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» China-Travel-Articles » Reading: "Roaming In China"
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| Roaming In China |
By:
Tom Watkins |
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Jan 23, 2008 1:00 pm US/Eastern
Tom Watkins Blog
Tom Watkins Tom Watkins, CEO of TDW & Associates, has been in China in recent weeks working on creating educational connections between Michigan and the Asian nation. While there, Tom has been writing a blog on his travels and meetings. He was also appointed Special Consultant to the China Art and Culture Institute in Beijing recently.
Friday, Jan, 11: It was 20 years ago that I was sitting at the airport waiting for my first trip to China. Well, here I am again at the new McNamara Terminal about to take off again with a destination of Beijing and other cities across China. A great fourth grade teacher opened my eyes to China as I grew up in the shadows of our nation's Capital. I have been drawn to this magnificent cultural country ever since. I have traveled to China more than a dozen times since 1989. Clearly, much has changed over the years. It was 20 years ago I stood in Tiananmen Square in Beijing as students and workers called on their government for greater freedom and democracy.
Today, with the opening of China to the world by Deng Xiaoping, the leader who followed Mao Zedong, China is a rising economic superpower. Their economy has grown by double digits for many years. I often feel like a kid in a candy shop each time I return to China. There is so much to take in as you enter an ancient culture. I try to absorb the change that is taking place with all my senses.
But all is not necessarily wonderful. Their country -- as ours -- has issues. For example, as their economy goes up, the quality of the air and water goes down. And the growing air pollution and other enviromental soes makes you wonder if it could put a choke hold on their economic rise? Speaking of air, no doubt the smells of the food being prepared by streets vendors that are so common in China touches your nose with smells never experienced before; and for me reminders of previous trips.
Today, the young students in China seem far more plugged into their studies than politics and calls for 'freedom and democracy' that I heard on my first trip 20 years earlier. And, the building, and tearing down of the old to make room for the new continues as well. It is sad to see some of the old neighborhoods disappear and new high rise apartments replacing the courtyard homes. Yet, when you talk to the Chinese people who lived in those courtyard homes, few seemed to mind not having indoor plumbing, central heat and access to modern conveniences that those home were known for. From my many conversations through the years, people in China seem to appreciate the changes that have come to their country. They are enjoying the progress.
I will be visiting a number of the cities I have visited before and I also intend to explore a few new ones. I will try through this blog to share my experiences with you. If you have not done so, watch WWJTV's special: "Building Bridges: From the Great Lakes to the Great Wall." It will help bring the wonder and concern that the rise of China will mean for you, your families, and communities.
Saturday, Jan. 12: I am always excited to return to China to see and witness the transformation of a society. Much has changed since my first two visits in 1989. Gone are the dull non-descript "Mao suits." Today, you see youth in Beijing sporting the latest trends from around the world. Yet, around any corner you will see migrant workers in cloths as worn as their rugged faces.The neon lights, Starbucks, blaring western music from the night clubs that pour onto the streets are a stark reminder of how far this country have traveled.
While I get excited about the learning that comes from each trip -- I always dread the long, long flight. Let me assure you, being on a plane long enough to "enjoy" three meals is no fun at all, and after 12 hours in the air, I finally arrived in Narita Airport in Japan! I am now on the final four hour leg of the trip from Japan to Beijing. Being on both flights is a reminder that caucasions are not the majority on this planet. Both flights are overwhelmingly packed with Asian people dong global business, returning home after a Western holiday or Asian American families traveling overseas. I struck up a conversation with my seat mates, both Chinese citizens working for global corporations with offices and factories around the world.
Both travel regularly to the US and have been fascinated by our presidential election. Mr Wu commented that Clinton political events reminded him of mass demonstrations during Chairman Mao's time with people appearing to mindlessly cheer her every word. Mr Li commented and Mr Wu nodded in agreement that having both a woman and an African American for President are viewed very positively around the world. Both expressed amazement that such a thing is possible in America. I tell them in America anything is possible-- yet they do not seem to believe me and ask why hasn't America had a woman or minority President before now? Good question.
They spoke in glowing terms about how their lives have changed since China has opened to the World they have many material items from cars to washing machines that were not possible growing up Mr Wu came to America for his college education and remarked that China is changing much more rapidly than America.
Chinese people look forward while Americans look backward he declared with Mr Li nodding in agreement. All three of us agree that we are living through a disruptive, transformational period of history where the old is giving way to the new. Mr Li remarked that the struggles the Chinese people have gone through from revolution to communism, the Great Leap forward to the cultural revolution has better prepared the Chinese people for the hardship that change brings about. Our lives have been a continuous series of changes. The world is changing.
I remember that not many years ago it would not be possible to have such an open conversation with Chinese people with out their heads darting around to see if someone was listening. There is some much we can still learn from each other.
