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# Hidden Harmonies China Blog

As China Re-Awakens, Finding New Harmonies in a Brave New World...

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## Posts

- [Deng XiaoPing's Policy of "Hide your strength, bide your time" has officially ended.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2025/09/03/deng-xiaopings-policy-of-hide-your-strength-bide-your-time-has-officially-ended/) - China's foreign policy since Deng Xiao Ping is mostly focusing in domestic issues, and mostly shy away from international issues. Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao mostly followed Deng's foreign policy to build up its strength, China was not totally respected around in the world. I think one of the biggest incidents of how China was
- [The TikTok Ban That Failed.  This Ban Is Not Really About 'National Security' Rather It Is About Greed And Control.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2025/01/19/the-tiktok-ban-that-failed-this-ban-is-not-really-about-national-security-rather-it-is-about-greed-and-control/) - When President Trump enacted the initial ban of Tiktok in 2020, it was on the grounds of the National Security threat, forcing Tiktok owners to comply with 'National Security' issues or sell. As a result Tiktok worked with American companies to address 'National Security' issues by investing 1.5 billion with Project Texas. The data is
- [BBC and Fake News](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2022/03/13/bbc-and-fake-news/) - So here is a BBC reporter walking to confront the Ms. Hua Chunying, Spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry, about how BBC fact checks its sources, how she was the producer of all the original pieces with with Adrian Zenz with purportedly direct knowledge into Adrian's sources ... that if China had problems with her pieces,
- [The U.S. Loves Wars...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2022/04/05/the-u-s-loves-wars/) - Funny, Entertaining, and to the Point. But it's "funny and entertaining" only in proportion to its ability to get the point across that otherwise can't be gotten cross. Otherwise, it's neither funny or entertaining. The truth is tragic and sad ... and only through getting the point across to enough people can this nation be
- [The Hong Kong 2019 unrest and riots (part 2): A full-scale American funded and organized violent color revolution!](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/11/30/the-hong-kong-2019-unrest-and-riots-the-most-shocking-violent-phenomena-ever-happened-in-human-history/) - Note: This is an extension of another post, which can be found: https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/09/06/links-on-hong-kong-2019-unrest/ Over this past Summer and Fall, I watched with heightened interest (and much dismay and sadness) the violence that has besieged Hong Kong. Instead of arguing and shouting (there is too much of that already on the streets), I aim to bring
- [Links on the unrest and riots in Hong Kong (part 1)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/09/06/links-on-hong-kong-2019-unrest/) - Here are Links on the 2019 unrest and riots in Hong Kong... If China or any other nation sponsors this kind of terrorism on the U.S., there would be WWIII. Appreciate the restraint being exercised in Hong Kong, as well as in Beijing... Elderly man harassed at Hong Kong International Airport, besieged by 'peaceful' protesters
- [The Overt Politicization of the Origins of Covid-19](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2022/06/28/politicization-of-the-origins-of-covid-19/) - Recently, some western news outlets have been reporting that WHO Director privately believes Covid-19 entered the human population through a "catastrophic leak" in a Wuhan lab. Below is an excerpt from an article titled "WHO chief 'believes Covid DID leak from Wuhan lab' after a 'catastrophic accident' in 2019 despite publicly maintaining 'all hypotheses remain
- [大山的女兒--Daughter of the Mountain](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2022/07/25/大山的女兒-daughter-of-the-mountain/) - I was not a fan of the Chinese TV dramas for a long time since they tend to be aping Western dramas and lacking passion. This time I have to recommend "Daughter of the Mountain" for anyone interested in China; anyone interested in why West considers China a threat, and why the charge of genocide
- [No, the Chinese does not express glee over Shinzo Abe's assassination and how western propaganda got it wrong about what Chinese thinks of Abe](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2022/07/08/no-the-chinese-does-not-express-glee-over-shinzo-abes-assassination-and-how-western-propaganda-got-in-wrong-about-what-chinese-thinks-of-abe/) - Let's get this out of the way: Shinzo Abe is not liked in China. Many reasons including. 1) visiting the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo which honors Japanese war dead, including convicted Class A war criminals. 2) deepening Japanese ties to the U.S leading to the formation of the "quad". 3) became an advocate to 'defend Taiwan'
- [Is «the tank man»-story true?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/06/11/is-the-tank-man-story-true/) - Is «the tank man»-story true?
- [Paul Krugman reaches another low over Covid Vaccines](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2022/03/18/paul-krugman-reaches-another-low/) - As if there is no new lows Western media can reach... Paul Krugman - winner of the 2008 Economics Nobel Prize, Distinguished Professor of Economics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and a senior columnist for The New York Times - have always been a China hater. But he had
- [Australian Lowlifes - American Empire's Bitches](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/12/01/australian-lowlifes-american-empires-bitches/) - [This piece is cross-posted at theSaker. A "more polite" version has been published at AsiaTimes.] I have picked on America for some time … and for good reasons … because American leaders and media on the world stage have been tragically hypocritical and arrogant for too long. Just look at the recent murder of Iran's
- [The Ukraine Attack by Russia is a Bad Sign for Taiwan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2022/02/24/the-ukraine-attack-by-russia-is-a-bad-sign-for-taiwan/) - With the recent headline of the Ukraine attack by Russia, I think there should be condemnations of all sides. While Russia should be condemned for the attack in Ukraine, this should not at all unexpected. Ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union, there has been an agreement that NATO would not expand eastward. However,
- [Eileen Gu](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2022/02/19/eileen-gu/) - Having watched the Winter Olympics for the last 2 weeks, one can't help but be aware of the controversy Eileen Gu inspired in the Chinese American community. From the comment section of NYT most comments were negative about her, not only from Americans in general, but also Chinese Americans. I assume any positive comments like
- [Huawei and National Security](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2022/01/18/huawei-and-national-security/) - The truth about Huawei and British National Security? Listen to what Sir John vincent Cable, Former Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills of the UK has to say... https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSeXwtUKS/
- [Color Revolutions and Human Rights on my Mind](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2022/01/13/color-revolutions-and-human-rights-on-my-mind/) - As we near the Beijing Winter Olympics, and as we keep hearing the West voicing its "concerns" over "Genocides" in XinJiang, "Democratic" "Abuses" in Hong Kong, and all sorts of human rights "Violations" throughout China, I keep thinking to myself, what is this world really about? In light of the recent attempted color revolution and
- [Peng Shuai's "I'm Not A Good Girl" Letter Translated](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2021/11/25/peng-shuais-im-not-a-good-girl-letter-translated/) - Here's the letter that suddenly gave the Boycott 2022 Olympics crowd renewed impetus, allow them to cheer and jeer about questions of her disappearance and reappearance, what had happened to her, if she was sexually assaulted. Has anyone actually read the letter? Some read it as a love letter actually and the protestant sex shame
- [The Question of Power](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2021/11/06/the-question-of-power/) - One thing that always irritate me when I read those China experts analyzing China is they have assumptions they assume to be true and have a closed mind never to be questioned. The fact that Xi is going to be elected third term in the coming party congress is condemned as power grab; yet they
- [A few timely and interesting references](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2021/11/01/a-few-timely-and-interesting-references/) - «CBS News» about Majid Khan (4 min. video)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eQZBtB3HQM Is Biden’s policy any better than Trump’s? (short Tic Tok video)https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSeYYdyBp/ A must read: The Zenz-Xinjiang Casehttps://www.europeanfinancialreview.com/playing-genocide-politics-the-zenz-xinjiang-case/ «Fridayeveryday», media unit of Friday Culture Ltd: : What's missing from the reports about Amnesty leaving Hong Kong? (short video)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en2mm35iB7o Joe Tsai, co-founder of Alibaba, interview by CNBC. (5 min.
- [Did President Trump Start a Biological War against China?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2021/06/12/did-president-trump-start-a-biological-war-against-china/) - Although I have said that President Trump was the best thing to China since Nixon, President Trump was more devious than I have thought. The recent fake news from the western propaganda about the Covid-19 coming out from the lab in Wuhan made it more suspicious. The article that I wrote last year about how
- [Commemorating 6/4 Yet Again...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2021/06/05/commemorating-6-4-yet-again/) - One of the funner thoughts we see in Chinese Internet this 6/4 is this observation shared by Chief Editor of Global Times. In response to digital "candlelight" vigils posted by British officials such as the one below over the 6/4 incident ... Hu, echoing Many on Chinese social media, asks: has there been a national
- [ETIM is no longer a terrorist organization ... per needs of U.S. interests](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2021/03/28/etim-is-a-terrorist-organization-till-it-suits-the-interests-of-the-u-s/) - The U.S. correctly categorized the ETIM as a terrorist organization in 2018 ... till it did not suit the interests of the U.S. On February 7, 2018, per US Air Force Pentagon Report: "ETIM is a terrorist organization that operates in China" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KReYMBbNiuk In 2020 however, the US removed ETIM from their terrorist lists. Same
- [New York Times Article Headlines - Quick Study on American Exception](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2021/03/22/new-york-times-article-headlines-quick-study-on-american-exception/) - Saw this on the Front page of my "Favorite" newspaper - the New York Times. China Border Rules, Meant to Stop Virus, Disrupt Business and Upend Lives China’s formidable travel restrictions have hampered the operations of many companies, separated families and complicated the lives of thousands of students. Yet throughout much of last year, New
- [Ignorance is Strength: US did not confront Anti-Asian racism.  Instead, they denied that it exists.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2021/03/20/ignorance-is-strength-us-did-not-confront-anti-asian-racism-instead-they-denied-that-it-exists/) - Many know by now by the exponential increase of Anti-Asian racism attacks over since the Covid 19 started in beginning of 2020. While I am not surprised that it is happening, I am surprised that not many of the people who are responsible would acknowledge. https://pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/no-hate-crime-charge-for-suspect-in-chinatown-stabbing-officials/ There was a recent article about a man who
- [Root of Western Propaganda Against XinJiang Exposed](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2021/03/03/root-of-western-propaganda-against-xinjiang-exposed/) - Recently, Grayzone released a bombshell report on how Western Propaganda Against XinJiang has been formulated and manufactured. A short interview of Max Blumenthal, Grayzone editor-in-chief, is below.
- [Jack Ma Appears in Public, But Who Cares?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2021/01/13/jack-ma-appears-in-public-but-who-cares/) - Remember couple weeks ago Western media was echo chambering this Jack Ma disappearance conspiracy? Even after Alibaba group said Ma skipped an African trip due to scheduling conflict (in the middle of a pandemic none the less.)Now that Ma has made an appearance, Western media seems disinterested in amend, retract their false narrative. According to
- [And So, The Capitol Burns...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2021/01/08/and-so-the-capitol-burns/) - The recent events in the Capitol reminds me about the post I wrote 4 years ago here. Below I wrote that the next 4 years will be chaotic but I would not even imagine that it would be this chaotic. This constant lies fed to the Trumpsters has led to this today. This forest fire
- [Song of Qin](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/12/23/song-of-qin/) - Recently the last of 4 Qin epics were downloaded and available on YouTube. It consist of 78 episodes of approximately 45 minutes each, with subtitles in Chinese, English, and other languages. Initially it was quite popular with a 9 rating in China, but gradually decline to around 7 with most of the criticism on the
- [Federal Judge Dismisses Trump campaign Pennsylvania lawsuit](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/11/21/federal-judge-dismisses-trump-campaign-pennsylvania-lawsuit/) - A Federal Court had dismissed Trump's lawsuit to overturn millions of votes in Pennsylvania, dealing what CNN calls a death blow to the Trump campaign's effort to undo the election. It is rare to see such a tough, withering opinion ... but these are not normal times. I have recently written about my annoyance of
- [Quick Reaction to Giuiliani's Press Conference Earlier Today about Massive Election Fraud](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/11/19/quick-reaction-to-giuilianis-press-conference-earlier-today-about-massive-election-fraud/) - Here, I want to give a few quick comments about Giuliani's case about massive fraud that stole the election from Trump. A transcript can be found here. Giuliani started his case this way: So, I guess the best way to describe this is, when we began our representation of the president, we certainly were confronted
- [Asian Boss - Shanghai Street Interviews: Chinese React To The US Presidential Election](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/11/18/asian-boss-shanghai-street-interviews-chinese-react-to-the-us-presidential-election/) - Interesting views of common people on the streets in Shanghai about the U.S. elections.
- [Italy Researchers Have Shown that Coronavirus was Circulating in Italy September 2019](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/11/17/italy-researchers-have-shown-that-coronavirus-was-circulating-in-italy-september-2019/) - As reported in a Reuters article earlier today, Italian researchers have shown that the Coronavirus has been circulating in Italy at least since last September. ROME (Reuters) - The new coronavirus was circulating in Italy in September 2019, a study by the National Cancer Institute (INT) of the Italian city of Milan shows, signaling that
- [God is Mad at China Again...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/08/26/god-is-mad-at-china-again/) - I copied a video from Tiktok showing a video from the Epoch Times. The video showed amazing recent footage of lightning in Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Chengdu. But ... instead of leaving it just as that ... the video goes on to gives a narrative these natural occurrences may not be completely natural
- [Watch "Nathan Ruser, Vicky Xu & The ASPI Circus" on YouTube](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/10/17/watch-nathan-ruser-vicky-xu-the-aspi-circus-on-youtube/)
- [CaptainCool - Interview with Luo Wenyue, old generation Chinese American lawyer](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/10/18/captaincool-interview-with-luo-wenyue-old-generation-chinese-american-lawyer/)
- [Tiktok – How Trump Failed America](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/10/18/tiktok-how-trump-failed-america-and-his-art-at-making-deals/) - Donald Trump was elected with a mandate to make deals and “drain the swamp.” I had my doubts he could make a difference in the geopolitical realm. But even on economic matters, he has not had a lot of success. His Tiktok saga reveals just how far he has left people down. [This article is
- [Churches and Mosques in China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/10/15/churches-and-mosques-in-china/)
- [Some Recent Interesting Stories on China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/10/01/some-recent-interesting-stories-on-china/) - Sincere there are lots of misinformation and disinformation - fake news - on the Western Media, I decided to put on some random real stories on China below. Enjoy! Innovasjon Norge: Webinar/seminar Oslo: Markedsmuligheter i Kina (in Norwegian)https://www.innovasjonnorge.no/no/om/kontorer-i-Norge/oslo-viken/arrangementer/kina/ With 500 days to go, Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics is taking shapehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW_TNtLDJcQ Spectacular tidal bore surges up
- [Lies and Truth about XinJiang's "Concentration Camps"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/09/12/lies-and-truth-about-xinjiangs-concentration-camps/) - Without much adieu, please take a good look at this short documentary from CGTN linked above. It's about China's take on its "War on Terror" in XinJiang. Compare China's approach to the West's own "internally" and "externally" (over US $6 trillion and over 1.3 million lives) Go ahead - take the first steps to taking
- [Fact Checking Common American Misconceptions about the WHO's Handling of the Coronavirus Pandemic](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/09/14/fact-checking-common-american-misconceptions-about-the-whos-handling-of-the-coronavirus-pandemic/)
- [Why Today’s India is on the Wrong Side of History](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/09/14/why-todays-india-is-on-the-wrong-side-of-history/) - [This post is cross-posted at thesaker blog] Recently, I wrote a short comment in the piece India’s border policies line with Thalassa noting that “India is on the wrong side of history.” It was too “conclusory” a comment that deserves to be better explained. So I’d like to take a brief time why I think
- [Xinjiang in the News Again ... as Political Islam is Ignored Yet Again](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/06/25/xinjiang-in-the-news-again-while-ignoring-political-islam/) - So Xinjiang in on the Western news again. In the last few days, articles have appeared at Reuters, Wall Street Journal, the Christian Science Monitor, to name just a few... Here is an excerpt from the Christian Science Monitor: The worst violence in the Chinese province of Xinjiang in many months erupted earlier this week
- [Freedom Does Not Include the Freedom to Loot, Vandalize, and Kill...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/10/15/freedom-does-not-include-the-freedom-to-loot-vandalize-and-kill/) - Wrote this piece for the SCMP. Some minor differences between version below and at SCMP because of space imitation and other minor editorial issues... On China’s Indignant Response to Morey’s Tweet and Apple’s release of HKmap.live. Over the last week or so, the long simmering China – U.S. disputes seems to have spilled over from
- [Important arguments on the South China sea tensions](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/07/15/important-arguments-on-the-south-china-sea-conflict/) - South China sea conflict
- [More Misinformation and Disinformation over China - this Time Over Education Policy in Inner Mongolia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/09/08/more-misinformation-and-disinformation-over-china-this-time-over-education-policy-in-inner-mongolia/) - [This piece was originally published in the Asia Times] The media are once again ablaze with misinformation against China, this time on its supposed attempts to eradicate the Mongolian language from Inner Mongolia. A recent piece by Antonio Graceffo, an American economist and author based in Ulaanbaatar, in the Diplomat is an excellent introduction: In
- [It is Time for the World to Demand a Cleaner, more Accountable Internet](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/09/01/it-is-time-for-the-world-to-demand-a-cleaner-more-accountable-internet/) - [An edited version of this article first appeared at the South China Morning Post.] With much pomp and circumstances, the U.S. has proposed to the world a brand new beginning, a shiny new age: a Clean Global Internet. The new enemy is China, which must be purged from the new rebuilt Internet. According to Secretary
- [Random Thoughts after Democratic Convention](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/08/23/random-thoughts-after-democratic-convention/) - With the Democratic Convention over and Republican next it's obvious China is the target for both parties. as I am a Maoist in theory but just a petite Bourgeoise in practice I can't help but thinking about the future for U.S.. All the kumbaya and stirring speeches belies the fact the pandemic exposes the chasm
- [There are many reasons for the Donald to threaten to shut down Tiktok](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/08/08/there-are-many-reasons-for-the-donald-to-threaten-to-shut-down-tiktok/) - There are many reasons for Donald Trump to threaten to shut down Tiktok. One is personal. He is still infuriated about his team being tricked into his Tulsa rally disaster earlier in June. Another is political. Donald is down in the polls. He is not down and out, but he is down across the board
- [«Honored by the U.S. Department of State»](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/08/08/honored-by-the-united-states-department-of-state/) - Sayragul Sauytbay/Сайрагүл Сауытбай was by the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on 4 March 2020 given the «International Woman of Courage»-award (IWOC), an American award presented annually by the U.S. Department of State (mainly to opposition figures in other countries), https://www.state.gov/secretary-of-states-international-women-of-courage-award/ Besides on Jun 22, 2020 the book «Die Kronzeugin: Eine Staatsbeamtin über ihre
- [Has China Won by Kishore Mahbubani](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/06/13/has-china-won-by-kishore-mahbubani/) - There are many China experts talking about China, but most do not really understand China. Kishore Mahbubani is one of the few I would like to recommend who can talk about China with some understanding. His most recent book "Has China Won" generate quite a stir in Western academic circles and there were a few
- [2010 Brazil Factory Time Travels to Xinjiang](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/07/27/2010-brazil-factory-time-travels-to-xinjiang/) - No, that didn't happen. What did happen is an example of America's full-spectrum propaganda against China. Here's an article from Forbes on forced Uyghur labor when it first appeared in March, and then updated when it was exposed for using photo of a factory in Brazil. Notice the March date remain unchanged, no editorial correction:
- [Extent of Protest Violence in Hong Kong Hidden By Western Media](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/06/20/extent-of-protest-violence-in-hong-kong-hidden-by-western-media/) - Now it seems America's Color Revolution has come home to roost, we can see the difference in narrative between protest violence at home and the Hong Kong protest violence that was glorified and rationalized by our media back then. So just how bad was it? Take this incidence of protest violence as example. An off-duty
- [Policy Brutality](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/06/11/policy-brutality/) - As calls for "defunding" the Police in the aftermath of George Floyd's death mounts across America - land of the free, it is interesting to compare how police treats its citizens in the U.S. vs China - often depicted as a "police state" in the West. Police brutality is nothing new in the U.S. or
- [Beware: The Ghost of Tiananmen is Coming to America.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/06/01/beware-the-ghost-of-tiananmen-is-coming-to-america/) - As we get closer to the infamous date that many westerners would like to remember about tanks running around Tiananmen Square, I would like to remind why the events leading it in the first place. In case if you are brainwashed by western propaganda, the Chinese in early 1989 at the time saw rampant inflation
- [America's Decline over Hong Kong's National Security Law.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/05/29/americas-decline-over-hong-kongs-national-security-law/) - I've wrote this article an article about a year ago of why I believe that Trump is the best thing to China since Nixon. Trump's mishandled almost every foreign and domestic policy from Trade war with China. Now Trump is knee deep in a recession and handling the coronavirus. China seems to have the upper
- [(Letter) Open Letter to David Kilgour and David Matas on Falun Gong and Organ Harvesting](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2008/10/06/open-letter-to-david-kilgour-and-david-matas-on-falun-gong-and-organ-harvesting/) - (Backgournder on David Kilgour, David Matas, and their affiliation with Falun Gong\'s political lobby, CIPFG.) Dear Mr. Kilgour, Mr. Matas: While China's human rights record should be examined, I would like to urge you to look into all the facts of the case regarding the organ harvesting allegation made by the relgious sect Falun Gong.
- [Covid-19 Exists Long Before It Came To Wuhan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/04/13/covid-19-exists-long-before-it-came-to-wuhan/) - While western media wants to portray that China is making up 'conspiracy theories' about the origins of the Coronavirus coming to the US, many epidemiologists will point otherwise. However, the fact is that many pandemics start locally and it takes some time before it spreads worldwide and it usually starts in small wave(s) before it
- [Could Taiwan Have Saved the World from the Coronavirus?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/05/04/could-taiwan-have-saved-the-world-from-the-coronavirus/) - Many people in the West - apparently led on by the U.S. government - believe that the Chinese had covered up information regarding initial extent of the epidemic in China. Some had asserted that the death toll in China was actually magnitudes higher. When that could not be proven, some are taken to the notion
- [Debunking Western Covid-19 Propaganda Against China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/04/29/debunking-western-propaganda-against-china/) - This article from China Daily is good. Very good. It links to sources from the West itself that debunks the junk that is pervading through Western political establishments and many mainstream media. Another article is this one from Independent Media Institute (IMI). Yet another is this one from the Grayzone by Max Blumenthal and Ajit
- [America Needs to Wake Up About the True Nature of Trump’s Coronavirus Response](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/04/23/america-needs-to-wake-up-about-the-true-nature-of-trumps-coronavirus-response/) - [This article was first published on Asia Times] Despite his Administration’s many failures in responding to the Covid-19 crisis, Trump is rebranding himself as the tough, indispensable leader America needs. At the center of Trump’s new pitch: his “travel ban” against China back in February. According to Trump, but for his “early” and “decisive” actions,
- [Did China Intentionally Infect the World with the Coronavirus by Allowing Flights from Wuhan to Rest of the World While Barring Them to Rest of China?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/04/21/did-china-intentionally-infect-the-world-with-the-coronavirus-by-allowing-flights-from-wuhan-to-the-world-while-shutting-them-down-to-rest-of-china/) - Recently I have been reading so much junk and misinformation about China that's it's unbeleivable. Of course, there will always be bottom feeders such as this from a David Cole on TakiMag. But there are some more reputable ones too, such as those from Niall Ferguson about China deliberately spreading the virus to the world...
- [I Am Officially Off the Trump Bandwagon](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/01/03/i-am-officially-off-the-trump-bandwagon/) - When Trump ran for the Presidency, I openly supported him. I did not support him because of politics per se. I actually disagreed with most of his policies. However, I did agree with him that the U.S. needs to put Americans first, start dismantling the U.S. Empire, and do what is best for the American
- [Interesting Study Published in PNAS tracing the evolution and migration of SARS-CoV-2- i.e. the coronavirus](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/04/11/interesting-study-published-in-pnas-tracing-the-evolution-and-migration-of-sars-cov-2-i-e-the-coronavirus/) - [Important Editor Note: I have since communicated with the authors of the article and other experts in the field and now retract this post in the sense that there are major problems with the methodology of this study. First the bat virus chosen to anchor the tree is too far away to serve as an
- [George Koo's Poignant Piece about the Sad State of American Anti-China Fever - from a Chinese American's Perspective](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/04/20/george-koos-poignant-piece-about-the-sad-state-of-american-anti-china-fever-from-a-chinese-americans-perspective/) - Following is a recent piece from George Koo about the Sad State of American Anti-China Fever - from a Chinese American's Perspective. It was published on Asia Times. I completely empathize and echo George's sentiment. America in my opinion has degenerated to a shadow of its former self - much in the last 20 years.
