HINA NSIGHT CFostering business and cultural harmonyI between China and the U.S. VOL. 11 NO. 1 January 2012 CHINAINSIGHT to celebrate its 10th anniversary of publication By Greg Hugh, Staff Writer hina Insight was conceived back in to ensure that a variety of views and perspec- 2001 when 3 young, entrepreneurial tives are presented as to what is happening C co-workers from China decided that in these areas. publishing a newspaper would be a good Over the years China Insight has pub- way to generate interest and leads for a con- lished a series of articles on topics such as sulting business which resulted in the print- Chinese language, speech and communica- ing of China Insight’s first issue in February, tion that resulted in a book of these articles, CAAM Annual Banquet 2002. Well, next month China Insight will the sister state and sister city relationships be celebrating its 10th Anniversary. between Minnesota and the PRC. China Page 8 As noted, China Insight was started in Insight also initiated a series of articles 2001, and is an independent, locally owned describing how the Chinese government is company that is headquartered in Minne- structured and has featured each of the 55 trista, MN. It is the only English-language different ethic groups within China. Articles American newspaper to focus exclusively on how to conduct business in China along on building a bridge between the United with travel tips are frequently included. States and the People’s Republic of China In addition to publishing the newspaper, (PRC). Its goal is to develop a mutual China Insight also promotes or sponsors understanding of each other’s cultures and events that foster U.S.-China cultural and business environment by fostering U.S.- business harmony. The goal is to build China cultural and business harmony. The first issue of CHINAINSIGHT on these accomplishments and expand the Contained in each monthly edition are technology, sports and local Chinese events. type of service that can be provided to those articles on such diverse topics as business, These articles may be written by its own culture, government, travel, education, staff writers or reprinted from other sources 10th anniversary continues on finance, language, lifestyle, science and Page 3 Chinese New Year U.S. and China conclude 22nd Session of Page 9 the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade Commerce Book Review USTR and USDA welcome concrete results in trade negotiations, reiterate need Page 10 to achieve greater market access for U.S. exporters Chengdu, China – [Nov. 21, 2011] “Both sides worked hard to produce infringement. marked the conclusion of the 22nd session some meaningful progress that will help In addition, China’s leadership commit- of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on provide a needed boost to U.S. exports and ted to increased political accountability – the Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Chengdu, jobs,” Secretary Bryson said. “This is a step performance of provincial level officials China. United States Trade Representative in the right direction. But we must continue will be measured based on enforcement of Ron Kirk and U.S. Secretary of Commerce to actively engage our Chinese counterparts intellectual property rights in their regions. John Bryson co-chaired the JCCT along to open additional opportunities for U.S. “For the first time, China will establish with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan. businesses.” a permanent leadership structure to enforce U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack “China is one of the most important ag- intellectual property rights. As enforcement also participated in the discussions. ricultural trade partners for the United States becomes effective, those who infringe will Ambassador Kirk, Secretary Bryson, and the meetings and discussions in recent no longer be able to lay low until a crack- and Secretary Vilsack announced mean- days have helped to strengthen this partner- down is over and then simply resume their ingful progress on key elements of the ship and build greater export opportunities illegal activities,” Secretary Bryson stated. U.S.-China trade relationship but also for our farmers, ranchers and growers,” said In addition, Vice Premier Wang Qishan China’s Top Ten Seaside Cities underscored that much more work remains Agriculture Secretary Vilsack. “We intend personally committed to continue the soft- to be done to open China’s market to U.S. to continue these discussions in the months ware legalization program. Specifically, Page 11 exports and investment. [The] progress will ahead on beef and other agricultural prod- he committed to ensure that the provincial help boost U.S. exports and jobs through ucts to break down additional trade barriers legalization efforts would be concluded the removal of important barriers related so Chinese consumers can benefit from the by the middle of 2012 and at the local and ALSO IN THIS ISSUE to electric vehicles, strengthened measures high quality products that are produced in municipal levels by the end of 2013. to eliminate discriminatory indigenous in- America.” The Chinese government also agreed Announcements..................2 novation policies, and stricter enforcement to continue working to develop solutions Opinion..........................3 of intellectual property rights in China. