“An American Perspective on Reporting From China”

Project Pengyou, a nonprofit organization of President Obama’s 100,000 Strong Initiative that seeks to build a community and connect Americans who have lived and studied in China, recently co-hosted an event with NorCap China Internships featuring Evan Osnos, China Correspondent for The New Yorker Magazine and Advisor to NorCap (check out his blog, Letter from China).

Evan sat down with Bailey and Holly, Executive Director of Project Pengyou, to talk about his experiences living in Beijing and how he approaches the ever-so difficult task of writing about a country that, as he noted in the recent This American Life episode, has simultaneously doubled the income of the average citizen in 12 years (a process that took 50 years in America) while 150 million of its people (equivalent of half the population of the United States) still live on $1 a day.

NorCap and Project Pengyou both believe in the power of people-to-people relations to build a future generation of global-minded leaders who understand the importance of the US-China relationship. We look forward to partnering and collaborating again as to enhance our mutual goal of supporting more Americans in their exploration of China.

Group Shot in the Project Pengyou courtyard

Holly Chang of Project Pengyou, Evan Osnos of The New Yorker, and Bailey Carroll of NorCap China Internships

NorCap Intern Sebastian smiles for a picture

NorCap and Project Pengyou intern, Lu Li

By NorCap Campus Rep Justin Fang (University of Michigan)

A few years ago, as my friends and I were having lunch at school, one of my friends pointed to a pile of dirt and cracked a stupid joke saying: “Look it’s China!” Despite how insulting the joke may have been, my friends and I still laughed just because of how lame it was.

From what I see in the media, and hear in some of my friends’ occasional jokes, I think that a lot of people have misconceptions about China.  When China is brought up, I have noticed that some people think of a dirty and overpopulated country of people speaking funny languages. Of course China has areas which it could improve upon; nonetheless, I believe China deserves more credit than it is given.  China’s economy has enjoyed extremely fast growth over the last few decades and the country has become a huge powerhouse producing countless numbers of goods that are used all around the world.  I think one of the reasons for this fast growth is that the Chinese people generally put a very high value on education. Rigorous education results in an incredibly capable population.  Increasing amounts of superb athletes and thinkers have originated from this supposedly “dirty” country.

However, one of the aspects of China that I am not proud of is their methods of training and teaching.  For example, a few years ago during the Olympics, there was a big controversy about the young, female Chinese gymnasts.  People admitted that the athlete’s abilities were spectacular, especially considering how young they were, but they also questioned the extent to which they were being pressured to win an Olympic Gold Medal.  It is sad to think about how hard those little girls were being pushed during practices especially when they probably wanted to do something else with their lives but had no choice.

Despite what people think and say about China, I believe it is still an extremely influential country.  Imagine what our lives would be like without it.  I am and will always be proud to say I am Chinese.

From left to right:

1. Taking the cable car to the top of the Great Wall. The cost is 45 RMB (about $7) but a valid student ID will get you a discount for 25 RMB (about $4).

2. The Great Wall Mutianyu is one of the best preserved sections of the Great Wall. Its pathways are generally easy to walk on, but every so often you’ll come across a stretch of (very) steep stairways that kept the hike challenging and fun.

3. Looking through one of the peepholes in the wall.

Scenic views of the Great Wall of China

From left to right:

1. Lauren and Sean holding the Chinese flag with the Great Wall stretching out in the background.

2. One of the reasons the Great Wall at Mutianyu is a popular site is undoubtedly because tobogganing is a great way to make your way down. The cost is 40 RMB (about $6) and the ride down takes around 4 minutes, depending on how fast you go of course.

By NorCap Campus Rep, Austin Lowe (Columbia University)

Why China’s Political Model is Superior – The New York Times

This article by Chinese venture capitalist Eric X. Li, published as a New York Times op-ed piece about two months ago, caused me to reflect more on the present day reality of communism in China. Though the CCP is communist in name, political ideology in China has evolved from Mao Zedong Thought, to socialism with Chinese characteristics, to an increasing tendency towards neoliberalism. Does the CCP really continue to propagate the tenets of Mao Zedong Thought, or is it merely a nominally communist organization?

Li’s article essentially argues that the Chinese government values utility over principle, rendering all the components of the Party’s founding ideology obsolete. In his opinion, China sees its form of government as “a means to achieving larger national ends.” This is a stark departure from the China of the Mao Era, when ideology was given primacy over economic pragmatism.

Admittedly, though, the words and actions of some CCP leaders began to evoke these sentiments of utilitarianism and political pragmatism even before the death of Mao in 1976. In 1961, at the end of the Great Leap Forward, Deng Xiaoping famously said, “I don’t care if it is a white cat or a black cat. It is a good cat as long as it catches mice.” This quote reflects the beginnings of Deng’s pragmatism in modern China, a pragmatism that Eric Li believes now forms the basis for contemporary Chinese politics.