- [Taiwan behind efforts to undermine and smear WHO's efforts to fight the COVID-19 Pandemic](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/04/10/taiwan-behind-efforts-to-undermine-and-smear-whos-efforts-to-fight-the-covid-19-pandemic/) - I have posted references that explain the U.S. attempt to smear China in light of its own catastrophic handling of the coronavirus crisis. Turns out Taiwan is an integral part of that. Interesting article I read first on Guancha. I will translate a part ... and refer to the CNBC report that it refers to
- [Example of US Government's  latest Coronavirus Propaganda](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/04/03/example-of-us-governments-latest-coronavirus-propaganda/) - Earlier Allen had talked about US government's effort to smear China. While Trump has moderated his rhetoric after the G20 call with Xi, the propaganda push continues with latest round accusing China of deliberate under counting. The obvious fake news from the likes of Falun Gong are easy to spot, but the consistent Echo Chamber
- [Will COVID-19 be known as “the Chinese Virus” or “the Trump Virus”?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/03/24/will-covid-19-be-known-as-the-chinese-virus-or-the-trump-virus/) - [This article is cross-posted on TheSaker and GlobalResearch] Despite strong rebukes from the WHO, President Trump and his Administration officials in recent days have made an emphatic point of calling the COVID-19 virus the “Chinese Virus” or “China Virus.” When pushed on the racist overtone of his rhetoric, Trump retorted, “Cause [the virus] comes from
- [How China Covered up the Coronavirus Crisis](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/03/26/how-china-covered-up-the-coronavirus-crisis/) - Despite Trump having said he will stop using the term "Chinese virus" or "Wuhan virus" a few days ago,[ref]https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-25/trump-says-he-ll-stop-using-chinese-virus-easing-blame-game; https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3076522/donald-trump-drops-chinese-virus-terminology-white[/ref] the U.S. is still actively pushing the world to buy the idea that China covered up its coronavirus outbreak, a cover up which directly lead the world to suffer a pandemic. The G7 just failed
- [China’s Coronavirus: A Shocking Update. Did The Virus Originate in the US?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/03/06/chinas-coronavirus-a-shocking-update-did-the-virus-originate-in-the-us/) - [This article was originally published on Globalresearch.ca.] Japan, China and Taiwan Reports on the Origin of the Virus The Western media quickly took the stage and laid out the official narrative for the outbreak of the new coronavirus which appeared to have begun in China, claiming it to have originated with animals at a wet
- [Video: Hong Kong Black Terror Violence](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/02/28/video-hong-kong-black-terror-violence/) - Here's a video on all the Black Terror violence that went down in Hong Kong during the Color Revolution (warning: graphic violence):
- [Short Take: Democratic Establishment vs progressive candidates and especially Bernie Sanders.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/02/26/short-take-democratic-establishment-vs-progressive-candidates-and-especially-bernie-sanders/) - It seems apparent now that Bernie is becoming the Democratic candidate for president. He is becoming a target not just from the Republicans but from from the Democratic establishment themselves. Perhaps the best illustration of this is from Late Night comedy show. While he is not my first choice of a candidate, I do see
- [French state-owned international television supports Mr. Fangbin in Wuhan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/02/16/french-state-owned-international-television-supports-mr-fangbin-in-wuhan/) - Yesterday 15/2-20 «France 24» news network, showed a video about Mr. Fangbin in Wuhan, who was interrogated by the police, after he had entered hospital areas and filmed patients and alleged body bags, and also posted his videos on Chinese social media platforms. (The videos were also posted by Jennifer Zeng @jenniferatntd at Twitter). The
- [Dr. Li's Death in Wuhan and certain people's outcry over his death](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/02/09/dr-lis-death-and-certain-peoples-outcry-about-his-death/) - Nathan Rich has been putting out many incredible commentaries on China on Youtube for the last few years. And this most recent one on Dr. Li's death certainly ranks among the best commentaries I have seen in English (or Chinese even) on Dr. Li's death in Wuhan. Dr. Li was one of the earliest doctors
- [An Outbreak of Sinophobia and Schadenfreude in the West](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/02/04/racist-reports-symptom-of-wests-sinophobia/) - [A redacted and edited version of this article was published in the China Daily] Nowhere is man freer than on the field of battle, where it is a matter of life and death, wrote Leo Tolstoy in War and Peace. One way of determining people’s morality is by observing their reactions during a crisis. Western
- [Don't buy in the Coronavirus hype.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/01/28/dont-buy-in-the-coronavirus-hype/) - Right now many Chinese cities are on the lock down and at the epicenter of this outbreak at Wuhan people could not come in and leave the city. While I agree that there should be some preventative measures to stop this virus from spreading like cancelling public events, shutting down the city by shutting down
- [Embracing Islamic terrorism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2020/01/21/embracing-islamic-terrorism/) - Chris Kanthan has just published an article called «Embracing Islamic terrorism». The article, together with 23 links, is a shocking and well-documented review on American foreign policy: https://www.nationofchange.org/2017/05/28/embracing-islamic-terrorism/ In link number 3 John Kerry, at that time US Secretary of State, says: «They (the Syrian government) are targeted by the opposition, who we are arming
- [China steps up push to avoid growing old while still poor](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/12/14/china-steps-up-push-to-avoid-growing-old-while-still-poor/) - Financial Times recently published an article on how the Chinese government is trying to plan its economy to better adjust to an aging population that is expected to peak in 2050 with around 35% of population over 60. According to the article, this is a culmination of a series of policies actually started at the
- [Fake News](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/12/13/fake-news/) - Before the "Fake News" became "popular," we were here. This blog was started to counter anti-China fake news created and spread by Western establishments in the lead up to the 2008 Olympics. We were created during the days of ANTI-CNN - now defunct .... and part of April Media according to Wikipedia. In light of
- [As Australia paraded Wang Liqiang FUD, his spy story fell apart - Did they not learn from Chen Yonglin?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/12/02/as-australia-paraded-wang-liqiang-fud-his-story-fell-apart-did-they-not-learn-from-chen-yonglin/) - When Yours Truly first saw this news, I'm reminded of Washington DC's full frontal assault on Beijing Olympics by coordinating protests from Tibet, Xinjiang, Falun Gong - remember Chen Yonglin's "1000 spies in Australia" allegation that failed to secure Chen political asylum? Here's a quick run-down on Wang Liqiang: Initially Australian media were eager to
- [Freedom from the Prying Eyes of the State](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/10/24/freedom-from-the-prying-eyes-of-the-state/) - The Sydney Morning Herald published an Editorial Titled "Rare bipartisan consensus on right to privacy" today. It reads in part: The democracy protests in Hong Kong are a daily reminder of how oppressive regimes abuse new face recognition and profiling technologies.Hong Kong authorities are ruthlessly applying them to central databases of personal information and biometric
- [Liu Xiaobo: RIP. But we should never forget the 14 million yuan from the National Endowment for Democracy!](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/07/13/liu-xiaobo-rip-but-we-should-never-forget-the-14-million-yuan-from-ned/) - 1. Grants in US$ from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a US government entity, to «Minzhu Zhongguo» or «Democratic China, Inc.», where Liu Xiaobo was the founder: 2005: $136,000; http://www.ned.org/region/asia/china-2005/ 2006: $136,000; http://www.ned.org/region/asia/china-2006/ 2007: $145,000; http://www.ned.org/region/asia/china-2007/ 2008: $150,000; http://www.ned.org/region/asia/china-2008/ 2009: $213,000; http://www.ned.org/region/asia/china-2009/ 2010: $220,000; http://www.ned.org/region/asia/china-2010/ Total sum from NED to «Democratic China, Inc.»: $1,000,000
- [The Chinese Don't Understand Freedom ... They are Too Sensitive and Easily Offended...  Right?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/10/09/oh-the-chinese-are-so-sensitive/) - Over the last week or so, there has been a strong reaction in China against Apple for releasing an App called HKmap.live as well as NBA’s apparent official support for the “protesters.” From SCMP: Chinese state media on Tuesday accused Apple Inc of protecting “rioters” in Hong Kong and enabling illegal behaviour, after the US-based
- [My Thoughts on Trump's Impeachment in the Implications on China.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/09/27/my-thoughts-on-trumps-impeachment-in-the-implications-on-china/) - It seems that Trump has really screwed up this time. I'm not going to go details of this but unlike the first 'election interference' with Russia during the 2016 elections which doesn't seem to gel, this one seems so blatant and so clear, his fellow Republicans didn't really defend him this time. It is very
- [Real reason for U.S. Putting Huawei on Entity List ... and for U.S. to Persuade Other nations to block Huawei 5G](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/09/26/real-reason-for-u-s-putting-huawei-on-entity-list-and-for-u-s-to-persuade-other-nations-to-block-huawei-5g/) - I have read in in so many places how putting Huawei on the Entity List on "national security grounds" makes no sense. I ran into this article on Asia Times by David Goldman - a U.S. patriot / stooge - that finally and honestly explains the real reason. For those with a head: the danger
- [Is Trump Really About America First?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/08/25/is-the-trade-war-really-about-america-first/) - The central theme of Trump's president is "America First." Most Americans understand that to mean putting American interests, American prosperity, American well being first above all else. As an American, I personally have no quarrel with this. In fact, as a world citizen, I think if every nation can look primarily after itself and not
- [On Trump’s Misguided Trade War with China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/07/16/on-trumps-misguided-trade-war-with-china/) - [This piece was initially published on global research.] Trump started his trade war with China over a year ago. After a year of escalations, two high-profile G20 meetings and months of on-off-on again negotiations, the trade war has the world tittering on the edge of a global recession. In the run-up to last month’s G20
- [Trade War and Trump](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/05/09/trade-war-and-trump/) - When 2016 election was in full swing I wrote that Hillary will be a good manager for the decline of U.S. while I fear Trump was unpredictable and fear war with Iran and North Korea. Instead now we have possible war with Iran and trade war with China. As most Chinese can predict that Liu
- [Wither Hong Kong](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/06/26/wither-hong-kong/) - Now the Western media has quiet down on events from Hong Kong I would like to put in my 2 cents from a totally different perspective. I have lived in Hong Kong for 2 years from 59' to 61' before immigrated to U.S.. I guess those demonstrators will continue to make noises to a dwindling
- [Counter Narrative](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/06/04/counter-narrative/) - When Trump raised tariffs and blame China for the impasse, China waste no time in issuing the "White Paper" in defending her position during the negotiation, and even CGTN anchor went on " Fox Business report " to debate Trisha Regan. Now this time of the year roll around with Western media trope out the
- [A reminder of why I think Trump is the best thing to China since Nixon](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/05/28/a-reminder-of-why-i-think-trump-is-the-best-thing-to-china-since-nixon/) - Despite the nasty trade wars and the recent Huawei ban that is going on, I still think that Trump is the best thing to China since Nixon. Let me explain. One glaring thing about the Huawei ban is that other countries didn't join on it, instead there's more of the wait-and-see attitude. Thanks to Trump's
- [Huawei's ban and China's reliance of American technology](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/05/20/huaweis-ban-and-chinas-reliance-of-american-technology/) - Since Huawei has been put in the "entities list," by the US government, many US based companies has stopped doing business with Huawei including Xilinx, Qualcomm, Google, and Intel. Unlike last year's fiasco with ZTE because of issues with ZTE doing business with Iran, this is nothing to do with Huawei's wrongdoing by the US
- [Huawei HiSilicon CEO He Tingbo's Open Letter](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/05/18/huawei-hisilicon-ceo-he-tingbos-open-letter/) - On the eve of US Commerce Department's ban on Huawei and 70 affiliates from sourcing U.S. components, He Tingo, the CEO of Huawei's chip fabrication arm HiSilicon, sent a letter to her employees (original follows translation): Esteemed HiSilicon Colleagues: Right now, you may well know Huawei has been listed on BIS' entity list. Years ago,
- [May 4, 2019](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/05/05/may-4-2019/) - Yesterday was the centennial for the May 4th movement. China commemorates it with celebration and Xi's speech, and everybody else tried to lay claim to be successor for it, even NYT has an article trying to belittle China's achievement by saying today's China reminds him of warlords of 1920s China. So we as Chinese whether
- [U.S. Immigration Policies.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/04/15/u-s-immigration-policies/) - Coming back to New York from a vacation in Europe reading about all the firing of top people from Homeland Securities, first rank people from border enforcement and customs, and the confusion near the Mexican border. We ourselves were caught by long line of total mismanagement that drag passport control in JFK to near 2
- [This Is China ( China Today)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/03/17/this-is-china-china-today/) - As a Chinese American who's an obsessive reader of anything about China and a reader of New York Times for over 50 years I find it surprising that there are more Chinese on the pages of opinion writers and editorial pages recently, the only unsurprising thing is it's still anti-China to a large extent. Obviously
- ["Wandering Earth"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/02/12/wandering-earth/) - I with my son last Sunday went to the AMC on Time Square to see "Wandering Earth". Figuring with 3 screens showing the movie we wouldn't have trouble, but we were wrong with all the tickets sold out. With Chinese internet ablaze with different viewpoints talking about the movie I would like to put in
- [My opinions of the Democratic/Independent Nominees for 2020 Elections thus far](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/02/01/my-opinions-of-the-democratic-independent-nominees-for-2020-elections-thus-far/) - As you know, elections won't happen until for at least 21 months from now but I am slightly more optimistic towards voting for Democratic nominees. Though most of the candidates seem to serve the corporate interests thus why many people including myself who don't serve in the people's interests. Here's what I think of some
- [Qinling Villas](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2019/01/12/qinling-villas/) - Most people in U.S. are clueless on what happens in China. They take their cue from the so called China experts on the oncoming collapse or power struggle. Even for someone like me whom is knowledgeable about Chinese politics it vex me greatly that events sometimes move in Byzantine ways. I am here talking about
- [An American Tragedy-Donald Trump](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/12/22/an-american-tragedy-donald-trump/) - One doesn't have to be an expert in Shakespeare to see Donald Trump as a tragedy in motion. I was the only one in HH that liked Hillary over Donald before the election. I thought Hillary will manage the decline of American Empire in a more orderly way and Donald will be chaos causing unpredictable
- [Uighur, View from a Han Chinese.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/12/09/uighur-view-from-a-han-chinese/) - When I was growing up in Shanghai in 1950s, I like most young Chinese, have a somewhat romantic view of Uighurs. They dance and sing during holiday celebrations. The girls and women are beautiful, wearing colorful costumes and seem exotic and unapproachable. The limited exchanges with wandering Uighur merchants selling candies and warnings that any
- [“周恩来”的烦恼](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/11/30/周恩来的烦恼/) - The about quoted article from guancha.cn talked about a movie crew wanted to shoot a historical drama of Yellow River loess plateau and unable to find location of arid scenery described of China's upper Yellow River from the 1930s. They were forced to use CGI as background scenery. I visited Yenan 3 weeks ago and
- [Final Reflection (5)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/11/27/final-reflection-5/) - As I read the 5 parts NYT stories and reactions I can't help but say Americans still don't understand China. China maybe still a long way to go to be in parity or pass U.S. in per capital basis, but in many ways she is already way ahead and pulling farther away. On our way
- [Reflections (4)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/11/25/reflections-4/) - One thing you need when entering China is you need to immediately get to a major China Mobile Office to obtain a temporary SIM card for your smart phone. There is no such thing as disposable phones you can purchase. You need identification to purchase SIM card and start communicating with others in China or
- [Reflections (3)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/11/23/reflections-3/) - One thing when we look out the window from the high speed trains is the ubiquitous cranes from the top of unfinished 30+ stories of buildings sprouting like bamboo shots when we approach any city in China. I remember the same feeling 3 years ago when I visited China after reading about the ghost cities
- [Reflections (2)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/11/21/reflections-2/) - On my first day returning to New York, NYT started to run articles about China and I have a sense of dissonance after away from U.S. for a month and away from Trump and American politics. After reading some comments I find Americans still do not get China and still live in a dream world.
- [Reflections on My Month Long Visit to China (1)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/11/20/reflections-on-my-month-long-visit-to-china-1/) - I just returned from a month long visit to China which is both exhilarating and exhausting. I last visited China about 3 years previously, but decided this time to visit areas I long wanted to see and managed to see all except Beijing and Tsinghua University which require applying to the university ahead of schedule.
- [河南汝州年轻父母殴打环卫工 因其劝阻孩子随地大小便](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/10/15/河南汝州年轻父母殴打环卫工-因其劝阻孩子随地大/) - One thing that I worried when Deng started the economic reform and turned away from Mao's attempt to mold human nature was inequality and the corrosive effect of capitalism on Chinese values. The Chinese article from guancha.cn I quoted on the heading above generated a lot of publicity and vehement condemnation from public about the
- [«The National Endowment for Democracy» and China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/09/03/the-national-endowment-for-democracy-and-china/) - In 2017 the American government funded 48 anti-China groups and organizations through its «National Endowment for Democracy» (NED), – in order oppose and harm China and to create social and ethnic tensions and conflicts inside China. Recently NED has been focusing on Xinjiang, and as a consequence there has been negative reports about the situation
- [Bloomberg Passing Off Friday Funny As News](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/10/05/bloomberg-passing-off-friday-funny-as-news/) - As usual, sensational claims, unattributed allegations like "Chinese military putting God-chip in electronics thru Chinese foundries", invariably surface late Friday afternoons, so no one can question their veracity. And after swirling around unchallenged over the weekend, it's The Truth come Monday. Here's the report from Bloomberg: Chinese government and major electronics manufacturers, are willing to
- [National Day](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/10/04/national-day/) - Recent days have been full of news, from the crowd of over 110,000 watching the flag raising ceremony at TAM square, conclusion of tax evasion case of actress Fan Bingbing, and Trump's tariff war against China. I want to touch bases here before my month long visit to China later this month. We'll travel to
- [McCain a U.S. National Hero?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/08/31/mccain-a-u-s-national-hero/) - Everywhere on the news, we hear about how the late Senator John McCain is a hero and a patriot, someone who rises above partisan bickering, an independent thinker, a maverick - someone who put country above politics. The embodiment of "decency" from a "bygone" era... It is truly amazing how I hear this from across
- [China Has Secret Gulags for TWO MILLION Uighurs?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/08/13/china-has-secret-gulags-for-two-million-uighurs/) - Can anyone find the original source? I can not (only reports from US panelist saying there are "credible reports" based on propaganda paid for by US government via NED, not actual investigation or verification by UN): https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2018/08/10/world/asia/10reuters-china-rights-un.html UPDATE: NYT has quietly pulled the article. Here's more details about this hit job from Ben Norton from
- [Eric X. Li: A tale of two political systems (李世默:两种制度的传说)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/02/eric-x-li-a-tale-of-two-political-systems/) - Eric X. Li, whom both YinYang and I know personally, recently gave this TED presentation on the ideological worship of two political systems - communism ... and electoral democracies. As usual, I find Li's perspective insightful and interesting. It certainly takes guts to stand up and speak against the predominant religion in the world! Now
- [How Should China React to Trump's Tariff War?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/08/18/how-should-china-react-to-trumps-tariff-war/) - The reactions in China toward the tariff war tells a lot about the nature of those groups more than an accurate analysis of U.S.. Some appeasement group mostly from those worshipping West attack Xi for deviating from Deng's policy of hiding one's strength and low profile. As if attracting Trump's ire is the cause of
- [China in Crossroad](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/08/01/china-in-crossroad/) - Recent events from the rise of Trump and his trade war and vaccine scandal inside China present great challenge to Chinese leadership under Xi. The right which I would characterize the liberals and those intellectuals feeling constrained on their freedom, and of course those felt threatened by the continuing anticorruption campaign embolden to challenge Xi
- [CA106](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/07/14/ca106/) - On July 10, CA flight 106 was involved in a incident which cause the flight to suddenly descend due to oxygen level decrease. It was caused by smoking of e-cigarette by copilot and error in turning off recirculation fan. Resulting deployment of oxygen masks for passengers caused widespread publicity and investigation. The flight crew was
- [Immigration](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/07/05/immigration/) - The recent ICE enforcement of immigration law by separating children from parents seeking asylum generating headline news, yet people are pretty evenly divided on whether immigration should be curtailed. I myself was an immigrant. My father was a seaman in merchant shipping stranded in U.S. when Chinese revolution occurred. He eventually became a U.S. citizen,
- [American Version of the Cultural Revolution Starring Donald Trump](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/06/14/american-version-of-the-cultural-revolution-starring-donald-trump/) - Short post. With the recent events with Donald Trump, Kim Jung Un Summit Meeting, even the western media are questioning the effectiveness of Donald Trump. Now even the Media refers to following of Trump to some kind of Cult. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCtMsuDycm8 China has gone that path before with the Cultural revolution but is Trump's America is
- [Stuyvesant HS](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/06/14/stuyvesant-hs/) - NYT last weekend has 2 opinions, pro and con on mayor DiBlasi's attempt to change the admission standards for elite high schools in NYC. It's standard arguments by liberal intelligentsia on both sides trying to be reasonable, yet totally missing the point. The fact is student population at Stuyvesant is less than 5% African American,
- [Soft Power](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/06/04/soft-power/) - China has started the ambitious "China 2025" to challenge U.S. dominance in technology. The U.S. has responded by throttling ZTE and showing the bottle neck in semiconductors. This action only reinforce the need for independence and accelerates the drive. The fact that West is always cognizant of Chinese threat and various events has delayed that
- [Karl Marx](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/05/05/karl-marx/) - Today is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Karl Marx. China celebrated it by a 2 parts TV documentary ( Marx Forever) of his life and a speech by President Xi Jinping attended by all politburo members. I am of course familiar with Marx and Marxism as I attended schools in the 50s in
- [China and US Trade Wars Part II, The 5g Wars.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/04/23/china-and-us-trade-wars-part-ii-the-5g-wars/) - In my last post, I have posted about a potential trade war between US and China. The recent ban resulting ZTE may longer purchase American hardware and software for the next 7 years. This ban will definitely mean that even if ZTE manages to source parts of the phone from non-us manufacturers, they may no
- [Korea](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/04/21/korea/) - Living in U.S. one can't help but be aware of the biases and distorted views against China, but for the hermit kingdom it must be 10 times more so. We'll probably not know why North Korea started the peace offensive for a while, whether China joining in enforcing UN sanctions push them over the edge?
- [Why the US would not win the Trade war with China.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/04/09/why-the-us-would-not-win-the-trade-war-with-china/) - The US has threatened China with Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 against China since early this year but China has retaliated back against the US. The only time when this section 301 was applied successfully was with Japan in the 1980's but it would not be the same with China today.
- [Trump](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/03/24/trump/) - I wrote before the election why I prefer Hillary over Trump because she will be a competent leader managing the slow decline of American Empire, while Trump will be an incompetent megalomania accelerating the decline and endangering the world. Now after more than a year into his presidency, his incompetence is in full display, and
- [On the Question of Term Limit](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/03/10/on-the-question-of-term-limit/) - Recent announcement of the revision of Chinese constitution removing term limit for President and Vice President generated a lot of commotion in the Western press and some opposition from small group of intellectuals, mostly liberals, human right lawyers, and some with bad memories from Cultural Revolution. The superficial reflexes are it's bad for China, Lord
- [Spring Gala, Race, and Cultural Brain Washing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/02/24/spring-gala-race-and-cultural-brain-washing/) - During the recent spring gala on CCTV1, one episode portraying friendship between China and Africa caused some backlashes mostly from liberals and America educated Chinese students on whether China was insensitive or was racism. To me it's instructive that actually it shows the U.S. centric view on culture and the brain washing or propaganda that
- [China, U.S., and the World.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/02/10/china-u-s-and-the-world/) - After living in U.S. for a long time, I am still surprised by the ignorance of Americans toward China. Maybe I shouldn't have been surprised giving they did elect a semiliterate ignoramus Trump as president and most of them are ignorant of American history, not to mention Chinese history. Yet those CIA analysts and those
- [Being There](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2018/01/05/being-there/) - After the deluge of tweets by Donald Trump after the New Year one can't help but questioning not only his qualification as the leader of U.S. presidency, but his sanity. Those so called serious people in DC no longer call out President Xi as authoritarian, and U.S. president as symbol of democracy, but avoid the
- [Great Fire Wall and Cyber Sovereignty](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/12/09/great-fire-wall-and-cyber-sovereignty/) - Recent fires outside Beijing and in Tianjin caused stirs in Chinese internet and criticism of safety violations, non performance of local officials, and the resulting hasty eviction of migrant workers in unsafe buildings. There was also the uproar of kindergarten abuse of children and swirling of rumors. Those incidences are the results of growing pains
- [U.S. Complains of Current Account Deficit and China Appetite for Western Technologies - A Self Inflicted Wound?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/09/14/u-s-complains-of-current-account-deficit-a-self-inflicted-wound/) - The current world order is grossly unfair ... historians of an enlightened future may come back to view our times as the dark ages ... when humans remain bonded to and oppressed by the hegemony and ideology "markets," "rule of law," "freedom" and "democracy". The pure hypocrisy of the world is never ending. And here
- [Dr. Bethune's Children](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/11/21/dr-bethunes-children/) - Living in the West has the advantage of access to everything from good to bad as long as you have money, but one disadvantage is being somewhat cut off from Chinese literary scene. Thus I was excited when NYT recently talked about a Chinese living in Montreal having his novel translated to English published. His
- [19th Party Congress- View from U.S.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/11/01/19th-party-congress-view-from-u-s/) - It's more than a week since the close of 19th Chinese Communist Party Congress. It's obvious big news in China, with commentators explaining and expounding its significance and vision for the future. With the release of many documentaries before the opening showing the achievements during the past 5 years. (Those who are interested can easily
- [War against Twitter, Facebook and Google: End of Free speech?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/11/01/war-against-twitter-facebook-and-google-end-of-free-speech/) - Mainstream media were already conforming to America's censorship towards any 'unfriendly' messages against them. Perhaps the last known frontier towards free speech is the internet and it is going down also. Recently representatives from Twitter, Google, and Facebook are called to Capital Hill because of 'Russian Propaganda.' https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/facebook-twitter-google-reps-grilled-senate-about-russian-propaganda-n816121 Many Westerners grilled China for their censorship
- [What happened?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/10/06/what-happened/) - Obviously most will associate this question with Hillary Clinton's book of the election of 2016 in U.S., but it can also applied to what Ken Burns and Lynn Novick asked about Vietnam War in their mesmerizing documentary, and hopefully we will not be asking the question in the future upon a devastated Korea peninsula with
- [《辉煌中国》--Amazing China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/09/25/《辉煌中国》-amazing-china/) - The 6 episodes of "Amazing China" are now available on YouTube. I haven't visited China for 2 years now, yet the speed of transition described in this video series caught me by total surprise. I do hope CGTN will translated it to different languages and broadcast them. It probably will cost a lot less than
- [Short Note on Media Disinformation: No, No, No... CIA is not Impersonating Others in Hacking Others ... There is just not Proof!](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/03/16/short-note-on-media-disinformation-no-no-no-cia-is-not-impersonating-others-in-hacking-others-there-is-just-not-proof/) - Recently, with Wikileak's release of so-called "Vault 7" of documents that revealed the vast array of tools the CIA on hacking and spying on American citizens, Western media is on a full-court press of disinformation in pushing back. One particular spin is how Wikileaks does not prove that CIA has framed or impersonated Russia. Even
- [Abacus: Small Enough to Jail](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/09/13/abacus-small-enough-to-jail/) - During the 2008 financial crisis, it is well known that nobody went to jail because of it. However, it is relatively unknown that only one bank did get charged for mortgage fraud. Abacus Federal Savings Bank is a relatively small bank which has 6 branches in NY, PA and NJ, has uncovered improper behavior of one
- [Waist Deep in the Big Muddy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/09/06/waist-deep-in-the-big-muddy/) - Pete Seeger wrote that song in 1963 about a training accident during WW 2, and obviously referring to the then developing Vietnam War. Incidentally I think he should have received the Nobel Prize for Literature that went to Bob Dylan 1 year later instead after he died. The reason this song triggered in my memory
- [North Korea; Has the nuclear calculus been changed?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/09/05/north-korea-has-the-nuclear-calculus-been-changed/) - In the past, the US stance on North Korea gone from the 'appeasement' during the Clinton Era, "Axis of Evil" Era during Bush Era and "Strategic Patience" during the Obama Era. In the advent of Bush Era and Obama era, the US has been trying to hatch a plan of trying to overthrow the North
- [End of the Sino-Indian Impasse at Dong Lang (Doklam) is Over - but Which Side Won?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/08/30/end-of-the-sino-indian-impasse-at-dong-lang-doklam-is-over-but-which-side-won/) - Finally, after over two months, the Sino-Indian Crisis at Dong Lang (Doklam) that began with Indian troops crossing into Chinese territory to stop a road construction is over. On August 28, the Chinese government confirmed that the Indian troops have withdrawn from the Chinese side of Doklam. The Indian government gave the following statement: In recent weeks,
- [Damned if you do, Damned if you don't](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/08/22/damned-if-you-do-damned-if-you-dont/) - We have talked about media bias against China, Chinese culture, and Chinese people a lot here. Almost every day, you hear stories about how China is doing illicit things ... or creating demands for illicit products. We hear about China polluting the world, "flooding" the world with steel or solar panels or electronics or toys,
- [Collective Defamation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/17/collective-defamation/) - What is the worst thing you could say or write about someone? Maybe alleging that they are a murderer. Perhaps it is labeling them a child molester. Both these accusations, when used without factual merit, constitute serious slander or libel. But what is the worst thing you could say about a group of people, a nation or
- [Virulent racism endemic in the western animal rights movement](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/15/virulent-racism-in-the-western-animal-rights-movement/) - This blog may be taken as a second part my Collective Defamation article (with possible further blogs in the future involving other kinds of anti-sinitic defamation). It is inspired by recent events blogged by Charles Liu. Another vicious slander that is common in the west is that the Chinese are a cruel people. The image
- [Human Rights in Ancient China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/26/human-rights-in-ancient-china/) - The biggest hindrance of the West and the rest of the world in understanding China is the perceived lack of human rights tradition in China. China is an old civilization and a civilization cannot continue to prosper and grow if this most fundamental issue is never addressed. The Zhou dynasty is probably the most formative
- [Case Study on Freedom of Speech: Google Walking the Talk?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/08/09/case-study-on-freedom-of-speech-google-walking-the-talk/) - I was going to write another case study on the intrinsic hypocrisy in the rhetoric of freedom - how "freedom" is uttered when useful, and completely ignored when not - using Google's recent "firing" of an employee who had written a memo that some deemed not politically correct as a basis of discussion. But then
- [China vs India](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/08/05/china-vs-india/) - China has been giving warnings right and left on the oncoming border war with India, while India has been downplaying it and very much ignored by the West fixated on North Korea ICBM testing. The facts are obvious to those interested in them. The Tibet border with Sikkim was set in 19th century and undisputed.
- [Snowden vs Human Rights Lawyer](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/07/29/snowden-vs-human-rights-lawyer/) - Recently I saw Oliver Stone's film on Snowden from Showtime and read NYT magazine article on Chinese human rights lawyers and feel the need to discuss both here. Mr. Snowden and the lawyer Liang Xiaojun and his client Xie Yanyi are in both cases dissidents. Yet their stories are so different and revealing. I suspect
- [Fair Trade Links](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/07/24/fair-trade-links/) - When Trump was voted president last year, I was hopeful that the door for next level of U.S. China cooperation will be opened. I am still hopeful, but when things like this happen, it makes me realize just how hard change can be. The U.S. and China share many differences that should be smoothed out.
- [Fakes News Alert: U.S. Challenges Chinese "Excessive" Maritime Claims by Exercising 'Freedom of navigation' near Meiji Jiao (Mischief Reef)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/05/24/fakes-news-u-s-challenges-chinese-excessive-maritime-claims-by-exercising-freedom-of-navigation-near-meiji-jiao-mischief-reef/) - This site was created to counter Western media bias - propaganda - or "Fake News" using today's vernacular - about China. Here is another one. Wall Street Journal recently reports that the U.S. Navy has just Conducted its First South China Sea Navigation Operation Under President Trump, and that such ‘Freedom of navigation’ patrols represent
- [Response to Nicholas Kristof](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/07/09/response-to-nicholas-kristof/) - After reading his column from July 8 in New York Times, I found his arrogance unbearable and have to respond. Although there is a comment section there, it is usually censored and full of praise, so I decide to write a rebut here. As most of us have preconceived biases and opinions on Liu Xiaobo,
- [Hong Kong: Is One Country 2 system actually hurting them?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/07/01/hong-kong-is-one-country-2-system-actually-hurting-them/) - Hong Kong was once a prosperous 20 years ago, but its economic stagnation is dwarfed compared to the Rise of China, even to a point that I see where neighboring Providences like Guangzhou and Shenzhen is equal or better than Hong Kong in terms of technological innovation and lack of economic integration to Hong Kong.
- [Tempest on Table Tennis](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/06/25/tempest-on-table-tennis/) - During the round of 16 of Chengdu Table Tennis Open of men's competition, 3 of the top Chinese champions and 2 of their coaches withdraw from competition and were disqualified. They also posted in Weibo their dissatisfaction over the reassignment of head coach ( a promotion, but really more kick up stair.). The resulting furor
- [Ireland](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/06/23/ireland/) - As I wrote earlier I went to my niece's Irish wedding in June. Overnight after a flight from NY to Dublin, I found that Theresa May lost her election gambit, so the young people after indifference to Brexit finally decided to vote. Hopefully Millennials in U.S. will do the same soon to evict Trump. The
- [Norwegian media, Hu Jia and Liu Xiaobo](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/04/12/norwegian-media-hu-jia-and-liu-xiaobo/) - The Norwegian prime minister, Mrs. Erna Solberg, visited China April 7–10 this year. This was the first visit by a Norwegian prime minister in seven years, since diplomatic relations between Norway and China has been frozen – due to the 2010 Nobel peace prize. Personally I am shocked about how Norwegian media covered our prime
- [Trump regime proposes zero aid to Tibetans in 2018](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/05/29/trump-regime-proposes-zero-aid-to-tibetans-in-2018/) - According to this Hindu article, "United States President Donald Trump has proposed zero aid in 2018 to the Tibetans, reversing the decades-old American policy of providing financial assistance to the community for safeguarding their distinct identity." If true, this is good news. America should get off a lot of expenses, especially expenses used to destabilize
- [Yang Shuping's MU Commencement Speech](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/05/25/yang-shupings-mu-commencement-speech/) - Recently Ms. Yang's speech went viral with disapproval in China. Most felt betrayed by her fawning comparison of pollution in major Chinese cities compare with sweet and fragrant air in U.S., or the freedom of speech and political process with China's closed system. Obvious the pollution comment was really an opening used to introduce the
- [Rise of China and the decline of Baizuo?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/05/22/rise-of-china-and-the-decline-of-baizou/) - About 15 years ago, the term "China's Peaceful Rise" was coined and the use of soft power was to be used by China as a way to spread its influence to other countries and eventually overcome the US as the dominant country. Many western skeptics at the time laughed at the notion but China knows
- [Response to Ai Weiwei](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/05/08/response-to-ai-weiwei/) - New York Times recently was back to attacking China with articles on overfishing, Namibia uranium mining, and Ai Weiwei talking about free speech and censorship. Although per capital consumption of fish by China is slightly above U.S., the per capital consumption of meat by China is less than 1/2 of U.S.. So it's rather disingenuous
- [Chinese American Male](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/04/12/chinese-american-male/) - Coming June I will be traveling to Ireland to attend a wedding for my niece. I am happy for her, yet it triggered reflections on my part on the Chinese male/female dynamic, male and female gender ratio imbalance in China, patriarchy and misogyny. I have 2 nieces, both vivacious and outgoing, having various American boyfriends
- [Opioids](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/03/30/opioids/) - Reading the news about the opioid epidemic in places like Ohio and middle America elicit mixed feelings in me. I attended primary and junior high school in Shanghai in the 50's where Chinese history is mandatory. Even today I would think Opium Wars are taught in schools there which left an ineluctable mark in my
- [Dear President Trump...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/02/10/dear-president-trump/) - I am going to write an article or post on the myth of law... But this 9th circuit decision to not reinstate Trump's order to temporarily stop immigration from 7 countries is really getting to me. Here is a letter I'd write Trump: Dear Mr. President, In light of the 9th circuit decision yesterday, it
- [The Presstitute Exposed](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/03/10/the-presstitute-exposed/) - This blog was started to counter Western Media Bias. But overtime, I realized it's not about "bias" - but also misinformation - or disinformation. Getting to the bottom of it requires not only facts but also attacking the most cherished ideologies of the West. At times we succeeded, but for the most part, I think
- [Second Annual Poetry Competition](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/02/23/second-annual-poetry-competition/) - Although this is more about memorization and understanding of Chinese poetry than actual writing of new poems, the 10 sessions of competition which can be accessed on YouTube is refreshing and revealing. I highly recommend them to all Chinese interested in Chinese values. Although you need to understand Chinese and be somewhat proficient in language
- [Trump Administration Reaches out to China to Affirm "One-China" Policy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/02/09/trump-administration-reaches-out-to-china-to-affirm-one-china-policy/) - So there we have it: the Trump administration has reached out to China to affirm America's "One-China" policy. According to this Washington Post report: President Trump held a lengthy, “extremely cordial” telephone conversation with China’s President Xi Jinping late Thursday evening in Washington, and — in a move set to ease tensions between the two
- [A Fancyful Suggestion](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/02/02/a-fancyful-suggestion/) - I think everyone know about Trump's temper tantrum against Australia Prime Minister by now. Giving China's interest in "One Belt, One Road" and the interest in attracting talents from the rest of the world in considering giving green cards to foreigners to work in China, I think there is a relative inexpensive and powerful argument
- [Obama's Foreign Policy, World Less Safe and America not a Shining Beacon to the World.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/01/30/obamas-foreign-policy-world-less-safe-and-america-not-a-shining-beacon-to-the-world/) - Donald Trump has taken over the presidency and Obama's foreign policy has taken to the scrapheap. Many other presidents try to aim to use their goodwill to set an example as a world power by Obama is just trying too much to impose America's will over other countries at the same time, namely China and
- [Interesting Trip Journal by Canadian Traveler to China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/01/21/interesting-trip-journal-by-canadian-traveler-to-china/) - Here is the link to an interesting trip journal by a Canadian recently traveling to China. Many good points and food for thoughts. Political - sure, but in a raw, intelligent, sincere, and honest way. I hope you enjoy!