1-13: Beijing: Walking around the city of Beijing this evening a few observations jump out:
1) Just how many people there are-- it is 9pm and in every direction I look it seems like there are more people here than in downtown Detroit during Super Bowl weeknd.
2) The city is in a contrast in motion. You will see modern subways, Buicks, Mercedes all fighting for space with bikes and mopeds.
3) When I first came to china in 1989 private ownership of a car was prohibited and now they choke the city.
4) A generation ago it was doubtful if many average Chinese had a land line phone and now cell phones are everywhere.
5) In 1989, it you may catch a glimpse of a couple showing any outward sign of affection in public-- today young and old couples alike embrace hold hands and (god forbid) even kiss in public.
6) Along with Papa John's Pizza, McDonald's, KFC and starbucks which seem to be on every corner today you see more overweight Chinese that were evident 20 years ago. It seems the Chinese a catching up with the U.S. on many fronts.
7) English English everywhere! Imagine if you only spoke Chinese and were wandering the streets of Detroit. How many people do you think you could have a conversation with?
8) Part of the fun and excitement of being in China is the never ending sense of adventure of trying to figure out what to eat, what you might see around the next corner or what you might experience in the next shop you enter.
1-14: Beijing: New experiences abound in China; even when it is doing something you have done many times before. I am traveling on this trip with Koralo Chen, who owns Motown Travel in Detroit.Koralo is a U.S citizen and native of China. We had lunch with his niece, a high school student studying at one of China's most prestigious and exclusive music schools in China. She asked for an English name and I gave her the name of my little sister – Casey. She had two friends and I gave them the names of my other sisters Edie and Mary. They wanted western food so we drove around the block and found a KFC!!! Ah, "western food!" What was unique about this KFC is we sat at a table and the wait staff came and took our order and delivered our fast food to our table. All of this and no tip accepted. Tips are not expected for service.
1-15: Beijing: We begin the day with a meeting with Mr Zhao, the deputy director of Hanban. Mr Zhao participated in WWJ-TV "Building Bridges: from the Great Lakes to the Great Wall" project. He has connections to Michigan having helped find seven Chinese teachers for classes in Oakland County. The next stop was to meet with Mr Sheng, president of the China Oriental Bright Art Research Insititute.
We had dinner at Ma Fu Lou Resturant which means "Full Happiness Restaurant" and full happiness it was as we had with a hot pot dinner, where they have individual fondue pots with a soup broth boiling and multiple meats, seafood and vegeratables you place in the brew and cook. When in China, you do as the Chinese do!
(We begin a two day train trip to Tibet) Arriving at the Beijing west rail station was like being a herd of cattle forced down the chute of mass humanity there were thousands of passengers with every conceivable set of Samsonite luggage the train could fit leaving for the wonderful odysset to Tibet. I traveled in a "hard" sleeper train, my colleague Koralo Chen and I -- are like sardines can we would call home with four other passengers in the train. The room is approx 5 ft by 7 ft with a park bench width platform for your bed compartment, which is equipped with oxygen so when the air thins as we climb to one of the earth's highest elevation, you can breath.
Our roommates for the journey are interesting people; Father Jia, a Chinese Catholic priest, Ms Liu a 19 year old college student in Beijing, Mr Du a 24 year old enlisted People's Liberation Army soldier who is a credit to his country and his uniform as he is the kindest, gentlest person you would hope to meet. Mr Li, who is an accountant from Tibet who is quiet and keeps to himself. Luckily, no one smokes in our room which is a miracle -- because it seems everyone in china does. We become acquainted as we all jockey for space in the cramped quarters. Ms Liu offers me the lower bunk in deference to my age (it is great to be in a culture where age is honored). With 1.3 billion people, privacy is a scarce commodity.
We made small talk and shared the food we collectively bought aboard and had a bit of a picnic as our journey to Tibet began. Bringing my trusted Polaroid camera that I have been bringing with me to china since 1989 is a great ice breaker. I love to take pictures of people as I travel and meet and I always leave the pictures with new friends.
Soon, the lights are out as we roll away from Beijing I had an extremely good night's sleep awaking around 6 am as everyone else is starting to rouse. I walk to the end of our train car to the bathroom only to discover it is the toilet that is traditional in China – a squat toilet where you take care of your business. I came back to the car and find the PLA soldier is making all the of our bunks. He tells us-- it is both his training -- and his honor.
1-16: Our train journey continues on our way to Tibet. I make a new friend, Batar a precious little boy of 7 years of age. He is sitting next to the electric outlet and accepts the responsibility of guarding my camera battery charger as it is charging. About a hour latter he marches back to declared the battery is now recharged. I share a granola bar with him and he returns a few minutes later to share a snack called "dragon beard" which is covered in a white and very dry -- but tasty. Batar would stop by through during our journey every so often to say. "Hello" and chat with me in English.