Still, I think Li’s claim that anything “conducive to economic development and favorable to the country’s national interests” falls under the umbrella of the CCP’s interests is exaggerated. Li’s argument is founded upon the notion that
no individual citizen has inalienable rights, which he considers “faith-based ideological hubris.” Though political ideology in China today certainly plays less of a role than it did a few decades ago, current trends in China show that the Chinese people are not willing to accept economic growth as the sole standard of legitimate authority.

The emergence of the New Left in China is a reaction to the economic inequality characteristic of the China’s developing market economy. Unwilling to accept the current increasing income gaps between the rural and urban areas, the New Left intellectuals seek an alternative to neoliberalism. They still see the CCP as the legitimate authority, but are calling on the Party to reduce market reforms and return to more socialist political and economic policies reminiscent of the Mao era. Though I understand where Li’s argument is coming from, I think he should take a closer look at the ways in which political ideology still plays a significant role in contemporary Chinese politics.

By Sean Kwon, NorCap Staff Intern

Power and wealth are two things that typically come alongside the hereditary title of being a “Princeling” in China. Princeling is a term used to describe the descendants of the influential communist party elite. Many of these princelings enjoy extravagant lifestyles, driving luxury cars, talking business over cigars at exclusive clubs, and purchasing multi-million dollar mansions on the harbor fronts of Australia. However, Vice-President Xi Jinping is quite different than these princelings, and much is due to the time he spent in the countryside during his youth.

Xi Jinping is the son of Xi Zhongxun, a communist revolutionary hero and a deputy prime minister, considered to be a member of the first generation of Chinese leadership. Despite his current title as the Vice-President of China, Xi Jinping has had a long and hard journey to get to where he is now. In 1962, Xi Zhongxun was accused of being disloyal to the party and was thus purged from the CCP and sent to prison. Then, during the Cultural Revolution and at the age of 15, Xi Jinping was sent to live in one of China’s poorest regions, the village of Liangjiahe, in Shaanxi province. He lived in shacks with dirt floors, was assigned hard physical labor, and faced much hardship.

As Xi Jinping grew up, he shunned a flamboyant lifestyle, choosing windbreakers and the bus over western suits and private cars. He ate simple foods like dumplings and noodles with pork, and would play tennis with his friends at a local school courts instead of the ones located in private government guesthouses. His daughter, who is currently studying at Harvard, is living a low-key life under a different name.

Xi Jinping has a deep understanding of rural life in China. That he has climbed to the top of China’s political structure from ground zero may be one of the primary reasons he is forecasted to become China’s next leader.

For further information and sources, please see:
Xi Jinping: Cave Dweller or Princeling? – BBC
A Princeling of the People – The Daily Beast
Children of the Revolution - The Wall Street Journal
A Pragmatic Princeling Next In Line to Lead China – NPR

By Sean Kwon, NorCap Staff Intern

The morning after I was discharged from my 2-year mandatory military service in South Korea, I took the first flight to Beijing, China. I did so to fulfill a goal I had made while in the military: improve my Chinese skills. I was determined to study the most widely spoken language in the world.

Classes began mid-February at Tsinghua University, which is one of China’s top ranking universities and offers an intensive Chinese language program for foreigners. The program’s 18 week curriculum includes classes in speaking, reading, comprehensive Chinese grammar, writing, pronunciation, discussion groups, and more. Depending on each student’s level of Chinese, the program also offers elective classes such as Chinese calligraphy, Chinese painting, Chinese songs, and martial arts classes.

My favorite class was the speaking class, as improving my conversation skills is most important and relevant to my life here, and I enjoyed interacting with the other students and teachers. Speaking class consisted of groups of 3 to 4 people creating dialogues about current events, social trends, or anything of particular interest. The teacher was very helpful in correcting our pronunciation, and I came to find the challenge of perfecting my tones as one of the more fun and challenging parts of studying the Chinese language.

I also loved how diverse my class was. It was like a conference straight out of the U.N., with classmates hailing from South Africa, Italy, Kazakhstan, Australia, Japan, South Korea, England, and the U.S. It was clear China’s increasing influence as a global player was attracting students from around the world, not just Americans.

I only took the program for one semester, but it was a very rewarding and memorable experience. The program not only offered me the opportunity to improve my Chinese, but more importantly, allowed me to meet so many people from all parts of the world and learn how and why they ended up in Beijing.

