Final Note

This will be my last blog entry. I have enjoyed "Charting China" with frequent posts. I would like to end on a positive note:

The CIA Director, Michael Hayden, stated in a speech last week at the Kansas State University, that China is not an "inevitable enemy" to the US. However, its increasing population and new found status as an economic power present challenges.

Hayden feels the growing Chinese military is all for show and not for real use. He stressed, "if Beijing begins to accept greater responsibility for the health of the international system - as all global powers should - we will remain on a constructive, even if competitive path".

Here's to a peace and prosperity to all parties.

Zai Jian (goodbye)

Works Cited"
"CIA Director: China is not an "inevitable enemy"

Tainted Heparin found in 11 Countries

Tainted Heparin, a blood thinner, from China has been found in 11 countries including: Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the US. It has been blamed on over 80 deaths in the US alone.

The NBC Nightly News (April 29) reported the Heparin was reportedly contaminated by the Chinese supplier using an alternative ingredient. This is similar to the tainted pet food case.

As a result, hearings are being held in Congress this week to impose stricter regulations on Chinese imports. The FDA has announced it will set up three offices in China in order to keep a closer eye on Chinese made products.

Wreck Not Result of Terrorism

A tragic passenger train collision in Shandong province of Eastern China has been labeled an accident due to human error and not an act of terrorism. The wreck was resulted in at least 70 deaths and over 400 injured. One train reportedly jumped the track an ran into the other. The wreck occurred in a rural area. Villagers helped rescue workers by using farm equipment to free the victims.
Source: CNN News

Everythings coming up...tulips!

To honor the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, a giant tulip dragon was created in the tulip gardens of Keukenhof in Holland. The dragon is composed of over 24,000 tulips and measures 10 x 15 meters.

The prince of the area, Willem-Alexander, is a member of the International Olympic Committee.

Unit 3: Lesson 2a

Won’t you be my neighbor?
I found a wonderful five part series from NPR on China and its neighbors. There is a separate piece on Japan, Vietnam, India, and South Korea. (Unfortunately it appears the piece on Russia is missing.) The history of the relationships with these neighbors appears to affect the current political, economic, and cultural influences China has on them.

Japan, with its floundering economy, has watched China’s soar. Japanese factory owners are looking to China to relocate their factories due to a cheap labor pool. Japan, who has the most to loose, appears to be “jealous” of China.

Vietnam seeks to import tourist from China. China is Vietnam’s 3rd largest trading partner. Although both areas are currently communist, sheer physical proximity to China is a concern of Vietnam.

Economic development is the focus of both China and India. With the “strategic envy” of the past gone, they have also preformed joint naval exercises. Both appear more concerned with their internal struggles than each other.

South Korea sees China as an economic source at home and in China. All ages are learning Chinese: some learn in order to do business in China, others learn to accommodate Chinese tourist.

As long as all of these neighbors continued to “play nice” together, I don’t see why the US government should make any changes with their policies. Considering the current state of our own economy we may be better served focusing our attentions internally. US involvement in the relationships of China and it’s neighbors should only come should China choose to become a military bully. This is a possibility which looms over its neighbors, but due to their reliance on each other politically, economically, and culturally I think/hope it is unlikely.

Unit 3: Lesson 2b

The Minority’s Minority
Of the 56 recognized minorities of China, the Lhoba numbering only approximately 2300 is the smallest of the groups. Located in Southeastern Tibet, they were labeled “inferior” and “wild” by the Tibetans. But with Han and Tibetan help the Lhoba have been brought into the 21st century with transportation infrastructures, new farming methods, and electricity, which brought with it phones a television. The Lhoba were finally able to make contact with the outside world.

The Lhoba way of life has changed drastically since the 1950’s and the liberation of Tibet. Until then the people and the region were “unknown”. The government afforded the people money to help “civilize” them. This resulted in structured housing and paved roads to the region. Ironically these paved roads are leading the young Lhoba away from their homes and their heritage.

Unfortunately with change the customs of this group appear to be at risk of extinctions. They have no written form of language aside from a wood notching method. This is a point of concern for its members. With the children of the Lhoba’s being exposed to English thanks to the modernization of China, the language of the Lhoba is endangered.

The traditional form of dress has become “complicated” to its members. The elaborate jewelry of the women signified wealth. Now is seems to be a mere hassle to wear.

The deputy of the region is to ask the National People’s Congress to help preserve the Lhoba’s customs. I think instead of seeking the government's assistance, the Lhoba need to look to their own people to preserve their heritage. They should be proud of who they are and what their culture represents. It is no easy feat to survive as a minority in China. At least this group appears to have the government on their side.

Chinese Nationalities
The Lhoba ethnic minority
China's smallest ethnic group "lost in translation"

Unit 3: Lesson 1

Uighur: Domestic Terrorist or Scapegoat?
China announced it had uncovered in January (but only recently acknowledge) a terrorist plot targeting the Beijing Olympics. This is one of several plots exposed to date. This particular plot was to inflict suicide bombings at the 2008 Olympics. This follows the Chinese government’s previous claim that a 19-year old girl targeted a China Southern airplane with a gasoline explosive.

The minority group of Muslims blamed in both cases was the Uighurs. They reside primarily in northwestern China in an area of Xinjiang. They make up over half the population of this area. Supposedly the terrorist group of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement is housed in this area.