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to combat the sale of infringing goods on Events..........................4-5 “The JCCT gives us a mechanism to China agreed to make a significant sys- the Internet, while at the same time moving Education......................6-7 address the toughest issues in our trade rela- temic change in its enforcement of intellec- forward to develop additional protections Chinese New Year.............8-9 tionship, and we must judge it by our ability for legitimate trademarks. All of China’s tual property rights. Through a high-level Arts..................................... to make concrete progress,” Ambassador commitments on intellectual property rights 10 central government enforcement structure Travel...................................11 Kirk said. “We have reached agreement on led by Vice Premier Wang Qishan, China will enhance the protection of U.S. innova- Business........................ a number of important outcomes, though we will make permanent its 2010 Special IPR tive products and promote job creation in 12 had hoped to accomplish even more. In our Campaign. China will continue high-level the United States. Government.......................13 discussions with our Chinese counterparts, involvement that will enhance its ability to Economy.........................14 we spoke frankly about the need to redouble crack down on intellectual property rights Finance...............................15 our efforts going forward.” Commerce continues on Page 12 PAGE 2 > JANUARY 2012 announcements www.chinainsight.info Publisher’s Pronouncements CHINAINSIGHT Publisher: Gung He Fat Choy…Gong Xi Fa Cai…Happy Chinese New Year! Gregory J. Hugh [email protected] As we prepare to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, all of us here at CHINAINSIGHT are also excited about celebrating the Editor: 10th Anniversary of publishing CHINAINSIGHT next month. In the decade since our first issue was published in February, Jennifer Nordin 2002, there have been many events that have influenced China’s re-emergence onto the global scene. [email protected] During the decade that CHINAINSIGHT has been serving as a bridge by printing an English language newspaper to promote better cultural and business understanding between the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) and the United States, much has Manager of Operations/ taken place that now makes China a leading economic power. Much of this can be attributed to China’s ascension into the World Trade Organization in late 2001. Circulation: Although the PRC may not score high marks in matters of human rights, protection of intellectual property along with its Richard He administrating its rule of law, the PRC has nonetheless persevered while also enduring natural disasters like earthquakes, [email protected] SARS epidemics and other calamities. As CHINAINSIGHT has reported over the years, this decade of growth in China was shaped by the economic programs Marketing Director: implemented in each of the recent 5 year plans submitted by President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabo, both of whose Will Ahern terms will end in 2012. One of the crowning achievements during this period was hosting the very successful 2008 Beijing [email protected] Summer Olympics. In addition to publishing the newspaper, CHINAINSIGHT also promotes or sponsors local events that foster U.S.-China Production Editor: cultural and business harmony. The goal is to build on these accomplishments and expand the type of service that can be Dawn Murphy provided to those who are interested in fostering U.S.-China culture and business. [email protected] CHINAINSIGHT, in collaboration with the Chinese Heritage Foundation, established A Passage to China in 2008 which has become an annual event held at Mall of America to promote Chinese history, culture and customs through interactive activi- Artist/Intern: ties for all ages with over 40 organizations from throughout the Twin Cities communities participating as a FREE event for Lauren Hugh the general public. The dates for the 5th annual A Passage to China will be April 21-22, 2012 at Mall of America. In the months ahead we plan on highlighting some of the events that has influenced coverage byC HINAINSIGHT and want you to know that we are committed to providing the best possible coverage of news and events that affect the community. Staff Writers: Greg Hugh We will be making some changes to our Web site so that we can be more proactive and timely in serving the community. [email protected] We welcome your continued support and appreciate your support of our advertisers that provide much of the revenue needed to produce the paper. Also, CHINAINSIGHT would not be possible without the support and commitment from its all Elizabeth Greenberg volunteer staff. [email protected] Best wishes from all of us at CHINAINSIGHT for a healthy and prosperous Year of the Dragon.