Rachel Wang | Bentley University Campus Rep

I recently read an article by Bradley Gardner, writer for the online magazine Reason.com, called “China’s Black Market City”. I picked up this article for an assignment in my managerial communications class, which has been focusing a lot on the rise of China. Not only are their biggest industrial cities (i.e. Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong) surpassing so many of the world’s previous economic powers, but the smaller rural cities, specifically Wenzhou, have also been emulating their thirst for productivity.

The formerly poor and rural Wenzhou is a prime example of how aggressive business tactics and relatively loose government control have given birth to one of China’s newest wealthy cities. New and energetic entrepreneurial minds have been taking advantage of passive government control, and recently, many small businesses have emerged throughout the city. Interestingly enough, statistics have shown that the majority of entrepreneurs in Wenzhou have less than eight years of formal schooling, but even with this low education level, these entrepreneurs have built an economically booming city that has become a primary source of China’s exports and is drawing millions of migrants from other cities and even other provinces who are eager to reap the rewards of Wenzhou’s innovative minds. The city is now filled with investment firms and venture capitalists looking for the next infrastructure project to be a part of.

One of the biggest contributing factors to Wenzhou’s recent success is the emergence of a unique so-called “secondary banking system”. China’s financial sector has historically been very rigid when dealing with small private firms due to the fact that big banks are reluctant to invest in those companies with bad credit history. Fortunately enough, this “secondary banking system “ was created by individuals who had the capital to stimulate the economy by lending to friends and family. This continuous cycle has established a tight-knit community in which every member is given the opportunity to innovate and start something new. However, as Wenzhou’s citizens become increasingly affluent it is easier for them to conduct business under China’s official financial system and rely less on this “secondary banking system”.

As China grows, its people have begun to travel abroad in order to pump revenue back into the Chinese economy. This phenomenon is occurring all over Europe, but specifically in Prato, Italy. Prato has seen a sudden and exponential increase in Chinese residents, leading to about 40% of local businesses in the area belonging to the Wenzhounese. The Italians’ business tactics differ greatly from those used by the Chinese, but they have been appreciative of the capital and revitalized industries the Chinese brought with them. Developing neighboring cities have been looking to Wenzhou’s productivity as both a resource and a source of inspiration. Witnessing this growth and sudden surge of energy coming from Chinese citizens makes connecting and establishing a relationship with this rising power more important than ever.

For more information and the article by Bradley Gardner go to:

http://reason.com/archives/2011/11/15/chinas-black-market-city/singlepage

By Sean Kwon, NorCap Staff Intern

Third Culture Kid — Definition: “A person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents’ culture. The TCK builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture are assimilated into the TCK’s life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of the same background.” – David C. Pollock, American sociologist

It was a hot summer day in 1994 and my family and I were in the middle of a big transition from the West to the Far East. Our plane touched down at Beijing Capital International Airport, and being only 10 years old at the time, I was incredulous at how different the environment was compared to that of my hometown of Houston, Texas. I vividly remember my first glances around the airport shortly after stepping off the plane. It felt more like a street market than an airport, with people shuffling around everywhere and no baggage claim or exit signs to be found. Thinking back on it now, I’m still amazed at how everything functioned the way it was supposed to in such a confined space with that many people.

I stayed in Beijing for nine years. I attended an international school and witnessed first-hand the vast changes and developments that enveloped the capital in such a short amount of time. In 1994, bicycles were ubiquitous. Owning a car for a Chinese family was considered a luxury and very, very rare. Nowadays, there are fewer bicycles and cars dominate the city. The rapid increase in motor vehicles has forced the government to enact laws restricting the number of license plates given out each month to 20,000.

Beijing’s infrastructure has also seen immense changes. Hutongs 胡 同 (a type of narrow alley commonly associated with Beijing and consisting of many courtyard style homes shared by locals) were once a common sight throughout the city. In recent years, however, the government has been tearing down these neighborhoods to make way for more modern architecture and business districts. The word chai 拆 (meaning to tear down or demolish) can be found in its infamous red circle plastered around the city, indicating a forthcoming destruction. China Central Television (CCTV) Headquarters and the Beijing National Stadium, (also known as the Bird’s Nest because of its shape), are two examples of the city’s new, iconic buildings. While these structures have undoubtedly contributed to Beijing’s new reputation as the prime destination for architects worldwide, (for more information see For First Time, Architect in China Wins First Prize), many residents, both native and adopted, complain that their city is losing its sense of tradition and community as the precious hutongs disappear.

Another stark difference can be found in the number of foreign franchises spotted throughout the city. I still remember when my friends and I saw an advertisement for the grand opening of McDonald’s. We were so excited and decided to go in search of Big Macs and fries. At the end of the day, however, we came back in defeat and munching on potato chips. Within the last five to ten years, foreign businesses have planted themselves on what seems like every street corner, whether it is Starbucks selling the newest latte flavor or Mercedes dealerships selling S500’s.