The explosives previously used by this group for bus bombing in the mid 90’s are thought to come from gangs who use them for illegal mining operations. This is at the same time when Uighurs were demonstrating against nuclear testing in their area. Considering the extremes here, somehow it is hard to believe we are talking about the same group.

These facts also come into question because the Chinese government has a history of “exaggerated claims of terrorist plots as an excuse to crack down on its restive minority population” per human rights activists. Others have called for more concrete evidence due to the national implications.

With the government’s history of persecuting minorities and justifying it by labeling them terrorist, it makes you wonder why the plot was uncovered in January, but only reported now? One can only assume the 45 people the government detained have been ‘dealt with’ by governmental standards. The 19 year old girl involved was reportedly tortured into confession.

Uighur leaders have accused the government of arresting some Uighurs in attempts to prevent any uprising from their minority in the wake of the demonstrations in Tibet. This appears to be too little too late. Newsweek and the New York Times both report demonstration and detentions are also happening in Xinjiang at approximately the same time. Curfews and religious restrictions have also been implemented.

This area became more volatile with an influx of Han Chinese at the blessing of the Chinese government. The Hans have taking over control of the economy and are attempting to impose their cultural beliefs on the Uighurs.

The Uighurs, like Tibetans, wish to break away from grasp of China in order to freely express their religious beliefs. This appears to be the fact that has sealed their fate of persecution. As we have seen one size MUST fit all in China per the government. The Han Majority rules. Ethnic and religious minorities don’t fit into the formula of China.

Works Cited:
Gettys Image
"Tackling China"
"State of Control"
"China says it has uncovered Olympic terror plot"
"China Confirms Protests by Uighur Muslims"

Spiderman hits Hong Kong

Alain Robert, aka the French Spiderman, scaled the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong yesterday. His motive was to bring attention to global warming.
Roberts was detained by Chinese police and hotel security after he reached the top of the 46 story building.

He was not charged and later released. Unlike last year when he was deported from China for scaling its tallest building. Ironically, later that year he was invited back to scale a mountain to attract tourist.

AP Photo
For more info click here

China Reduces Number of Executions

China reduced the number of state executions in 2007 per Amnesty International. Chinese officials attributed the reduction to a revamp of the way capital cases are handled.

However, they still lead the world in executions with a reported 470 cases. This is compared to 1010 in 2006.

The actual number comes into question because “death penalty figures are treated as a state secret in China”. There are at least 60 rules that if broken are punished by death in China.

Survey Says

A recent Zogby Interactive poll presented the following findings of 7,121 American voters and their opinions of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing:

70% - felt the International Olympics Committee was wrong to award the Olympics to China due to the poor human rights record
48% - think US political leaders should boycott the opening ceremonies
31% - believe the US Olympic Committee should boycott the games altogether
23% - believe President Bush should order a US boycott of the games
46% - agree a boycott is appropriate to show the US’s dissatisfaction with China human rights history
71% - believe a boycott would be hypocritical on behalf of the US due to the large amount of imports from China
55% - will avoid buying Chinese products as a response to the crack down by China in Tibet
48% - believe negative stories will go unreported out of fear of retaliation from the Chinese government
94% - believe the Chinese government will try to censor negative stories about China.

Work Cited:
“Zogby: 70% Believe IOC Was Wrong to Award Olympic Games to China”

Another Olympic Terrorist Plot Uncovered

Another plot to use the Olympics as a world platform has been uncovered. This plot appears to be an international terrorist plot as opposed to the domestic plot uncovered earlier this year.

Thirty-five people, who are believed to be members of an organization with ties to the Middle East and Central Asia, were arrested between March 26 and April 6. They were planning to kidnap athletes, journalist, and guests of the Olympics. In addition, explosives and "jihadist" brochures were confiscated.

This follows the turbulent path of the Olympic torch from the start of the relay. Demonstrators, some pro-China and others against China's human rights polices and the handling of the situation in Tibet, continued to disrupt its course as it traveled through San Franscisco yesterday (4/9/08) during its only US stop. It is currently on its way to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Officals vow the relay will continue.

Works cited:
China 'uncovers Olympic terror plot'

Protests Stop Olympic Torch Run

Plagued by numerous demonstrations, the Olympic torch run through Paris has been canceled. Six groups had legal permits to demonstrate along the route. All this comes is light of the Chinese governments handling of the treatment of protesters in Tibet in addition to other human rights issues.

The mayor of Paris permitted a sign saying "Paris City of Human Rights" be hung from city hall.

Reports Without Borders, had threatened they had something "spectacular" planned for the run after they disrupted the lighting ceremony. Other demonstrators attempted to put out the torch with a fire extinguisher.

Works cited:
"Olympic torch hit by protests during Paris leg"

Winter Storm Damage

This is a picture my husband took of a banana trees in Liuzhou. They were damaged in the winter storm which occurred earlier this year. This has been predicted to result in higher prices.

This follows last years rumor that bananas from Hainan Island contained the SARS virus. Previous rumor claimed the same bananas caused cancer.

Unit 2: Lesson 5

First-hand Experience with Factory Workers

From what you read and hear in the media and from what we have studied in this course, the conditions for a worker in China are dire. Instead of focusing on the negative, I wanted to share a more positive experience.

My husband’s company produces office furniture. Their original focus was on office chairs. They mainly use factories in Taiwan for this production. My husband was hired to assist in the development of a case goods (desk, bookshelves, conference tables, etc) line.

His most recent business trip China was from March 18- 28, 2008. The main purpose of his visits is to check the quality of the products.