- [白卷英雄”与“亿万富翁”：谁才是真正的张铁生？ Who's the Real Zhang Tiesheng?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/01/06/白卷英雄与亿万富翁：谁才是真正的张铁生/) - I was scanning stories on guancha.cn, suddenly a headline triggered my curiosity. " Who's the most beautiful stock sold ( reduction of ownership sale) person?". Upon reading the article, I decided to investigate further and searched Wikipedia. There are only short articles about him, but on the Chinese Wikipedia, it is more detailed. When I
- [How Americans Are Looking at the Russian Hacks All the Wrong Way](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/01/05/__trashed/) - It is clear now that while the 2016 U.S. election may be over, much of the bitter rancor remains. The latest controversy now swirls over how long-time foe Russia may have hijacked America's election to secure a Trump presidency. Americans seem to be transfixed by this latest treachery, with President Obama promising retributions, but Trump
- [In US's Consumption Economy, Tariffs are just pointless Government Accounting Tricks](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2017/01/03/in-uss-consumption-economy-tariffs-are-just-pointless-government-accounting-tricks/) - First, a simple case of fact of what happens to a massive tariff against Chinese made products. In 2011, US imposed a massive tariff against Chinese made solar panels and cells. In 2013, EU followed with a 50% tariff against Chinese made solar panels and cells. In order to "keep US and EU solar companies
- ["The Coming War on China" by John Pilger](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/12/11/the-coming-war-on-china-by-john-pilger/) - Sorry, don't have a good link yet for this documentary but this is the best one.... If anybody finds a better one, let me know. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kyM8uQQc_w In any case, I have made comments that under Obama is the biggest threat to world peace and why Trump presidency is a good thing. Yes, I believe that
- [My Homeland/Motherland](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/12/20/my-homelandmotherland/) - 一条大河波浪宽 风吹稻花香两岸 我家就在岸上住 听惯了艄公的号子 看惯了船上的白帆 这是美丽的祖国 是我生长的地方 在这片辽阔的土地上 到处都有明媚的风光 姑娘好像花儿一样 小伙儿心胸多宽广 为了开辟新天地 唤醒了沉睡的高山 让那河流改变了模样 这是英雄的祖国 是我生长的地方 在这片古老的土地上 到处都有青春的力量 好山好水好地方 条条大路都宽畅 朋友来了有好酒 若是那豺狼来了 迎接它的有猎枪 这是强大的祖国 是我生长的地方 在这片温暖的土地上 到处都有和平的阳光 Recently in August, Lung Ying-tai, former culture minister of Taiwan (2012-2014), an essayist and cultural critic, gave a speech in Hong Kong University titled, "One Song, One Era",
- [How should China deal with Trump?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/12/13/how-should-china-deal-with-trump/) - With his Twitter comments Trump has exploded the illusions of those who believed his election is good for China and U.S.. As for being good for U.S. I just need to list his appointments for his cabinets of fellow billionaires, anti-labor, anti-minimal wage increases, non-believers of climate changes, anti-choice etc. While the slogan " Make
- [Donald Trump is the proof of HH was right about Democracy, No Schadenfreude on HH Critics, Just Pity on the Pre-Truthers](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/11/29/donald-trump-is-the-proof-of-hh-was-right-about-democracy-no-schadenfreude-on-hh-critics-just-pity-on-the-pre-truthers/) - At the very least, they wasted their energy huffing and puffing about China, while they should have kept their eyes on their own homes. (A lesson not lost on HH folks, who are keen to keep a watch on China). At the apparent, their own "liberalism" against China showed why Trump won. Their stereotyping of
- [What Did the Accident Reveals?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/11/27/what-did-the-accident-reveals/) - Recently the tragic news of collapse of cooling tower work platform killing 72 workers in Jiangxi province caused the usual flurry of blame casting and scapegoating. It was revealed that wooden supports were prematurely dismantled, that cement curing was slow down by cold weather, that it happened during a shift change so it might be
- [50 years after the "Cultural Revolution", Trump's "Great Cultural Revolution" of the Stupid Populism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/11/22/trumps-great-cultural-revolution-of-the-stupid-populism/) - This is where I disagree with my friends on HH about Donald Trump. Maybe because I'm a cynic at heart, maybe because I don't trust "Great" sales pitches. Or maybe, because I lived through part of the "Great Cultural Revolution", which gives me some perspective to call BS. Here on HH, I have previously written
- [Trump for Peace and Prosperity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/11/12/trump-for-peace-and-prosperity/) - It's been some time since I blogged. I have had to deal with a series of health issues ... In any case, I thought I'd share a few quick thoughts about Trump's historic win. The day before the election, the New York Times estimated Trump's chance of winning at 16% - but compared to most
- [Trump Presidency and why is it a good thing for China and America.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/11/11/trump-presidency-and-why-is-it-a-good-thing-for-china-and-america/) - Many Americans by now are protesting Trump presidency, complaining in social media and especially in the Calexit vote. Many people are figuring out ways to leave the country and it seems that Western Media forgot why Trump was elected in the first place. The Democratic party was the party who represented the poor people. It
- [Democracy as Fiction Revealed by Events in Hong Kong and U.S.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/11/02/democracy-as-fiction-revealed-by-events-in-hong-kong-and-u-s/) - One of the cardinal rules of democracy is voting, and its corollary, the rule of law. Over history, from Plato, Magna Carta, U.S. Constitution, to today, liberals have the myth that it's sacrosanct and inviolable. Critics, which I include myself, have always questioned whether voting with insufficient information or education, does really serve society well.
- [A Look at China's Public Health Care System](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/10/20/a-look-at-chinas-public-health-care-system/) - A rather grass root view of the public health care system in China. As a whole China is still presented as economically and socially under developed. However, it also presented the very warm and human side of the health system of China which is rather unique. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWWKtB2-coQ&index=34&list=WL An interesting comparison is a discussion of China's
- [Crisis of U.S. Democracy and Lessons for China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/10/09/crisis-of-u-s-democracy-and-lessons-for-china/) - Tonight will be the second presidential debate, and it will confirm Trump meltdown obvious to elites in U.S.. 15 Republican senators have asked Trump to withdraw or disavowed him and counting. Yet the problem will not be solved with the coronation of Hillary. The gap between rich and poor, 99% versus 1%, will still yawn
- [Movie: The Fall of Ming](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/10/06/movie-the-fall-of-ming/) - This is a very good historical drama, easily one of the best I have watched. However, it is a flop at the box office so it is not very well known. For a movie to be successful, it usually must attract cinema goers. Unfortunately, although this movie is realistic and have a good script, there
- [Clinton vs Trump](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/09/24/clinton-vs-trump/) - In 2 more days, there will be the first presidential debate, and 45 more days before election determining the next president of U.S.A.. As a Chinese American I would like to share my view on the coming election as it will affect everyone profoundly one way or another. For many Chinese it looks to be
- [Not All Silk Roads Are Created Equal](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/09/15/not-all-silk-roads-are-created-equal/) - I recently published this opinion piece on the Saker website, & it was republished in Russia Insider. I also wanted to share it here as well (with a few minor grammatical corrections). Apologies in advance if the pictures turn out blurry, please refer to one of the links above. Not All Silk Roads Are Created
- [A Relaxing Side of the G20 Summit at Hangzhou](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/09/08/a-relaxing-side-of-the-g20-summit-at-hangzhou/) - If you like dance show and have an hour to kill, you might want to take a look at the closing ceremony of the recently held G20 Summit. It is a nice combination of traditional Chinese and European orchestra. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdWQaMIO7OA
- [Trump Jr. (Rodrigo Duterte)- Our Man in Manila](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/09/01/trump-jr-rodrigo-duterte-our-man-in-manila/) - With the musical chair of democracy spinning out of control; Rodrigo Duterte has replaced Aquino in Philippine, and Hillary Clinton likely to hold off Donald Trump in U.S. in November. Obama will be in Hangchow for the G20 meeting and continue to spin his pivot to Pacific, with Philippine the center piece of his strategy
- [Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) Re-Writes UNCLOS Into a Treaty That No One Agreed To, and the "you didn't say no, so it wasn't rape" argument of PCA](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/08/24/permanent-court-of-arbitration-pca-re-writes-unclos-into-a-treaty-that-no-one-agreed-to-and-the-you-didnt-say-no-so-it-wasnt-rape-argument-of-pca/) - There are a lot of problems with the PCA's recent decisions on SCS. First, there is the jurisdiction issue, whether the PCA had the authority to decide this case, even though China rightfully opted out of arbitration. It's an important question of consent to arbitration. If China didn't consent to arbitration, it's PCA's overreach, which
- [Arab Winter](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/08/14/arab-winter/) - When Professor Zhang of Fudan University used the term of Arab Winter as counter to criticism of China in being not responsive as Arab Spring to liberal reforms, he was not being flippant, but simply stating a fact which West avoids. Similarly when a Chinese college student responded to a question on China by posting
- [Why Are Chinese Leaders Mass Murderers](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/05/31/why-are-chinese-leaders-mass-murderers/) - Thanks to effective propaganda of western mass media, it is now common to quote that Mao Zedong caused the death of around 30-40 million Chinese people during the Great Leap. But I bet you don't know Jiang Zemin caused the death of over 80 million Chinese people. I come to that conclusion by calculating the
- [Tsk….What happened to China’s Ghost Town in Africa?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/07/23/tsk-what-happened-to-chinas-ghost-town-in-africa/) - It seems the ghost has been exorcised but no MSM seems interested in reporting it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blrmHkdgAlg&index=25&list=WL Simply search for “China ghost town Africa” and you should find a list of reporting that are simply ignorant or dishonest. If you want to see what brainwashing and misinformation can do simply read the comment section of the
- [Where have all the Flowers/Heroes gone?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/06/29/where-have-all-the-flowersheroes-gone/) - Growing up in the 60s with all the music from Beatles to Rock' n 'Rolls, I gravitate more to folk songs by Pete Seeger and Joan Baez. The song "Where have all the flowers gone" is always one of my favorites. Today with the younger generation or millennials questioning all the values, knocking all heroes
- [Extremely biased Aljazeera program](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/06/18/extremely-biased-aljazeera-program/) - Propaganda by Aljazeera
- [Blowback: America's Failed Foreign Policy Comes Full Circle](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/06/12/blowback-americas-failed-foreign-policy-comes-full-circle/) - In the wake of the worst shooting massacre in Orlando nightclub, we start seeing mass killings done by mentally sick individuals change to ISIS sympathizers. It started from the 2015 San Bernardino shooting whose roots come from Pakistan and this shooting comes from a person whose roots come from Afghanistan. Countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan
- [German parliament votes to recognize Armenian genocide](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/06/02/german-parliament-votes-to-recognize-armenian-genocide/) - A couple of years ago, I wrote a post about how Germany has cheapened its own history and disregarded its own humanity by turning a blind eye on Japan's horrific crimes against humanity in China on the eve of the 77th anniversary of the Nanking massacre. In that piece, I wrote how Germany may not
- [Did Millions Die in the Great Leap Forward: A Quick Note on non-Contemporaneous Data](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/14/did-millions-die-in-the-great-leap-forward-a-quick-note-on-non-contemporaneous-data/) - This is a followup on a previous post titled Did Millions Die in the Great Leap Forward: A Quick Note on the Underlying Statistics. In that post, I pointed out that the only systematic data available from the time (the census of 1953 and 1964) were such that they could neither support nor refute the
- [The Real Dirt on AMSC's Hidden Encryption on Wind Turbine Controllers in China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/05/31/the-real-dirt-on-amscs-hidden-encryption-on-wind-turbine-controllers-in-china/) - They might be illegal, and that's why AMSC tried so hard to hide it. The problem with Encryption software, even ancillary encryption SW (the ones used for digital signatures and copyright protections), is that they are Export-controlled by US, which restricts their exports to China (source code and the compiled binary). What's worse for AMSC,
- [http://www.zgsddh.cn/山丹丹红网](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/05/26/httpwww-zgsddh-cn山丹丹红网/) - Living in U.S. does pose a problem on information. You can access information on everyone and everything by googling. You might get thousands of entries and don't know where to go. The problem on information about China is more acute. There are the official western media such as NY Times and Washington Post where the
- [CR+50](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/05/10/cr50/) - The Western media has been relatively quiet about China except some sabre rattling on South China Sea. There are the usual noises about the collapse of China, hard landing on Chinese economy, and so called human rights violations. Europe has been preoccupied by the Syrian refugees and Greek economic crisis. U.S. has the theater of
- [Trump vs Hillary](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/05/04/trump-vs-hillary/) - Now that Indiana has spoken, we'll have 6 months of theater in U.S. until November election. As a Chinese American I do not look at the election on whether it's good for China or not. Some may feel Trump is a blowhard, while Hillary will press China harder on human rights and South China Sea,
- [America at a Crossroad: Rethinking Trade, Geopolitics, and Economic Well-Being](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/04/08/america-at-a-crossroad-rethinking-trade-geopolitics-and-economic-well-being/) - [An edited copy of this article under the title "America should not blame trade – or its trading partners – for its ills " is initially published at the South China Morning Post (pdf archive here)] Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump are leading a new American awakening on global trade. According to the new emerging
- [My Take on the Arrest of Lt. Cmdr. Edward C. Lin.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/04/12/my-take-on-the-arrest-of-lt-cmdr-edward-c-lin/) - Edward Snowden has revealed that U.S. spies on everyone around the world, for Chinese Americans, citizens or just green card holders this comes as doubly given, and especially those in STEM fields or sensitive jobs like military this will be triply true. Expect you would have your phone listen in and any communications with foreigners
- [Did Millions Die in the Great Leap Forward: A Quick Note on the Underlying Statistics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/02/did-millions-die-in-the-great-leap-forward-a-quick-note-on-the-underlying-statistics/) - [This is part I or a 2 part series on the underlying statistics of the Great Leap Forward. Part II can be found here] Recently, Ray wrote a great post - and readers added valuable comments - that provided some contexts surrounding the Great Leap Forward. When people discuss the Great Leap Forward (1958-1961), the
- [Western Propaganda on "ISIS Breeding" in Xinjiang and Belgium](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/03/29/western-propaganda-on-isis-breeding-in-xinjiang-and-belgium/) - I thought that I would like to go to this article by the Atlantic about Belgium before the terrorists attack. http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/11/belgium-radical-islam-jihad-molenbeek-isis/416235/ This is a well known problem with ISIS a "breeding ground" for terrorists because western countries decides to turn their back on western funded terrorists in Syria. Even the Belgium PM says that: “This is
- [90后女孩写神曲蹿红：《马克思是个九零后》/ Marx is an 90s youth.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/03/28/90后女孩写神曲蹿红：《马克思是个九零后》-marx-is-an-90s-youth/) - I grown up in the 60s in U.S., a turbulent time, of Vietnam War and accompanying protests, a rebellious time against stifling conformity of the 50s, sexual liberation and feminism, music of folk songs and rocks, civil right protests and marches, and idealism from far left nihilism to far right Ayn Rand libertarianism. Even Marxism
- [I like Trump's Vision of American Power Abroad](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/03/21/i-like-trumps-vision-of-american-power-abroad/) - I know there are few or no Trump supporters here ... still whatever you think about Trump, I think if you see the injustice of U.S. meddling in Middle East, Africa, the Baltic, and Asia, you have to like and take notice what Trump recently said. You don't even have to support Trump. If you
- [The Future of China's Manufacturing Industry](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/05/23/the-future-of-chinas-manufacturing-industry/) - It is becoming more and more common to hear cries that China is becoming less competitive in its manufacturing industry and factories are moving overseas. Of course, rising cost of production and particularly that of labour doesn't help. China's average yearly wage in manufacturing has increase from RMB 15,757 in 2006 to RMB 46,431 in
- [Western Propaganda vs Peter Liang](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/03/15/western-propaganda-vs-peter-liang/) - As many of you know, Peter Liang was charged with second degree manslaughter as the result of death of Akai Gurley. Western propaganda, NYC's mayor and government seems have turned its back against him while many white officers have killed unarmed black people. They seemed to neglect several facts. NYPD officers shouldn't have their guns
- [Good CCTV documentary on US human rights violations (English subtitles)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/03/14/good-cctv-documentary-on-the-state-of-human-rights-in-the-us-with-english-subtitles/) - I'm glad to see the Chinese media FINALLY starting to explicitly outline the hypocrisy of American human rights rhetoric, but I think it doesn't go far enough to illustrate the sheer scale of US human rights violations & issues, such as: Little mention on the sheer degree of income & wealth inequality, which then translates into
- [In Foreign policy and Soft-Power message, America is Donald J. Trump](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/03/08/in-foreign-policy-and-soft-power-message-america-is-donald-j-trump/) - Donald Trump is embarrassing to US, this election cycle. But some American commentators have even remarked, (as I have previously quoted), to paraphrase Joseph de Maistre, "In a Democracy, the People don't get the government they want, they get the government they deserve." Because, America, you are Donald J. Trump in the world. It's not
- [Russia and China - Strategic Partners Or Partners of Convenience?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/03/03/russia-and-china-strategic-partners-or-partners-of-convenience/) - Mr. Unknown and the blogger known as the Saker has collaborated to write an interesting, provocative, and insightful piece end of last year. I truly applaud the effort and feel honored that China does have true friends from Russia. And I am truly heartened to see that there are Russians who do see China as
- [The Mystery of Stupidity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/29/the-mystery-of-stupidity/) - STUPIDITY, a formidable globalised trend, is gaining momentum. Living in Hong Kong, I can feel its pressure wave on my face each morning I wake up. This 21st century bliss seems a Darwinian mystery at first. Idiot genes don’t serve any obvious evolutionary purpose, yet are present in prodigious abundance. How did that happen, I
- [On the Anti-Trump Agenda - a Personal Gripe](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/03/02/on-the-anti-trump-agenda-a-personal-gripe/) - There are so many things over which I disagree with Trump. When he talks about China, I literally disagree with him on everything he says - currency manipulation, unfair trade, aggressive trade policies, an all out assault to gut America of jobs... Yet I see every attack on Trump in the media - and yes
- [The Caustic Side Effects of Looking to Supreme Court Justices as Umpires](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/02/26/the-caustic-side-effects-of-looking-to-supreme-court-justices-as-umpires/) - [Editor's Note: This piece was first published at the Huffington Post] According to Chief Justice Roberts, judges are baseball umpires who apply rules impartially to disputes. As neutral actors, judges make everyone play by the rules but do not take sides themselves. But with members of Senate locked in a heated debate whether Obama or
- [Free Speech Definitely Doesn't Mean Cost Notwithstanding Speech](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/02/17/free-speech-doesnt-mean-speech-without-costs/) - The recent post by pugster about rioters in Hong Kong brought to my mind some thoughts I had as the Umbrella Revolution was flaming out a couple of years ago. One of the arguments many people in the West used to denigrate the HK and Mainland government in support of the Umbrella movement was that
- [Donald Trump](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/02/24/donald-trump/) - It is frequently claimed that Winston Churchill once said “democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others”. Now that Donald Trump is on the verge of locking up the nomination as Republican candidate for POTUS, and U.S. surely is on the cusp to become fascist if he wins the nomination and
- [Western Media's Monkey Business](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/02/19/western-medias-monkey-business/) - Happy Year of the Monkey everyone. Sadly the first monkey related blogpost on HH is about Western media’s on going monkey business when it comes to China reporting. For 2016, the first salvo is about the shameless nouveau riche of China illegally owning endangered “thumb monkey” of Amazon: However quick Google fact check revealed this
- [How would this story be reported if it were China asking Apple for a way to get into a Terrorist's phone?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/02/17/how-would-this-story-be-reported-if-it-were-china-asking-apple-for-a-way-to-get-into-a-terrorists-phone/) - Interesting story from NYT today titled "Judge Tells Apple to Help Unlock San Bernardino Gunman’s iPhone." Here is an excerpt: WASHINGTON — A judge in California on Tuesday ordered Apple to help the F.B.I. unlock an iPhone used by one of the attackers in the assault in San Bernardino that killed 14 people in December.
- [What is Your Take on Hong Kong Police Breaking Up Protesters Occupying Government Buildings and Public Spaces?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/09/28/police-police-breaks-up-protesters-occupying-government-buildings-and-public-spaces/) - The news of Hong Kong Police using tear gas to disperse crowds aimed at occupying government buildings and public spaces to protest against Beijing rules on how Hong Kong residents vote for its next leaders are plastered on the first page of all the major news site today. The Wall Street Journal, for example, has this
- [Hong Kong Rioters at it again.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/02/09/hong-kong-rioters-at-it-again/) - It seems that the Western Paid Rioters are at it again, this time they are 'protesting' against the removal of Illegal food stalls in Mong Kok and starting their 'fishball revolution.' http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-35529587 These Right wing rioters including the HK Indigenous, Civic Passion, Hong Kong Localism Power, Hong Kong Independence Party that has plagued Hong Kong about 18 months ago with
- [DPP Wins in Taiwan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/01/16/dpp-wins-in-taiwan/) - The writing has been on the wall for KMT's chances in the election this time around for some time. As I had discussed earlier, the battle between DPP and KMT in the 2016 election is not about independence vs. status quo as it had been 8 years back when Taiwan elected Ma Ying-jeou, or 16
- [U.S. in Crossroad](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/01/23/u-s-in-crossroad/) - I remember in early 1960s, I read a book of short stories of science fiction from Eastern Europe in which one portrayed the future of mankind as one bloated capitalist lamenting that he owned everything with robots manufacturing products which no one can afford to buy, in fact the planet is dying with him as
- [The West has Affluenza Moral Universalism:  An argument for a balanced view of morality in China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/01/11/the-west-has-affluenza-moral-universalism-an-argument-for-a-balanced-view-of-morality-in-china/) - Moral Universalism, as often headlined by "Universal Human Rights", is the philosophical concept that some Universal moral standard applies universally to all individuals, regardless of their culture, race, religion, gender, nationality, etc. Yet, in implementation, Moral Universalism and "Universal Human Rights" have led to a kind of twisted moral standard, where collateral damage of millions
- [China's Obsolete Economic Strategy?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2016/01/09/chinas-obsolete-economic-strategy/) - New York Times editorial board published an editorial this morning trying to give advice that's so laughable and I immediately wrote a comment to rebut them. "I think NYT should have more editorials about the direction of U.S. economy and government policies than China's. What you complain about China doesn't really hold water. 1. Despite
- [Who Is Really Overstepping the Bounds of International Law in the South China Sea?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/12/10/who-is-really-overstepping-the-bounds-of-international-law-in-the-south-china-sea/) - [Editor's Note: This is a cross-post of an article I submitted to the Diplomat a few weeks ago. I am wrapping up a more detailed legal analysis of the issues and aim to make it a law review article. I will cross-post here too that once that has been submitted and accepted.] When the Permanent
- [US Security Paranoia over Undersea Cables unexpectedly reveals extent of US surveillance](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/12/24/us-security-paranoia-over-undersea-cables-unexpectedly-reveals-extent-of-us-surveillance/) - http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/26/world/europe/russian-presence-near-undersea-cables-concerns-us.html?_r=0 Why is US /NATO so concerned about the undersea cables for internet? Because they "carry more than 95 percent of daily communications"??! How can they "carry more than 95 percent of daily communications" on the internet??!! Considering most users and most popular websites are based in US? It would be an interesting admission, only if
- [Server Migrated](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/12/24/server-migrated/) - If you see this page. You have reached our new server. If you see things that appear wrong, please let me know, so I can fix them. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a shakeout period for me to see how this new server works for us. Thanks All!
- [Out of date SSL Certificates and Other Issues](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/12/22/out-of-date-ssl-certificates-and-other-issues/) - Hi Everyone, If you are logging in to comment, you may notice that our SSL certificate is out of date. We are working with the host on resolving that issue and other issues. Over the last year or so, we've had several outages even though our traffic was modest. In the next couple of days,
- [Short Post: Returning Stolen Treasures](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/12/22/short-post-returning-stolen-treasures/) - I saw this article earlier today in the NYT about actor Nicholas Cage agreeing to return to Mongolia a dinosaur fossil that he had legitimately bought (paying top dollars for) but that turned out to have been stolen earlier from Mongolia. Following is an excerpt of the story. I wish people and governments around the
- [China at Crossroad, a Critique from Left.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/12/22/china-at-crossroad-a-critique-from-left/) - With China's stupendous achievements from the last 35 years it would seem petty to complain about problems accompanies the growth. Yet Xi and his leadership group face some structural problems in reforms necessarily to transform Capitalism to her eventual goal of Socialism. Last month Beijing University named a new building after Karl Marx, and hosted
- [Involvement of Any Third Party in The South China Sea is Counter Productive](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/12/13/21999/) - I am writing this article as a follow on to Allen's post “Who Is Really Overstepping the Bounds of International Law in the South China Sea?” International law is defined by consensus but ultimately decided by “reality on the ground”. Each claimant nation of South China Sea island should have absolute faith and belief in
- [Opinion: In Fighting ISIS or Al Qaeda, We Must Take Great Care Not to Demonize Islam](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/12/10/opinion-in-fighting-isis-or-al-qaeda-we-must-take-great-care-not-to-demonize-islam/) - [editor's note: this is a cross-post of an article I posted on the Huffington Post.] When news arose that the killings in San Bernardino last Thursday was probably terrorist related - that the perpetrators Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik had praised "Allah" and pledged allegiance to ISIS moments before they started their rampage -
- [Prime Directive](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/11/26/prime-directive/) - As a science fiction fan Star Trek was one of my favorite, especially the "Prime Directive" which prohibit interference of other cultures and their developments. Of course it was a doctrine more in violation than its strict adherence since this was entertainment. Recently there was an outcry in Weibo when China joined a few others
- [US' creation and blowback from the ISIS' plague.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/11/23/us-creation-and-blowback-from-the-isis-plague/) - Ever since Obama has became president in 2009, Obama has taken a different stance towards maintaining its global hegemony. Bush II's tactics is to take over countries like Iraq and Afghanistan and rebuilding the countries. Obama's tactics is to fund or promote 3rd parties to do their work for them. Obama's Asian Pivot policy is
- [The "follies" of Russia's pivot to China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/10/02/the-follies-of-russias-pivot-to-china/) - Recently, there has been no shortage of highly pessimistic commentaries published & republished, pointing out the supposed "follies" of Russia's eastern pivot, by highlighting this year's decline in Sino-Russian trade, China's stock market volatility, and its supposed economic "weakness". The conclusion implied by these articles is clear: "Russia's economic pivot to China is failing, because increased
- [Nations Agree on the Trans-Pacific Partnership  ... and My First Take of Its Significance](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/10/06/nations-agree-on-the-trans-pacific-partnership-and-my-first-take-of-its-significance/) - Yesterday, the U.S. and the eleven other nations announced that they had finally - after rounds and rounds of delays - an agreement. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) have been controversial and widely criticized, with secret negotiations taking place behind closed doors. Even the ultra liberal and Western brain-washed readers of the New York Times see
- [China's Animation Industry](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/11/07/chinas-animation-industry/) - I think it is about time for some lighthearted subject matter. I have written awhile back that China's so-called censorship does not stop creativity, rather it is the lack of “environment” that is the biggest bottle neck. One can talk about innovation, creativity, freedom etc but without a viable market there would be no cutting
- [China's New 2 Childs Policy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/11/06/chinas-new-2-childs-policy/) - When China recently announced change in 1 child policy, it was a total surprise to western observers and China experts. Some interpreted it as due to slow down in economy, labor shortages, or aging of the population. Others crowed triumphantly as failure of the population planning program, and human rights triumph over the authoritarian government.
- [Military Surveillance under "Freedom of Navigation", China can outdo US too.  (Be careful what you wish for).](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/11/05/military-surveillance-under-freedom-of-navigation-china-can-outdo-us-too-be-careful-what-you-wish-for/) - In follow up to Allen's question, https://hiddenharmonies.org/2015/10/29/u-s-s-china-sea-provocation-what-next/, I thought it only appropriate to show what is already happening. US, by claiming the right of conducting military surveillance under "freedom of navigation", escalated the provocation by essentially the logic of "We are here with guns, what are you going to do about it?" Yet, already after, US
- [U.S. S. China Sea Provocation ... What Next?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/10/29/u-s-s-china-sea-provocation-what-next/) - This story has been brewing for a while. The U.S. has been saying for months that it is going to challenge China's "increasingly assertive claims" in the S. China Sea ... militarily - by sailing warships through some of the most sensitive parts of the S. China Sea. Many have bemoaned when the U.S. appeared
- ["China 2015 - Leading Global Innovation": a World Economic Forum debate](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/10/26/china-2015-leading-global-innovation-a-world-economic-forum-debate/) - I recently saw a debate I wanted to share, regarding a topic of particular interest for me: innovation in China. A few takeaways I got from this video: The myth of what I call the "freedom-innovation nexus" is still alive & well. China is already surpassing the West in some aspects of innovation. Just as there are
- [Opinion: U.K. - the Bridge Between East and West?  Not So Fast.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/10/21/opinion-u-k-the-bridge-between-east-and-west-not-so-fast/) - President Xi is visiting the U.K. this week. There are pageantry ... and some $60 Billion US worth of deals. British Prime Minister has made a big commotion calling it as the "Partner of Choice" in the West for China. I am sure the British Leadership, Cameron personally, believes that it is in the long-term
- [Is China Escalating Tensions in the East China Seas By Creating an Air Defense Identification Zone?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/25/is-china-escalating-tensions-in-the-east-china-seas-by-creating-an-air-defense-identification-zone/) - Recently, one sees again a torrent of articles in the Western press about how China is escalating tensions in the the East China Seas By Creating an Air Defense Identification Zone. The response from the U.S. and its lackey Japan has been swift. NYT reports: China’s announcement appeared to be the latest step in
- [Turning a Nobel Prize to a Chinese for Artemisinin Into a Eulogy for Traditional Chinese Medicine?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/10/18/a-nobel-prize-to-a-chinese-for-artemisinin-turns-into-a-eulogy-for-traditional-chinese-medicine/) - A couple of weeks ago, Tu Youyou became the first Chinese national to win the Nobel Prize in Medicine "for her discoveries concerning a novel therapy against Malaria." (Tu had already won the Lasker Award a few years ago for the same work, and had described her work this way.) There were cheers and hopes
- [The Ouster of Hung Hsiu-chu](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/10/20/the-ouster-of-hung-hsiu-chu/) - Over the weekend, the KMT nullified Hung Hsiu-chu’s nomination and selected party chairman Eric Chu to lead the ticket in the Jan. 16 election. George Koo wrote a piece about it last week. I typically don't comment that much on populist politics since they are fleeting, shallow, and often end up, when on look back,
- [New research dispels western myths about PRC aid to Africa](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/10/20/new-research-dispels-western-myths-about-prc-aid-to-africa/) - New research, based on China's aid track record from 2000-2013, shows that much of what the western media propagates about China's intentions & practices, when it comes to providing official development aid (ODA) to Africa, is simply NOT true. "Coincidentally", this latest research published by AidData has garnered little (if any) attention in US mainstream media outlets. Here
- [A Land China Loves and Hates?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/10/13/a-land-china-loves-and-hates/) - On the Opinion Pages of New York Times of October 13, 2015, there was a piece by Murong Xuecun, pen name for Hao Qun, who used to be a big V on Weibo, and whose account was closed by the Chinese government, titled "A Land China Loves and Hates", which I used as a title
- [Hillary's Tweet about China Regarding Women's Rights ... and What it Reveals...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/09/28/hillarys-tweet-about-china-regarding-womens-rights-and-what-it-reveals/) - As China and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon get set to co-host a U.N. meeting of world leaders on gender equality and women's empowerment, Hillary Clinton decided to crash the party. On Sunday, Hillary tweeted: Xi hosting a meeting on woman’s rights at the UN while persecuting feminists? Shameless. This came as a surprise to many
- [The Food is Terrible, ..., and such small portions](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/10/16/the-food-is-terrible-and-such-small-portions/) - ... so said Woody Allen, in an eloquent expression of an exemplary post-modern human tendency of "glutton for punishment", or even worse whining about lack of punishment. If the food is indeed terrible, then any portion would be too much. Then why complain about the portion being "small"? The same illogic is often thrown about
- [What's Up with Abe's Egging China On to War?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/10/14/whats-up-with-abes-egging-china-on-to-war/) - Mr. Abe has done a lot to put Asia back on the path to War: what with re-arming Japan, making a mockery of Japan's Pacifist Constitution, and overflowing rhetoric about the dangers of a rising China. Just last week, I was perusing through Asia Times, reading an article by Peter Lee on the TPP, when
- [Obama lecturing China about hacking and snooping?  Shameless!](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/09/30/chinese-cyber-attack-and-espionage/) - One of the key conflicts - at least in U.S. view - between U.S. and China over the last few years has been "cyber attack" and "cyber espionage." During President Xi's recent visit to the U.S., Obama has scolded Xi very publicly - and with much fanfare - that Chinese cyber espionage against U.S. government
- [Indonesia's Hidden Holocaust](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/09/30/indonesias-hidden-holocaust/) - Joshua Oppenheimer is an Oscar-nominated American film director based in Denmark. He recently produced two award-winning documentaries on the genocide perpetrated by the Indonesian government against ethnic Chinese and others throughout Indonesia in 1965-69. This week marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning that atrocity. Joshua penned what I think is a great op-ed in
- [Xi Jinping's U.N. Speech](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/09/30/xi-jinpings-u-n-speech/) - President Xi Jinping made an important speech in which he outlined a better way for the international community to move forward: not with hegemony, but with an eye toward win-win cooperation. Below is a transcript. An official U.N. copy can be found here. Working Together to Forge a New Partnership of Win-win Cooperation and Create
- [Case Study on Democracy and Rule of Law: Japan and the World at a Crossroad?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/09/26/case-study-on-democracy-and-rule-of-law-japan-and-the-world-at-a-crossroad/) - Recently, the Japanese Parliament passed controversial legislation pushed by Abe to allow Japanese forces to fight abroad for the first time since 1945. Here is how Reuters reported it: Japan's parliament voted into law on Saturday a defense policy shift that could let troops fight overseas for the first time since 1945, a milestone in
- ['Green' protests in India backed by U.S.-funded NGO's](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/17/green-protests-in-india-backed-by-u-s-funded-ngos/) - Interesting take by Russia Today about U.S.-funded NGO's operating in India doing 'green' protests against the country's aim to develop more nuclear power plants. India has shut down some of such NGO's while Russia Today insinuate they specifically targeted nuclear plants under construction by Russian firms.