One of the great parts about travel is meeting new people. We met three young Tibetan students who in their first year of study at a university in Xian, the ancient capital and home of the Terra Cotta Warriors. Da jie Qu Pei, Tsi Ten Wang Qui, and Yixizh An Clui were sitting a few booths away as we ate a dish of pork and garlic. I motioned them over to our table and we shared tea, laughter and friendship the better part of the afternoon as we rolled across the plains in our trek to Tibet.
While we are in the sleeper car they share a small space where they sit for the entire 48 hour journey. They walked over and asked "are we Americans?" "We like Americans," they responded. It turned out all 3 are studying English in Xian and relished the opportunity to practice with American. They told us to watch out for thiefs in Tibet and do not give money to the begging Children as there are too many and they will never leave us alone if we offer kindness. They also offer some ideas where to shop and temples to see. We shared the book "Pure Michigan" which was written by Koralo Chen and captures the splendor of Michigan in pictures and is written in both Chinese and English. They returned the gesture by giving us a Han Dan a beautiful white silk scarf. I was sad to see our time together at the food car was ending as they needed to close to clean up.
1-17 Tibetan plains: It is morning nd we have entered the Tibetin plains. The sky is a beautiful blue and clear the sun comes up over the hills and everything seems as pure as a Han Dan day. From the train we see Yaks and large birds soaring and dipping with the mountains. Everone is friendly and attempting to communicate using the few words we understand in Mandarin, Tibetan and English.
As I walked to the food car this morning I was offered to "come sit"and have some food with Monks and Tibetian families in their train compartments. They break off a chunk of bread and we sit in laughter and silence enjoying the morning meal together. I leave a Polaroid snapshot behind as a memory as we continue our journey to the food car with our bellies partially full. They say the cars on this new train to Tibet are pressurized to help deal with the altitude sickness. I awoke with a slight dull headache but nothing that would slow me down. We are now at 5000 meters high they tell us.
We are now sitting comfortably in the food compartment with a large picture window to take in the grandeur. The sun rays at this altitude are very strong and I put on my foster grants even in the cabin it is so bright. We are now between two famous mountains – Kunlun and Tanggula. Kunlun mountains inspired chairman Mao to write abut this natural wonder and is mentioned about the Great Wall. Kunlun is viewed as something to be conquered. The Qinghai Tibet Railway opened on July 1 2006 it stretches over 4000 kilometers. It is an engineering wonder and is built on the perma frost and at such a high altitude. Most of the people believe in Buddhism in Tibet. But there are also some who practice Islam and Catholicism. The Quingzang Plateau in tibet is the highest pleatu in the world. After two days: we have arrived.
Three things jump out from Tibet:
1) Budweiser is indeed the king of beers.. It is sold everywhere and the Chinese love their budweisers.
2) If it's liquid-- it will be served hot or cold including coca-cola, sprite, lemonade!
3) As was pointed out in WWJ-TV's Building Bridges TV series-- Amway is a major player in China. Products and signs are everywhere.
FRIDAY, Jan 18: There is a political campaign in China--- the go west policy. No this is not a political campaign for western tourism--- but rather to develop interior cities like Xian, Chengdu, Changchun, and Lhasa, Tibet. The costal cities developed first after Deng Xiaoping opened China to the world in the early 1980's. As we traveled by train earlier in the week we saw massive infrastructure road and rail projects underway that will help in the development of China's interior. This will create a second wave of China's economic expansion. Michigan is perfectly positioned to cash in.
The middle class is growing in China and this can help Michigan if we get our act together and promote our state as a destination for the Chinese. It is reported by the World's Tourism Organization that China will become the fourth largest outbound tourist country by 2015. Last year, over 40 million Chinese traveled overseas. With the new Northwest Airlines direct flight from Detroit to Shanghai going into effect in 2009 we should set our sights on capturing more of this business for Michigan.
On an earlier trip to China last year, Koralo Chen and I were guests on China.com.cn this is the equivalent of CNN online. Much more needs to be done to capture this market for the rising middle class in China with time and money to spend. It would be nice if we created opportunities for them to spend their time and money in Michigan. Speaking of Koralo Chen and Motown Travel, see his book: "Pure Michigan" which is a 100-plus page coffee table picture book of Michigan-- written in Chinese and English. Many companies have purchased Pure Michigan to provide to clients in China. Michigan has much to offer Chinese tourists with its clean air, incredible shore lines and golf.
SATURDAY, Jan. 19: Chengdu, China. No OJ this morning. When was the last time you had "cuke juice" meaning cucumber juice for breakfast? Indeed, there are many differences here. Another difference in the typical Chinese toilet. While most major restaurants and hotels in major cities have your standard American toilet--- get out of a major city and you will find--- well some rather basic sanitary options. If you are lucky, you will find a Chinese squat toilet—essentially a ceramic hole in the floor that you squat over. In the countryside it is not unusual to see people doing their business on the side of the road.