They use three different factories across China for the productions. This is due to the quantity of merchandise needed. Of the three factories, the plant located in Liuzhou seems to provide the best working conditions. It is a private owned company, but it provides housing with dormitories and food in a cafeteria for its employees. This is a picture of new dorms being built.

In the other picture you can see that uniforms are provided too.

My husband has noted with each trip there is a new piece of equipment in the factory. However, some machines are still out-dated. Most of the work is done by hand. Note that while finishing the furniture they are wearing any safety equipment to protect them from the fumes.

The factories do not have air-conditioning. In some of the other plants they resolve the heat issues of the summer by only having three walls to the plant. This also provides some ventilation from the finishing fumes.

New labor laws went into affect January 1. The new law provides that, “employers cannot make staff to work overtime for three hours a day, and overtime cannot exceed 36 hours per month… employees should be paid double time if they work at weekends.”

Although I feel that this example of working conditions in China is not the norm, let’s hope it is a trend for the future.

Works cited:
China Passes a Sweeping Labor Law
China enacts new labour law amid rising discontent
Workers complain about overtime fix

Bush to Skip Olympics?

Members of the US House have sent a letter to the President asking that he not attend the Olympics in Beijing later this year. This request comes after the recent “suppression” of the Tibetan riots at the hands of the Chinese government. It is in addition to concerns regarding other human right issues in China.

Leaders of France, Germany, and Great Britain have announced they may not attend. The letter sent asks that Bush follow the lead of other leaders.

In the article "House members urge Bush to skip Olympics" the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, Qin Gang, stated, “We hope to enhance mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation with other peoples through the Games. We must follow the purpose of the Olympics and not politicize the games.”

On a different issue regarding the Olympics, my husband said that during his recent visits to China, there are plans to temporarily shut down plants to offset pollution. This is in addition to having the most severe polluters moved outside of Beijing.

He said the news also mentioned something about an element they are going to put in the air to “bring the pollution down to earth” and out of the air. I seriously doubt this is possible and if so they are creating another problem by solving one through pollution of the soil. Not to mention the impact on the people.

Unit 2: Lesson 4

Old meets New in Chinese Rock and Roll

In the interview with Alex, his hopes were for achieving a "meaningful job" in China. His desire to take back his knowledge of computer science is admirable. I'm not sure "rock and roller" fits into the concept of 'meaningful jobs', but it does by the standards of the following two artist. Each has a different generation of young followers.

Cui Jian, "godfather of Chinese Rock and Roll", musical career began as a trumpeter for the Beijing Symphony Orchestra. He has been deemed "China's most prominent musicians" in the article "Cui Jian: China's Rock Rebel". He arrived on the rock scene during the volatile 80's. His song "Nothing to my Name" became the theme song of the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident.

A self described "troublemaker", Cui explains, "That doesn't mean making trouble, it means discovering a new way to solve problems. The biggest problem is that nobody is telling the truth - but rock musicians do."

Cui vows that his music is not politically based, however, his concerts have been cancelled due to "direct expression of political dissent" (Blum/Jenson 294)

With this philosophy, Cui has loudly voiced his dislike of lip syncing. Fans hope that Cui will perform at the 2008 Olympics. Critics say this is unlikely largely due to the fact that the performances are expected to be lip-synced.

In contrast a new band, named 20088, has emerged on the rock scene. It is composed of four seven-year olds. They aspire to play at the opening of the Beijing Olympics.


"Our band's biggest dram is to perform on the Olympic stage and cheer for China," said bass player Li Bochen in the article "Eight-year-old rockers aim for Olympic glory".

Instead of studying for the college exams, these kids pratice their music for four to five hours a day. They began playing at age three.

Both Cui and 20088 are rockers by trade. However, they differ in approach. It seems Cui was more interested in the message of his music. 20088 seems to be interested in self recognition. This seems to reflect the generation divide and the followings they have.


Works Cited in addition to article/books noted:

"Return of the Godfather"
"Rock band 20088 ready for Olympics"

One big "Oops"

The US Defense Department admitted a mistake...a big one by mistake standards. Instead of shipping helicopter batteries to Taiwan, ballistic missiles were sent instead.

The "mistake" happened in 2006 as stated in the article " U.S. says missile parts mistakenly sent to Taiwan"

This raises so many questions: Was it a truly a mistake knowing that the US supports Taiwan and its attempts at a democracy? How can you confuse a missile for a battery? Why did it take so long for the mistake to be admitted? Why didn't the Taiwanese question what they had (surely they didn't try to use it as a battery)? Have the missiles been returned (the article didn't address this issue)?

Thank goodness this information came out after the Taiwanese elections this past weekend!

Chinese Buzz Words

In the papers in China there is a section for buzz words. The following are a few my husband noted:

"bangmangpai” refers to unfair competition where small company names their products close to famous brand name products to mislead customers

“sanpai gongcheng” stands for three-pat project, referring to a project launched with little feasibility study and often ending in disaster.

“Three-pat” stands for people patting their head to make a decision; patting their chest to make an empty promise; and then patting the dust off their bottoms as they leave the disastrous project behind them.

“baikaishui nusheng” means “plain water girl” and refers to young women who are shy in front of strangers – likens them to plain water.

I really thought he was kidding when he first sent these to me, but I confirmed with him they are real.

Husband in Hong Kong

The following is a combination of emails from my husband who is currently in China.

