from the keli, the bitter herbal get an IV?” anti-virus,” Xianming supplied. Xianming drink, the antivirals, or the 16 hours of sleep Finally, we gave the said that the antivirals were very common per day, I finally got my energy back. A thermometer back to the in China, and he had taken them as a child. few days later, my mysterious few days of doctor, who pronounced He pulled up the Wikipedia page in English binge watching Netflix was just a bizarre that there was no fever, on his phone. The drugs were used to treat memory. ♦ which I already knew hepatitis, HIV, and other hardcore viruses. from the cheap CVS “See, look,” Xianming said, pointing to Madeline Christensen is a Teach for thermometer in my room. the bottom paragraph. “It is one of the China Fellow in Yunnan, China, where After a brief interview, World Health Organization’s 100 essential she teaches English at a rural elementary the doctor concluded that medicines.” Yeah, I thought, for hepatitis. school. She grew up in Minnetonka, MN, I heard that doctors prescribe IVs so much the sickness was not serious enough for I didn’t really want to take any of the and majored in International Relations at in China because the government changed antibiotics and scribbled out a prescription, medicine, but I knew that our communities Tufts University how it funded clinics and hospitals, leaving which the principal took to the pharmacy were already sensitive to foreigners looking PAGE 16 / May 2015 events chinainsight.info The Chinese American Association of Minnesota takes center stage at Festival of Nations By Greg Hugh

funds since 1977. For four the greater Twin Cities community. In 2015, the Festival will continue its days starting April 30 through For nearly 83 years, FON has inspired legacy as the longest-running multicultural May 3 and with more than 200 people throughout the region to discover festival in the Midwest. It will collaborate volunteers, CAAM is involved more about our world and embrace the once again with more than 80 ethnic groups in all facets of the festival. to create a truly unique experience – one that rich cultural diversity brought to us by CAAM’s Chinese cafe, Chinese celebrates cultural heritage and provides our immigrants from around the globe. cultural exhibit, Chinese community’s immigrants with a platform dance performances, Chinese to express their stories through world-class calligraphy demonstration performances, exhibits, ethnic cuisine and and Chinese bazaar have personal connections. consistently been among the There are more than 35 different ethnic most popular attractions at the cafes from Norwegian lefse to Thai noodles festival. for attendees to enjoy the different cuisines This year the organizers found around the world. Ages 21 and up of FON have given CAAM also can enjoy wine tasting, a glass of beer a space five times larger than or other beverages from around the world. the standard booth space to There will be more than 100 music and showcase Chinese Peking opera. dance groups performing continuously on CAAM is proud to be granted three stages throughout the Festival. Students such an honor and thanks all are treated to exclusive performances by the volunteers who help make the Ethnic Dance Theatre as well as other this upcoming FON a success. folk dance groups presenting cultures Not only will participating in from all over the world in the Roy Wilkins The annual Festival of Nations (FON) this event provide a significant portion to Auditorium on Thursday and Friday of the has been an event for the Chinese American the financial well-being of the organization, Festival. Association of Minnesota (CAAM ) to it also adds to the community spirit by For complete details visit: http://www. both promote Chinese culture and raise sharing our Chinese cultural heritage with Peking opera festivalofnations.com/♦ May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month

and Spark Matsunaga introduced from Asia who are naturalized U.S. citizens. Indians, age 25 and older, had a bachelor’s a similar bill in the Senate. Both degree or more education and 37 percent were passed. On October 5, 1978, 2.6 million The number of people age had a graduate or professional degree; the President Jimmy Carter signed a 5 and older who speak Chinese at home. corresponding numbers for Vietnamese- Joint Resolution designating the After Spanish, Chinese is the most widely Americans were 24 percent and 7 percent, annual celebration. Twelve years spoken non-English language in the country. respectively. later, President George H.W. Bush Tagalog and Vietnamese also have more signed an extension making the than 1 million speakers. 80% Percentage of Asian Americans living week-long celebration into a month- in a household with Internet use - the highest long celebration. In 1992, the official 161% The projected percentage increase rate among race and ethnic groups. designation of May as Asian-Pacific between 2008 and 2050 in the population American Heritage Month was of people who identify themselves as Asian. Income and poverty signed into law. This compares with a 44 percent increase <$70,644 Median household income for The month of May was chosen in the population as a whole over the same Asians in 2012, the highest among all race to commemorate the immigration period of time. groups. However, median household income of the first Japanese to the United differed greatly by Asian group. For Asian States on May 7, 1843, and to mark 40.6 million The projected number of Indians, for example, the median income May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage the anniversary of the completion of the U.S. residents in 2050 who will identify in 2011 was $92,418; for Bangladeshi- Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. themselves as Asians. They would comprise Americans, it was $45,185. Islanders in the United States. A rather The majority of the workers who laid the 9 percent of the total population by that year. broad term, Asian-Pacific encompasses all tracks were Chinese immigrants. 13.0% Poverty rate for Asians in 2012, up of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands To accompany the article on Celebrating Education and Internet use from 10.6 percent in 2007. of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, May as Asian Pacific American Heritage 50.5% The percentage of Asians, age 25 Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Month, the Census Bureau has compiled and older, who have a bachelor’s degree Work and employment Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, a brief statistical summary of the Asian or higher level of education. Asians have 1.5 million Number of businesses owned Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and American population using various Census the highest proportion of college graduates by Asian-Americans in 2007, up 40 percent the Federated States of Micronesia) and data sources. of any race or ethnic group in the country from 2002. Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Important statistics about Asian and this compares with 28 percent for all Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Americans Americans 25 and older. $507.6 billion Receipts of Asian- Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, (Based on latest Census Bureau data) American-owned businesses in 2007, up 55 French Polynesia and Easter Island). 85.7% The percentage of Asians, age 25 percent from 2002. Asian American-owned Like most commemorative months, Population and older, who are high school graduates. businesses employed a total of 2.8 million Asian-Pacific AmericanHeritage Month 18.9 million The estimated number of people, and their originated in a congressional bill. In June U.S. residents in 2011 who said they were 21.2% The percentage of Asians, age 25 average revenue was $338,400 per company. 1977, Reps. Frank Horton of New York and Asian or Asian in combination with one or and older, who have an advanced degree Norman Y. Mineta of California introduced more other races. This group comprised (e.g., Master’s, Ph.D., M.D. or J.D.). This 49.1% The proportion of employed Asians a House resolution that called upon the 5.6 percent of compares with 10 percent for all Americans 16 and older who work in management, president to proclaim the first 10 days of the total population. 25 and older. However, different Asian professional and related occupations, such May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. The ethnic groups have different educational as financial managers, engineers, teachers following month, senators Daniel Inouye 52% The percentage of the foreign-born attainment levels -- 68 percent of Asian and registered nurses. ♦