- [Q&A with a Russian friend (see download links or attached PDF)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/09/28/qa-with-a-russian-friend-see-download-links-or-attached-pdf/) - PDF attachment: Q&A with a Russian Friend Sometimes it is helpful for the Hidden Harmonies audience to remember that China is not alone in being demonized by the mainstream western (primarily US) media. Any country that doesn't "fit" neatly into the US "liberal-democratic" ideological dogma will naturally be painted as some kind of morally degenerate rogue state out to undermine
- [Where Did Lei Feng Gone?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/09/17/where-did-lei-feng-gone/) - During the last year I have read quite a few articles on people being indifferent to others in distress. For example a little girl ran over by a car and recording of CCTV showed pedestrians and cars ignored her for a long time until a poor woman searching for recycled bottles stopped to help and
- [Good video on myths about "Syrian" refugees](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/09/14/good-video-on-myths-about-syrian-refugees/) - If the West didn't fuel civil wars with arms (& bombs), perhaps they wouldn't need to cry crocodile tears when refugees start to flood out of those war zones? On a side note, once in a while, it's helpful to remember that China isn't the only society being demonized by the western media.
- [When Ideology and Racism Combine Caustically to Provoke Fear ... and When that Fear Burns to Enslave and Ultimately to Kill ...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/09/11/when-ideology-and-racism-combine-caustically-to-provoke-fear-when-fear-burned-to-enslave-and-ultimately-to-kill/) - A few months ago, a long-time Jewish friend of mine and I sat down for dinner. We chatted about many times: family, career, politics, history and ideology. One of the inevitable topics we discussed was the Holocaust. I brought up the fact that China's mentioning of Nankin massacre in the West evoked mass fears of
- [Privacy, National Security, Human Rights, Social Value, Whatever - It's Whatever the West Says](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/09/11/privacy-national-security-human-rights-national-interests-whatever-its-whatever-the-west-says/) - The Economist today had an article on a case involving Microsoft's alleged refusal to turn over documents stored on a foreign server to FBI. The article can be found here (archived here). According to the Economist: SUPPOSE FBI agents were to break into the postbox of an American company in Dublin to seize letters which
- [The Humanitarian Crisis Spewing into Europe from the Middle East](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/09/07/the-humanitarian-crisis-spewing-into-europe-from-the-middle-east/) - The last week or two, we have seen a great humanitarian crisis building in Europe with waves and waves of refugees pouring into Europe from neighboring Middle Eastern countries ... with many dying along the way ... and even children washing up on resort beaches. The debate in Europe appears to focus primarily on how
- [Beyond the Pathetic Complaints about China's 70th V-Day Anniversary Parade](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/09/03/beyond-the-pathetic-complaints-about-chinas-70th-v-day-anniversary-parade/) - I have been watching, reading, and observing events leading up to China's 70th V-Day Anniversary Parade. Festivities are still on-going, and I definitely feel proud that China is on the right track. I do hear however a lot of bitter snickers and derision that to me seem way off point... For example, in the U.S.,
- [A short caricature on politics ...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/09/01/a-short-caricature-on-politics/) - In the lead up to China's commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Japan's defeat in WWII, I thought I'd do a little personal aside ... that might explain why Japan can be so delusional about so many things. Politics ... in many ways ... especially politics in the democratic sense (i.e. at the level of
- [Is China a Real Victor of WWII?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/08/07/is-china-a-real-victor-of-wwii/) - In my recent article on Philippines' ultimately absurd legal challenge to China's claims in the S. China Sea, I noted how that conflict arose from the prevailing wind to diss China's interests in the post WWII world. The cause for that are many. No doubt China's relative weakness vis-a-vis the West and/or Soviet Union, its
- [What Academic Freedom?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/08/31/what-academic-freedom/) - Hong Kong “politics” has decomposed into a tiny repertoire of elemental clichés. Nonetheless, they can cause disproportional disruptions when deployed vociferously by ardent sloganeers with singular determination. By far the most overworked slogan is — of course — freedom and democracy. It’s become licence to do practically anything without consequence. Well, freedom is pointless if
- [If China Fears "Instability," then the Western Democracies are Oblivious.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/08/26/if-china-fears-instability-then-the-western-democracies-are-oblivious/) - A government should fear "instability", or rather should fear the anger of the People in instability. Western Media has been in the habit of attributing virtually everything Chinese government does as "in fear of instability." To that, I say good. That's the way it should be. Tang Emperor Gaozong said once, “Water can float a boat,
- [Tianjin Disaster](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/08/16/tianjin-disaster/) - On 9/11, more than 400 first responders were killed. Now we know that more than 100 first responders were killed or missing in the Tianjin explosions. I have been under a miasma of sadness and anger since then. With each new revelation the more I questioned the edifice which China built in the last 35
- [Objectivity as Fiction](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/08/14/objectivity-as-fiction/) - New York Times pride itself being objective, its motto is "All the News Fit to Print". Despite its history of Jayson Blair, Judith Miller, White Water, and present war against Hillary Clinton. When China started to allow the currency RMB to be more free against Dollar last Tuesday, causing depreciation about 3.5% in 3 days,
- [The Mirage that is Japan ...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/08/06/the-mirage-that-is-japan/) - I came across an article in Asia Times on Japan's WWII surrender that I thought was very well written. It is important because within that surrender lay the seeds of today's historical revisionism. But more important than that, it is a good case study on what Japan is NOT. Too often, many in the West
- [Donald Trump's Logic is also what's wrong with Western Media](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/08/07/donald-trumps-logic-is-also-whats-wrong-with-western-media/) - "some, I assume, are good people". Donald Trump could have said this just about for any group. Which is precisely what's wrong with Western media, as we have said repeatedly for years. Only now, Western Media, even Fox, is piling on Trump for what they themselves keep writing in "journalism". Undoubtedly, Donald makes them all
- [Update on AMSC v. Sinovel "IP theft" lawsuits](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/08/05/update-on-amsc-v-sinovel-ip-theft-lawsuits/) - In the latest, AMSC suffered clear defeats in 2 main jurisdictions in China, Beijing and Hainan, where both jurisdictions dismissed AMSC's copyright complaints. http://www.windpowermonthly.com/article/1350760/sinovel-claims-court-win-amsc In April the Beijing Intermediate People's Court dismissed another AMSC software copyright infringment case against Sinovel. AMSC made an appeal in May to the Beijing Higher People's Court, requesting a revocation
- [An Interview with Deng Xiaoping](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/07/29/an-interview-with-deng-xiaoping/) - The following is an interview given by Deng Xiaoping to the Italian Oriana Fallaci on August 21 and 23, 1980. I have included Deng's original Chinese language version at the bottom. The English translation credit goes to People's Daily of China. It gives very good insight to Deng. Oriana Fallaci: Will Chairman Mao's portrait above
- [Position Paper of the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Matter of Jurisdiction in the South China Sea Arbitration Initiated by the Republic of the Philippines](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/07/27/position-paper-of-the-government-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china-on-the-matter-of-jurisdiction-in-the-south-china-sea-arbitration-initiated-by-the-republic-of-the-philippines/) - On December 7, 2014, the Chinese government released a position paper on why the UNCLOS Arbitration initiated by Philippines should be dismissed as groundless. Below is a copy. For me personally, it's interesting reading it after I have conducted my own extensive research in the area in writing my own paper on the topic last
- [Is restriction of US export to China killing its own hi-tech industry?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/09/09/is-restriction-of-us-export-to-china-killing-its-own-hi-tech-industry/) - Here's one aspect of China's manufacturing capacity that is rarely mentioned in mainstream western press. By restricting export to China, the US government is giving the largest manufacturing markets to its main competitors. The US hope that by restricting hi-tech export would prevent China from developing its own hi-tech industry. However, the reality is that
- [Political Correctness](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/07/19/political-correctness/) - In U.S., despite the popularity of Bill Maher, political correctness is a serious business, especially in academia. Any inadvertent comment or joke about race and rape will be attacked as racism or misogyny. Recently Hong Kong media published a conversation of Zhu Wei Qun, he was an official who was involved in negotiation with representatives
- [Toward a Japan-Anchored Asian Order?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/20/toward-a-japan-anchored-asian-order/) - Peter Lee wrote an interesting piece at Asia Times titled "India places its Asian bet on Japan" today regarding his take of India's recent rapprochement with Japan. Before reading this piece, I had regarded Singh's recent trip to Japan as nothing much more than two second-rate power trying to form a second-rate alliance against a
- [So China is Doomed Because of a 30% market crash ... ?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/07/16/so-china-is-doomed-because-of-a-30-market-crash/) - The news is abuzz with China's recent stock market crash. The naysayers are all coming out. Not that they were ever hiding, but now it's a parade - with horns and drums to toot! Some reports are however darn right silly. For example in this CNBS report titled How China might have given itself a
- [Google alters name of disputed South China Sea reef](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/07/15/google-alters-name-of-disputed-south-china-sea-reef/) - So it's official folks. Google has altered the name of of a disputed South China Sea reef on its map from Huangyan Island to Scarborough Shoal. Since Google says so, it must be so. Has to be so. Here is CNN's take on the story: Hong Kong (CNN)Google says it has altered its map of
- [Okinawa, Taiwan, and the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in United States–Japan–China Relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/07/15/okinawa-taiwan-and-the-senkakudiaoyu-islands-in-united-states-japan-china-relations/) - This is not the first time I have read and linked to articles in The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus that I find sensible, instead of the misinformation and disinformation we see so often preached in Western press and Japanese press. I thought this article by Kimie Hara gives a more balanced Japanese view of the
- [Chinese Government Tightens Constraints on Press Freedom](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/06/20/chinese-government-tightens-constraints-on-press-freedom/) - Oh no ... the Chinese government is at it again. The New York Times is running on its front page today an article with the ominous title "Chinese Government Tightens Constraints on Press Freedom." Here is the full text of the article. HONG KONG — China introduced new restrictions on what the government has called
- [Tiananmen and Freedom of Speech](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/05/31/tiananmen-and-freedom-of-speech/) - In the lead up to the "25th Anniversary" of the Tienanmen Square Incident of 1989, we are hearing everything again of how a great sad chapter of Chinese history has been - and continue - to be covered up. A politically activist museum even opened in Hong Kong earlier this month. Old, tired politically activists are freshly
- [陈平：对西方模式的迷恋导致了这次股灾/ On the stock crash in China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/07/04/陈平：对西方模式的迷恋导致了这次股灾-on-the-stock-crash-in-china/) - Recently the Shanghai stock market index went from around 2,000 to 5,100, and now crash back to 3.900. There were talks and actions on how to stabilize the market, from the cutting of transition cost to possible entering of Social Security fund, from blaming of shorts, derivatives, and future trading, to foreign hedge funds. There
- [Stop Yulin 2015: Hypocrisy at its utmost](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/06/25/stop-yulin-2015-hypocrisy-at-its-utmost/) - Well, it is that time of the year again. And the publicity stunt of a little know town in Guangxi, China, has succeed beyond the wildest expectation. Yulin, is now well known in the so-called animal lovers circle, including those in China. It is estimated that up to 10,000 of dogs and perhaps cats will
- [Hong Kong Legislature Rejects Election Reform](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/06/18/hong-kong-legislature-rejects-election-reform/) - So it looks official now, Hong Kong's Legislature has officially rejected the Election Reform promulgated by PRC’s Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. (For more on this topic, see this previous post late last year) The central government has responded that the election rules stands and now it is the hope of many that Hong
- [Is self-determination a tool for liberation in today's world?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2008/05/23/is-self-determination-a-tool-for-liberation-in-todays-world/) - Increasingly, self-determination is used as a rallying cry for separatist movements around the world, from Kosovo to Tibetan independence. Many separatist movements have leveraged symbols of European Imperialism to cast their cause as a fight for freedom. On the one hand, such use of self-determination seems to be appropriate. The West conquered a large part
- [Rachel Dolezal, Hong Kong Independenters, and the Question of Identity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/06/19/rachel-dolezal-hong-kong-independenters-and-the-question-of-identity/) - Recently news headlines in U.S. suddenly switched on a dime from the police shootings on black men/boys to Rachel Dolezal on her fake black identity. It's as if all those police shootings which Guardian keeping count exceeded 500 killings this year never existed, with fake and real outrages at Ms. Dolezal dominating all discussions. Meanwhile
- [Philippines, China, UNCLOS and the South China Seas](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/17/philippines-china-unclos-and-the-south-china-seas/) - Recently, we hear a growing chorus how the China - Philippines dispute in the South China Seas ought to be settled by binding arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).[ref]See, e.g., this article from CSIS; this article from GMA; or this article from Business World[/ref] We already have dealt
- [Creating Central Eurasia - a vision for collaboration between the Silk Road & Eurasian Union projects](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/06/09/creating-central-eurasia-a-vision-for-collaboration-between-the-silk-road-eurasian-union-project/) - I want to share a GREAT analysis from the Valdai Club (see links below), outlining the opportunities for the PRC & Russia to jointly promote development and stability in Central Asia, by integrating the Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) & Eurasian Union initiatives. I find it an insightful counter-narrative to the mainstream (mostly western) rhetoric of China
- [Revisiting "Tiger Mom", and where "Individualism" failed (with a Sleeveless Pineapple)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/06/01/revisiting-tiger-mom-and-where-individualism-failed/) - Recently, I had an interesting debate about the "Tiger Mom" culture in Asia, against the backdrop of a Chinese American mother who criticized the Tiger Mom's suppression of children's "autonomy". So, since we had lively discussions of this subject here, (https://hiddenharmonies.org/2011/01/13/the-truth-is-out-amy-chuas-chinese-moms-attack-on-american-moms-is-actually-a-wall-street-journal-creation/), I thought we should visit with some updates. First, it's actually amazing how many
- [Police shooting in Heilongjiang](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/05/31/police-shooting-in-heilongjiang/) - While we were in China we read about the news of Baltimore riot and protests in Cleveland. There were also lively discussions of a police shooting on May 6, at Heilongjiang in Weibo. For long time residents in U.S. like us it's second nature when stopped by police for speeding, that you pull up, put
- [U.S. Irresponsible Acts in S. China Sea](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/05/26/u-s-irresponsible-acts-in-s-china-sea/) - Recently, the news has been ablaze with growing tension in the S. China Sea. First, the U.S. held military drills with Philippines near islands Philippines disputes with China in the S. China Sea. Then Japan passed and the U.S. welcomed a new law that allows Japanese military to support U.S. air patrols and directly even
- [The Tussle over AIIB - So Much ado about Influence?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/03/20/the-tussle-over-aiib-so-much-ado-about-influence/) - The news about China the last few days is about how it is scoring a diplomatic coup d'état against the U.S. vis-a-vis Europe. On March 12, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced that the U.K. had applied to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as a founding member. If accepted, Britain would have been
- [Reflections on Visiting Zhoushan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/05/28/reflections-on-visiting-zhoushan/) - Recently we visited Zhoushan which was the biggest island of Zhoushan archipelago group which is located about 100 miles southeast of Shanghai. we landed at Beijing and transited to domestic terminal to Shanghai, from there we took a high speed train to Ningbo, and where our cousin pick us up and drive about 1 hour
- [The 2010 Nobel Peace Prize to Liu Xiaobo and what it means to the Chinese](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2010/10/08/the-2010-nobel-peace-prize-to-liu-xiaobo-and-what-it-means-to-the-chinese/) - The 2010 Nobel Peace Prize has just been awarded to Liu Xiabo, and according to the Nobel committee, the key reason was "for his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China". Of course, the Western media is using this occasion to lambaste the Chinese government. They are parroting the anti-China positions from
- [Washington whips up fog of war in South China Seas](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/05/26/washington-whips-up-fog-of-war-in-south-china-seas/) - The Emperor in Washington has no clothes, laid bare by his naked lies and soon without a feather to fly with. Well, maybe he has P8-Poseidons to conduct provocative flights around Beijing’s South China Seas islands, and a giant nuclear-powered fig leaf spread over 800 known global bases to cover his, uh, security. But navel-gazing
- [又一华裔教授在美被捕 曾任“长江学者”, On the arrest of another Chinese American professor](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/05/22/又一华裔教授在美被捕-曾任长江学者-on-the-arrest-of-another-chinese-am/) - Recently there were a bunch of announced arrests of Chinese American scientists and the indictments of Chinese nationals for spying or/and economic espionage. For Chinese who are naïve about American laws who aspire to be Americans this is a sobering warning that should be taken seriously. As Snowden revealed NSA spies on everyone, but especially foreign
- [China evacuating citizens from Yemen](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/04/03/china-evacuating-citizens-from-yemen/) - This news is probably all over the net now so I am just repeating the obvious. It is interesting to do a search and read the negative comment on China's humanitarian action though. The title shows how China's view of the evacuation: China's speedy evacuation from Yemen demonstrates responsibility, humanism http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-03/30/c_134110719.htm And Washington Post's view:
- [Neo-Imperialistic "Partnership" US World Order, Undefined, Outdated.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/05/20/neo-imperialistic-partnership-us-world-order-undefined-outdated/) - Nothing spurs me to rethink about the Orwellian Newspeak of today's US World Order than a news filled with Newspeak. Robert Blackwill and Ashley Tellis, 2 former US diplomats, both with close ties to pro-India lobby groups, authored a paper for Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) arguing for US to take a tougher stand against China.
- [Chinese Nationalism - a Chinese Immigrant's Perspective](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2009/03/17/chinese-nationalism-an-chinese-immigrants-perspective/) - Since the Olympics torch relay last year, much have been written about Chinese nationalism (see, e.g., this time article, this newsweek article, this new yorker article) - often in a negative (and unfair) light. Earlier today, we at foolsmountain ran across a more thoughtful, subdued but perhaps equally critical view of Chinese nationalism - written
- [On China’s 9-Dashed Line and Why the Arbitrational Tribunal in Hague Should Dismiss Philippine’s Case Against China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/12/16/on-chinas-9-dashed-line-and-why-the-arbitrational-tribunal-in-hague-should-dismiss-philippines-case-against-china/) - December 15 was the deadline the Arbitration Tribunal for Philippine's "arbitration" of its S. China Sea disputes with China had set for China to respond to Philippine's claims under the UNCLOS. According to this VOA report: Monday is the deadline for China to submit a counter-argument in the Philippines arbitration case that questions China's sweeping claims
- [A rebuke of Chinese russophobes from the PLA Daily](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/05/12/a-rebuke-of-chinese-russophobes-in-the-pla-daily/) - For those who read Chinese, here is a great article that calls on all Chinese to reject russophobia & get our strategic priorities straight. http://military.china.com.cn/2015-05/12/content_35546603.htm 军报驳解放军亮相红场是"与强盗同庆" 发布时间： 2015-05-12 08:03:20 来源： 解放军报 作者： 王德华 责任编辑： 刘峻凌 解放军官兵与俄罗斯军事院校学员合影。 红场阅兵式因为有了“中国元素”，俄罗斯显得 并不孤独。西方主流媒体为此几乎打翻醋坛，扯破嗓子唱衰中俄关系。有的认为“中俄的接近更像是时局所迫的权宜之计”，“因为中俄有历史和现实的顾忌”， “再次化友为敌并非不可能”；还有的说，“北京可能已经在哈萨克斯坦挖起俄罗斯的墙角”云云。 一些网民也附和这种逢中必反的论调：“怎么能和强盗一起庆祝？”“国人好健忘……”“想到海参崴想到苏武牧羊的贝尔加湖”等等，这种声音试图翻开历史老账，与西方媒体一唱一和，给中国政府添堵。 今年是世界反法斯战争胜利70周年。西方把庆 祝战胜法西斯的伟大胜利变成“政治交易”的对象，“利用重要的时间点作为当前冲突中的武器”，力图孤立俄罗斯。庆祝活动也成为俄罗斯在世界上“真朋友”的 “试金石”。中俄两国同为反法斯战争的“主角”，两国互为最大邻国和友好邻邦，中国参加庆贺这一节日，具有特殊意义。 忘记历史意味着背叛。中国人民永远不会忘记苏联人民对中国抗日战争的坚定支持。有评论说得好，“今天我们回顾历史，是因为时间的河流里沉淀着人类用鲜血和生命换来的真理，回首是为了正确地认知，缅怀是为了更好地传承，共同守护历史真相与和平果实，才能让正义不可战胜。” 历史上列强都不是好东西，都对中国干了见不得 人的勾当。八国联军攻进北京城，“只要碰着中国人，无论男、女、老、幼，一概格杀勿论”，“把他们想要的东西装入口袋。”园明园的残墙断壁是中国人心中永 远的痛。我们认知历史牢记历史，但不应纠缠于历史，否则永远无法从仇恨中走出来并面向未来。 见不得中俄友好握手，拿中俄旧史挑拨，其目的是使两国一拍两散，对中俄各个击破。合纵连横这点小伎俩，中国人岂能看不破？我们的老祖宗在几千年前的战国就用烂了。 向中国贩卖“西式民主”这种廉价“政治毒 药”，并力图“颜色革命”中国的，是美国而不是俄罗斯；对中国进行高科技技术封锁的，还是美国而不是俄罗斯；支持藏独、疆独、台独、港独分裂中国，拉拢一 批小喽罗在中国周边舞枪弄棍，更是美国而不是俄罗斯。谁是我们的朋友，中国人心里自有一本账。 关系亲不亲，关健在民心。用中俄的历史问题挑拨离间中俄关系，完全是为实现美国“再当世界老大一百年”的目标“揣着明白装糊涂”，目的就是要造成国内反俄的舆论，为中俄友好添变数；中俄背靠背是西方反华势力最不想看到的，这打破了西方对中国和俄罗斯各个击破的战略构思。 西方很多观察家寄希望于中俄撕破脸皮。殊不知，中俄友好是必然的、唯一的选择。中俄两国有着数千公里的边境线，地缘政治与战略处境决定了中俄两国更需要长期稳定的友好关系。中俄互惠共嬴抱团取暖，既能赋予对方以安全，更能抑制霸权主义维护世界和平。 中俄两国彻底解决了历史遗留的边界问题，签署 了《中俄睦邻友好合作条约》，为两国关系长远发展奠定了坚实基础，两国不存在客观上或是主观上的冲突因子。中俄世代友好、永不为敌，是两国人民共同心愿。 普京说过，“俄罗斯需要一个繁荣稳定的中国，中国也需要一个强大成功的俄罗斯。”老是通过煽动历史仇恨为中俄关系抹黑是别有用心。
- [Every Day Repressions in the Police States (US and others) now common place](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/05/07/every-day-repressions-in-the-police-states-us-and-others-now-common-place/) - Like a sharp constant pain that slowly raws the nerves and turn into a dull persistent ache and eventually forgotten completely, people in the West should be shocked at the every day repressions that they suffer, where their "freedoms" are restricted with the bare minimum of justifications of moral platitude. If you watched the movie
- [About that Bastion of the Free Internet, Google...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/05/06/about-that-bastion-of-the-free-internet-google/) - Have you guys run across this little post at antiwar.com? – because we have a page showing the Abu Ghraib abuses. Update: After channels of communication were opened as a result of this article on Gawker, Google contacted us and said they would be restoring our ads. However, Friday morning I received another demand to
- [Another Look at the Great Leap Forward](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/17/another-look-at-the-great-leap-forward/) - The Founding of the New Republic Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, two events are so controversial that they almost cannot be discussed rationally or void of politics. One of them is the Great Leap Forward of 1958, and the other being the Cultural Revolution of 1966. A reference to history cannot
- [Re-Examine a Historical Moment of Western Bias:  Emperor Qianlong vs. Macartney Mission 1793](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/04/22/re-examine-a-historical-moment-of-western-bias-emperor-qianlong-vs-macartney-mission-1793/) - If one must examine Western bias, one can easily begin in a single historical moment of confrontation: In 1793, England sent envoy George Macartney to China. The mission was a failure of many disagreements and no agreements, and ultimately led directly or indirectly to the 2 Opium Wars. The story goes (from the British perspective):
- [Rethinking Cults Today](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/04/15/rethinking-cults-today/) - Last night, I woke up thinking incessantly about "Cults". What makes a "Cult" a "Cult"? Is it not a "religion", or is it? What's the difference between a "spiritual movement" and a religion? If a child pretends to talk to an imaginary friend, is that a "Religion", a "Cult", a "spiritual movement". My story with
- [The Strange Non-Intuitive (but real) Contradiction:  Free Speech vs. Truth, Rule of Mob vs. Rule of Law](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/04/15/the-strange-non-intuitive-but-real-contradiction-free-speech-vs-truth-rule-of-mob-vs-rule-of-law/) - If there are things impressed upon modern Western Liberal Democracy, there are 2 arguably essential things claimed: Free speech and Rule of Law. Indeed, "free media" in the West touts these 2 things often enough, and the Courts of the West equally pay tribute to these 2 things often enough. Yet, underneath, the reality is
- [Freedom of Speech or Benefitting from China yet privately attacking China?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/04/08/freedom-of-speech-or-benefitting-from-china-yet-privately-attacking-china/) - Recently there is some controversy of Xi's promotion of Maoist's old Ye'nan spirit, not only attacking the corruption, but worries of the return of leftist policies of "Cultural Revolution". Of course corruption cannot be isolated from economic, political, and cultural norms in society, and some should worry it might spread beyond the tigers and fliers
- [On Meritocracy, some recent observations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/04/03/on-meritocracy-some-recent-observations/) - Some of us have heard much ado in the news about the sexual discrimination lawsuit of Ellen K. Pao recently, (which she lost). http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/2/8328115/ellen-pao-kleiner-perkins-venture-capital-verdict It got me into some discussions with some friends about discrimination, particularly in employment, which led to some interesting questions: What is discrimination? and why do people do it? To answer
- [Eric X. Li Interviews Francis Fukuyama on Political Systems, Political Legitimacy, Political Renewal and Decays](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/04/02/eric-x-li-interviews-francis-fukuyama-on-political-systems-political-legitimacy-political-renewal-and-decays/) - Eric X. Li recently interviewed Francis Fukuyama on Political Systems, Political Legitimacy, Political Renewal and Decays for his Guancha views. The interview (about 53 minutes) is carried out in English with Chinese subtitles. A link to the video on youtube can be found here. A link to the video on tudou can be found here.
- [Revisiting an Oldie on Racism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/03/31/revisiting-an-oldie-on-racism/) - In 2012, YinYang on HH made this post, https://hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/12/responding-to-china-law-blog-chinese-students-in-america-its-bad-out-there/ about a Blog article on China Law Blog by Dan Harris, http://www.chinalawblog.com/2012/01/chinese_students_in_america_why_do_they_even_bother.html. both generated a lot of controversy. Unsettled, it seems. Ah, but we all know sooner or later some of this come back in different forms. Remember how Dan Harris relayed negative stereotypical comments about Chinese students
- [Remembering Lee Kuan Yew](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/03/31/remembering-lee-kuan-yew/) - Lee Kuan Yew, the founding Prime Minister of Singapore, passed away on 23rd march 2015. His supporters called him a great leader and outstanding politician who turned Singapore from a poor British colony into one of the richest country (if wealth is calculated per capita wise) in the world. His detractors would derided him as
- [What is Legitimacy?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/03/26/what-is-legitimacy/) - Recently, I heard an exchange on a Canadian radio show. An interviewee criticized a new Canadian government effort to pass an anti-Muslim law. The radio host let slip a "standard" excuse /justification: "The Canadian legislators are legitimate representatives duly elected by the people." The interviewee replied interestingly, "That doesn't mean their actions are legitimate." Thus,
- [Lee Kuan Yew's Passing is a Loss for the World](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/03/23/lee-kuan-yews-passing-is-a-loss-for-the-world/) - Lee Kuan Yew passed away yesterday (March 23, 2015). It is a sad day for Singapore, for Chinese everywhere, as well as for the world. Under Lee's leadership, Singapore became not only an economic and technological Mecca, but has also developed a unique multicultural melting pot that help it escape the many racial and religious
- [Tis a Puzzlement](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/03/11/tis-a-puzzlement/) - I was driving last night and tuned onto WNYC of "On Point" program about "Xi Jinping and his Anticorruption Campaign". The introduction was about the Wall Street Journal article by David Shambaugh about the coming crackup of China. The usual format with 3 professors or China experts exponding on the topic. The 3 experts and
- ["Under the Dome" by Chai Jing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/03/02/under-the-dome-by-chai-jing/) - "Under the Dome" originally was a novel by Stephen King about a community in Maine enclosed by an alien force field and the how the people reacted under the stress. CBS adopted it later for a TV drama series. Chai Jing was a reporter for CCTV. She resigned after she got married and became pregnant.
- [Reply to Verna Yu and NYT](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/02/20/reply-to-verna-yu-and-nyt/) - Verna Yu is supposedly a free lance writer and published an opinion page column in New York Times on Feb 18, 2015 titled "Giving Up on Hong Kong", which I think deserve a rebuttal here. New York Times has been on a propaganda offensive against China since being barred from China a few years ago.