Alan heads up one of our factories. He is from Beijing originally, but went to college in Wisconsin and worked in Office Depot Global Sourcing in Boca Raton. He returned to China and setup a furniture factory with a friend named Simon Chan who has a wealthy uncle. The company is actually a Hong Kong company - -but factories are on mainland China (Shenzen area).

Alan told us yesterday that 7,000 factories in southern China went out of business in 4th Quarter 2007 because of the currency change (dollar vs. China’s RMB). They anticipate even more bankruptcies in 2008. This will continue. Prices to US companies (and any country) will continue to rise throughout the year.

Understand the changes in currency exchange rate took place over a couple months and eliminated about 10% of the factories’ profits. Government instituted several more programs that are hurting factories:

- eliminated 4% of export holdback return in 2007…effectively a 4% tax on all export business

- forcing companies to pay/fund social security like program…good program, but costly

- new laws requiring overtime pay, weekend pay….costing factories more money

At the same time, raw material prices are escalating like crazy worldwide. Anything petroleum-based (plastics, synthetics such as foam and fabric) are way up due to oil prices up. Steel prices have gone through the roof everywhere. I heard a report on CNN saying that if you want something made of steel buy it now, don’t wait, in 6-8 months because the price will be way up then.

Additionally, China is consuming so many raw materials that the demand is very high. Shrewd material suppliers know they can increase Chinese companies prices and since the demand is so high, the companies will have to pay it. That, in turn, is going to drive up prices around the world (all countries) on anything produced in China. We call that ‘inflation’. And that is a dirty word.

Taiwan Tensions

US Carriers have been sent to the Taiwan Straits for "training exercises" this week. This ironically coincides with the Taiwanese elections to be held this weekend.

The USS Kitty Hawk is no stranger to this area. It has been sent to this area before during elections to discourage any Chinese military retaliations. The ship is actually on its way home for decommissioning.

A defense official was quoted in the article "US Carriers sent toward Taiwan before Election" as saying "We feel we are responsibly positioned at this time". He went on to say that the ships could "respond if there's a provocative situation".

With both candidates up for election promising better ties with China, let's hope no action is required.

Unit 2: Lesson 3

Whether the world likes it or agrees with the fact, China has a major role on the world stage.

A recent survey conducted by the Gallup and TNS Emnid in 2006 focused on the “World Powers in the 21st Century” found that 70% of Chinese respondents felt China would a world power by 2020. Forty-four percent of the respondents feel China is already a world power.

Of the total respondents from Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, 45% feel China has already achieved world power status. The surveys also showed the most important characteristics of a world power are considered “economic power” and “potential for growth”. This easily describes China.

A third of both the US and Chinese respondents listed “military power” as a key ingredient of the world power mix. The two countries have recently “connected” so to speak with a military hotline reminiscent of the Cold War.

“The Chinese military is developing impressive capabilities. We are watching carefully,” Admiral Timothy Keating, Commander of the US forces in the Pacific was quoted in the article “US Hopes for Transparency with China’s Military”.

Keating was recently “escorted” around China by China’s top military officials. This allowed Keating to meet with Chinese generals

As discussed in the article, “China’s ‘Peaceful Rise’ to Great-Power Status”, China has achieved amazing economic numbers since the Open Door Policy. Its annual GDP has average 9.4% since 1978. This remarkable economic growth has also developed a huge gap between the rich and the poor.

“Despite widespread fears about China’s growing economic clout and political stature, Beijing remains committed to a ‘peaceful rise’; brining its people out of poverty by embracing economic globalization and improving relations with the rest of the world”, summarizes author Zheng Bijian.

I personally have mixed feeling with whether China deserves world power status. Although they are a formidable economic power outside of China, internally the divide has the making of civil unrest. This combined with environmental and human rights issues need to be politically addressed. China needs to fix the internal problems before their focus can turn to the bigger stage and earn then the title of world power.

More Emails from the East

My husband is currently in China on business. He had been warned that his gmail account may not work due to the fact that the Chinese government "held up transmissions" because the Google website had shown pictures of the recent Chinese military action in Tibet.

However, once he got to his hotel he was able to login after a long delay. You have to wonder how much is heresay and/or mind games.

Timely Topics

"Windhorse" will be shown on March 19th at 6:30pm in the Multicultural Resource Center of EUC on the UNCG campus. This film shows the struggle of three young Tibetans at the hands of the Chinese government.

This will be followed by a presentation (held March 20th at 3:30pm in the Kirkland Room of EUC) by Dr. Alexandra Schultheis on her research project, "Songs and Sentences of the Drapchi 14". It focuses on the fate of the fourteen Tibetan Buddhist nuns imprisoned for taping songs that support Tibetan independence.

For more information see UNCG University News.

Revisiting the Past

In a scene that seems reminiscent of the past secret police of Taiwan, Chinese police are reportedly going door to to door in search of people of 
Tibet who have participated in recent protest.  The protesters are seeking 
autonomy from China.

Tibetan exile government reports 80 deaths as a result of the protesters conflict with the Chinese militia.  China reports only 10 deaths during the violence.

The exiled leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, has labeled the conflict "cultural genocide".

For more information see "Dalai Lama: China causing 'cultural genocide'"

Ancient Chinese Remedy - Toad Venom

Western doctor's are researching an interesting alternative accepted by Chinese medicine for years. Dr. Lorenzo Cohen, using a US back grant, has traveled to Shanghai to study the affects of toad venom on cancer patients through a clinical trial.

