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]