- [Behind the Great Western Firewall Is the Ugly Truth](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/02/15/behind-the-great-western-firewall-is-the-ugly-truth/) - I came across this article on the Vineyard of the Saker blog, which I think is worth reading (both the article and the blog in general). I don't know what fellow Hidden Harmonies bloggers think of other works by Jeff Brown (especially those related to China), but his description of information control methods in the
- [Eddie Huang, FOB, Time Warner Condos, and Gold Coast Houses.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/02/09/eddie-huang-fob-time-warner-condos-and-gold-coast-houses/) - With the launching Of the sit-com "Fresh off the Boat" on ABC, there were a flurry of articles on Eddie Huang and the TV series. There was a profile of him in New York Times beside the review of the show, and Arthur Chu wrote about the importance of the show for Asian Americans in
- [政治局新年首次集体学习辩证唯物主义 (Politburo together studied Dialectic Materialism)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/01/25/政治局新年首次集体学习辩证唯物主义-politboro-together-studied-dialectic-material/) - Have lived in U.S. for over 50 years, yet because of my Chinese root, I am always attuned to what happens in China. I avidly read all books about China and Chinese history. From Edgar Snow, William Hinton, to various China experts. From People's Daily to New York Times about recent events. I consider my
- [Abe's Japan going backwards on the Comfort Women Issue](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/01/18/abes-japan-going-backwards-on-the-comfort-women-issue/) - It seems inevitable that Japan would start whitewashing its textbooks its WWII atrocities. http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/01/09/national/tokyo-based-textbook-publisher-to-delete-depictions-of-comfort-women/#.VLw_T0fF8pA Now the word "comfort Women" has been removed from High School textbooks and instead replaced by South Korean "individuals victimized by Japan during the war seeking to file lawsuits in Japanese courts to seek apology and damages." like these people are
- [The Myth of a Chinese takeover in Siberia - Continued](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/01/16/the-myth-of-a-chinese-takeover-in-siberia-continued/) - As an avid follower and enthusiast of modern trends in Sino-Russian relations (and media coverage thereof), I saw this "jewel" of an op-ed in the New York Times earlier this week, titled "Why China will Reclaim Siberia". This type of Sinophobic fear-mongering is nothing new in the western media. With amusement, I read through it with
- [US professors urge Western universities to end ties to China's Confucius Institutes](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/06/30/us-professors-urge-western-universities-to-end-ties-to-chinas-confucius-institutes/) - Xenophobia and myopia knows no bounds, especially in America's highly politicized and ideological and indoctrinating universities. This has now manifested itself in AAUP's call for American universities to end or modify their sponsoring of Confucius Institutes in the U.S. In a statement, the AAUP said: Globalization has brought new challenges for the protection of academic freedom
- [Why did China ban Google? And why do the West try to shut down the Confucian Institute?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2015/01/01/why-did-china-ban-google-and-why-do-the-west-try-to-shut-down-the-confucian-institute/) - The common western narrative is that China's government is oppressive and fear that its citizens would discover freedom and democracy through those websites. On the social-economic level, they imply that China's leadership lack confidence when dealing with the western world. The underlying message is that that those rich multi-billion corporations are somehow purveyor of freedom
- [汉武帝还是唐太宗 习近平陷入保守主义？/On History](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/12/31/汉武帝还是唐太宗-习近平陷入保守主义？on-history/) - Upon reading the article at dwnews.com on 12/31/2014, it triggered memory over 2 years ago when I was in Lhasa, after visiting Potala Palace, recovering from altitude sickness, and watching CCTV 10, about Taoism and analysis of history. For those who can't read Chinese, the articles analyze the two dynasties when China was at her
- [The True Face of "Occupy Central With Peace And Love" Western Media Self-Censored](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/12/20/the-true-face-of-occupy-central-with-peace-and-love-western-media-self-censored/) - the true face of the "peace and love" our media has choose to self-censor
- [Sony: the great propagandizer in the middle of its hacking scandal](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/12/25/sony-the-great-propagandizer-in-the-middle-of-its-hacking-scandal/) - Sony has a tumultuous month with its hacking scandal involving the embarrassing leaked emails, ncluding: Angela Jolie, Barack Obama, and Leaked Salaries. Sony being sued because of the leaked data is not the worst part, but the potential loss of its business because Hollywood can no longer trust Sony is probably even worse. So at Sony's
- [Xi Jinping's fight against Corruption](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/12/23/xi-jinpings-fight-against-corruption/) - We in the West generally are cynical about corruption. We think it's a natural product of Capitalism, of profit motive, and part of human nature. Yet the scale revealed of hundreds of millions of dollars involved does shock us. We can't just excuse them as cavalier as Deng's saying somebody has get to rich first.
- [The Soft-power of Hong Kong Protesters - Freedoms not enjoy by American, Britain, Canadian and Australian](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/11/05/the-soft-power-of-hong-kong-protesters-freedoms-not-enjoy-by-american-britain-canadian-and-australian/) - In a recent international human rights forum at Oslo where Julian Assange, Edward Snowden, Bradley Manning and other jailed Occupy Wall Street protesters such as Cecily McMillan were not invited, BBC report (21 Oct. 2014) revealed that, “it is an open secret at this meeting … that plans were hatched for the demonstrations (in Hong Kong) nearly two years ago … perhaps more than 1,000 of them have been given specific training to help make the campaign as effective as possible.” The forum is filled
- [Second Enlightenment - Debunking Democracy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/12/09/second-enlightenment-debunking-democracy/) - More people (even Professor Francis Fukuyama) seem to be waking up to the fact that populist democracy controlled by money (let’s call it Democracy with a big dee) is a political cul-de-sac. However, just as otherwise enlightened individuals such as Galileo and Newton dare not deny the existence of God, modern-day Democracy skeptics are hesitant
- [Jeremy Lin](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/12/08/jeremy-lin/) - For those who are not into basketball, Jeremy Lin is a Chinese American who set the basketball world on fire 3 years ago. when on the verge of being cut, he helped to direct New York Knicks, with injuries on stars, and in desperation move by coach, starts a winning streak and coined the word
- [Taiwan's Recent Local Elections](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/12/06/taiwans-recent-local-elections/) - The Taiwan elections last week may have many in the West - and some perhaps on the Mainland - thinking if politics in Taiwan is yet turning another corner with its independence movement mounting a comeback? The following comment by a Taiwanese reader on guancha caught our attention. 石岡洋 作為一個贊成統一的台灣人，針對這次選舉結果，想跟觀察網的朋友做如下分享： 1. 這次選舉雖然國民黨潰敗，民進黨大勝，並不意味著多數台灣人趨向支持獨立；根本影響這次選情的原因是：一、馬英九當選總統六年以來的執政無方，政策傾向財團與既得利益階級，根本罔顧台灣多數中產階級與基層民眾的需求與感受。二、連戰所代表的國民黨政商既得利益階層推出自己的兒子連勝文出來競選台北市長，更是加深台灣民眾對國民黨壟斷瓜分兩岸和平紅利的印象，一般老百姓根本無法從中得利，但卻看到這些遊走兩岸的政商人物每個都賺得肥油油的，自然會反彈不願意將票再投給國民黨，這也是為何國民黨連在居絕對優勢的台北市都會選輸的原因！ 2. 北京需要重新檢討對台政策，特別是調整目前透過國民黨及富商階層作為對台政策代理人的做法。我之前有建議過，今晚還是要在這邊呼籲，希望中央能考慮是否直接在台灣發展基層組織，聯合台灣左統派，發展在台灣的統一力量！ 3. 如果民進黨不能在兩岸關係上給台灣民眾一個放心穩妥的答案，２０１６的台灣總統選舉綠營未必就能再次獲勝，泛藍勢力也會在島內安定的訴求下，再次集結整合，台灣走向獨立的可能性微乎其微。 4. 在台灣島內，多數人民的首要矛盾問題是經濟與民生問題，但這６年來國民黨在馬英九的領導下完全無能無所作為；統獨問題作為次要矛盾問題，在我的認識，許多台灣人都抱持著鴕鳥心態
- [Obama vs Xi Jinping](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/11/23/obama-vs-xi-jinping/) - With the mid-term election over, Democrats in disarray, Obama attempted to rally with carbon agreement with China and continued veiled attempt at containing China with Japan and Australia abroad, domestically, his pending immigration executive order and signature achievement in Obama-care face total Republican opposition and financial blockade as House controls the budget, the next 2
- [Channeling Arthur Chu](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/11/03/channeling-arthur-chu/) - With the ongoing protest movement in Hong Kong, it's inevitable the Western press would anoint some 18 year old student as the future of China just as they did during the 89 TAM event. NYT not only featured him prominently they also have him wrote a column on democracy. Reading his naïve platitudes one can't
- [Are the Occupy Protesters really about "Democracy"?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/09/30/are-the-occupy-protesters-really-about-democracy/) - As the Occupy protests continue in Hong Kong, articles, editorials and op-eds in the Western press continue to characterize the conflict as one between those in Hong Kong demanding "real democracy" and Beijing reneging on its promise of "universal suffrage" under "one country two systems." Western media and leaders - including the New York Times Editorial Board
- [My Take on HK's Occupy Movement](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/10/26/my-take-on-hks-occupy-movement/) - This is actually a respond to Plutocrats Against Democracy but I got carried away and wrote this article. What LCY want to say about the pitfall of 1 person 1 vote is that the majority would vote HK into a welfare state as there is a sizable of not too well off people in HK. This
- [Plutocrats Against Democracy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/10/24/plutocrats-against-democracy/) - On today's New York Times, Paul Krugman has a column on democracy in Hong Kong. "It’s always good when leaders tell the truth, especially if that wasn’t their intention. So we should be grateful to Leung Chun-ying, the Beijing-backed leader of Hong Kong, for blurting out the real reason pro-democracy demonstrators can’t get what they
- [The Mantra of "One Man, One Vote."](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/10/12/the-mantra-of-one-man-one-vote/) - It seems to be so reactionary to be against democracy, a noble concept. Yet for someone like me who has been living in U.S. for so long, a cynic, maybe jaded, the slogan of Hong Kong students of real democracy, or the Western media's championing of human rights provoke mirth and bitter laugh in me.
- [Umbrella Revolution and Authoritarianism with Chinese Characteristics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/10/10/umbrella-revolution-and-authoritarianism-with-chinese-characteristics/) - Hong Kong’s Umbrella Freedom Fighters can’t possibly be fighting for “freedom” in one of the most indulging communities on earth; it’d be like fish keep asking for more salt in the ocean. If succeeded, it’d turn them into anchovies. A popular reason cited by supporters is that China’s an authoritarian state, therefore to be loathed
- [Western Media's Pervasive Bias Against China Today](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/10/04/western-medias-pervasive-bias-against-china-today/) - Zack recently pointed out in the open thread the following article by Stephen Harner that accurately - though not necessarily exhaustively - hit on so many points on what is wrong with the Western press, which I quote in full: Dealing With the Scourge of “Schadenfreude” in Foreign Reporting on China Stephen Harner, Former US State
- [The Scotland Referendum and What it might teach us about Democracy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/09/19/the-scotland-referendum-and-what-it-might-teach-us-about-democracy/) - By the now, the results are in. Scotland has just rejected secession from U.K. in a historic referendum. There have been impassioned" pleas on both sides, but through it all, Scotland will remain a part of the U.K. If mainstream media is to be trusted, a big sigh of relief is heard around the world. Personally I
- [Alternate View from Xingjiang](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/09/27/alternate-view-from-xingjiang/) - It seems that every time Xingjiang is in the news it is when something bad has occured. Doesn't anyone question why there are no good news out of Xingjiang? I will be honest here, I really hated the mainstream western press portrayal of events in that region of China. The general narrative is that China
- [Killing Chicken Warning Monkey](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/09/27/killing-chicken-warning-monkey/) - Now with the trial and sentencing of Ilham Tohti over, the expected reverberations and shocks from Western Countries continues. It's obvious Xinjiang officials and by implication central government in Beijing have decided on iron fist policy and no compromise. It remains to be seen whether it will work. Yet for me it is rather sad
- [In Praise of "Yiyun Li (李翊雲)" and 'Kinder than Solititude"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/09/14/in-praise-of-yiyun-li-李翊雲-and-kinder-than-solititude/) - Growing up as a baby boomer in U.S. one experienced great changes, from civil rights, music, and now China looming in the horizon. It was a time of idealism, protests against Vietnam War, and environmentalism. Yet it is a disappointment that boomer generation wind up as Yuppies, Reagan democrats, and now Tea Partiers. For a
- [Enjoy this short scenic video of Xian](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/09/13/enjoy-this-short-scenic-video-of-xian/) - Yuanfan Zhang - CEO and founder at Alibaba - recently shared a video with Overseas Chinese World Affairs Forum on facebook about Xi'an, his hometown, that I found entertaining. I had visited China's ancient capital Xi'an in 2008 and found it to be a beautiful city and thought I'd share it here. Enjoy! [hdwplayer id=2]
- [Experimenting with New Themes](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/09/13/experimenting-with-new-themes/) - I am playing with updating our themes. Our old theme is no longer supported, has not been updated in over three years, has become not that search friendly ... and does not display well on mobile devices (small screens). Give me a week or so to toy with different things. If anyone has a wordpress
- [Why Democrats Can't Win the House?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/09/07/why-democrats-cant-win-the-house/) - I read the Sunday column by Nate Cohen in NYT with interest. Although it's not directly related to China, but in a way it's related with the question of democracy raised by Chinese dissidents about Hong Kong. Mr. Cohen says that Republicans has essentially a lock in the House for years to come , not
- [Hong Kong and Democracy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/09/01/hong-kong-and-democracy/) - Calling it a “sad day for Hong Kong” one of the world’s prominent democracy scholars decried Beijing’s new restrictions on Hong Kong’s upcoming elections, saying they would fail to meet international standards for universal suffrage and could invite a public boycott. This seems to be about the worst outcome imaginable. No progress toward democracy, not
- [China Dream](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/08/24/china-dream/) - For Americans the American Dream is a house in suburbia with white picket fences and 2 cars garage, which used to be easily reachable for the middle class family in the 50's and 60's. Now it's arguably much more difficult for young people burdened with student loans probably staying with their parents well into their
- [Democracy Mission - A Conspiracy Theory](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/08/19/20647/) - Whatever the merits of democracy, I’m more curious about its evangelical preachers and their motives.
- [Paul Krugman](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/08/17/paul-krugman/) - Despite my politics is far to the left I have always have a soft spot for Nixon. Maybe it's because of his opening to China, or his hard nosed politics and realism. Someone like Paul Krugman, a liberal democrat, with policies I have more agreements with, yet I dislike those idealistic cold warriors. This morning
- [Rule of Law](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/08/12/rule-of-law/) - When Chinese dissidents talk about democracy and rule of law, American media immediately start the echo chamber in criticizing China and provide the stage for whomever in the spotlight. It irks me to no end this fetish on rule of law is not based on reality but more on fantasy and rarely examined in depth.
- [China is a Freeloader of World Order...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/08/10/china-is-a-freeloader-of-world-order/) - Check out the following excerpt of an interview conducted by Thomas Friedman on Obama. In this short segment, Obama states that China is a Freeloader and has been for the last 30 years... The rest of the interview can be found here. So is China a Freeloader? Take the poll below.
- [WSJ Re-reports "37 civilians killed, 13 injured in Xinjiang terror attack"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/08/03/wsj-reports-37-civilians-killed-13-injured-in-xinjiang-terror-attack/) - I have been pretty flabbergasted by how the Western media has been so quick to line up to tote the U.S. government line on Russian or pro-Russian rebel involvement in the downing of Malaysian Flight 17 over Ukraine. The media blitzkrieg has been very impressive, so have the U.S. drumming up for another round of sanctions. While I
- [Rectangular Track](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/08/01/rectangular-track/) - When I first read the headline from South China Morning Post I was somewhat confused, then I read the article I was in turn angry, embarrassed, and reflective. I am sure it will be fodder for late night comics and anti-China politicians. I am pretty sure if the same reporter visited the track today, it
- ["Peaceful Rise" Does Not Mean a "Push Over" China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/07/30/peaceful-rise-does-not-mean-a-push-over-china/) - When China (with the collective aspirations of all Chinese) said China will have a "Peaceful Rise", many in the West decided to twist the meaning of "Peaceful" to mean something completely illogical. That being, "Peace" without any possibility of "conflicts or disputes". In their decidedly 1-sided world, "peace" for China must mean that China must
- [Opium Wars.......War on Drugs](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/07/27/opium-wars-war-on-drugs/) - When I came to U.S. in 1961, people who knew I came from China sometimes asked what was it like to be brainwashed. I could only smiled and change topics. To me the history of Opium Wars always stick out more than anything else I learned in school. In high school, cigarettes were ubiquitous among students.
- [Model Minority and Race](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/07/19/model-minority-and-race/) - I have been U.S. for more than 50 years. Every decade or so there would be a flurry of articles about the Chinese-Americans being the model minority. Most of us consider it to be a compliment, hard working, family oriented, responsible, and not making any waves. I myself have mixed feelings about the attention. For
- [Some Reflections of a Chinese American](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/07/18/some-reflections-of-a-chinese-american/) - Recently I read an account of a Chinese Uygur presently in U.S. from the Chinese edition of the New York Times. He talked about events while he was in school in China and how they mark and mold his world views. As a blogger I have been very positive about China and here I would
- [Why Asia Should Say No to Mr. Abe's Vision of International Law for Asia ](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/06/25/why-asia-should-say-no-to-mr-abes-vision-of-international-law-for-asia-2/) - [Editor's note: the English version of post was first posted on Huffington Post and can be found here; and the Chinese version can be found on Guancha.cn here] SHANGHAI -- A few weeks ago at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Shinzo Abe made a bold pitch to Asia to buy in on a new type of
- [On Michael Anti: Behind the Great Firewall of China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/09/01/on-michael-anti-behind-the-great-firewall-of-china/) - Recently a TED video featuring Michael Anti on China's censorship seems to be making the rounds. I think Anti does bring some unique insights to the English speaking audience about China that we don't generally see in Western media; hence I am providing his video below. However, I think Anti can also be a stubborn
- [US Censorship Poisons Internet At the Front End, with 100,000's of Secret Gag Orders](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/07/11/us-censorship-poisons-internet-at-the-front-end-with-100000s-of-secret-gag-orders/) - A national security letter (18 U.S.C. § 2709), an administrative subpoena used by the FBI, has an attached gag order which restricts the recipient from ever saying anything about being served with one. The government has issued hundreds of thousands (100,000's, exact figure unknown) of such NSLs accompanied with gag orders. The gag orders have been upheld in US court. This
- [Growing anti-Beijing sentiment is shifting focus away from Hong Kong's real problems](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/07/09/growing-anti-beijing-sentiment-is-shifting-focus-away-from-hong-kongs-real-problems/) - Hong Kong saw another big demonstration on July 1, when more than 100,000 people marched against the local government and Beijing. Despite having established an even closer economic relationship with mainland China since the handover, anti-Beijing sentiment has now become prevalent in the special administrative region. But this is a manufactured problem. Beijing has been
- [China's Take on Vietnam's Dispute with China in the S. China Sea](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/07/03/chinas-take-on-vietnams-dispute-with-china-in-the-s-china-sea/) - Recently, the Western media has been ablaze with Vietnam's confrontation with China in the S. China Sea over an oil rig. I thought it's a good time for me to reference two documents that presents China's side of the story. First is an article by Ling Dequan in People's Daily titled "Truth about South China Sea dispute." Here
- [The Ugly Side Shows Through from the US "Soft Power" Experiment:  Freedom in Exporting Extremism.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/07/02/the-ugly-side-shows-through-from-the-us-soft-power-experiment-freedom-in-exporting-extremism/) - Take away the more obvious examples of "Arab Spring", where US and other Western nations were literally sending violent extremists who wanted to join "jihad" in places like Syria, which now culminating in the same extremists armed with US supplied weapons forming into groups like ISIS and streaming across into Northern Iraq, creating a visible blow
- [HK's "civil referendum", a giant farce in details](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/07/02/hks-civil-referendum-a-giant-farce-in-details/) - Much touted lately is the "civil referendum" conducted in HK, which resulted in nearly 800,000 votes cast. It makes good headline news among the choir of anti-China media, but in detail, the number breaks down into farce in extreme details: (1) The voting took more than 1 week. HK is a big city, but it is
- [A New U.S. China Diplomatic Row a la Devyani Khobragade?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/05/20/opinion-a-new-u-s-china-diplomatic-row-a-la-devyani-khobragade/) - Yesterday, the U.S. Justice Department indicted five Chinese nationals of the Chinese military, living in China, with cyber espionage in the U.S. against American companies. China has reacted emphatically, calling the allegations trumped up and hypocritical (see, e.g., this xinhua article). According to this Washington Post Report, The Justice Department has indicted five members of the Chinese military
- ["They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption."](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/06/26/they-promise-them-freedom-but-they-themselves-are-slaves-of-corruption/) - "They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved." - 2 Peter 2:19 I am not religious, but I find some prophecies appropriately poetic to our times. False Prophets and Teachers 2 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false
- [Deconstructing Japan’s Claim of Sovereignty over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/06/25/deconstructing-japans-claim-of-sovereignty-over-the-diaoyusenkaku-islands/) - In addition to our post on “The Inconvenient Truth Behind the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands” by Han-Yi Shaw, the article "Deconstructing Japan’s Claim of Sovereignty over the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands" by Ivy Lee and Fang Ming in Japan Focus is also worth reading. The Shaw article focuses more on the political history surrouding the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands while the Lee-Ming article focuses more on
- ["The Inconvenient Truth Behind the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands" by Han-Yi Shaw](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/09/19/the-inconvenient-truth-behind-the-diaoyusenkaku-islands-by-han-yi-shaw/) - The following short article is by Han-Yi Shaw, a Research Fellow at the Research Center for International Legal Studies, National Chengchi University, in Taipei, Taiwan. Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times has decided to publish it on his blog, with a short forward. It is an important piece of work tracing the history of the
- [If China and the U.S.-led Hegemonic Block Ever Gets into a War, the War Started this Way ... with a Lie...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/06/24/if-china-and-the-u-s-led-hegemonic-block-ever-gets-into-a-war-the-war-started-this-way-with-a-lie/) - The U.S. is know for lying about everything to start wars that destroy lives, peoples, nations... (see e.g. the book titled "War is a Lie"). That has been clearly the case for Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria... perhaps also Sudan. But is the U.S. also sowing the seeds, planting the lies, to justify it going to war
- [Turning a New Chapter](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/06/16/turning-a-new-chapter/) - I am retracting this post. It think it's premature. I think even if I stop blogging, the least I can do is to maintain the blog and platform. That won't take too much time. As for why I wrote this post, it's really not about blogging, but my (childish?) desire to do things that matter
- [Chinese Guanxi](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/06/17/chinese-guanxi/) - I thought the following exchanges from Black Phoenix and United Chinese Diaspora in a recent thread were very insightful and thought would put that as a post. Is guanxi really an exotic leftover from an old decadent tradition - as many people, including I, blindingly believed? Or is it ever-present among us ... in "modernity"? From
- [且谈1989年的天安门事件](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/04/且谈1989年的天安门事件/) - (这篇文章是龙信明博客写的. 西方媒体总是会通过扭曲的镜头来看中国、 或中国人。关于六四, 西方媒体还在撒谎. 他们的目标是中国境内挑拨.) 且谈1989年的天安门事件我的小道消息比你的准 序对一般西方人而言，在中国，没有哪个地方比天安门更深刻地印在他们的意识中，也没有哪个历史事件比1989年的学生示威更经常地成为谈资。 最近有个博客提到：“又到六月了。又是重访天安门的时候了。”看起来的确如此。大部分西方媒体都在筹备这一事件的“周年报道”，或者是通过再现戏剧性事件的形式来炮制新闻，或者是出于某种不见得那么高尚的目的。 今日的北京天安门。 无论怎样，那些旧事还在不断地重提，或许是因为它们为我们带来了一种颠覆性的慰藉，让我们对自己先进社会的优越感怀有一丝感恩罢。或许是这些故事让我们确信“这种事情在我们这里不会发生的”。 假如读者知道了“这种事情”在中国也未曾发生过，他们大多会感到非常惊讶。 1989年中国发生了最终以北京天安门广场静坐（事实上毋宁说是搭帐篷“静住”）为高潮的学生抗议示威运动，这确有其事。 但要感谢维基解密网站和其他（或许应该说勇敢的）西方记者，我们现在得知天安门广场上当天所发生的事情，仅此而已。 现在我们有了结论性的、有说服力的档案文件，证明了1989年在北京发生的事件与西方媒体上的报道大相径庭。不仅如此，我们有充分证据证明，中国政府对这些事件的报道从来就是实事求是的。本文的主题就是要讲这个故事。从某种意义上讲，这个故事不是那么容易讲述的，既因为天安门不幸承载了二十余年的情感包袱，也因为中国和这些历史事件都不可避免地被意识形态的烟雾所笼罩。 故事从何说起呢？不如从头开始？让我们走进这意识形态的课堂，首先在黑板上写下一些不存在争议的事实。第一条就是：1989年6月4日，本人不在天安门广场上。 你们也不在。 这也就是本文副标题的由来。我们所依赖的都是小道消息，是看报道，是听别人说，更重要的是，我们相信我们所愿意相信的事情。 于是引出了另一个没有争议的事实——那就是，你并不“知道”天安门广场上发生了什么。的确，你也可以这么说我，不过现在我说的是你。 那天发生的事情，你并没有亲历亲闻。你不知道发生过什么，因为你不在那里。你所知道的一切都是道听途说。你或许看过关于那一天的电视新闻，或者读过报纸文章，但你不大可能真正遇到过当天实际在场的人，可以向你提供第一手的见闻录。 而且，从你所得到的各种信息当中，你不得不作出“立场”选择。假如你是西方人，你很可能会选择相信在那一天的确发生了很多可怕的事情。 为了公平起见，我们最好把你的立场选择和你所听到的小道消息一分为二——正如你已经意识到的，那些小道消息在法庭上恐怕是完全无法作为呈堂证供的。哪怕是在你们的国家里。 所以，在楚河汉界的你们那一边，我们有了两个事实： （1）我从媒体看到和听到那一天发生了很多非常可怕的事情。 （2）我选择相信这些事情都是真的。 我们先来看第一条。关于第二条你要怎样都可以。第一条道听途说来的证据，至少可以与其他消息来源对比检验，然后作出可信的评估。第二条是建立在意识形态基础上的，意识形态争论是不会有结果的，所以我们就不必浪费时间了罢。 我们知道那些确切的事实？好吧，我们所知道的是——尽管当时并没有大范围报道——在1989年6月4日的北京，有两件事情同时发生了。这两件事情之间没有关联。 一件事情是学生的抗议活动，包括数千名大学生在天安门广场的静坐示威，持续了几周时间，最后于6月4日结束了。 另一件事情是工人的抗议活动，就本文的目的而言这件事情的缘起和细节并不重要。但基本上，是因为部分工人对他们的生活境遇不满，对他们很少获得政府的关心和支持不满。他们于是组织了自己的抗议活动，与任何学生运动完全无关，是各自独立的事件。 由于这两件事同时发生，而且在西方大众媒体上被混为一谈并同时报道，所以我们也就不得不同时处理这两件事情了。 学生的抗议活动 在那一天，天安门广场上的学生与军队之间并没有发生口角。 简单地说，学生集中到广场上，等待机会向政府递交他们的请愿书，请愿书的内容是关于政府和社会政策，相当理想主义。事实上，我们学生所罗列的要求变革的事项，也就是我们对这个世界的全部希望。 由于政府没有立即作出反应，所以学生在广场上扎起帐篷，等待回音。 他们带来了食物、水、帐篷、毯子、野营炉具等——就是没有厕所。学生驻扎三周后的天安门广场，味道可不那么好闻。 在这段时间里，政府相当耐心地等待着，但最终向学生下达了从广场撤出的最后期限——6月4日。 在这一天之前，军队就已被派往天安门广场，但这些军人并没有携带武器，根据当时所有的报道（包括维基解密透露的美国驻北京使馆的报告），他们携带的只是警棍而已。根据所有的报道，在学生和军人之间不存在敌意。双方也没有发生什么哲学辩论，谁也没有将对方视为敌人。事实上，照片和报道都显示，学生在保护被愤怒的暴民（他们是无关的路人）追逐的军人。下文中你还会看到一些照片。 工人暴动 这些人不是学生。背景中你可以看到焚毁的公交车。在今天看来，这些暴徒会被视为“恐怖分子”。 一个没有争议的事实是，一群工人在通往北京市中心的若干地点设置了路障，距离市中心——也就是距离天安门广场——有几公里远。另一个没有争议的事实是，有几百人——大部分是工人，但其中有数量不明的少数是学生——在守护着这些路障。 还有一个事实是，当时在场的还有第三种人，据我所知其身份从未被清楚地界定，他们既不是学生，也不是工人。 “暴徒”或“无政府主义者”或许是恰当的形容词，但形容词无助于身份识别。 为了解决问题，政府派遣军人乘坐大巴前往，由若干装甲运兵车护送，以清除路障，恢复交通的畅通。 一辆大巴外，一名被暴乱分子烧死的士兵的遗体。 当这个第三种势力决心向军人发动攻击时，暴力行动便开始了。他们明显是有备而来的，用燃烧瓶武装了起来，纵火焚烧了数十辆大巴——此时军人尚在车内。他们还焚烧装甲运兵车。你可以看照片。还有很多这样的照片。 很多乘坐这两种车辆的军人逃脱了，但有人未能脱身，很多人被活活烧死。我还记得自己当时看电视新闻，看到被烧焦的士兵遗体的画面，一具尸体被暴徒悬挂在电线杆上，还有人曝尸街头，或死在楼梯或人行道上。 还有人悬挂在大巴或装甲运兵车的车窗外，半个身子探出车外，没有来得及逃出就被火焰吞没了。 有记录下来的报道告诉我们说，一群暴徒成功控制了一辆装甲运兵车，把它开上了街道，边开边用炮塔上的机枪扫射。 政府就是在这个时候派出了坦克，朝这些示威者开火了。 另一具被烧焦的士兵遗体。注意另一个死去的士兵被吊在天桥上。 政府的报告和独立媒体人士的报道大多声称，总共有250至300人死亡，直到暴力活动平息。死亡人数中有很多是军人。不存在任何意义上的“大屠杀”。 当警察或军人受到这样的攻击，他们当然会使用武力自卫，无可指摘。
- [Let's Talk About Tiananmen Square, 1989](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/30/lets-talk-about-tiananmen-square-1989/) - (Propaganda in the Western press had a lasting impact on China. For the Tiananmen Protest of 1989, the "reform and opening up" policies under Deng back-stepped when Western governments decided to scale back loans and FDI into China on the grounds the Chinese government were 'butchers.' The 'butcher' and 'massacre' narratives were concocted by the
- [5 Popular Misconceptions about the Sino-Russian Gas Deal](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/06/01/5-popular-misconceptions-about-the-sino-russian-gas-deal/) - The conclusion of a 30-year, 38 BCM/year Sino-Russian gas deal has gotten considerable attention in the media recently. Not surprisingly, much of the coverage - especially in the western media - was emotionally charged, given that Putin's visit to China & the deal signing coincided with the unfolding crisis in Ukraine. There was no shortage
- [A Buried History of Taiwan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/04/26/the-buried-history-of-taiwan/) - This is the preface of the book titled Memoir of Chen Mingzhong (陈明忠回忆录) written by Lu Zhenghui (吕正惠) who is a university professor at Taiwan Tamkang University (淡江大学), the editor was Lin Na (李娜). Chen Mingzhong has been an activist in Taiwan since the 1950s. I feel that this part of Taiwan's history is so well buried
- [Two (Minor) Chinese Fishermen Returned from Phillipines Deny Poaching Sea Turtles](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/05/17/two-chinese-fishermen-returning-from-phillipines-deny-poaching/) - When the story of the Philippines Police arresting Chinese fishermen for illegally fishing sea turtles in Half Moon Shoal broke a few days ago, I immediately read saw in the news that families of fishermen highly doubt the veracity of that story since the fishermen did not leave with equipment to poach turtles... Well, here are a
- [Some actual HK Data of HK people misbehaving, in need of outrage by HK people](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/05/02/some-actual-hk-data-of-hk-people-misbehaving-in-need-of-outrage-by-hk-people/) - So, for a while now since the "peegate" stories spread on the internet via some angry HK'ers following mainland tourists around with cameras, I have wondered, why was this such a huge deal in HK? Afterall, NYC subway smell like pee. If you googled "NY peeing", you get videos of public urination in NY. So,
- [On the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) Between the U.S. and Phillipines](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/04/29/on-the-enhanced-defense-cooperation-agreement-edca-between-the-u-s-and-phillipines/) - The U.S. and Phillipines leadership would like to portray their new relationship as rosy, strategic and deep. On the street though, talking to the average Joe, one might get a very different impression. Billed as the cornerstone of growing US and the Philippines strategic partnership and of the U.S. pivot back to Asia, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)
- [A Brief Note on Elections - that Bedrock of Modern Democracy...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/02/02/a-brief-note-on-elections-that-bedrock-of-modern-democracy/) - This is a brief note on elections - that bedrock of modern democracy. A key and indispensable pillar of modern democracy - heck modernity - is the notion of elections. Elections, many believe, are a fundamental way for people to express their voice, and some believe even for people to engage in self-determination as envisaged
- [Taiwan's Student Mob?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/04/09/taiwans-student-mob/) - This is a belated post. I have been busy with a project at work the last couple of weeks... Still, I believe what I have to say is still relevant. It appears that the student protest occupying the Legislative Yuan the last 2-3 weeks is coming to an end. Depending on which media you read,
- [What is a Holocaust?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/04/01/what-is-a-holocaust/) - Earlier today, I stumbled upon a curious article in the Washington Post titled "This is why Germany doesn't want China anywhere near Berlin’s holocaust memorial". According to the article, President Xi was (in short) barred from visiting German's Holocaust memorial in Berlin because Germany was worried about embarrassing Japan. Here is a copy of the
- [Obama Asia tour: US-Japan treaty 'covers disputed islands' - A Case of Dipping into One's Savings to Live Large?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/04/25/obama-asia-tour-us-japan-treaty-covers-disputed-islands-dipping-into-savings-to-live-large/) - It's never good to dip into one's savings just to live large. Gluttony and largess - when one can ill afford it - is foolish ... and a sign of decadence. To me, the U.S. so-called pivot to Asia - emblemized by President Obama's trip to Japan - represents just that. The New York Times
- [Malaysia Airline MH370 - American Media Fanning the Flame Wars](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/04/22/malaysia-airline-mh370-american-media-fanning-the-flame-wars/) - April 15 is tax day for most Americans. It is the deadline for Americans - rich or poor - to file and pay their taxes. But this year, it appears, it is also smear China day. You may think with so much things going on in the world, things to do, that perhaps for this
- [Perceptions of corruption in the US and PRC - not exactly what one would expect](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/01/20/perceptions-of-corruption-in-the-us-and-prc-not-exactly-what-one-would-expect/) - I was casually browsing through Transparency International's website, and noticed something peculiar - even though citizens of the Republic of Georgia have a much higher opinion of their country's ability to deal with corruption in their country relative to their counterparts in the US, and a much more optimistic outlook on the future of public
- [Helmut Schmidt: won't sell Democracy to China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/04/23/helmut-schmidt-wont-sell-democracy-to-china/) - The following link is an interview of Helmut Schmidt. It’s rare and refreshing to see a Western politician speaking so freely and honestly about Democracy. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/01/china-democracy_n_5067120.html Based on the above interview, Bill, a thoughtful friend of mine, pretends to be an interlocutor shadowing Herr Helmut Schmidt with his own comments, excerpted from the interview.