A cancer patient featured during the ABC Nightly News on March 10th has seen a 15% reduction in his cancer tumor with the toad venom treatment.

Final results will not be available for several years. Cohen states, "I think it is very important that the world, as a whole, is starting to expand and look at indigenous medicine".

(AP photo shown)

Movie for Spring Break

FYI - MALS 610! Manufactured Landscapes will be shown on March 13 at 6:30pm in the Weatherspoon Art Gallery of UNCG. The documentary focuses on the environmental affect of China's pollution.

It is free and open to the public.

(For more information see UNCG Sustainability)

Cyber Warfare

CNN announced that a group of Chinese cyber hackers gained access to the Pentagon. This report is unconfirmed. However, the Pentagon did report "computer networks" in the US and other countries were compromised last year.

The Chinese hackers claim to be secretly on the Beijing payroll for their services. Beijing emphatically denies this claim.

James Mulvenon with the Center for Intelligence Research and Analysis labeled the hackers "useful idiots for the Beijing regime". He stated they are allowed to continue cyber attacks as long as they are on other countries and not China.

(For more information see "Chinese Hackers: No Site is Safe")

Conflict of Interests

I have noted two conflicting articles from CNN about China. The first article came out last week entitled "Chinese whispers turn hot and heavy". It was about "no-tell motels". These motels are strategically located near the Beijing university districts. Due to the fact dorm rooms may house six or more students, these motels offer privacy for couples. This has helped contribute to an increase in pre-marital sex by 15% since 1989.

The other article, "China to keep one-child policy" came out a week later. The law prohibiting urban citizens from having more than one child will be extended ten years. The law is more flexible for members of the rural communities. It is estimated over the past thirty years this has resulted in the "prevention" of 400 million births.

Olympic Target

China announced today they uncovered a terrorist plot targeting the Summer Olympics. The government officals cited "three evil forces" comprised of terrorists, separatists and extremists in the article "Report: China thwarts terrorist attacks"

China cited a separtist group in northwest China, who are against the government of Beijing, as one of the domestic terrorist plotting an attack. This just re-emphasizes my fear of the Olympics being used as a platform to make a point to the world.

Sticker Shock

It seems the Chinese can't get past the sticker shock of the price tags on hybrid cars. This is partly due to the tariffs implemented on parts for such versions at the Prius.

Gas prices in China have risen by 9% (but are still 18% less than the US). And through our readings we know that China has the ranking of worst air and water quality. It seems that these factors should increase an interest in hybrids.

Attempts are still being made by China. GM will produce a hybrid in China. Hybrid taxis will be used for the Beijing Olympics.

As a Prius owner, you have to look past the original cost and look to a future of lower emissions and less use of gas.

(See the BusinessWeek article "Rough Road for Hybrids in China" for more information)

Unit 2: Lesson 1

Being "Green" is and issue near and dear to me, therefore it was hard to only choose one article for this assignment. The first article I chose was due to the picture near Dameisha Beach. A friend took this picture at the first of the year. Note the hazy in the air.

In addition to the poor air quality, this beach suffers from poor water conditions. But it is not from industrial pollution. It is from simply bad hygiene. This beach is open to the public, whereas other beaches charge for access.

When it comes to pollution of water at the hands of industry, China is attempting to take a stronger stance, as found in the article "China plans to raise fine on water polluters". The State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) planned to "significant raise fines" on such pollution. But on the flipside they lifted maximum fines for "accidents".

In the article "China's energy policies 'do not tackle climate change'" the Chinese government has "set an ambitious target to reduce energy". Yet, China recently surpassed the US in the emissions of carbon dioxide. It houses sixteen of the twenty most polluted cities in the world.

China has formed the National Coordination Committtee on Climate Change. Unfortunately it appears, as does the (SEPA), to be agencies with no real clout.

Bogged down in Beijing politics, there is no real substance behind the initiatives taken. The government has pledged to reduce emissions, but instead they have steadily increased in double digits over recent years. Minimal fines are easier to pay than addressing the issue at hand.

It comes to an issue of environment over economy, a comprise China does not seem to want to take. "Climate change is a cross-secctoral issue, but China considers it mainly as an economic issue."

Although recognizing a problem is the first step to addressing it, it appears to me that China is all talk and no real action.

The Irony of China and the Environment

Turning our attention to the environmental issues of China this week, it struck me as odd that country where Feng Shui originated has let the environment fall into such polluted conditions. The core of Feng Shui is based harmony found in nature.

Feng Shui originated approximately 3000 years ago in China. Its original focus was on the placement of graves. Proper placement would bring relatives prosperity.

Its use has now transcended to even the decor of a McDonald's in California.

The flow of "chi" is the driving force of Feng Shui. As long as the "chi" is allowed to flow and in the proper direction, things are good.

It appears in the environmental struggles of China they have lost site of the basic principles of Feng Shui.

A Global Invite

The top ten reasons to visit Hong Kong were listed in the recent AAA Go Magazine.



They include ferries, shopping, scenic views, spas, a floating village, hiking, dining, temples, beaches and celebrations. It is hard to refuse the suggestion of such a well recognized organization as AAA. I say a field trip is in order for MLS 610!

Good for the Goose, Not for the Gander

China accused the US of not 'practicing what they preach'. This came in repsonse to today's shooting down of a spy satetllite that was no longer functioning by the US.