I think the most notable change that has occurred can be seen in the Chinese people themselves. When Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympics, there was a dramatic shift in the people’s mindset. They seemed more confident and began to take pride in their country and identity. I believe this mindset is one of many factors that has driven the country to become such a global force.

By Sean Kwon, NorCap Staff Intern

My favorite hangout spot in Beijing is most definitely Sanlitun. Despite having grown up in this city, every time I visit this neighborhood I am still in awe of the transformation that has taken place over the past ten years. Located in Chaoyang District of Beijing, Sanlitun is a unique area with a diverse range of international stores, restaurants, and bars, all of which are very popular among locals and expats alike.

Upon arrival, it’s hard to miss the ultra-modern architecture of “The Village,” one of Sanlitun’s main open-air shopping plazas. The Village is home to the largest Adidas store in the world and Japan’s famous apparel brand, UNIQLO. These two stores stand-out as the most unique towers and prominently frame the main entrance to The Village. Inside, a plethora of options await, from Steve Madden, Puma, The North Face, and Mango, to Coldstone Creamery, Starbucks, and the most trendy Beijing restaurants. Then, of course, there’s the Flagship Apple Store, which is in such high-demand that it was closed briefly a few weeks ago after a crowd pelted eggs at the glass tower over an unexpected delayed launch of the iPhone 4s.

The plaza is an open area in the middle, where in the summer months, I like to sit down, relax, chat with my friends, and enjoy the many shows and movies playing on the giant LED screen hanging above for all to see. Adorable Chinese children are usually chasing each other around the square, instantly drawn to the water fountains in the middle. The basement level of the Village also houses a variety of stores and other options, most notably one of the largest movie cinemas in China called Megabox, which premiers a mixture of both local and international films.

Located just west of The Village is Ya Show Market, a popular site for tourists wishing to buy knock-off clothes, bags, and other accessories. Need a suit tailored? I recommend the third-floor store, where you can get any suit tailored for a very affordable price. My tailor provided me with a magazine full of luxury brands from which to choose, and I also know friends who brought their own designs and magazine cut-outs. After settling on two very fine Italian brands, I was pleased to receive a custom-made suit just one-week later for under USD $200. Ya Show is a solid option for most, but if seeking a truly high-quality experience, I would suggest a few other luxury tailors located not far from this area.

Rich in both local and international cuisines, Sanlitun is a go-to for any dining experience. Take your pick from inventive California-style sushi, classic American burgers, some of the city’s best Indian, and a range of contemporary fusion restaurants sure to interest any culinary elite. Nali Patio also houses some of the best Spanish and Mediterranean food in Beijing. Chinese being my favorite cuisine, I personally recommend the spicy Hunan-style restaurant, Karaiya Spice, located on the third floor of The Village. All of Karaiya’s dishes arrive full of Chinese spices and bursting with flavor, and the restaurant’s Chinese décor nicely compliments its western-facade. But be careful, as Karaiya really knows how to use its spice!

Sanlitun is also a popular drinking destination, but that’s for another blog post… Needless to say, if you’re planning a trip to Beijing, be sure to visit Sanlitun and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

By Dana Baldini, NorCap Campus Representative

This year Shen Yun, the premier classical Chinese dance company based in New York City, has a brand new show that will be touring 100 cities worldwide.  Shen Yun’s goal is to revitalize 5,000 years of rich Chinese culture in a live performing arts show which includes dancing, singing and orchestral music.  Unlike previous years, this year there is a live orchestra performing original scores that combine traditional Chinese instruments and melodies as well as Western orchestration. The combination has been widely reviewed as a spectacular artistic triumph.  The music accompanies classical Chinese dance, which is one of the most expressive and demanding art forms in the world.  The level of aesthetic beauty and perfection is breathtaking and matched only by the skill of the dancers and musicians.

The show has so far been performed in thirty-seven cities in the US, Canada and Asia and the reviews have been nothing short of glowing.  Many people have commented on the originality of the dance and music despite the fact that the choreographers and composers drew upon 5,000 years of artistic culture, both Eastern and Western, when creating this performance.  New Zealand Symphony conductor Gary Daverne said that the two culture’s orchestral music worked really well together and the show was a lot more exciting this year with the live orchestra. Mr. Mingwei Qiu, the former deputy director of the People’s Forum, who saw the show in Vancouver, was quoted saying, “The show passes on divinely inspired Chinese culture.”

There are still a number of performances before the season’s end so check to see if it is coming to your home city.

For further information:

http://www.shenyunperformingarts.org/ – Shen Yun Performing Arts

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/arts-entertainment/shen-yun-auckland-new-zealand-34472.html – New Zealand’s Symphony Director’s Review – The Epoch Times