Remember, this is a developing nation of 1.3 billion people or one-fifth of the world's humanity that is still throwing off the failed policies of the past like the cultural revolution and the Great leap forward of the Mao era. It is amazing how far they have come-- and just how far they need to go. "To get Rich Is Glorious" – so said Deng Xiaoping , the Chinese leader who opened China to the world. Mr. Huang, chairman of the board of the Shanhe Enterprise Group in Chengdu, is taking Deng's remarks to heart. Shanhe is a major business in China with car dealerships-- including Rolls Royce, Volvo, Toyota, Hummer, Honda and more. They also have a beautiful car museum and house a car restoration business.
Like many successful business leaders, Mr. Huang has branched out in other endeavors including selling artwork at his sprawling facilities in Chengdu. His dealership ( all are on one site in chendu--- he also has dealerships in other Chinese cities) boasts a beautiful art gallery as well. Mr Huang is an entrepreneur who has done quite well under the new China policies that allow for private business. He is a family man and his high school aged daughter is studying at a high school in California. He is very impressed with the public education system in America and is a strong advocate of building education and business ties with America. Yes, China is a communist country-- but its people are hard working and entrepreneurial.
DINNER TIME
There are many dishes that westerners would think are strange-- but if you want quality and a variety of food-- China is the place to be. And, no, not all of the food stares back you. Chinese cuisine is an art form! Yet, don't be surprised if the Chinese dishes you get in Michigan-- are not the Chinese food you will eat here. Also—there are no fortune cookies. That is an American addition!
Sunday, Jan 20: Lhasha, Tibet: In China-- relationships or "guanxi" matters. It was the "guanxi" of my colleague and traveling partner, Koralo Chen, who had hooked us up with the three brothers from Tibet we traveled with on the train that added to our adventure. The one brother, I will refer to as "Teacher" (I do not want to cause problems for the three brothers and amusing nicknames as I do in much of what I am writing on this blog) was put in touch with Koralo through a mutual friend. It was this connection that both the icing on the cake of our great trip to date. We were invited to travel for a three hour drive from Tibet to visit their family Yak herd. The day began at 6 am when two of the brothers, Teacher and Driver, showed up in a tiny minivan. We piled in and lumbered down the city streets. We quickly left the lights of the city and were engulfed in the darkness of the countryside when I saw the silhouette of the mountains on both sides.
The mountains seemed to tag along on our journey as they never left our side for the entire trip. Suddenly, we hit a speed bump and my head hit the roof of the van. What is a speed bump doing in the highway road I asked I was informed by driver that the speed bump was for drivers to slow down for the police checks. The mountains seemed to create a chamber similar to a pinball as it rockets up and enter the vastness of the excitement of the game-- we were off once again. Soon I was being serenated by Koralo, the Teacher and Driver with Chinese and Tibetian folk songs.
The sun rose and exposed the rich blue sky and misty white clouds that became the perfect backdrop for the mountain peaks. The brown fields and blue sky were suddenly interrupted by prayer flags dancing in the howeling wind. "Why are they doing?" I asked as I saw men and women hold their hands in a prayer fashion raised above them along the highway? They were Tibetians on a pilgrimage to Lhasha, Tibet. This form of prayer would go on for months as they made their pilgrimage. Talk about commitment to one's faith!
Jan. 21 TIBET: Riding along the Tibetian road I was surprised to see the Beijing to Lhasha, Tibet or Lhasha to Beijing train beside us as if we were in a race. I never thought I would see the territory I saw through the picture window from the train window and now we were back tracking the same route. Yaks are everywhere in Tibet. They freely wander and graze. We came around the bend of mountain roads only to find a herd blocking the road and were greeted by them as we exited the train in Lasha. The yak is a revered creature in Tibet. The animal's wool is used for clothing, its bones for tools and jewelry, its meat for food and milk for drinking and its dung is used to heat homes. The yak reminds me of the American buffalo grazing on the plains.
While in Tibet, on the way to a home of a friend of Koralo Chen, of Motown Travel in Detroit, who is taveling with me inChina --a friend I called "Herder" we passed thousands of yaks. We soon turned off the main road to Herder's home that he shares with his wife, his Aunt, and three young children. I learned how Tibetian yak herders have lived for centuries. As we made our way to the Herder's house, I found out later yak feces were stacked like cord wood to be burned as a fuel to heat the home and cook the food. We were greeted by the Aunt as we entered the home. Before long, the Aunt had offered us warm yak milk, yak tea, yak noodles with yak meat and a cookie made of yak products. After our meal, the Herder led us to a field to commune with nature and see some of his yaks. The field was bitter cold and what felt at times like a gale wind blowing between the two chain of mountains that surrounded us.