But just a year ago, when China shot down one of their own weather satellites, the US codemned it saying "China's testing of such weapons is inconsistent with the spirit of cooperation that both countries aspire to in the civil space area," per White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe.

The US justified their actions in stating the satellite posed a hazard to the earth's atmosphere and potentially people. In contrast, the destruction of the Chinese satellite resulted in a cloud of "space junk", which could have damaged other orbiting satellites.

Is this a matter of double standards or a justifiable excuse on behalf of the environment? (For more information on this topic see, "China accuses US of double standards over satellite strike")

Global Examples

The following images were taken by 40West, an American photography studio owned by Bill Thomas, with branch locations in China and Vietnam. These images were taken in the Dongguan studio in China.



(See earlier blog entry "Emails from the East" for more details on 40West)

Unit 1: Lesson 6

The globalization of China, as we have read in the works of Gittings and Shirk, has been a long and arduous process. But once the economic 'doors were opened' through Deng's economic reform, the Chinese economy has boomed, "having set a world record of 10% annual growth for more than two decades". (Shirk p 131)

But too much growth too quickly in a global market doesn't come without a price for someone as found in the article "China's Inflation Hits American Price Tags".

As the article states, "China latest export is inflation". Of the major Chinese imports to America (80% of toys, 85% of footwear, and 40% of clothing) cost have risen over the past eight months. Ironically this coincides closely to discovery of tainted dog food, toys, and other items. Could this be the price of quality control?

Americans could experience as much as a 10% increase on popular imports. "In the long term, higher costs in China could spell the end of an ear of ultra-cheap goods, as well as the beginning of China's rise from the lowest rungs of global manufacturing", the article states.

The question China faces is whether foreign consumers will pay the higher prices or look to other markets. Chinese factory owner are even looking to relocate to other areas to help reduce cost.

My husband's company imports office furniture from China. Due to increases in prices, quality issues, and the working conditions of the factories, they have already begun to look to Thailand as an alternative resource. There they have found improved working conditions over the Chinese factories.

Beijing still controls the future of China. In recent months they have changed tax rebates, imposed new labor laws and enforced environmental regulations. Could this be in response to the fact they are hosting the Olympics this year and feel a need to put on a "good face" for the world?

Again it appears that China is walking a fine line between success and failure on the global stage.

Chinese choose cars over bikes

As reported on NBC Nightly News on February 17, 2008, China is faced with a growing population of novice vehicle drivers. With a strong economy, more people have been able to park their bikes and purchase a vehicle. The car industry has grown by 20% in recently years.

Traffic school is now required for new drivers. Other drivers grandfathered under the new rule are being taught proper driving etiquette through a weekly televised driving school.

Three rules that new drivers must follow as quoted by reporter Mark Muellen are:
1. No elbow on rolled down car windows
2. No spitting out the windows
3. Do not wear slippers (during the summer) while driving

As crazy as these rules may sound, driving deaths are down by 10%. This is no small feat with 2000 new vehicles a day being added to a "Chinese sized traffic jam."

(NBC Nightly News, Road Rules)

The Great Wall of China Walk against Cancer

The Great Wall of China Walk is a funding raising event being spearheaded by singer/actress Olivia Newton-John. The money raised will go toward the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Center in Melbourne, Australia.

Newton-John, a 15 year survivor of breast cancer, will make the million step walk with other celebrities, politicians, and former Olympians. Chinese business leaders are also slated to participate.

Newton-John intends to use China the the Olympics as her global platform. “This is an opportunity to contribute something really significant to the global fight against all cancers,” says Newton-John.

The walk, which is 621 miles long, is schedulded to begin in April and conclude in Beijing in time for the opening celebrations of the Olympic games. The Great Wall is actually 4,163 miles long, but parts are in such disrepair they are impassable.

I don't really understand why some of the funds raised won't be staying in China. But at least the event will bring more awareness of cancer to the Chinese people and the world.

(Click here for more information on the event)

Exporting Women - What was Mao Thinking?

The Associated Press is reporting that Mao Zedong, during 1973 trade negotiations, offered Chinese women to US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. This was noted in recently released historical documents.

Mao complained that China had an "excess of women" and that "they give birth to children and our children are too many".

What a bizarre export offer! Was he really serious? Let's hope not!!! But it does keep with the theme I have noted of China doing what is best for China at the expense of the people.

("Mao offered US 10 million women"- CNN.com. Photo by AP Press)

Shanghai Skyline

"US visitors looked at the skyline and enthused that Shanghai had become 'China's Manhattan'" (Gittings p255)

Recent photo by Bill Thomas...see "Emails from the East" blog entry.

Western Influence: Not Always a Good One

I saw a report on NBC Nightly News on February 10, 2008 that reported a not so positive influence the West is having on China. It seems with the growing limitations and restrictions of smoking in America, the tobacco companies are targeting other countries. Not surprisingly, with their huge population, China has been targeted.

China now makes up one-third of the total population of the smokers of the world. A reported 350 million Chinese now smoke.

The report attributed the outstanding numbers to a good economy. The Chinese people have extra money to spend on cigarettes. It has also become socially popular with the younger generation including women.

Beijing will implement a "NO SMOKING" indoors policy in May. This is attributed to them being the host city to the 2008 Summer Olympics.

As with most things, the tobacco industry in China is run by the government. It is a $30 billion industry. But with 5 million Chinese dying every year, the reporter ended the segment by questioning whether the profit will continue to exceed the health cost. Unfortunately, sometimes Western influences are not always positive ones.