- [Questioning Democracy Goes Mainstream?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/04/10/questioning-democracy-goes-mainstream/) - What’s going on? Criticising the occult of Democracy has suddenly gone mainstream? Just within the past few weeks, I’ve read, with utter disbelief, first in The Economist, then The Washington Post, warnings that Democracy could collapse unless reformed. Even Professor Francis Fukuyama, writer of “The End of History and the Last Man” who declared liberal
- [American lackeys of Hong Kong:  Martin Lee & Anson Chan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/04/07/american-lackeys-of-hong-kong-martin-lee-anson-chan/) - American lackeys of Hong Kong
- [Is China a Resource Poor Nation?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/17/is-china-a-resource-poor-nation/) - China has repeatedly been billed as the largest energy consumer and portrayed as possible future aggressor in the quest for more energy, mineral, and even water resources. Most western press also mentioned that China is a resource poor country that consumed a prodigious amount of minerals. However, the first point is factually wrong. According to
- [Another Tibet Article](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/03/another-tibet-article/) - What comes to your mind when you look at the population distribution map above? Different people see different things even if it is the same picture or skewed statistic. In case you are new, the standard narrative of mainstream western press is that China invaded Tibet in 1959, and has been committing genocide on
- [Fact Checking US Government Propaganda On Maoming PX Protest Death](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/04/03/fact-checking-us-government-propaganda-on-maoming-px-protest-death/) - It is often said Chinese government propaganda like Xinhua, People's Daily, are highly agendaed and utterly unreliable. But how about America's government propaganda? Here's a recent example as illustration. Recently, news of protesters killed in Maoming over a chemical plant made suspicious rounds - only in the usual propaganda outlets, Radio Free Asia, Voice of
- [Taiwan's opposition to the CSSTA = trade isolationism?‏](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/03/28/taiwans-opposition-to-the-cssta/) - Recent students in Taiwan against CSSTA is good for the country or not?
- [Destroying History via Imperialistic Propaganda of the West](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/03/26/destroying-history-via-imperialistic-propaganda-of-the-west/) - In recent days, I had some (too many) debates on line with people who challenged Chinese history in various different ways. From the claim of 5000 years of history, to Chinese historical claims on territories. I thought to ask myself, why such hostility toward Chinese history? Was I that wrong about Chinese history? As it
- [The Winter of Obama's Discontent](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/03/16/the-winter-of-obamas-discontent/) - Into every life a little rain must fall – even that of a behemoth superpower. Picture the President of the United States and his masters of the universe - more formally known as the American Cabinet – with Ukraine-driven nuclear umbrellas unfurled against a downpour of unexpected setbacks in foreign policy lately. In the winter
- [Yet another myth about democracy: "democracy+capitalism = prosperity"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/03/15/yet-another-myth-about-democracy-democracycapitalism-prosperity/) - When I wrote my first commentary on this blog, I outlined three common myths that people frequently believe without question when they think about democratic governance. Obviously, an idea as blindly and fervently worshiped as 'democracy' will have far more than just three myths associated with it. I continue my exploration of this ideology by
- [An end to Japan's elegant deception](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/02/18/an-end-to-japans-elegant-deception/) - World War II began near an unremarkable town called Wanping, China in July 1937 and ended with soul-destroying fury that ballooned as giant mushroom clouds over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. With two atomic bombs, the United States stuffed the genie of Japanese militarism into the American bottle. Under its watch, post-war Japan has maintained an elegant
- [The Cultural Revolution and Free Speech](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/02/06/the-cultural-revolution-and-free-speech/) - PBS's Frontline recently aired a documentary of behind the North Korea scene. Among all of the images of the expected misery, poverty, hunger, want, there was 1 segment which I thought was greatly overlooked. A quick exchange between a few North Koreans behind closed doors. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/foreign-affairs-defense/secret-state-of-north-korea/transcript-55/ NARRATOR: Behind closed doors, even members of the North Korean
- [Avoiding the Dirty Business of Justice and Politics is Not a Good Solution](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/02/05/avoiding-the-dirty-business-of-justice-and-politics-is-not-a-good-solution/) - Politics and Law is the business of Justice. And the Business of Justice, law and politics, is a very dirty business. Periodically, whenever I feel safe and secure in the knowledge of my place in the world and in my profession as a lawyer practicing somewhat boring law fields, I go visit a court or
- [Shinzo Abe - Little Napoleon of neo-militaristic Japan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/02/04/shinzo-abe-little-napoleon-of-neo-militaristic-japan/) - ``History is a set of lies agreed upon,’’ is a gem from Napoleon Bonaparte’s treasure-chest of quotations. The Prime Minister of Japan might take a shine to that saying from France’s greatest empire-builder. Shinzo Abe is resolutely convinced that the staggering horrors of World War Two are falsehoods; the punishment meted out on defeated but
- [Happy New Year - Year of the Horse!](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/01/31/happy-new-year-year-of-the-horse/) - One of the great things about being a Chinese in the "modern era" is that in this international age where we all seem to start celebrating the new years starting as early as Thanksgivings ... then "Christmas," then the (solar) "New Year," we always find ourselves crescendoing to celebrate the lunar New Year. It is
- [My Humanitarian Intervention, A Morality Tale in US](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/01/23/my-humanitarian-intervention-a-morality-tale-in-us/) - Those who read my writings would probably get the impression that I'm very strictly non-interventionist and somewhat cold-hearted. But those who know me in person would see a more complex side of me. I actually do help people a lot, beyond my work. I tutor students of poor background. I donate blood. I even volunteer
- [A History of US Strategies in South China Sea](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/01/19/a-history-of-us-strategies-in-south-china-sea/) - We often hear of the accusations of China's ambitions and designs in the South China Sea. Some of it is undoubtedly true and expected, China has claims in the area for a long time now. It's not new claims. So, certainly China would have ambitions to meet its claims. However, rarely discussed is the US
- [A Tribute to Run Run Shaw](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/01/08/a-tribute-to-run-run-shaw/) - It is with sadness that we learned that Run Run Shaw - entrepreneur, investor, filmmaker, philanthropist - died Tuesday in his home in Hong Kong at the age of 107. There are few men in modern China - anywhere actually - with the stature, reach, and heart of Run Run Shaw. People who don't pay
- [Happy New Year](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2014/01/01/happy-new-year/) - I want to wish everyone Great Health, and a Happy and Prosperous New Year! :/-.` :. ./-` :hNNmy` yNh- .mNh -omMo -mMm/ sMh. `-/+- .-. `.:o+:` -mMs. oNy..::/oosssNMNdo. .+//++ossssshMNmy` /mm/ `odsyys+:-.`` .dNdo/` ./ss/. `hMd:-.`` -NMm/ `yNh. .ss. `` +y+` `o+-` ```--:+osymMMN+ .Nm. oMm- /dyoms` :- `NN/ ` `+ydmhyo:..dNs. oM+ `..mM/ -yh/``mN. .. mm. +/.` `..`
- [Errors of Soft Power, a Year-end Review](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/12/29/errors-of-soft-power-a-year-end-review/) - As 2013 comes to an end, we draw upon some lessons of this past year, particularly in regards to the concept of "soft power", which is discussed often on this forum and in the Western media. First, I cannot possibly list out all the events that may have impacted soft power, but let's look at
- [Everyone in Hong Kong is Celebrating the Triumph of Rule of Law In the Snowden Case - But Is This Really a Celebration of Law, or Politics under the Cult of Rule of Law?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/01/everyone-in-hong-kong-is-celebrating-the-triumph-of-rule-of-law-in-the-snowden-case-but-is-this-really-a-celebration-of-law-or-politics-under-the-cult-of-rule-of-law/) - For the last week or so, Hong Kong has been (very publicly) celebrating the "rule of law" that it claims it has exhibited in letting Snowden leave the country despite strong U.S. pressure to arrest and extradite him. The Hong Kong government made this official statement after Snowden left Hong Kong. The US Government earlier on
- [Another Suspicious Chinese Espionage Case](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/12/17/another-suspicious-chinese-espionage-case/) - http://www.reuters.com/investigates/china-military/#article/part3 http://m.ice.gov/news/releases/1309/130906denver.htm?f=m A Chinese national, who was residing in Oakland, Calif., pleaded guilty Sept. 3 to conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act and to Smuggle Goods from the United States. This guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney John Walsh, District of Colorado, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations
- [Full Time Nationalistic Journalism In Review](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/12/15/full-time-nationalistic-journalism-in-review/) - There comes to a level of nationalism in journalism that trends a full time full-tilt kind of bias, to the point that "bias" seems almost inadequate. This is now in the Western media. Take couple of stories, (really non-stories made into stories). (1) "USS Cowpens: Why China forced a confrontation at sea with US Navy".
- [A Sobering View of Asia, Why Pivot Will Fail](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/12/16/a-sobering-view-of-asia-why-pivot-will-fail/) - http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/john-glaser-intelligence-foreign-policy-world/2013/dec/13/americans-can-do-without-bogus-narratives-china-po/ This is a rare big picture sobering look of Asia, boiling down the Asian Pivot as nothing more than "bogus" and "propaganda". But more practically, unstatedly, the facts are ripe for the reasons why the Pivot will fail. Recently, there have been more than a few media and governments of many sides breathlessly talking
- [Making a Mockery of China's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) - and the Precedents it Sets?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/29/making-a-mockery-of-chinas-air-defense-identification-zone-adiz-and-precedents-it-sets/) - Wow, here is an update on the China ADIZ and the recent aftermath. While I did expect U.S. and Japan to express some kind of reservation over China's recent establishment of an Air Defense Identification Zone in the East China Seas, I had not anticipated the full sound and fury of the storm! Within hours after
- [Rich Texas teen kills 4, injures 2, gets away with slap on wrist](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/12/13/rich-texas-teen-kills-4-injures-2-gets-away-with-slap-on-wrist/) - I wanted to follow up on YinYang's previous post about racial privilege by providing an example of another form of privilege in the US justice system - class privilege. I posted this story (reported through a different source) under the comments section in his post. But since more details have surfaced, I wanted to highlight
- [Two bicycle thieves, two reactions from society](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/12/11/two-bicycle-thieves-two-reactions-from-society/) - Have you ever wondered what "white privilege" is? The following segment is produced by ABC to highlight the American public's racial bias towards Whites and Blacks. For good measure, it adds a twist - by adding a "beautiful" blonde as the final case. It is a short segment and totally worth watching. Now think about
- [China "Withholding" Visas From Foreign Journalists.  Plenty of Self-Censorship At Home.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/12/10/china-withholding-visas-from-foreign-journalists-plenty-of-self-censorship-at-home/) - http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/china-withholds-visas-nyt-bloomberg-reporters-21144608 This is apparently a continuation of an old story of how China is "expelling" foreign journalists en masse. However, there are some conflicting details in the story itself. "Withholding" visas means they accepted the applications, but won't issue the the visas. However the article later explained, "Chinese authorities had initially accepted resident journalist visa
- [Chinese Interpretation of Property Rights](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/12/06/chinese-interpretation-of-property-rights/) - This post is supposed to be respond to @ersim and @Black Pheonix but grow into the following: I want to note that before Qin re-united the country, the title of huang(皇) and di(帝) mean sage or saint. The Qin king combined that title and make it huangdi(皇帝) which becomes the title emperor. And I also
- [African Economist Dambisa Moyo: Is China the new idol for emerging economies?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/12/01/african-economist-dambisa-moyo-is-china-the-new-idol-for-emerging-economies/) - Dambisa Moyo - Is China the new idol for emerging economies It is refreshing to see public intellectuals other than Eric X Li speak openly against the blind faith that most westerners place in their own brand of democratic governance and market capitalism (a faith that they attempt to impose on the rest of the
- [Thanksgiving, a celebration and a tragedy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/29/thanksgiving-a-celebration-and-a-tragedy/) - For most Americans, Thanksgiving will be about a turkey feast and homage to people they are thankful for. I too celebrate this occasion. However, the real history behind it is of course extremely dark. I just searched on Google for images related to "thanksgiving", and there were only scant hints of Native Americans, let alone
- [United Nations Climate Change Conference, Warsaw 2013](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/23/united-nations-climate-change-conference-warsaw-2013/) - In a perfect world, we would have free press that report objective and fair news. We are also told that western developed countries are responsible in their dealing with global issues, especially one as important as climate change. However, if you think there is no invisible hand behind what is selected to be reported by
- [China Will Relax its One-Child Policy to Increase its Population Growth](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/16/china-will-relax-its-one-child-policy-to-increase-its-population-growth/) - The on-going Third Plenary Session of 18th CPC Central Committee has handed down several important decisions recently. One of them involves the relaxation of the one-child policy to spur China's population growth. Xinhua has a good report. An excerpt is provided below: BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- China will loosen its decades-long one-child population policy,
- [Typhoon Haiyan's Destructive Path](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/12/typhoon-haiyans-destructive-path/) - The news is still enfolding on the destruction Typhoon Haiyan - now barreling its towards Vietnam and on into southern China - left in the Philippines. For those with the means, it appears the best way to help for the public now is to donate money. Two organizations with the capacity to help on the ground are: Doctors
- [A Different Memorial Riles Japanese Nationalists, By Merely Talking About It.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/21/a-different-memorial-riles-japanese-nationalists-by-merely-talking-about-it/) - Japan recently reacted negatively with much fanfare, over the news that the South Korean and Chinese governments indicated "progress" on "cooperation" to build a Memorial Hall for Ahn Jung-Geun, who shot and killed Hirobumi Ito, then Japan’s top official in Korea, at the railway station in Harbin in northeast China in 1909. http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/china-praises-korean-assassin-whom-japan-calls-a-criminal Many Chinese and
- [Another Housing Bubble in US?  (Under the Cover of China's Housing Bubble)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/21/another-housing-bubble-in-us-under-the-cover-of-chinas-housing-bubble/) - http://www.nbcnews.com/business/housing-sales-drop-worrisome-signs-west-2D11624125 Apparently, the lure of money makes people forget lessons of the past. So when recently the housing prices started to rise again in the Western regions of US, People are starting to dump houses, hoping to cash in on the higher prices. (either that, or just trying to get themselves out of the market
- [Open Public Not-So-Specter of Racism and Xenophobia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/20/open-public-not-so-specter-of-racism-and-xenophobia/) - I have long complained about the overt racist tone in the US government's crusade against "China IP theft", and others have reflected similar sentiments. My main complaint is that "IP theft" actually occurs ALL the time in US, between US companies and individuals, but we rarely ever see any kind of accusations of criminal wrong-doing.
- ["Capitalism Has Gone Nuts!"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/18/capitalism-has-gone-nuts/) - That's what I said to my parents-in-law who asked me to explain the "market" behavior that turns on every bit of news. To the ordinary people, American or Chinese or anyone else, the "market" is hard to explain/understand. That's because it really is nuts/bonkers/crazy/insane/irrational. This is NOT some "rational market", because this "market" of today
- [视频: 绝命三连撞 史上驾驶摩托车最疯狂的一幕](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/11/视频-绝命三连撞-史上驾驶摩托车最疯狂的一幕/) - Some of you might have seen this traffic footage already. Pay attention to the motorcyclist at the top-center of the video. What would possess this person to undertake the sequence of actions as unfolded in the video?
- [New Internet Economy Puts Dent In "Boycott China"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/11/new-internet-economy-puts-dent-in-boycott-china/) - I have long maintained that boycotts rarely work well as a tool of political protest. Even when mobilized as a collective national action like a trade embargo, history has not shown much effectiveness in causing political change, other than merely increasing bitterness (like the Embargo against Cuba). Against a much larger target, with even broader
- [A look back at Hillary Clinton's 2011 "Internet Freedom" speech](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/09/a-look-back-at-hillary-clintons-2011-internet-freedom-speech/) - Still recall former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's speech on "Internet Freedom?" Our first reaction on this blog was that America wanted unfettered access to citizens around the world. From a propaganda perspective, that idea enables the U.S. State Department to bypass foreign governments in reaching their citizens directly. Clinton herself has said the Internet
- [The Justification of Violence and Terrorism?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/07/the-justification-of-violence-and-terrorism/) - Today, I came across an article in Asia Times titled "Tiananmen Crash Linked to Xinjiang Mosque Raid" by Shohret Hoshur, originally published via Radio Free Asia's Uyghur Service. In the article Hoshur appears to justify violence and terrorism committed last week by presenting what must appear to him to be legitimate motivations for plowing a car into the
- [Opinion: Is It Time Magazine that doesn't understand Capitalism or China?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/04/opinion-is-it-time-magazine-that-doesnt-understand-capitalism-or-china/) - Time recently published an article titled "How a Starbucks Latte Shows China Doesn’t Understand Capitalism" on the attention the Chinese government appears to be bringing to the practice of foreign companies overcharging Chinese consumers. According to Time, the government in doing this shows it doesn't understand capitalism, ought to back off, and let the market
- [My Lai: anything else comes to mind besides the "napalm" girl?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/06/my-lai-anything-else-comes-to-mind-besides-the-napalm-girl/) - When we hear about My Lai, the "napalm" girl immediately comes to mind, doesn't she? Can we imagine what else was happening to the Vietnamese there? Take a look at the picture below, starting with the woman holding a boy trying to button her shirt. From there, see the reactions from other people in the
- [Shadows of Censorship?  Really???](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/10/23/shadow-of-censorship-really/) - Two weeks back, Russia Today broke a story with the title "China employs 2 million analysts to monitor web activity." From that, we get a plethora of dark articles about how bad the Chinese government is. For example, from the BBC, we get an article titled "China employs two million microblog monitors state media say": More
- [The Chinese Order and Putin's Comment on American Exceptionalism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/09/15/the-chinese-order-and-putins-comment-on-american-exceptionalism/) - As part of the interesting discussion between Black Pheonix, ersim, ho hon and others in this recent thread, Black Phoenix made this insightful comment: Sun Tzu definitely wrote not so much about “just war”, as he admonished rulers against War, using costs of war as arguments. Sun Tzu was not concerned with what would justify war.
- [A Bizarre Length of Japanese Judicial Logic Stretched For/By Nationalism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/11/01/a-bizarre-length-of-japanese-judicial-logic-stretched-forby-nationalism/) - I came across this bit of legal news: Japan enshrined, in the infamous " Yasukuni war shrine" for the War Dead, the names of Koreans who were forced to serve in the Japanese military. AND, it included the name of at least 1 Korean who is still ALIVE! AND, the Japanese High Court just dismissed an
- [When the Gimmick Could be Worse Than the Rumor, Imagine the Worst For the Truth.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/10/31/when-the-gimmick-could-be-worse-than-the-rumor-imagine-the-worst-for-the-truth/) - The disclosures from Snowden just won't stop, and they get worse and worse as new ones come out. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/nsa-infiltrates-links-to-yahoo-google-data-centers-worldwide-snowden-documents-say/2013/10/30/e51d661e-4166-11e3-8b74-d89d714ca4dd_story.html http://apps.washingtonpost.com/g/page/national/the-nsa-is-hacking-private-networks/542/ Complete with snarky smiley face drawn by US government hackers who supposedly proudly presented to the NSA masters how they broke into Google and Yahoo's user data. Even an usually pro-US government surveillance online blogger
- [Speaking of Nationalistic Mouthpiece Media, What Are They Teaching Kids in US?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/10/30/speaking-of-nationalistic-mouthpiece-media-what-are-they-teaching-kids-in-us/) - I'm generally pretty tolerant of gaffes from all groups of people. Most people tend to have moments when they didn't think about what they were saying. But I do take notice of gaffes, because it usually lets loose people's deep biases that they don't normally display. So the latest media gaffe in US that caught
- [Suspected Terrorist Attack At Tiananmen Square, They Hate China For (Insert Your Own Bias).](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/10/29/suspected-terrorist-attack-at-tiananmen-square-they-hate-china-for-insert-your-own-bias/) - http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/29/world/asia/beijing-restricts-coverage-after-car-explodes-at-forbidden-city.html?_r=0 As for purpose, terrorism, like politics, is all about symbolism. As symbolism goes, I can be shocked by the attacks of planes used as flying bombs ramming into skyscrapers, but I can also understand the logic of its symbolism. If you are a desperate terrorist waging war on US, you might attack the biggest
- [A Typical Rumor/Lie From An Usual Expat Suspect Blog](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/10/28/a-typical-rumorlie-from-an-usual-expat-suspect-blog/) - Recently, wading knee deep into the piles of Expat China Blog articles with typical anti-China titles, I came across this rather ridiculous one: http://foarp.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-insanity-at-heart-of-chinese.html, regarding a "insane plan for conquering most of Asia published as an editorial in the Chinese Communist Party's Hong Kong-based media outlet Wen Wei Po". It is worth noting the kind of typical
- [ This is a joke (Chinese Malaysian style)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/10/27/this-is-a-joke-chinese-malaysian-style/) - Yesterday I went to buy joss sticks and joss paper to pray for my ancestors. The towkay asked me if I wanted to buy paper iphone to burn for my ancestors. I said they know how to use or not? He said Steve Jobs already there, can teach them to use. I said ok loh.
- [Rethink the US Government "Shutdown" Like George Orwell, And the Normality of Propaganda](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/10/21/rethink-the-us-government-shutdown-like-george-orwell-and-the-normality-of-propaganda/) - Orwell warned the World that when propaganda is truly successfully ingrained into society, people would not even realize propaganda for what it is. They would think it is normal and ordinary. When people read Orwell's "1984", it was clear from our own perspectives what propaganda was, in the "Newspeak" of the story. But we do
- [领导人是怎样炼成的 - How Leaders are Made](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/10/20/领导人是怎样炼成的-how-leaders-are-made/) - I wanted to share a video that has gone viral on Youku, and has gotten the attention of western outlets such as Time Magazine, which will no doubt attract ample amounts of sneers and visceral comments from the West. I'm posting both the English (Youtube) and Chinese (Youku) versions, for everyone's convenience. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BosGD5Bk98 http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNjIzMTk1NTQ4.html
- [Opinion: On Bo Xilai and Rule of Law](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/09/24/opinion-on-bo-xilai-and-rule-of-law/) - This past weekend, the Jinan Intermediate People's Court found Bo Xilai guilty bribetaking, embezzlement and abuse of power. The trial has been widely publicized and discussed in China, with netizens on the blogsphere commenting from almost every angle, some in support of Bo, some in disgust of his alleged actions, and others neutral and looking
- [Explaining the Gini Index Number, To Understand the Real China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/09/20/explaining-the-gini-index-number-to-understand-the-real-china/) - Sometimes, numbers lie, because so often, a few numbers are summarized to generalize about a vastly complex landscape. "42"!! That's the answer for every thing. Well, don't complain to me if you don't understand the answer. It's the question you need to really understand, which is, what does that number REALLY supposed to mean. Take
- [Order vs. Uncertainty, Why History Repeats Human Struggles](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/09/20/order-vs-uncertainty-why-history-repeats-human-struggles/) - This morning I heard a commonly repeated slogan among many Western politicians and academics, "Job creators hate uncertainties." It is as generalized as it is misleading and confusing. First, there are all kinds of job creators. Not all hate uncertainties. Second, there are all kinds of uncertainties. Not all are necessarily deserving of hate.
- [Case Study on Democratic Self-Governance: NSA Oversight, a Straight Game of Poker?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/09/07/case-study-on-democratic-self-governance-nsa-oversight-a-straight-game-of-poker/) - If there is a religion in the modern world, it is the fanatic belief in democratic self-governance. From a philosophical perspective, the legitimacy of democratic self-government requires the notion of a public forum - a democratic corpus, a public sphere formed by citizens, if you will - to frame, debate and discuss political issues and
- [Is there a Chinese model of innovation?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/09/11/is-there-a-chinese-model-of-innovation/) - One of the main reasons I wanted to contribute to the success of this blog is my desire to dispel ideological myths and dogma that exists in western discourse, and if I'm lucky, reach out to a few people in my age group back in China. One of the myths, against which I voiced skepticism
- [Charlie Rose speaks with Bashar Al-Assad](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/09/11/charlie-rose-speaks-with-bashar-al-assad/) - For those of you who live in the West, you might have noticed the lack of news covering the Syrian perspective. Well, Charlie Rose deserves credit for bucking the trend, daring to interview Bashar Al-Assad and bringing Syria's perspective to his America audience.
- [Putting BBC's propaganda against Vietnam to the test](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/09/02/putting-bbcs-propaganda-against-vietnam-to-the-test/) - Is it possible to stop people from discussing news or current affairs on the Internet? The answer is easy: obviously not. I can't see how that is possible without shutting the Internet down completely. And, what does it mean to be an "enemy of the internet" anyway? To qualify for that, wouldn't a nation state
- [Short-Sale AMSC:  DOJ's Stealth Probe of AMSC](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/01/short-sale-amsc-dojs-stealth-probe-of-amsc/) - ************UPDATES: Incidentally, http://blogs.orrick.com/trade-secrets-watch/2013/07/10/money-money-money-top-10-trade-secret-verdicts/, Out of top 10 Trade Secret IP theft verdicts, NOT 1 involved pure software based trade secret. And ONLY 2 had verdicts exceeding $800 million. More bad news for AMSC just keep coming: AUGUST 2013 (1) AMSC, this month of August 2013, "dismissed" its public auditing firm of PriceWaterhouseCooper (PwC), over unspecified
- [Are The American and Chinese Dreams That Different - You Can't Tell From Obama's March on Washington Speech Yesterday](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/29/are-the-american-and-chinese-dreams-that-different-you-cant-tell-from-obamas-march-on-washington-speech-yesterday/) - Yesterday, the U.S. marked the 50th anniversary of the "March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom." It was in that event 50 years ago that King gave his famous "I have a Dream" speech. By most accounts, Obama's speech is well-delivered and well-received - albeit "not as good." It could not be, Obama would explain, “[b]ecause
- [The U.S.S. Midway and the Phantom F-4 jet fighter](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/27/the-u-s-s-midway-and-the-phantom-f-4-jet-fighter/) - During my teenage years, I dreamed of becoming a jet fighter pilot. Believe it or not, I was accepted by the U.S. Air Force Academy, and had I opt for that career, I would certainly have seen my share of war. Anyways, few days ago, my family visited the U.S.S. Midway aircraft carrier in San
- [San Diego Zoo Safari Park and few thoughts on conservation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/24/san-diego-zoo-safari-park-and-few-thoughts-on-conservation/) - Slideshow below are random shots I took while at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park today. I admire the efforts at this facility in educating the public about endangered animals as well as their active role in helping to stop some species from becoming extinct. On the topic of poaching, I think there is something
- [Chinese Tourists](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/23/chinese-tourists/) - In recent years, we hear increasing number of Chinese tourists visit Western countries. I have certainly seen my share and even encountered quite a few. While at Universal Studios yesterday, I am yet again reminded of that trend. In fact, for a brief moment I thought I was in China as two large groups of
- [Chinese Advocate Post #2: Hazards of Immigrating to the West](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/23/chinese-advocate-post-2-hazards-of-immigrating-to-the-west/) - As more Chinese people are free to leave China and choose immigrate to the West, many are unaware of the many hazards of such immigration, and falling victim to them. I came to the US when I was very young. My family had very little money. Perhaps that was
- [Partner of Snowden journalist was detained for 9 hours & had his property seized for no reason](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/20/partner-of-snowden-journalist-was-detained-for-9-hours-had-his-property-seized-for-no-reason/) - I think Citizens of the UK should start familiarizing themselves with the phrase "being invited for tea" (请喝茶). Democracy at work, folks. Oh by the way, for those extolling the righteousness of "rule of law", this is all legal under current British law. EDIT: One more note, at least Chinese security doesn't rob you of
- [Business Insider's Reporting on China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/14/business-insiders-reporting-on-china/) - On 13th Aug, 2013 I clicked on articles with China as a tag, http://www.businessinsider.com/category/china This is what appeared as it was (no selection was done by me): Rare Video Appears To Show A Public Execution In China How The Emerging Markets Will Unravel As China Unwinds Its Debt The Sex Lives Of Top Chinese Officials How
- [On Yemen drone strikes and U.S. mainstream and social media](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/12/on-yemen-drone-strikes-and-u-s-mainstream-and-social-media/) - For those of you who pay attention to the news, the United States have stepped up drone strikes recently, including many in Yemen. It is interesting to observe how the U.S. and British media report on such strikes and their damages. CNN headlined those killed as, "militants." Reuters, "suspected militants." Bloomberg, "Al-Qaeda Suspects." U.K's BBC,
- [Sun Yang 'freestyle king'](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/08/sun-yang-freestyle-king/) - For China Daily's take on his three medals at the World Swimming Championships, click here. Below is the 1500m freestyle where he smashes the world record.