TUESDAY, Jan,. 22 (Changchun, China): Even in this old industrial city, the building boom is on steroids. We just drove by a high rise residential area where I counted 20 cranes building high rise apartments at just one site! And remember, the Chinese government has been taking pains to SLOW down their rate of economic growth. It would be nice if our leaders had to be concerned about our rate of economic growth--- rather than our continued decline. Any politician would be envious over the development going on in China. It is no wonder that the Chinese joke is that the national bird is the building crane.
TECHNOLOGY TAKES A LEAP
In a country that still does not have indoor plumbing and electricity in many homes and where the ownership of a phone is as new as private car ownership -- cell phones are everywhere in China. The Chinese did not have land lines in private residences for the most part and hence have been able to leap frog landline technology and go directly to wireless technology. Sometimes being slow enables you to advance more quickly.
TEA ANYONE?
Tea and China are linked through centuries of history. Tonight we were treated to an authentic Chinese Tea House experience. This is not some Starbucks knock off where you get your paper cup and a Red Rose
Tea bag. This is the real "Mc-Li!" Tea is meant as a civilized drink to be savored and sipped not gulped. Watching the server clean the slightly larger than thimble sized tea cups and gently place the loose tea leafs in the filter is a captivating visual. There we sat in downtown Chanchun sipping hot tea on a bitter cold winter night munching on sunflower seeds and discussing American presidential politics with our Chinese colleagues.
Wednesday, January 23 (Changchun, China): There are many wonderful things to acknowledge about this city. We were warmly received by top government officials here as well as the leaders of the some top universities and middle and high schools interested in building connections to U.S. schools. Although it was very cold during our visit (well below zero degrees farenheit) the warmth of the people is enough to make you want to come back. If you come to China for business, academic reasons or just to travel, you will quickly see how engaging the people are. Another wonderful thing – the incredible Chinese feasts. It almost seems like a contest to see how many different dishes can be placed on a table at one sitting. At our dinner tonight, there must have been over 20 different dishes with everything from shrimp, to beef, to chicken served amid great fanfare by the educational group we met with.
As is the case with many Chinese events, there were many toasts with Mao Tai – or strong rice wine. Not unusual for many Chinese dinners, were were entertained by songs, dances and musical instruments played by Chinese performers. Four of the young kindergarden teachers on hand even performed a fan dance. Madam Li, the very talent president of Changchun Medical College, also performed and danced.
To be successful in any endeavor in China requires patience and taking the time to build genuine friendships with the people you are dealing with. It helps if you truly enjoy the people and are open to different customs, food, drink and language. I always tell people traveling to China for the first time to remind yourself to enjoy the differences the Chinese culture has to offer. If you can allow yourself to appreciate the differences I promise you will have a grand time and be much more successful in whatever business you are pursuing.
THURSDAY, Jan, 24 (Changchu onto Beijing): Another flight from Changchu to Beijing and again I am the only Westerner on the flight. Dinner is interesting, a can of cold soup and sausage that looks like a big Stoggie cigar in a gold tube. I decided to pass and settled on the peanuts and a cup of gree tea.
Two days of meetings in China's Capital City Of Beijing and then its "home sweet home!" I love the experience and adventure of China but enjoy many of the things we take for granted in the "Land of the Free and the Home Of The Brave." Sometimes it is a simple is something you are used to eating, and others it is more profound-- like having greater choices, freedom and the ability to elect those who will lead us. I have to remember, even when as a country we make a mistake, it at least it is OUR mistake-- or that of the majority of people voting. Thank God for our freedom, democracy and an Arby's Roast Beef sandwhich that am looking forward to and a good cup of my neighborhood coffee, at Tuscan Cafe and talking about presidential politics with my friends. The simple pleasures are the best! Long Live---- Freedom and Democracy--- and good ole home cooking. There is something to be said for familiarity.
CHANGCHUN: The get rich quick that has been going on for quite some time has many individual investors here and in the halls of the national government fearing a stock market bubble and potential collapse. The Chinese people have somewhat shaken off the rusted chains of Communism and have dived head first into unbriddled capitalism. The calls for freedom and democracy seemed to have been chilled after the brutal government crackdown in Tianamen Square in 1989 and with the rise of the economy and the leaps in the standard of living for many average Chinese. With the economies of the U.S. and China so linked, a fall in one economy could impact both.
As I gather my belongings in Changchun in the far northeast side of China, I also collect my thoughts and think the 21st century will be driven to a great extent by America and China. The fuel will be leadership, innovation creativity knowledge and the ability to not simple adapt to change-- but rather, lead it. What are we dong as individuals , the state and nation to harness these ingredients necessary to lead in the 21st century?