An Olympic Challenge

As we have seen in the readings of Gittings this week, the issue of democracy came to the forefront with the events of Tiananmen Square in 1989. The quiet rumblings grew into a peaceful (on behalf of the students) demonstration in the name of democracy. The unfortunate ending of suppression was a violent one at the hands of the government. One positive result of the massacre was the fact it brought the challenges of the Chinese people to the attention of the world.

These challenges may again gain national attention. With Beijing hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics, the question of democracy will be an added subplot. The government has already attempted to put on a good face by trying to improve the conditions of its workers with adjustments in over-time pay policies and social security in their favor.

The article "Whether at home or abroad, China is silent on matters of democracy" shows how the people of China are being conditioned to distance the issue of democracy from the games of the Olympics. Arrests (the classic form of Chinese political censorship) are still being made in attempts to suppress using the Olympics as a platform for democracy. Ironically the arrests may give a louder voice to their cause with the ears of the world listening.

Business in Modern China: Emails from the East

Bill Thomas is the owner of 40West. He has studios in the US, China, and Vietnam. He is currently working at his China studio. This photo is of the West Lakes in Hangzhou, which reminds him of home on Smith Mountain Lake.

He responded to my questions via email.

Describe your business in America:
Marketing Communications... we provide creative services, photography, branding strategies and video production. We seem to be best suited for clients who want something different.... a different look, a different method to communicate the message, a different message.

Where are your studios located?
Dongguan (city) in the Guangdong Province in China. One in Vietnam, but we want a presence in Shanghai, and possibly Hangzhou (that's why I have been there several times)

What were the motivating factors which lead you to open a studio in China?
The mass exodus of manufacturers (specifically in the furniture industry) who were coming here.

What challenges were you faced with in China that you did not experience in the US or did not expect?
Our name (40West) was a problem. The pronunciation of the number "4" is similar to the word for death... big problem. From what I hear, it is not as big an issue now, as it used to be. (I find this to be very interesting consider how the number four is repeated through Chinese history: 4 olds, Gang of Four, 4 Modernizations.) I think it only has to with the sound relationship to "death". As I noted, though, I have not heard or seen any reactions to our logo, and all the buildings I go in have a 4th floor.

The biggest issue by far is the language barrier. Unlike 'romance' languages like Spanish, Italian or Portuguese you can't get any sounds that might help you figure out what is being said. With writing, there are 2,000 characters, instead of 26 letters. They do have a written system using western letters, but it seems to be hard for people from different provinces to understand. (Bill’s office manager is named “Lucy” serves to bridge the communication gap.)

Were you faced with any political hurdles in China?
Everyone is very accommodating, but the paperwork issues and procedures for getting registered are taking time.

During your time in China, do you see past influences on the present day?
Oh yes, I call it the two faces of China. One very modern and forward thinking, and one still trying to break out of the last 40 years.

It really depends on where you are. You will see many historical influences in northern China (cities like Shanghai , Beijing, Hangzhou).

But in the south (Guangdong Provence) everything is new. When I came here 5 years ago, Dongguan (city in Guangdong) was just a small town with one main road. Now it's a city of 10 million, that you can drive for an hour (on a freeway) and still be within the city limits.

What are some of the major differences you see in Chinese and American culture? Business?
The food namely. They eat many vegetables, and several items that we in the west would not expect... or try. I have found, that if you try something and like it... don't ask what it is.

The Culture is very fun loving, closely knit society. It is not unusual for parents to come and live with the children when they get old. Their society is very young too. When I am in the cities, the average age is probably 25.... you just don't see many people over 40 (like US cities)

Business is very different. The blend of communism and capitalism is formidable. They don't discuss and debate what they want to do... they do it. They also are geared for large production volumes. They do not seem interested in short run, small orders. In addition, the labor pool changes the dynamic here incredibly. They will throw 1,000 workers at a project before they would ever consider buying expensive equipment

Anything else relevant to Modern China?
You may want to read "China Inc" by Ted Fishman, I believe. He did his homework, and was right on. I read it while I was here, getting adjusted and it was amazing.

I would say that I see a real sense of nationalism here. They are growing rapidly and have the world's attention. They firmly believe they will lead the world into the 21st century. The Olympics are a big feather in that cap, and I am sure they will be incredible.

One last thing, it is incredible how much they like our culture. People will come up to me and practice English with me. McDonalds is a huge hit here (and KFC) and it's the only place I know where you can find someone under the age of forty driving a Buick (GM has a big Buick plant in Shanghai).

Many thanks to Bill Thomas for the interview and the photo provided.

Democracy Wall Original Blog Site?

This November will mark the 30th anniversary of the Democracy Wall Movement. The Wall became a source of postings challenging/criticizing the government. The first post was by Wei Jingsheng through his offering of the “Fifth Modernization”.

Wei’s posting was in response to the Four Modernizations. As proposed as the goals of Deng Xiaoping they included: agriculture, industry, science and technology, and national defense. Wei felt the fifth element of democracy should be included.

One has to wonder if Wei was the original blogger? Similar to a blog site, the wall was a place for free expression. Maybe it is the fact I am new to blogging, but I found the similarity to be amusing.