- [Chinese Advocate Post #1:  Some General Law advice for Fellow Chinese](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/02/chinese-advocate-post-1-some-general-law-advice-for-fellow-chinese/) - Unlike some blogs that pretend to talk about "China Law", when they are really talking about how to get around Chinese laws, I decided to talk about how Chinese people need to protect themselves in international businesses. This is Post #1. First, I'm an ethnic Chinese (7/8 Han, 1/8 unknown). I'm trained and qualified
- ["first island chain"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/02/first-island-chain/) - During the Cold War, the United States sought to contain China by forming a "first island chain" from Japan reaching all the way down to the Philippines. (Refer to the map on the left.) Circled are various straits China has successfully navigated through to date. After reading this China Daily report, I was curious where
- [Other Snowden Relevations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/01/other-snowden-relevations/) - I wish to make a few observations about Edward Snowden from a slightly different angle. Initially, there were legitimate queries concerning the apparent ease with which he copied highly confidential information, his background, and the escape. They seemed sensible questions, without the fingerprints of Disinformation Agents. But by now, it must be quite clear that
- [Freedom of Speech: Case Study on That Medieval, Backward, Senseless French Law Against Insulting the French President](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/30/freedom-of-speech-case-study-on-that-medieval-backward-senseless-french-law-against-insulting-the-french-president/) - China is often regarded as a nation without Freedom of Speech - or at least a nation that disrespects Freedom of Speech, or a nation with serious infractions of Freedom of Speech. I have often argued that such disparaging conclusions rarely turn out to based on Freedom itself, but a disrespect of China's social, historical,
- [How Food Adulteration in US is Downplayed by Media](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/08/01/how-food-adulteration-in-us-is-downplayed-by-media/) - An actual story: Customers of a bar complains that high end scotch served tasted bad. Complaints were ignored until officials got a sample of the drink and tested it. It turned out to be rubbing alcohol (ethanol, which is somewhat toxic) mixed with caramel food coloring. At a different bar, bottles with dirty water was
- [Bradley Manning verdict reactions from RT](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/31/bradley-manning-verdict-reactions-from-rt/)
- [New national story or not, Orville Schell and John Delury's article whitewashes Western atrocities](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/27/new-national-story-or-not-orville-schell-and-john-delurys-article-whitewashes-western-atrocities/) - If a survey is conducted in the West about the Opium Wars, very few would know about them today. Even the few who actually know about them will likely not hold the Brits and other Western powers responsible. The reason is because the West has been whitewashing this history. Case in point was the 1997
- [Who Stole Jobs from Detroit?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/27/who-stole-jobs-from-detroit/) - It might come as a surprise to casual observers that the city of Detroit is filing for bankruptcy. To those seasoned industry watchers, it is an event waiting to happen. Detroit has a prominent place in US history because it is considered "a metonym for the American automobile industry and an important source of popular
- [Virtue-Shame Based Culture and Morality Needed](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/26/virtue-shame-based-culture-and-morality-needed/) - Recent discussion of "National Humiliation" motif in Chinese history lessons got me thinking of the wider implications of some noted cultural differences, particularly involving the concept of "shame" in Asian societies. So the wider philosophical discussion here: First, I must qualify that I believe that the Asian societies are mischaracterized as "shame-based". I believe it
- [How CNN uses disaster to propagandize against a government](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/24/how-cnn-uses-disasters-to-propagandize-against-a-government/) - (最近，一些中国朋友对这篇文章表示兴趣。我简单解释。两年前，中国温州有高铁遇意外。最近，西班牙的高铁也有意外。右边的CNN报告是关于中国的意外。左边是报西班牙的。这两篇文章非常清楚。CNN关于中国文章的目的是骂中国。不像西班牙的报告, 唯一关于意外。这是他们的宣传技巧。这是西方媒体的宣传技巧。他们不希望中国高铁进入他们的市场。中国人，行业，社会，政府都需要被他们骂的臭臭的。) Western propaganda has become an art-form, and for the unsuspecting audience, it is invisible. If you decide to be critical though, you will immediately see how thinly-veiled the propaganda is. Some of you might have heard about the recent high-speed rail crash in Spain, killing 69 people according to the latest count. The
- [Orville Schell Does Not Understand "Negative Feedback" Or Tiger Mom's Lessons.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/23/orville-schell-does-not-understand-negative-feedback-or-tiger-moms-lessons/) - A recent article in WSJ by Orville Schell, "A Rising China Needs a New National Story," suggests to China to "move on" from a traditional national narrative of "Century of Humiliation" to some thing more positive, like July 4th fireworks. The article surprised me a bit, because I would have thought a student of Chinese culture
- [Abe Wins Huge in Japan... and some thoughts on the coverage...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/23/abe-wins-huge-in-japan-and-some-thoughts-on-the-coverage/) - On Sunday, Abe and his party secured a victory to win landslide victories. According to Foreign Policy, Riding a wave of stimulus money to the voting urns, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Liberal Democratic Party secured a majority in both of the country's legislative houses, delivering a stamp of approval for his economic policies and
- [Climate of not so truths](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/24/climate-of-not-so-truths/) - The following short CCTV report is actually a great summary of the key issues confronting America today. There are so much junk in the American press, it is difficult to make heads and tails of what is happening with them. America should demand and hold her leaders to account when they make promises or make
- [Tibetan vs. First Nations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/12/tibetan-vs-first-nations/) - (YinYang: This came via a reader, Ray, self-described as "overseas Chinese who currently resides in Toronto, Canada born in the 1970s in Malaysia. The piece below is timely as the Dalai Lama was recently on a trip to the U.S. as a 'spiritual leader.' By the way, he recently supposedly stepped down as a political
- [Opinion: Last Word by Melektaus on the Rule of Law](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/23/opinion-last-word-by-melektaus-on-the-rule-of-law/) - I'm getting sick of this "debate" on the rule of law (or laws in general). It's a recurring theme marred in confusion. So I will try to make this as simple as possible. Just let this "debate" die in this thread because it is distracting, boring and I'm just goddamn sick of it. I have
- ["Cross-straits" team wins Winbledon doubles title](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/21/cross-straits-team-wins-winbledon-doubles-title/) - It has been two weeks since "cross-straits" team Peng Shuai (彭帥) (mainland) and Hsieh Su-wei (謝淑薇) (Taipei) won the women's title at Winbledon. Moments after their win, a Japanese reporter has already created a lasting stir within China. The controversy went as follows, according to Phoenix News Media Ltd (in Chinese): 賽後，一名日本記者請謝淑薇以“第一個拿到大滿貫賽冠軍的‘台灣人’”身份，去談談“這對自己的‘國家’意味著什麼”。在聆聽兩人交談了一段後，彭帥舉手示意打斷，她說：“對不起，我還坐在這裡，我不能接受台灣是一個‘國家’的說法，網球只是體育運動，我們並不想被牽扯進政治。我們倆私下不會刻意去談這樣的話題，而且從小到大一直就覺得‘海峽組 My translation below:
- ["human rights," "democracy," "freedom," and now, "rule of law"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/17/human-rights-democracy-freedom-and-now-rule-of-law/) - When Western countries invade Iraq out of "human rights," "democracy," and "freedom," those become ideologies used as propaganda to dupe their public into supporting unjust wars. Obviously, there are merits in the ideas carried behind those words. But the essence of the propaganda, the power behind the propaganda, is the religious believe in the absolute
- ["China's Tibet": A Perfectly Normal Turn of Phrase](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/16/chinas-tibet-a-perfectly-normal-turn-of-phrase/) - Blogs like High Peaks Pure Earth and Warren W. Smith criticize the phrase "China's Tibet". But the normal Chinese phrase is used for China's other provinces.
- [Should China Consider Giving Snowden Asylum?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/09/should-china-consider-giving-snowden-asylum/) - As Snowden considers asylum offers from Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Bolivia, and perhaps mulls a second application to Russia (Putin had earlier said if Snowden wanted to apply asylum there, he'd have to stop releasing NSA leaks), should China Consider Giving Snowden Asylum? By the answers, I am hoping to gauge people's attitude toward Snowden. For
- [Rampant "Legalized" Corruptions Unmentioned](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/11/rampant-legalized-corruptions-unmentioned/) - While the recent sensationalized story in the media painted a bleak picture of state of corruption, there is a much undiscussed topic of "legalized" corruptions in many forms. Undoubtedly, because such corruptions have somehow become "legalized" in some nations, the amount of them are rampant and costly. I like to start a discussion of them
- [Thriving on Bad News of Others, Or Just Plain Reality Check.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/11/thriving-on-bad-news-of-others-or-just-plain-reality-check/) - Jeffrey Wasserstrom, http://www.humanities.uci.edu/history/faculty_profile_wasserstrom.php, co-founder of the now inactive China Beat blog, wrote a piece recently: http://world.time.com/2013/07/11/why-bad-news-elsewhere-is-good-news-for-china/ Needless to say, the premise of his piece is the usual kinds of China-bashing. Wasserstrom started off with a long list of bad news China had in 2013, but then goes on to say: China’s leaders, we need to remember,
- [Corruptions of Different Kinds, and the Effects](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/10/corruptions-of-different-kinds-and-the-effects/) - A recent poll conducted by Global Transparency found that Corruption is on the rise globally, particularly among many of the "Democracies". China was not in this survey, but China was in a previous survey where outsiders were asked to rate China's corruption by outside perception. 1 interesting point about the recent poll is that almost
- ["English-language Chinese Blogs" are dead?  Who's Not Paying Attention.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/09/english-language-chinese-blogs-are-dead-whos-not-paying-attention/) - Recently, in a period of comparing coverages of the Snowden saga in various blogs, I came across this frustrated admission from 1 of HH's previous comment participants: http://justrecently.wordpress.com/2013/07/05/the-china-related-blogosphere-a-deserted-playground/ "I’d happily participate in bridging the gap if this was still a sphere of blogs in the first place. But nothing on Twitter or Sina Weibo seems to last,
- [Internet Freedom vs NSA Dragnet](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/05/internet-freedom-vs-nsa-dragnet/) - Have you ever wondered how a map would look like if it showed Internet freedom versus the NSA dragnet recently revealed by Edward Snowden? Well, it would look like the following map. Click to have a look first and then come back to this post. It shows Facebook users versus regional population density. In black
- [Who Are You Calling a Police State and Other Urgent Matters](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/08/who-are-you-calling-a-police-state/) - It's a long running joke that many in the West continue to misleadingly characterize China as a police state. In the run up to the Olympics, there are people who mocked Chinese efforts to provide for a safe and successful Olympics - even though massive security efforts now appear to be quite routine in the West (see e.g.,
- [Blundering Soft Power of West Demonstrates Its Own Shortcoming](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/07/03/blundering-soft-power-of-west-demonstrates-its-own-shortcoming/) - In the recent run of the fad that is the "soft power" craze of the West, the narrative drown out (just a little while) what human beings really desired in the World. Yet, with the increasing blundering consequences /fallout from the Snowden disclosures and subsequent Western reactions, we are all shocked into a realization of
- [America's Free Media Self-Censors Snowden Asylum Letter](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/26/americas-free-media-self-censors-snowden-asylum-letter/) - Ironically the first place I saw Snowden's asylum request letter in its entirety was from China
- [Finally, a "cogent" argument why Edward Snowden is a traitor to America](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/27/finally-a-cogent-argument-why-edward-snowden-is-a-traitor-to-america/) - At this point, the dominant narrative in the American media on Edward Snowden is undoubtedly him being a traitor. The reason for a turn for the 'worse' is Snowden revealing to the world, especially to China and Hong Kong, how the United States hack their universities, public officials, and tapping into Pacnet, the major backbone
- [U.S. - Hong Kong Extradition Treaty (1997)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/25/u-s-hong-kong-extradition-treaty-1997/) - Took me a while, but I finally found the text of the U.S. - Hong Kong Extradition Treaty (1997) from the U.S. Government Printing Office. A copy of the pdf is provided below. The Senate Notes here provides a good summary of (and background information surrounding) the treaty.
- [NSA - Your Creepy National Stalkers Anonymous Roommate Who Made You Into a Worse Person](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/26/nsa-your-creepy-national-stalkers-anonymous-roommate-who-made-you-into-a-worse-person/) - It is kind of funny, but I always thought NSA stood for "National Stalkers Anonymous," a collection of recovering/rehabilitated/repurposed Stalkers who used to be those creepy guys who keep track of everyone's personal lives, and who ended up working for the government. Because really, that's kind of what they always did. Some people compared them
- [Edward Snowden - HH's Truth Sayer of 2013](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/25/edward-snowden-hhs-truth-sayer-of-2013/) - Edward J. Snowden - HH's Truth Sayer of 2013. A man who said Truth, while others did not. Snowden did not claim to stand for, nor pronounced that he had solutions with, some vaguely noble sounding ideals or philosophies, like Democracy, or Hope. He just stood up and revealed undeniable facts, secrets that Governments
- [Putin talks to Russia Today about NSA, Iran, and American mindset](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/24/putin-talks-to-russia-today-about-nsa-iran-and-american-mindset/) - Have you thought to yourself, "man, this talk about freedom, God, human rights, and we are for good while people we don't like are evil has become so trite and boring?!" I actually thought the following round-table of Vladimir Putin dishing out his views on America refreshingly interesting. I have my opinions, but I often
- [US Botches Extradition, Snowden Goes to Russia, Ignorant Media Accusations Fly](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/23/us-botches-extradition-snowden-goes-to-russia-ignorant-media-accusations-fly/) - Sometimes, a story is not a story, because it is inevitable, except for the ignorant accusations that demonstrate how one side is completely filled with hot air and not much competence. Such is the case of the dramatic "escape" of Edward Snowden from HK to Russia (of all places). It was expected, because even US
- [NYU and China Aid Fight Over Cheng Guangcheng And The "Human Rights" Turf](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/21/nyu-and-china-aid-fight-over-cheng-guangcheng-and-the-human-rights-turf/) - The American Left hates China, the Right hates China, and Chen Guangcheng is stuck in the middle of two very passionate groups gunning to be the thought leader of America's democracy battles and the war on China's soul (or lack of): - Last week, Chen Guangcheng accused NYU of kicking him out due to pressure
- [The Snowden Question:  If the West Doesn't Give Refuge, Who Will?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/16/the-snowden-question-if-the-west-doesnt-give-refuge-who-will/) - As I have compared and contrasted before, the US can be particularly vicious and relentless, when it comes to hunting its "fugitives", such as Bobby Fischer, etc.. And it really doesn't matter how long Bobby Fischer went on the run, the US government doesn't have much of a history of forgiving (unless you are an
- [NSA PRISM Program Linked to Creation of "No Fly List" And "Drone Kill List"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/15/nsa-prism-program-linked-to-creation-of-no-fly-list-and-drone-kill-list/) - Earlier, I suggest that NSA put the effectiveness of the PRISM program to the test, by performing something easier, like fixing the "No Fly List", long plagued by inaccuracies. As it turns out, I spoke too soon. I thought about it some more, and I realized that an obvious RESULT of the PRISM program would
- [Cult of personality mindset and Xi Jinping (aside)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/12/cult-of-personality-mindset-and-xi-jingping/) - You've ever noticed how many American news personalities and pundits always talk about personality when they are comparing Xi Jinping with his predecessor Hu Jintao? Hu is described as lacking in this while Xi is often described as having more of it. See this latest Charlie Rose interview with Richard McGregor on the latest
- [If NSA's Cyber-Snooping Is So Effective, Why Can't It Do Any Thing Vaguely Useful? Like (Pour Me a Beer or) Fix No-Fly List](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/14/if-nsas-cyber-snooping-is-so-effective-why-cant-it-do-any-thing-vaguely-useful/) - I saw a funny clip of comedian Lewis Black on the Daily Show the other day. When discussing Microsoft's new Kinect system that can interpret user expressions and even skin changes, Lewis raised a middle finger, and told Microsoft to "F* off". Then, when a follow up clip showed that some guy built a robot
- [What Snowden Affair Teaches About Corruption, Trust, and Government in the World](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/13/what-snowden-affair-teaches-about-corruption-trust-and-government-in-the-world/) - Corruption thrives in an atmosphere of low trust. When people trust their fellow citizens, they are more likely to behave honestly toward them. Corruption is high when generalized trust is low and particularized trust is strong, as Gambetta argues for the Italian Mafia. Particularized trust makes it easier for people to cheat people who are
- [Film Review: "Free China: The Courage to Believe"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/12/film-review-free-china-the-courage-to-believe/) - Michael Perlman's "Free China: The Courage to Believe" features a shrewd set of Falun Gong jailbirds. But much of its information is discredited.
- [What Snowden Hasn't Revealed, Piecing Together The Much Bigger US Surveillance Picture](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/12/what-snowden-hasnt-revealed-piecing-together-the-much-bigger-us-surveillance-picture/) - As reports and interviews are rolling in just the last few days, NSA insider Edward Snowden has revealed and confirmed some details of the US surveillance and cyber-espionage machinery. A picture is emerging from the pieces, but until we see the rest of the 37 pages of the NSA powerpoint document, it will be hard
- [US Spy Agencies Hacking Networks Globally, 61,000 Operations!  (Snowden Dishes More Dirt)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/12/us-spy-agencies-hacking-networks-globally-61000-operations-snowden-dishes-more-dirt/) - http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/edward-snowden-interview-nsa-hacking-operations-92658.html Perhaps we are getting to the real juicy bit of Edward Snowden's knowledge, perhaps he's dangling some bait and posturing, but he has given new details about something that many already suspected is true: US conducts massive amounts of cyber-espionage in the world. NSA alone, says Snowden, conducts 61,000 ops globally currently, and has
- [The Psychology Of "Something Completely Different"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/11/the-psychology-of-something-completely-different/) - "And now for something completely different...." So started many of Flying Circus' funniest moments. In a way, that was the simple slogan of yearning in all of us for "something completely different" in the world we live in. Something we could see, experience, or do. I thought of that phrase recently, when I read about
- [Opinion: Why There Is So Much Pro-War Reporting in the West? A Comment on Bloggers, Tyranny, and the Fourth Estate](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/05/19/opinion-why-there-is-so-much-pro-war-reporting-in-the-west/) - Once in a while one runs into articles that seem to fly against convention wisdom, that seem to tear at the veil of world injustice, that seem to open one's eyes to provide insight into the causes of so many of today's ills. This article titled Why There is So Much Pro-War Reporting from "the
- [Inevitable:  US Spy Program Leaker Escapes to Hong Kong, Other Aftermath, How It Might Play Out](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/10/inevitable-us-spy-program-leaker-escapes-to-hong-kong-other-aftermath-how-it-might-play-out/) - http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-nsa-prism-scandal-20130609,0,934854,full.story In routine criminal cases, unlike this one, Hong Kong had shown a willingness in recent years to extradite people to face charges in the United States, he said. In the video, Snowden said that "Hong Kong has a strong tradition of free speech." Hong Kong returned from British to Chinese rule in 1997, but
- [Prism and U.S. Internet Giant's Denial](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/09/prism-and-u-s-internet-giants-denial/) - Now that the U.S. President Obama has publicly acknowledged the existence of PRISM, it is interesting to see executives from America's Internet giants such as Google's Larry Page saying he has no knowledge of it. It is mind-boggling that he could say that while in 2012 alone, 1856 electronic surveillance and physical searches were approved
- [The Fallacy of the Modern "Culturists" Concept](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/07/the-fallacy-of-the-modern-culturists-concept/) - Cul´tur`ist n. 1. A cultivator. 2. One who is an advocate of culture. The culturists, by which term I mean not those who esteem culture (as what intelligent man does not ) but those its exclusive advocates who recommend it as the panacea for all the ills of humanity, for its effects in cultivating the whole
- [McAfee's Report on Operation Shady RAT](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/04/mcafees-report-on-operation-shady-rat/) - Given the attention that the recent McAfee's report has generated, and in light of the fact that the report was not generally available when I wrote my post "Biggest-ever series of cyber attacks uncovered," I have decided to do an updated post describing my personal response to the report. Following are excerpts of the report
- [Google's empty allegations, again, but what next?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/07/googles-empty-allegations-again-but-what-next/) - Google has been up to making empty allegations against China since it decided to withdraw last year. In its latest salvo, it accused the Chinese government of a phishing attack on Gmail accounts. As predicted, such allegations are spreading like wild fire in the Western media. In fact, the innuendos are narrated into facts, and
- [China Hacking, Poison and Piracy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/02/13/china-hacking-poisoning-and-piracy/) - Here is another story about hackers from China. Allegedly some organization have tracked yet another hacking that originated from some computer from China. Red alert - we are under attack from China! I found it interesting that we never hear from hackers from U.S., Britain, Germany characterized as that. We are more specific than that.
- [The Problem of Cyber Crimes Is More Serious Than Conspiracy Theories (War on Hackers)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/24/the-problem-of-cyber-crimes-is-more-serious-than-conspiracy-theories-war-on-hackers/) - In my previous post, https://hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/how-to-hack-a-human-brain-from-experts-of-hacking/, I discussed the many flaws in the Mandiant Report on hacker group designated APT1. Mandiant has responded to some of the criticisms, with the usual generalized responses of "we released our conclusion based on what we had." In other words, flaws are admittedly due to their jumping to conclusions. Indeed, the
- [Did Michelle Obama Do a Political Snub On Peng Liyuan?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/07/did-michelle-obama-do-a-political-snub-on-peng-liyuan/) - The Chinese blogsphere is rife with indignation on how Michelle Obama pulled a Political Snub On Peng Liyuan. Apparently, Michelle decided to attend her daughter's 12th birthday party in Washington instead of be in California to host Liyuan for the pivotal bilateral meeting between presidents' Obama and Xi. Here is a report from Sky News, with quotes
- [A note on "cultural relativism"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/07/a-note-on-cultural-relativism/) - I’ve noticed a trend among some commentators and bloggers at HH. As you know, some of my past posts have been at odds some of your views regarding things such as some modern characteristics of Chinese people. While I believe it’s often quite uncivilized and harmful (and I think you’d be surprised at how many
- [Rediscovering Chinese "Rote Memorization"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/05/rediscovering-chinese-rote-memorization/) - It turns out, Western critics of Chinese "Rote Memorization" methods may have been proven wrong by Western educators. Not surprising, critics were far too quick to jump to conclusions of what's bad in education, while without really understanding the education process in depth. Many recent year researches from educators have shown that "repeated reading" of
- [Remembering June 4th](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/06/04/remembering-june-4th/) - A friend of mine who lives in Shanghai wrote a quick WeChat update today: "今天64，缅怀一下当年为自由民主牺牲的青年" which roughly translates to: "Today is June 4th. Let's pay homage to those young Chinese who perished in the cause of freedom and democracy." (For an in-depth article on June 4th, read "Let’s Talk About Tiananmen Square, 1989" and in
- [Support for Korea Non-Intervention, Self-Determination and a Peaceful Northeast Asia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/05/30/support-for-korea-non-intervention-self-determination-and-a-peaceful-northeast-asia/) - North Korea is the most vilified nation in the world. But in truth, it should be considered the shining city on top of a hill as far as human spirit is concerned. HOW??? You wouldn't think that by what you typically read in the international news (dominated by Western media). Oh, the people in North
- [A Call For Scientific Revolution of Politics, End to the Vatican of Democracy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/05/30/a-call-for-scientific-revolution-of-politics-end-to-the-vatican-of-democracy/) - My earlier comments (https://hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/open-forum-2/#comment-55145) in HH, lead me down an extensive discussion of the history of the Scientific Revolution. As pointed out by Why the Scientific Revolution Did Not Take Place in China —or Didn’t It?, the Scientific Revolution did occur to some extent in China, it simply did not have the kind of socio-economic impact
- [Opinion: China's Acquisition of Smithfield Is A National Security Threat To America](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/05/30/oped-chinas-acquisition-of-smithfield-is-a-national-security-threat-to-america/) - the sneaky Communist Chinese are shifting tactics and resorting to overt acquisition of our safe, efficient pig husbandry and processing technologies to save their crumbing communist pork industry
- [Hashimoto's "Comfort Women" Statement - Is it Really So Bad? A Comment about Why Japan Needs to Give a Real Apology.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/05/27/hashimotos-comfort-women-statement-is-it-really-so-bad-a-comment-about-why-japan-need-to-give-a-real-apology/) - Recently, Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, a prominent Japanese politician, raised a storm in Asia when he pronounced that the "comfort women" Japan enslaved during WWII as "necessary." According to this BBC report, Hashimoto said: In the circumstances in which bullets are flying like rain and wind, the soldiers are running around at the risk of losing their lives....
- [South African President Jacob Zuma on Libya, Syria, West, and China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/05/26/south-african-president-jacob-zuma-on-libya-syria-west-and-china/)
- [How Critics of China are Fooling Themselves and Missing the Real Point.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/05/24/how-critics-of-china-are-fooling-themselves-and-missing-the-real-point/) - Recently, I browsed through a blog post "What's Going Right" for China (http://www.chinafile.com/china-what-s-going-right), including comments from James Fallows and Orville Schell. I have certain amount of respect for both of them. Particularly, I consider Mr. Schell's understanding of China to be more salient and in depth than most of his colleagues. At the same time,
- [Opinion: Free the Lewchew Islands from Japan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/05/22/opinion-free-the-lewchew-islands-from-japan/) - Taking a principled stand for Lewchewan independence would serve China's foreign policy goals and force Japan to reflect on ethnic separatism.
- [Tsung Tsung is why I am bullish on China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/05/20/tsung-tsung-is-why-i-am-bullish-on-china/) - Video below was taken about a year ago, then 5-year old Tsung Tsung exhibiting what a piano prodigy he was. This is obviously raw talent and true passion. It would have been a shame for not Tsung Tsung's parents affording him the piano and the lessons. Tsung Tsung is another example of why I am
- [Psychological projection and the western mind](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/05/12/psychological-projection-and-the-western-mind/) - There is an interesting phenomenon known to psychologists as projection. I quote at length from wiki’s entry on the topic. Psychological projection was first conceptualized by Sigmund Freud as a defence mechanism in which a person unconsciously rejects his or her own unacceptable attributes by ascribing them to objects or persons in the outside world instead. Thus, projection involves projecting[clarification needed negative qualities onto
- [On June 4th, Reactions to "What's wrong with China?" and other bits](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/05/07/on-june-4th-reactions-to-whats-wrong-with-china-and-other-bits/) - With June 4th right around the corner, the Western press will likely try to milk it, though each year with decreasing column space. In anticipation of that, we remind our readers the narrative perpetrated in the West is not the truth. 龙信明 draws from public materials and shows us what the real truth is, in
- [Ideology and Facts](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/05/04/ideology-and-facts/) - For some time, I have been on a hiatus from the blog. That does not mean that I was tuned off from what's going on in the world. Despite my temporary leave of absence, I till end up devoting non-trivial amounts of time to corresponding over emails with friends ... and editors on this blog about current events. I
- [What's wrong with China? Hint: it's not the government](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/05/04/whats-wrong-with-china-hint-its-not-the-government/) - After living here for more than 9 months, I have come to a most repugnant conclusion. It pains me to even think about it for I am a Chinese person who has often defended the traditions, institutions, values and dignity of the Children of Heaven. But the truth is often painful at first. I realize
- [Suzhou Pingtan (苏州评弹): 姑苏十二娘](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/28/suzhou-pingtan-苏州评弹-姑苏十二娘/) - A civilization of 1.3 billion and having a continuous history of thousands of years can only mean one thing: it's language and culture should have both amazing breath and depth. One of my hobbies is to rediscover this richness that's accorded me through my heritage. I want people around me to relish in what Chinese
- ["滴答" (Dida) - Song of Li Jiang Old Town](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/27/滴答-dida-song-of-li-jiang-old-town/) - For those of us haven't had chance to visit Li Jiang (丽江) in Yunan (云南) Province, well, here is a nicely made tribute to it called "滴答" (Dida).
- [A Conversation with Boi Boi Huong on the Great Leap Forward](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/22/a-conversation-with-boi-boi-huong-on-the-great-leap-forward/) - Recently I had a chance to speak with Boi Boi Huong (mp3, audio play link below). Her family emigrated to Holland from Vietnam when she was young. While in college, she took a stronger interest in China, and in fact completing her thesis on the Great Leap Forward. The timing of her work was interesting,
- [雅安我们和你在一起!](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/20/雅安我们和你在一起/) - Latest number from China Daily's coverage shows death toll has risen to 200+ for the Yan'an (雅安) earthquake which occurred yesterday. The epicenter is not too far from the 5.12 quake that hit Sichuan back in 2008. Rescue operations is paramount during the first 72-hour window following the quake. China has already mobilized 8,000 troops with more on standby. This
- [Remembering Lu Lingzi (吕令子)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/18/remembering-lu-lingzi-吕令子/) - Our condolences to the victims and families of the Boston Marathon bombing. Among the three deaths is Lu Lingzi (吕令子), a Chinese national, who is studying at the Boston University in applied mathematics. Following is a translated letter from her parents (source: BU) to Bostonian's, encouraging them to move forward as a way to remember
- [Hollywood has underwent self-censorship training, so should Feng Xiaogang](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/18/hollywood-has-underwent-self-censorship-training-so-should-feng-xiaogang/) - Western narrative likes to pit Chinese against China's government censorship. In accepting the director of the year award, Feng Xiaogang (冯小刚) publicly lamented the difficulties he faced in complying with Chinese censors. What Feng and the 10,000-some people who retweeted him on weibo (sizable, but not that big a deal given the 500 million+ users) need
- [If you made a comment in the last 12 hours or so - specifically, after 10:50 pm 4/16/13 and before 2:00 pm 4/17/2013, Pacific Time...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/17/if-a-made-a-comment-in-the-last-12-hours-or-so-after-1050-pm-41613-and-before-200-pm-4172013-pacific-time/) - If a made a comment in the last 12 hours or so - more specifically after 10:50 pm 4/16/13 and before 2:00 pm 4/17/2013, Pacific Time, your comment may have been deleted. Posts are not effected. I was doing some tweaking with the system and made a rookie mistake, so the most recent comments (before
- [A conversation with Shaun Rein on China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/07/a-conversation-with-shaun-rein-on-china/) - (On January 5, 2012, I sat down with Shaun Rein, founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group, to talk about China. He gave us his insights into major events of 2011. In this hour-long interview, we touched on many topics: pollution, CNN and Christian Bale's recent run-in with Chinese police, food safety,
- [What The History of Online Communities Taught Me About "Freedom Of Speech"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/15/what-the-history-of-online-communities-taught-me-about-freedom-of-speech/) - Around 1997, I stumbled upon and joined an online forum, now somewhat infamously known as "FreeRepublic.com". This was in the early days of online communities. My initial fascination with FreeRepublic (I was a "Freeper", but I never called myself that), and my subsequent departure from it, marked my first of life long lesson in the
- [Botanical Espionage, The Western History of IP Violations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/14/botanical-espionage-the-western-history-of-ip-violations/) - About 400 years ago, tea was first introduced to the British, but China was the ONLY nation with monopoly on tea production and methods. http://www.amazon.com/For-All-Tea-China-Favorite/product-reviews/B0043RT8D6 The British did 2 things to end China's monopoly, (1) sold Opium to offset China's tea profits, and (2) stole China's IP on tea via "botanical espionage." That history of
- [Comparing Lincoln to Mao](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/08/comparing-lincoln-to-mao/) - If you were ask to give a short narrative for those two very important historical figure, what words were to come into your mind? Abraham Lincoln was consistently voted by US scholars as the greatest US president. He was even immortalized in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. However, don't the ill informed Americans know he
- [Elgin Street and the Old Summer Palace](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/04/elgin-street-and-the-old-summer-palace/) - Sipping sangria in a tapas bar at Hong Kong’s Soho District, looking out the window, one could spend hours watching cosmopolitan humans spewing out one of the world’s longest elevator systems. Next to it, a street sign reads “Elgin Street.” Hardly anybody knows who Elgin was, or what he had done to deserve a street
- [Life in flames: The story behind Tibetan self-immolation (Xinhua News)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/03/life-in-flames-the-story-behind-tibetan-self-immolation-xinhua-news/) - (It's worth noting that Gady Epstein of The Economist calls this video, "remarkable propaganda document." If you think about it, that's a wholesale rejection of the Chinese point of view. This is politics. But, then, don't forget that The Economist and other Western media self-proclaim to be "free." According to their definition, Western journalism is
- [Chinese media criticism of Apple aims to rectify U.S. protectionism against Huawei](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/04/01/chinese-media-criticism-of-apple-aims-to-rectify-u-s-protectionism-against-huawei/) - Apple's Tim Cook formally apologized to Chinese customers today in response to media criticisms within China for unfair warranty and customer service related issues. China's Consumer Association have also demanded Apple making a formal apology. While U.S. media in unison came to Apple's defense before today's apology, making light of Chinese consumer grievances, I think
- [A proper perspective on Sino-Russian relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/30/a-proper-perspective-on-sino-russian-relations/) - In light of President Xi's latest visit to Russia, it would be appropriate to provide a nuanced perspective to the current state of Sino-Russian relations. It is understandably difficult for the western media to deliver this kind of nuance; this difficulty stems not only from western biases against both Russia and China that obstructs objective
- [Sports Illustrated in China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/30/sports-illustrated-in-china/) - Yes, the image below is of Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, Anne V, on a bamboo raft on the Li River in Guilin with a cormorant fisherman. You wouldn't be alone if you thought the image was photo-shopped. Well, it is not. Sports Illustrated has actually gone to all seven continents and found local cultures as
- [The Wolf and The "Ginger Wave", FBI, Source Codes, and the Ballad](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/25/the-wolf-and-the-ginger-wave-fbi-source-codes-and-the-ballad/) - Once upon a time, there was a Chinese Ph.D. student named "Ginger Wave", (Bo Jiang) 姜波, who upon graduation got a nice job working for a NASA contractor. How did he get a job with a NASA contractor, even when he was a Chinese citizen? Who knows, but Ginger Wave didn't lie, Ginger Wave didn't care.