China has been occupied by forieign forces., addicted to opium, closed itself off from the world and inflicted itself with starvation and the horrors of the cultural revolution. Yet, because of the determination of new leadership was able to throw off much of that old ideology that was holding the country back and spring forward - overcoming economic and political setbacks, the country is sailing boldly into the future.Can Michigan and America break from its old economic and political ideology and forge a uniquely American direction that will allow us to lead as the 21st century unfolds? GM, Ford and Chrysler are looking to downsize their dealer network in the U.S. which has been "supersized" in the past. Could there be a marriage of sorts between the declining US auto market and the booming Chinese car market? The Chinese auto market has mirrored the double digit economic growth of China for 20 years.
Other opportunities:
Could Michigan also make "green" off of helping China with pollution problem?
Michigan has a recent rich history of cleaning up our environmental messes--- can we cash in by helping China clean up the mess it has created?
Can Michigan Shift Into High Gear when it Comes To China?
Michigan needs a China (and India) roadmap that taps the best and brightest business, labor and academic minds to find ways to make China's rise work for us.
Other states and nations are far ahead of us on this economic race. Here we are eight years into the 21st century and no statewide elected leader has traveled to China or India the two fastest growing large world economies reaching for our piece of the brass ring. With 1.3 billion people and a rising middle class, tapping the Chinese market is the Mother lode of the 21st century global commerce Over 300 million Chinese people have risen out of poverty in the last quarter of a century.
Knowledge is power! We need more of the students in Michigan and across the country to be learning Chinese-- the most widely spoken language on the planet. How much do you know about China? Many believe China and China will be the two super powers of this new century. The Chinese are studying our language. History, political systems and other ways to enhance their standing in the world. Can we say we are aggressively doing the same?
We have a choice-- shift into high gear-- or get runover! Regardless of your view on China or globalization—neither is going away. How do we prepare our children, our state and our nation for this hyper-competitive, rapidly changing, disruptive information and technologically-driven world that defies predictability?
Michigan and America will continue to be successful when we make our state and nation where everyone comes for intellectual deposits and withdraws and are exporting knowledge , creativity , innovation and talent on the world stage. The 21 century belongs to the globally connected-- are we wired (or better still, wireless) for change!
Perhaps John Chambers, President and CEO of Cisco Systems, summed it up best when he said; " if we move slower than our global peers, we will be left behind." Can we shift gears quickly enough to catch up?
GAME ON!!! As one criss crosses China and see mention of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics – nearly everyone sees this as the 21st century coming out party for modern China. These will be eye opening events for China and the world I believe many will be surprised on just how far this county who was humiliated by invasions, concessions in the early part of the 20th century and suffered under famine, the cultural revolution and the Great Leap forward during much of the Mao reign. Clearly more change is necessary in areas that include; human and religious rights, free and fair trade, currency manipulation, theft of intellectual policy to name a few. Yet, the Olympics are coming and hopefully will be a peaceful event where the world comes together --- and this year comes together around the theme the Chinese have chosen:
ONE WORLD--- ONE DREAM
FRIDAY, Jan, 25 FLIGHT FROM BEIJING TO DETROIT: "Turn off the Blackberry sir", and with that final note - I conclude two weeks of typing with my thumbs on my travels to Tibet and China thanks to my trusted Blackberry. I hope you have enjoyed my China musings. Interested in doing business in China or building educational and cultural ties or better yet, bringing your China Business to Michigan? Feel free to contact me at tdwatkins@aol.com.
As my friend Koralo Chen likes to say--- "it is a big world-- and in a big world you have many, many different type of Birds" We certainly have met many different type of birds on this trip. It was my pleasure to share the experience with you. "Jian jian" or "goodbye" in English – until we see you again.
HEADING TO BEIJING AIRPORT: Leave plenty of time-- it is one of the busiest terminals in the world, and you can get backed up in traffic in the toll booths on the way to the airport. The Chinese New Year is about to begin and more of the 1.3 billion people here are traveling home which means our travel time is taking much longer.
Speaking of home, I look forward to returning to the familiarity of my own culture as much as I enjoy China The people of China are wonderful along with their culture. But Dorothy had it right "There is no place like Home!"
BEIJING: I begin my final day in china for this trip-- where I began. Any day where there is blue sky and sun shine in Beijing-- is a great day. For anyone who has been in Beijing-- you know it is often smog/cloud covered with a polluted and sand-filled wind blown in from the Gobi Desert.
I began with hot coca cola and ginger, my hosts tells me it is good for my cold which I haven't been able to shake the two weeks on this trip. Also, while in China seldom does a meal go by without watermelon being served. There is an old chinese saying "When you focus on the sesame seed you lose sight of the watermelon" -- meaning when you focus on the small and inconsequential things you lose sight of the larger picture. People in Michigan should heed that advice.
As Michigan's future unfolds--- which will it be-- the sesame seed or the watermelon? We must continue to invest in innovation, talent and our people from the craddle to the grave if we wish to compete in the 21st century global economy. I wish I could take everyone across our great state on a trip to China. It would give everyone a stronger sense of the world we must live and compete as this century unfolds.