Although the original Wall was “closed” after only a year, other ‘walls’ still exist (as seen in the photo) and are used for job information

[photo: Cao Zhongzhi taken at 1:30pm on January 21, 2005 from EastSouthWestNorth.com]

Holiday Travel Hampered

Holiday travel has already begun for the Chinese New Year celebration, which officially begins February 7 and ends on February 15, 2008. It is estimated that over 18 million people will travel over the holiday during what has been labeled "the biggest mass migration on the planet". Holiday celebrations may last for several weeks around the actual dates.

Unusual large amounts of snow and cold temperatures have hampered travel leaving as many as 100,000 people stranded. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has ordered Chinese officials to go into “Anti-Disaster” mode and help with snow removal as seen in this Getty Images from an article from the BBC entitled “Snow hampers China New Year plans”.

The climate of China is very similar to that of North Carolina. Their seasons coincide with ours as well as their temperatures.

The holiday affects factory production for up to three weeks under normal conditions. It will be interesting to see how the added weather obstacles affect their schedule.

(Information from ABC Nightly News, January 28, 2008)

The Mao of Today

As I have mentioned before, the company my husband works for imports it products from China. Their original business centered around office chairs.

My husband was hired in 2005 by the company to develop a line of case goods which consist of desk, bookshelves, credenzas, conference tables, etc. His first trip to China followed shortly after he was hired.

His trip was orchestrated by "Grant", a Chinese business liaison. He could be considered the modern day "the Cohong merchant". He made all the hotel reservation and planned all the meetings with the potential factories.

The first factory he went to was run by "Ricky", whose wife's name ironically is "Lucy". These are the American names the factory owner and his wife had chosen to use when doing business with people from the West.

"Ricky" presented my husband with this statue of Mao, a not so subtle means of showing his political loyalty. "Ricky" also owns a restaurant called "Chairman Mao". The legend of Mao is obviously alive and well in the China of today.

Unit 1: Lesson 2

Could the Cultural Revolution happen again in China? Possible, but let’s hope not!

It is my hope that with the unusual development of a “middle class” in China may help prevent that possibility. Prior to current day, it seems China was comprised of the have and the have not, a scenario that did lot provide for a middle class.

It seems that the developing middle class of China, comprised of homeowners and young professional, are starting to become more vocal in their disapproval through a “quiet, meticulous revolt” (“Shanghai's Middle Class Launches Quiet, Meticulous Revolt”, published in the Washington Post) of some of the plans of the Communist Party. They have resisted the expansion of a high-speed train in Shanghai due to the noise impact it would have on the area in which they live.

A group residents in Xiamen preceded the Shanghai middle class in their actions. The Xiamen middle class rejected the development of a chemical plant based on the environmental impact the plant would have.

Both groups have won small victories in disrupting the Party’s Plan throught educate research and pleading their case. As long as the people of China, namely the middle class, are willing to challenge the government on a foundation of knowledge and peaceful demonstrations, history should not repeat itself. Let's only hope that these revolts remain quiet, but affective and do not follow the violent path of the Cultural Revolution as designed by Mao.

Unit 1: Lesson 1

It appears to me that the 19th and 20th mind state of China was all about China being self-sufficient. There was no need for the Western way of life (or any other outside influence) to affect any part of Chinese life. That appears to hold true today in an article I found on Independent.co.uk.

In the article entitled “China’s growth hits 11.4% but price rises cause alarm” it appear that China continues to have no regard for the West. Their growth is predicted to go unaffected by looming threat of a recession in our country. Jonathan Anderson, a market economist, goes so far as to say “China will still be well insulated at home in a US recession scenario”.

Holding true to the their old beliefs, I feel China is a bit delusional on the impact the American economy will have on their own. The overwhelming number of exports from their country to ours (should we truly end up in a recession) will be greatly affected and in turn affect China. Although still defiant at the need to rely on others, in our current world they may have no choice.

Not so New

Well, maybe Wu Ping's resistance concept is not such a new idea in China. In reading this week's lesson, from The Changing Face of China, Gittings mentions a group of peasants that resisted an airfield development.  With a barrier of children, women, and young men the peasants forced the hand of the developers.  Instead of simply being asked to leave, they were relocated.  This sounds similar to Ping's neighbors being given new homes or compensation.  

Mao described this a "win" for the peasants although in the end they were still displaced and the airfield built.  It seems that Mao attempted to turn any situation into a positive for the Party regardless of the truth.

At least Ping remains defiant and by so doing has prompted change.  The "hold-out" concept may be the same, but the end results are drastically different...marking the slow but positive change.

Defying Developers

Wu Ping is defying the developers.  She has refused to sell her property to a developer.  Her property is located in Chongqing.

Her battle has been ongoing since 2004. The other  280 owners in the area received either a new home or money for their property.  She is the last holdout.

Chinese media refers to her at "the stubborn nail".  She has become a national celebrity through her defiance.

Her defiance has brought to light the unjust mean which developers implement to acquire property.  It has prompted Chinese parliament reform.

I find the picture (from BBC News) to be entertaining and awe inspiring.

My Name

The image I have posted is my name "Angie" in Chinese. My husband brought this to me after one of his trips. It is amazing to me how beautiful the Chinese written word is...artwork in itself.

Welcome

Hi All! I'm new to "blogging" as if you can't tell. I am also new to the MALS program and online classes. Please forgive any "newbie" mistakes I may make.

My interest in this course came about largely due to my husband's business. He works for an importer of office furniture. He makes frequent trips to China.

My goal is to better understand his business as well as hopefully teach him a thing or two in the process.