I am not an apologist for many things that need to be improved, fixed and changed in China. I do know that pretending that the world and China have not changed is done at our own peril. The China wave has been unleashed-- we can do nothing and be swamped--- or learn to surf and ride the wave.
Surfs up! Grab your board and come on in-- the water may be a bit rough, but can can still ride the big wave to a brighter future!
AFTERNOON in BEIJING: The sky is blue, the sun still shining--- and traffic is at a stand still. The two hours that was set aside to do some marathon shopping was eaten up by being stuck in the awful
Beijing traffic. It is difficult to contemplate where all the new cars being produced by the Big Three and others here in China are going to go!
With only a small percent of the 1.3 billion Chinese currently owning a car, and with a rising middle class looking for the mobility and status of owning a car, China's government certainly have a long road to go in dealing with an even worse congestion issue down the road.
When in China, it is important to assimilate with a Chinese attitude-- relax. But my American ways do kick in--- I am now 20 minutes late for my meeting--- and marathon shopping plan has had to be abandoned!
FRIDAY NIGHT IN BEIJING: Ah China! You gotta laugh sometimes about situations when traveling in a foreign country! My last day in Beijing is packed with meetings with the American International Chamber of Commerce, China.Com.cn and Beijing International College. Tonight, I had a good laugh as I navigated China on my own.
Being our last night here, Koralo Chen, my travel companion and guide across China, and I decided to take in one last famous Chinese foot massage. Koralo's massage was complete and he decided to go back to the hotel to start packing for our return flight. As the spa was only several blocks from the hotel, I was quite comfortable walking myself back. As I was readying to leave, I discovered Koralo had mistakenly left and taken my locker key as well (they put your valuables away for safekeeping).
So, in the dead of winter, I had no coat or shoes and my cell phone and hotel key as all were locked inside my locker. I assumed the spa facility had a master key for all the locks. I was wrong! There we stood – my having little grasp of English and I was pulling out all stops to communicate in Chinese.
"You call friend" I said. "My phone and his number is locked in the locker" ( I tried the old tried and true language techniques--- say it louder and slower ) to no avail.
So there we stood, me contemplating the several block walk back to the hotel with no coat,shoes or room keys and now nearly every employee in the spa was standing there trying to help – they didn't speak much English and I didn't speak much Chinese. Somehow, an extra key surfaced and that spawned negotiations then over how I should pay for the lost key. As you learn in China-- all things are negotiable.
They wanted 60 yuan and I settled on about $3 U.S, dollars. Let me assure you -- it was a very reasonable price to experience the comical nature of the evening. It was also a good price as I had a 5:00am wake up call!
BEIJING: As I am about to leave China I read in the Asian Financial Times that China reports an economic growth rate of 11.4 percent for 2007. And as I have stated earlier, this rapid economic expansion is accomplished with the Chinese Central government putting speed bumps in place to slow down the "red" hot Chinese economy! Oh, how Michigan longs for some good news like this!
I held two very productive meetings with Geng Xuechao, President and Professor of Beijing International Chinese College and his colleagues. Professor Geng and his team are very well connected former top educational officials in China. Beijing International national Chinese College has created a number of valuable educational products to help teach Chinese language to people around the world. With the continued global demand to learn Chinese language, history and culture, BICC should will find a solid niche in this ever expanding market.
We also held meetings with the American International Chamber of Commerce to talk about educational connections to Michigan. Those meetings were facilitated by Amy Deng, who is the International Education Director there. During our meeting with the Chamber, we signed an agreement to work together to help create new economic and educational ties between Chinese and Michigan Institutions.
While engaging in any business meetings in China, there is a ritual that includes the giving of gifts that is customary. I have participated in this ritual for many years and as I have made friends, I have also received incredible beautiful gifts that include silk scarves, ceramic vases, Cloisonne and Chinese musical instruments. Amid the many beautiful gifts I have received, I was overwhelmed by the unique gift of calligraphy poem scroll that the President of the China Art and Culture Institute in Beijing presented me during my visit. He not only honored me with his gift but he appointed me as a Special Consultant to the Institute for my efforts to build cultural and educational ties between the US and China. The calligraphy takes my name and writes a poem using my names and characteristics of my profession, life and values his sees in me. The poem is about 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide is beautiful as Mr. Sheng – a nationally renowned calligrapher's work literally jumps off the page. The president also presented us with a beautiful and unique vase.
All I could do was say "Xie Xie Ni" Thank you my good friend, Mr. Sheng, for your contribution to the arts and for the wonderful gift of your kindness and friendship. You are part of the fabric of what makes a Great China."
Earlier Friday: We met with old friends at China.com.cn, a leading national Internet outlet in China (http://www.china.com.cn ) I had appeared on china.com.cn along with Koralo Chen, of Motown Travel, promoting the work of Dr Vickie Markavitch and L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive in promoting the teaching of Chinese in Oakland County schools. Their efforts have been heard loud and clear by Chinese business and education leaders. It is critical that we understand, appreciate and are able to do business, collaborate and compete with the Chinese now and in the future. Dr Markavitch and Patterson and their teams are to be commended for their leadership and vision. We also appeared to help promote Michigan as a great place for the Chinese rising middle class as a place they might work, become educated, travel and also set up new businesses. Koralo Chen's "Pure Michigan" picture book which he created in the fall to talk about Michigan as a destination appeared with pictures of Michigan destinations with both Mandarin Chinese and English captions. The majority of the photos were taken by Dennis Cox, a Michigan photographer and the book can be purchased at www.motowntravel.com.
China.com.cn. is interested in learning more about Michigan and bridges being built between Michigan and China. Speaking of Michigan and Chinese arts – the Terra Cotta warriors are currently on display at the Midland Art Museum through April (thanks to the support of Dow Chemical Co....). See www.mcfta.org for more details. This is worth the drive to Midland to see the incredible clay warriors! I have stood in the pit in Xian -- the ancient capitol of China in the middle of the country where the warriors were discovered in a farm field some years ago.
NARITA, Japan: Koralo Chen and I are now on our customary layover in Narita, Japan, on our way back to good ole Michigan. Beginning in 2009, this layover wont be necessary as Northwest Airlines will begin a direct flight from Detroit to Shanghai and China Southern will fly direct from Detroit to Beijing. Ask any one who has taken this trip and they will tell you what a relief this direct flight will be! Time to grab some instant noodles at the Northwest Airlines World Club. Soon, it will be back to my good 'ole American diet.
Proud To Be An American: The Chinese people are extremely friendly and I enjoy their company and friendship on each of the many trips I have made since my first two trips in 1989. A fourth grade teacher opened my eyes to China many years ago. I have witnessed much progress and many setbacks in a China over the years. The Chinese have come very far and still have a way to go to address many issues that sting the American sensibilities and impact the American worker such as: human and religious rights, fair trade, currency manipulation, pollution, theft of intellectual property, Tibet and their engagement in Darfur etc. Yet, when you look at their 5000 year history and the progress of moving more people out of poverty than any other nation in the world their progress is impressive indeed. This is not to forgive or forget the millions that lost their lives under the policies of Mao or the brutal crackdown on the student protesters in Tianamen Square in 1989.
Remember, Vincent Chin! Nor should we take a "holier than thou" attitude as we have our own history of abuse of the Native American people, African Americans and exploitation of Chinese people as they labored to build our nation and railroads not to mention the Chinese Exclusionary Act that discriminated against Chinese in immigration policies.
And let us not forget Vincent Chin, the Chinese American that was beaten to death with a baseball bat, here in Detroit 25 years ago because some disgruntled laid-off auto workers mistook him for a Japanese person and took out their frustration of losing their jobs on his skull.
After nearly 12 hours in the air we touched down back in the good ole USA. It has been an exhilarating trip. It was as productive as it was eye opening and fun.
Day One-- Readjusting
My first meal after arriving back home was a big bowl of spaghetti and meat balls (with nothing looking back at me!) and a diet Coke -- difficult to find in China. While I love my Chinese Green Tea --- I welcomed my cup of coffee at Tuscan Cafe (the equivalent of Cheers -- where everyone knows your name) coffee house in Northville. Now, I will shake my jet lag, unpack, pay the bills and begin to plan my next business and always pleasurable trip back to China this spring!
About the writer: Tom Watkins is a global business and education consultant with special interest in China. He served as Michigan's State Superintendent of Schools from 2001 to 2005 and Michigan's mental health director under Gov. Jim Blanchard from 1986 to 1990. He previously ran a business organization in Florida.
Tom has been a champion for building business and educational bridges between China and Michigan for years. While serving as state school superintendent in 2006, he signed a sister agreement with schools in Tianjin. He is also an honorary professor at Mianyang University in China, and an honorary board member of the Chinese Association of Greater Detroit. On this recent trip he was appointed a "special consultant" to China Art and Culture Institute in Beijing by its president, Mr Sheng for his work building cultural, business and educational ties between the two countries.
Tom was instrumental and served as China business and education consultant to WWJ-TV's breakthrough special TV series "Building Bridges: From the Great Lakes to the Great Wall." (see www.wwjtv.com ) He regularly appears on local radio and television programs talking about business and education issues. Tom is a prolific writer whose work appears in the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, The Michigan Chronicle, The Observer and Eccentric, the Oakland Press, The Ann Arbor News, the Grand Rapids Press, The Midland DAily News, The Dearborn Press and Guide, Oakland Business Review,EdNews, as well as other newspapers and national education publications.
He can be reached at tdwatkins@aol.com . |
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