- [Losing The Last Accountability in the "Do-Over" Democracies, The Buck Doesn't Stop.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/25/losing-the-last-accountability-in-the-do-over-democracies-the-buck-doesnt-stop/) - By now, the Cyprus government is still haggling with EU (and its banks) over how to save Cyprus economy, without anyone paying for it. But just a few days ago, they almost managed to get away with a "deal" to pay for it by "taxing" 10% of all bank accounts in Cyprus. This didn't have
- [Kissinger's "On China" - not quite a book review](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/23/kissingers-on-china-not-quite-a-book-review/) - Instead of a proper review, this is more like a sketch of the thoughts which struck me while reading Henry Kissinger’s On China. In the past, writers were often individuals who saw things differently. Being different helped them to highlight alternative perspectives and popular social ills. Once in a while, they turned out to be
- [Shanghai's Pudong in 1990 vs 2010](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/22/shanghais-pudong-in-1990-vs-2010/) - I first came across the following image at weninchina.com. The difference in 20 years is indeed amazing. Pudong in 1990 vs 2010. As a point of reference, the two large arrows point to the same building. China now needs to work hard to make those white clouds come back more frequently.
- [Truck unloads bamboo pile, Taiwan style](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/21/truck-unloads-bamboo-pile-taiwan-style/) - Following video is a truck driver in Taiwan unloading a big pile of bamboo. I guess modern day truck manufacturers and designers should keep this use case in mind.
- [A Superficial Death of Soft Power:  It's another Made-Up Term.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/18/a-superficial-death-of-soft-power-its-another-made-up-term/) - One might as well call it "the Pink Powdery Pixie Dust of Hippie Magic," because it is really quite a made-up concept that doesn't make sense relative to its own applications. Joseph Nye first defined and popularized the notion of "soft power" as the ability to attract and influence others. But somewhere down the path
- [A "Half-Baked" US Traitor, A Showcase of "Chinese Espionage"?  Or another Mercenary Expat?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/18/a-half-baked-us-traitor-a-showcase-of-chinese-espionage-or-another-mercenary-expat/) - A while back a little story emerged about a US embassy security guard was arrested for trying to pass secret to the Chinese government. http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/August/12-nsd-1064.html Sounds pretty ominous as yet another Chinese espionage case? Today, we know some more details: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/05/us-usa-courts-sentencing-idUSBRE9240VR20130305 The US government wanted to throw the book at Bryan Underwood for "attempting to contact
- [The Fantasy League of the Rubberstamping Billionaire Chinese Parliament Club](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/15/the-fantasy-league-of-the-rubberstamping-billionaire-chinese-parliament-club/) - Some days, I can only throw my hands and laugh at the some of the ridiculous stories and statements concocted by some Western media, and wonder why there aren't more people in the West with their eyes bleeding after reading such "news". For example: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-26/china-s-billionaire-lawmakers-make-u-s-peers-look-like-paupers.html which contained this little paradoxical statement: While the legislature, with
- [Map of U.S. Military bases around the world](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2010/08/08/map-of-u-s-military-bases-around-the-world/) - (February 10, 2012: This is a re-write of the original as many readers on the Internet are finding their way to this article. The points are the same as before, but now written for better readability. Also, with infographic courtesy of militaryeducation.org at the bottom of this post.) After having won the Cold War, the
- [Ann Lee vs Peter Navarro and CNBC on China Real-estate 'Bubble'](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/11/ann-lee-vs-peter-navarro-and-cnbc-on-china-real-estate-bubble/) - Allen and I had a chance to chat with Professor Ann Lee a little over a year ago, and we continue to see her moderating the warped perspectives in the Anglophone press. In this short CNBC video, she debunks Professor Peter Navarro of UC Irvine. Actually, she's mostly debunking CNBC's narrative. China's urbanization rate is
- [Before "Why Leaving China," Why They Went To China.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/07/before-why-leaving-china-why-they-went-to-china/) - A short commentary of commentary this time. A little while back, a few Expat "tossed the room" before they packed up and left China, by explaining in detail their "reasons" for leaving. (With nothing but their own confessed reasons, perceptions, etc.) We didn't bother to question them much about those reasons. Hey, who are we
- [The Teapot Tempest of "Live Execution Broadcast" Showing Dyslexia And Moving Goal Post of Moral Schizophrenia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/08/the-teapot-tempest-of-live-execution-broadcast-showing-dyslexia-and-moving-goal-post-of-moral-schizophrenia/) - It started with CCTV news announcing on Feb. 28, that the 4 drug lords found guilty of murdering 12 Chinese sailors are to be executed. The SCMP blogger John Kennedy blogged on March 1, with the above screen capture, that CCTV announced "broadcast live execution." http://www.scmp.com/comment/blogs/article/1165484/cctv-broadcast-live-execution-mekong-river-massacre-drug-smugglers Except, that's NOT what the CCTV news announced. The
- [CNN and Financial Times spin news of China topping U.S. in importing oil as shake up to geopolitics of natural resources](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/04/cnn-and-financial-times-spin-news-of-china-topping-u-s-in-importing-oil-as-shake-up-to-geopolitics-of-natural-resources/) - CNN recently repeated an article from Financial Times on the news China has temporarily overtaken the United States as the world's largest net oil importer. In spinning this news, their narrative went as follows: "China has overtaken the US as the world's largest net importer of oil, in a generational shift that will shake up
- [A powerful infographic of America's inequality perception gap](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/03/a-powerful-infographic-of-americas-inequality-perception-gap/) - Back in October 4, 2011, I predicted the Occupy Wall Street movement would fizzle, simply because the U.S. corporate media were not behind it. pug_ster argued Obama's first term supporters were starting to become disillusioned, "Just today the Unions, Moveon.org and many other left groups whom have supported Obama in the past are joining this
- [Truth Bent, Credibility Broken - a scathing review of Ping Fu's book & her actions](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/03/01/truth-bent-credibility-broken-a-scathing-review-of-ping-fus-book-her-actions/) - The following is a re-posted review (find the original on Amazon.com) of the book "Bend, not Break" by Ping Fu. For those who don't know the context, this book is an "autobiography" detailing the horrors Ping Fu supposedly faced during the Cultural Revolution (a summary of her side of the story is on Wikipedia). When
- [U.N.'s Application of the Clean Development Mechanism to China - Fair or Unfair?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2010/03/05/u-n-s-application-of-the-clean-development-mechanism-to-china-fair-or-unfair/) - As is customary for many over the Chinese New Year, I spent a lot of time cleaning up old junk in my house the last few weeks. As luck would have it, I happened to run over a December article in BusinessWeek reporting that the U.N. had stopped awarding carbon funding of green projects in
- [[Unit] 61398, The New Number of The Beast](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/26/unit-61398-the-new-number-of-the-beast/) - Earlier Black Phoenix wrote about the problem with Mandiant attributing the Comment Crew hacking to the Chinese military. The recent media frenzy around yet another "China hacking" story focused on a supposedly shadowy PLA military unit in Shanghai, Unit 61398, as the "state actor" behind the cyber attacks. Their primary source, Mandiant APT1 report, even
- [How To Hack A Human Brain, From Experts of Hacking](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/21/how-to-hack-a-human-brain-from-experts-of-hacking/) - Answer: With Knowledge, both Lies and Truths. Every lie has some element of truth. Every truth has some bias of lie. Great lies appear more true than obvious lies. Great truths appear more false than some lies. A computer hack is a lie to a computer, disguised as a truthful command. All lies, great or
- [Morally degenerate equivocators](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/19/morally-degenerate-equivocators/) - This post is basically a followup on the few posts recently addressing the perceptions of the GLF in the west. I will not add to the debate per se or even defend the other posters but rather talk about how people in the west are treating like discourse, namely those that does not fall in line
- [On the Importance of Understanding Chinese Thoughts using Chinese Terminologies](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/17/on-the-importance-of-understanding-chinese-thoughts-using-chinese-terminologies/) - Recently, Zack brought to our attention a great article at Asia Times by Thorsten Pattberg, who is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Humanistic Studies at Peking University. Pattberg dedicated his life to study Chinese philosophy, political thoughts, and culture in their original meanings. He concludes: Western people are curious like all the
- [More Sights from Maui, the "Valley Isle"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/17/more-sights-from-maui-the-valley-isle/) - Following are mostly landscape shots I took today. Even though I came across great materials of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, I have decided to wait until I am able to do additional research before writing a post on him. So, for now, enjoy this set, from Maui, the "Valley Isle."
- [Hawaiian Cliff Diving: a test of courage and loyalty](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/15/hawaiian-cliff-diving-a-test-of-courage-and-loyalty/) - In 1770, King Kahekili dove 63 feet from the cliffs to the water at Kaunolu Bay on the southern tip of Lanai island. He forced his warriors to follow suit, to demonstrate courage and to show loyalty. Hence forth, cliff diving has become a tradition in Hawaii. Today, at the Black Rock beach adjacent to
- [Lahaina and a little bit of Hawaiian history](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/14/lahaina-and-a-little-bit-of-hawaiian-history/) - Lahaina is a gorgeous little town in the western part of Maui. Today, it is bustling with tourists. Shops and restaurants dot the water-front main street. As I researched into its past, I am confronted with a number of emotions. Foremost, the aloha spirit is abound. So far, we have met travelers from the mainland
- [Shaolin Temple USA Blessing Ceremony](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/10/shaolin-temple-usa-blessing-ceremony/) - Exactly five years ago on February 3, 2008, Shaolin Temple officially opened it's first branch in Fremont, California. Since then, branches in San Francisco and Herndon (Virginia) have been established. More will follow in coming years. At the 5th anniversary, I got to witness a Buddhist blessing ceremony. While I couldn't comprehend everything, my understanding
- [Greetings from the island of Maui](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/11/greetings-from-the-island-of-maui/) - My family is currently vacationing in Hawaii, on the island of Maui. I might find inspiration in connecting Maui to China, but don't hold me to it. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen (1866-1925) is locally known in Hawaii, because this is where he came for school. Even on the island of Maui, there is a small memorial
- [Happy Chinese New Year](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/09/happy-chinese-new-year-2/) - 祝大家新年快乐, 萬事如意, 身体健康! Today is the start of the Chinese New Year of the snake. Most families in China will be spending time together enjoying the festivities, including watching the Spring Festival show on CCTV. We are looking forward to the show as well since a local station rebroadcasts it. This time of the year in
- [Chinese hackers hacking Western journalists to want to know what they THINK about China?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/31/chinese-hackers-hacking-western-journalists-to-want-to-know-what-they-think-about-china/) - What's the most absurd nonsense that's out there in the American press lately? Now that the Wall Street Journal has jumped into the fray, asserting, "Chinese Hackers Hit U.S. Media," I thought the paper would at least cite some hard evidence. Alas, no. Instead, when you see the whole article premised on "people familiar with
- [Iran's PressTV with U.S.-based political analysts on the Wallstreet-London financial empire nexus](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/06/irans-presstv-with-u-s-based-political-analysts-on-the-wallstreet-london-financial-empire-nexus/) - Searching on "China" in Russia Today's Youtube channel led me to the following video from PressTV, which towards the end, I then learned it's an Iranian station. It features three panelists, all from the United States and the U.K.. They all seem to agree that the U.S., U.K., and Japan are hijacked by a Wallstreet-London
- [Quick Survey: Have You Noticed a Server Performance Improvement Since Jan 31?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/04/quick-survey-have-you-noticed-a-server-performance-improvement-since-jan-31/) - We made some server upgrades a few days ago, late of Jan 31, 2013 (U.S. Pacific Time). The upgrades will cost DeWang and I a little more, but we can afford it. Still we want to quickly survey our reader to see if you notice a performance improvement. If you have or if you have
- [A Response to a Japan Scholar's Response: War Loot is Ours to Keep](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/10/04/a-response-to-a-japan-scholars-response-war-loot-is-ours-to-keep/) - In a recent comment, one of our readers pointed out: http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/04/the-diaoyusenkaku-islands-a-japanese-scholar-responds/ I thought this is a funny read of a Japanese ‘scholar’ thinks that why ‘Senkaku’ islands belongs to Japan. I don't think the conclusion is "funny" at all. I think it's "serious." Below is a very quick response (sorry, lots of projects due). First,
- [A Chinese reporter's 5-minute speech on free thinking, activism, and improving society](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/02/02/a-chinese-reporters-5-minute-speech-on-free-thinking-activism-and-improving-society/) - The following 5-minute speech is by 柴静, a news anchor in China. It's in Chinese, but I enjoyed what she had to say. She recounts the people she's met over the years and their unique stories of individuals fighting for rights, upholding law, and the need for free thinking. This is an example of a
- [Joseph Nye tells NPR's Neal Conan China's concerns over containment can be dismissed](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/30/joseph-nye-tells-nprs-neal-conan-chinas-concerns-over-containment-can-be-dismissed/) - Joseph Nye recently spoke to NPR's Neal Conan about the disputed islands in the East China Sea between China and Japan. Overall, I think Nye adds a helpful voice of moderation within the American public discourse on this issue. In the U.S.-China context, I also fully agree with him that if there is any sort
- [Xian Y-20's Maiden Flight](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/27/xian-y-20s-maiden-flight/) - Despite all the flaws of the US aviation industry (as illustrated by the 787 post below), the US and the West remains many years ahead of China in just about every part of the aviation value chain. However, this gap just got smaller yesterday with the maiden flight of the Y-20, a Chinese counterpart to
- [US Grounds Boeing 787, The Anatomy of a 20 Year Denial, and a Bubble of Self-Confidence](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/23/us-grounds-boeing-787-cant-blame-china-but-in-denial/) - http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323301104578257862879948292.html An almost sad tribute to Boeing's 787 above, attributes the recent Infernal Batteries problem of two 787 a week apart from each other, both while in normal operations, to the growing pain of "innovation". Except, this was not "innovation". Using such batteries in airplanes perhaps, but the battery technology, Lithium Cobalt Oxide type, is
- [CIA's role in anti-Chinese genocide](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/23/cias-role-in-anti-chinese-genocide/) - The ethnic Chinese in Indonesia has faced many decades of racism and sometimes pogroms from Indonesians envious and suspicious of the Chinese. What is lesser known is that the US and especially the CIA played a cunning, covert role in spreading the defamatory lies and colluded with the racist Islamic government of Indonesia inciting the
- [The Art of Free Media](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/21/the-art-of-free-media/) - With the U.S. Congress recently passing and President Obama signing into law the Magnitsky Act, Russian officials can be blacklisted and punishable for "human rights violations." In response, the Russian parliament retaliated banning Americans from adopting Russian orphans. In reporting these two events, Russia Today laments the following which I thought interesting and worthwhile pondering:
- [Exploring China’s interior: Southwest 西南 Day 6: Chengdu, Sichuan Province](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/17/exploring-chinas-interior-southwest-西南-day-6-chengdu-sichuan-province/) - Exploring China’s interior: Southwest 西南 // Day 6: Chengdu 成都, capital of Sichuan Province by WanderingChina Chengdu 天府之国, capital of Sichuan province has been on the agenda for the longest time. It has retained its original city name since its founding more than two millennia ago in 311BC, the same cannot be said of many
- [Supermodel Cameron Russell: "Image is Powerful" on TED](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/14/supermodel-cameron-russell-image-is-powerful-on-ted/) - Image is indeed powerful. Following is a rare and frank talk, given by supermodel Cameron Russell, about her profession on TED. More importantly, she explains that 'beauty' in the West is a construct. As in any other society, beauty is often constructed to reflect attributes only attainable by the majority or dominant group. For those
- [My New Year Resolution](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/05/my-new-year-resolution/) - It's been some time since I last blogged. And my new year resolution is ... to BE MORE REGULAR AT BLOGGING! I actually have an excuse this time. In November, my grandmother - with whom I am close - passed away. In December, my second son was born... This period of change has gotten me
- [Exploring China’s peripheries: Southwest 西南 Day 5: Yuanyang, Yunnan province ](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/11/exploring-chinas-peripheries-southwest-西南-day-5-yuanyang-yunnan-province/) - Exploring China’s peripheries: Southwest 西南 // Day 5: Yuanyang county 元阳县, Honghe Hani and Yi Minority Autonomous Prefecture 红河哈尼族彝族自治州, Yunnan province by WanderingChina Done with Dali, it was a six-hour long sleeper bus journey from Dali's Changshan Erhai back to Kunming. Due to the nature of the region's terrain, the train ride would have taken far
- [中共的生命力——后民主时代在中国开启 - "The Post-Democratic Future Begins in China" by Eric Li](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/12/中共的生命力-后民主时代在中国开启-the-post-democratic-future-begins/) - In his latest essay (in both Chinese and English), Eric X. Li wrote, "Many developing countries have already come to learn that democracy doesn't solve all their problems. For them, China's example is important. Its recent success and the failures of the West offer a stark contrast." Of course, Li is not arguing that democratic
- [Exploring China’s peripheries: Southwest 西南 Day 4: Dali 大理, Yunnan province](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/10/exploring-chinas-peripheries-southwest-西南-day-4-dali-大理-yunnan-province/) - Exploring China’s peripheries: Southwest 西南 // Day 4: Dali 大理市 county-level city Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture 大理白族自治州, Yunnan province by WanderingChina Dali is an ancient capital where its old city walls still stand. Not UNESCO protected like Lijiang, it was the seat of power for the Bai kingdom Nanzhao which thrived during the eight and
- [The Irrational, Racist Fear of China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/07/the-irrational-racist-fear-of-china/) - (This article is published here with permission from the author. His bio and links are at the bottom of the article. In sharing this article, he writes, "I am particularly happy that the piece will address Chinese readers. It had already been translated to Italian and Spanish; plenty of support for China coming from Latin
- [China Railways Safety Record: A Comparative Study](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/07/china-railways-safety-record-a-comparative-study/) - A study of the Chinese railways safety record, compared to French, Japanese and Germany railways, and American air travel plus highway travel
- [Exploring China’s peripheries: Southwest 西南 Day 3: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang, Yunnan province ](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/06/exploring-chinas-peripheries-southwest-西南-day-3-jade-dragon-snow-mountain-yulong-naxi-autonomous-county-lijiang-yunnan-province/) - Exploring China’s peripheries: Southwest 西南 // Day 3: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 玉龙雪山 (Yu Long Xue Shan) Yulong Naxi Autonomous County 玉龙纳西族自治县, Lijiang, Yunnan province by WanderingChina This AAAAA-rated tourist destination found in a Naxi autonomous county would price even the most eager out of the game. But when I arrived, they were there by the busloads,
- [Exploring China's peripheries: Southwest 西南 Day 2: Lijiang, Yunnan province ](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/04/exploring-chinas-peripheries-southwest-西南-day-2-lijiang-yunnan-province/) - Exploring China’s peripheries: Southwest 西南 // Day 2: Lijiang 丽江 Prefecture-level city, Yunnan province by WanderingChina
- [Exploring China's peripheries: Southwest 西南 Day 1: Kunming, Yunnan province](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/03/exploring-chinas-peripheries-southwest-西南-day-1-kunming-yunnan-province/) - Exploring China's peripheries: Southwest 西南 // Day 1: Kunming, Yunnan province by WanderingChina Featuring 10 photos a day, here is a first-hand journey into learning more about China's interior. Pre-amble Prejudices can have a habit of clouding perspective. It is unlikely great powers, be it the U.S. or China get to where they are today
- [A Happy New Year Message](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2013/01/01/a-happy-new-year-message/) - 新年快乐! 2013 is officially upon us and I want to take this opportunity to wish our readers and contributors a happy new year. Rather looking back at 2012, I want to offer some forward-looking thoughts. For Hidden Harmonies readers who are in position to interact with others of different heritage, I urge you to make
- [A Case of Corporate and National Defamation:  AMSC v. Sinovel, hot air in legal and media exercises.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/12/25/a-case-of-corporate-and-national-defamation-amsc-v-sinovel-hot-air-in-legal-and-media-exercises/) - In 2011, a little known Massachusetts-based technology company, American Superconductor (AMSC) sued a startup company, Sinovel, in several provincial courts in China. Most people paid little heed to the development of the case, until several US politicians cited the case as a most egregious example of Chinese Corporate Espionage. As usual, the politicians' citations of examples are rarely
- [Abigail Washburn: Building US-China relations ... by banjo](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/12/22/abigail-washburn-building-us-china-relations-by-banjo/) - As Abigail Washburn shows us with her banjo and music, it's actually really easy to connect with the Chinese and yet be so captivating. What an awesome soul! When America throws her weight around with petty politics, she is squandering her privileged position to affect our world towards greater good. Judging from the audiences response,
- [Chinese Energy Strategy in the Next Five Years](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/12/20/chinese-energy-strategy-in-the-next-five-years/) - I recently had to write an essay about energy trends affecting China, so I thought I'd share here as well, with a few details modified: While China has actively expanded its use of renewable energy and fostered innovation in the clean-tech space, planning on the renewables development and deployment front has been suboptimal in the
- [Netters Speak Up Against Media Narrative On "Chinese iPhone Shopper Tasered" Story](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/12/19/netters-speak-up-against-media-narrative-on-chinese-iphone-shopper-tasered-story/) - netters around the world have responded very differently than our supposed impartial media
- [How the NYT encourages dehumanization of the Han](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/12/13/how-the-nyt-encourages-dehumanization-of-the-han/) - One of the best methods used by colonists, genociders, and other racist oppressors is to use testimony from certain members of the victim group as evidence of the victim group's subhuman nature. We are told that this member of that group agrees with the oppresser's narrative of the inferiority of the victim group. White slave
- [iPhone shopper, Li Xiaojie, stunned by Taser and tackled to the ground by two Nashua police officers](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/12/12/iphone-shopper-li-xiaojie-stunned-by-taser-and-tackled-to-the-ground-by-two-nashua-police-officers/) - In all likelihood, Li Xiaojie was buying iPhones to bring back to China for resale, or as she claims, for relatives (and friends). When the Apple store manager in the New Hampshire mall refused to sell her more than two, she argued other customers were allowed. [Update: See Charles Liu comment below, Apple has lifted
- [Another forgotten Tibetan Sect in long feud with DL and TGIE](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/12/11/another-forgotten-tibetan-sect-in-long-feud-with-dl-and-tgie/) - The oddity of Tibetan Immolation: Nothing is changing, So Suicide ourselves until some thing changes. (And that's when you know it's a bluff). There have been several posts on the Western Media, prevailing the opinions on the Tibetan Self-immolation as is or isn't within the propriety of Buddhism (particularly Tibetan Buddhism). Let me say clearly,
- [Chinese farmer finds way to add horse power, chipping away at pollution](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/12/10/chinese-farmer-finds-way-to-add-horse-power-chipping-away-at-pollution/) - Following is a report on Chinese farmer, Tang Zhengping, who comes up with a novel way to harness wind energy to give cars extra horse power. That in turn reduces fuel consumption. It's a great story in so many ways. For one, I wish more Chinese farmers are untied to their land so they have
- [Congressman Dana Rohrabacher of California excoriates TGIE's Lobsang Sangay](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/12/02/congressman-dana-rohrabacher-of-california-excoriates-tgies-lobsang-sangay/) - Given that the Dalai Lama and the TGIE are funded by the U.S. government, wouldn't it be interesting if their communications are somehow transparent such that we could see the nature of the relationship? Are their interests aligned? Who calls the shots? Patrick French in an Op-Ed in 2008, advising the Dalai Lama to instead
- [Savaged Again, Understanding the BBC's Role](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/11/27/savaged-again-understanding-the-bbcs-role/) - Copyright, Truthout.org. Reprinted with permission. Savaged Again, Understanding the BBC's Role Monday, 26 November 2012 09:20 By John Pilger, Truthout | Op-Ed In the Middle East, the Israeli state has successfully intimidated the BBC into presenting the theft of Palestinian land and the caging, torturing and killing of its people as an intractable "conflict" between
- [Chinese Music Video](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/11/27/chinese-music-video/) - This music video has been circulating amongst PLA enthusiasts back home; pretty cute. http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDgwMjgyMjky.html
- [My impressions of China so far](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/11/24/my-impressions-of-china-so-far/) - I have now been living in China for almost 4 month and I'd like to write a little about my impressions so far from personal experience and in talking to the people. As you all know by now, my views on things like the rule of law, human rights and democracy may be quite different
- ["The Horrors of The Coolie Trade" by New York Journal of Commerce, February 22, 1860](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/11/26/the-horrors-of-the-coolie-trade-by-new-york-journal-of-commerce-february-22-1860/) - In response to my prior article where I mentioned Napa Valley was destination of the first wave of laborers from China (and later became the driving force behind the Chinese Exclusion Act), reader perspectivehere reminds us there were in fact much more horrifying atrocities against the poor Chinese. perspectivehere digs up a piece of history
- [Fall foliage at Napa Valley](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/11/19/fall-foliage-at-napa-valley/) - Readers on this blog know I post pictures from time to time. Today, I was at Napa Valley checking out fall foliage. Below are few taken at the Baldacci Family Vineyards next to Silverado Trail road. There is a China connection too. Napa Valley was a mining town and saw the first wave of laborers
- [Russia Today talks to Israeli PM spokesman and a contrast to CNN's coverage](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/11/16/russia-today-talks-to-israeli-pm-spokesman-and-a-contrast-to-cnns-coverage/) - Following segment is RT talking to Israeli PM spokesman Alex Selsky as ground invasion seems imminent. In contrast, readers should head over to FAIR.org where Peter Hart criticizes how CNN covers the clash between Palestine and Israel, "Who Started Gaza Conflict? Well, the U.S. Says?" Regardless of your position over this conflict, it is clear
- [Anti-war activist, Brian Becker, criticizes Obama's foreign policy on Russia Today](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/11/14/anti-war-activist-brian-becker-criticizes-obamas-foreign-policy-on-russia-today/) - Following segment is Russia Today talking to Brian Becker, an anti-war activist from ANSWER Coalition. Becker is critical of Obama's foreign policy and interprets how current flash-points around the world tie back to the U.S. military industrial complex.
- ["In defence of how China picks its leaders" by Daniel Bell and Eric Li](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/11/14/in-defence-of-how-china-picks-its-leaders-by-daniel-bell-and-eric-li/) - Following is an Op-Ed jointly written by Daniel Bell and Eric Li which recently appeared in Financial Times. IN DEFENCE OF HOW CHINA PICKS ITS LEADERS By Daniel Bell and Eric Li The coverage in the western media of leadership changes at the Chinese Communist party’s 18th congress has been almost uniformly negative. Critics say
- [Zhang Weiwei and Martin Jacques against Western assumption liberal democracy is panacea for China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/11/13/zhang-weiwei-and-martin-jacques-against-western-assumption-liberal-democracy-is-panacea-for-china/) - Following is a debate hosted by Intelligence Squared recently pitting Zhang Weiwei and Martin Jacques arguing together against Western assumption that liberal democracy is panacea for China. A few points raised by these two really struck me. Jacques cautioned the West to tone down its arrogance and engage China with more humility. Zhang pointed out
- [Stanford University's voices on what's at stake for China in the next decade](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/11/08/stanford-universitys-voices-on-whats-at-stake-for-china-in-the-next-decade/) - Stanford University's Graduate School of Business recently assembled a collection of views around its campus on the stakes China faces in the next decade as a new generation of leadership transitions into power. Topics addressed were economic reform, press freedom, education, future world order, and business opportunities. That collection is interesting because it sheds light
- [A rare Xi Jinping interview from year 2000 translated](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/10/29/a-rare-xi-jinping-interview-from-year-2000-translated/) - Having just read an interview (translated by Nordic Institute of Asian Studies) of Xi Jinping when he was still governor of Fujian Province back in 2000, I am struck by the differences between the current Chinese political system versus the American. Think about Obama before becoming president. The largest budget he's ever managed was probably
- [Fareed Zakaria GPS bashes China with The New Yorker’s Evan Osnos using Gangnam Style](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/10/25/fareed-zakaria-gps-bashes-china-with-the-new-yorkers-evan-osnos-using-gangnam-style/) - With Gangnam Style gone completely viral and having taken the U.S. by storm, I thought it interesting The New Yorker's Evan Osnos would use it as an example of something China unable to produce, caused by supposed state censorship stifling Chinese culture. Few weeks ago he got some 'expert' to offer this view: "In China,
- [Elizabeth Economy's Wish List for the upcoming Romney-Obama Debate on China and Foreign Policy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/10/20/elizabeth-economys-wish-list-for-the-upcoming-romney-obama-debate-on-china-and-foreign-policy/) - Elizabeth Economy (of Council on Foreign Relations) made a list of topics for the upcoming Romney-Obama debate in hopes for a better American public discourse on China. With both of their campaigns almost competing to see who can be more harsh in criticizing China, Americans are polarized more than ever on this critical relationship, and
- [National Geographic gets in on anti-China defamation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/10/15/national-geographic-gets-in-on-anti-china-defamation/) - Criticism of China's high-speed rail development is rampant, but I must take exception to Ian Johnson's recent piece in the National Geographic. Before his article even begins, the defamatory lede reads: "Engineering blitzkrieg continues despite financial and human toll." For Westerners, 'blitzkrieg' conjures Nazi aggression during WW2 as they trampled their way around Europe in
- [Great American dupe (or dope?)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/28/great-american-dupes-or-dopes/) - One of the greatest American heroes in recent memory has lately fallen from grace. Lance Armstrong was considered one of the greatest sportsmen in the world and his story of coming back from cancer to win the Tour de France inspired millions. He was seen as an All American hero embodying everything Americans value: hard
- ["Blame-game players should apologize" by China Daily USA's Chen Weihua](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/10/11/blame-game-players-should-apologize-by-china-daily-usas-chen-weihua/) - Henry Kissinger recently told his audience at a Wilson Institute forum that Romney's and Obama's campaign rhetoric against China were 'deplorable.' Some expat bloggers suggest that China should accept that this is a election phenomenon as if this sort of behavior is 'normal' and 'proper.' That's wrong and Americans should take the China-U.S. relationship more
- [How the Euro crisis can end](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/10/10/how-the-euro-crisis-can-end/) - Recent protests in China over Japan's "nationalization" of the disputed Diaoyu Islands (in Japanese, Senkaku), especially with calls for boycotting of Japanese products, has made Obama's "Asia pivot" a resounding success. Remember, the goal of the 'pivot' is to dominate the Asia Pacific both economically and militarily. The Trans-Pacific Partnership is designed to ensure a
- [Congressional report on Huawei lacks evidence](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/10/08/congressional-report-on-huawei-lacks-evidence/) - Now that the U.S. House of Representative investigative report by Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence regarding Huawei and ZTE is out, there is a lot of chatter in the U.S. media. I thought Paula Dwyer of Bloomberg summarized this whole affair the best: What
- [Paranoia and Superiority, the Twin Symptoms of Neo-Imperialist BS](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/09/28/paranoia-and-superiority-the-twin-symptoms-of-neo-imperialist-bs/) - Imperial overstretch, also known as Imperial overreach, is a hypothesis which suggests that an empire can extend itself beyond its ability to maintain or expand its military and economiccommitments. The idea was popularised by Yale University historian Paul Kennedy in his 1987 book The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers. An Overstretched Empire feels the pressure of its own inadequacies from all directions. Thus, it feels that
- [Defaming Confucius](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/09/25/defaming-confucius/) - Zigong inquired, “What if everyone in a village despises a person?” The Master said, “It's not enough. It would be better if the best villagers love and the worst despise, this person.” -Analects 13:24 There's no one more emblematic of Chinese wisdom than the ancient Chinese sage, Confucius (Kong Zi). His legacy as
- [The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/09/25/the-journey-of-a-thousand-miles-starts-with-a-single-step/) - I know the blog admin doesn't want too much content on any single day, but today is special, today marks a new beginning. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1TBbLrfs_A&feature=g-all-u By the way, to find out more, go to CDF (free registration required): http://www.china-defense.com/smf/index.php#1
- [On China's Got Talent, husband begs for a chance for his wife to sing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/09/23/on-chinas-got-talent-husband-begs-for-a-chance-for-his-wife-to-sing/) - I came across this video couple of days ago of a failed performance on China's Got Talent, but the contestant begged the judges instead for a chance for his wife to sing. I was deeply moved by this couple, their modest means to life. The song the wife end up singing is about a toast
- [Western Blogger Warns China, By Threatening Pogrom Against Ethnic Chinese](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/09/22/western-blogger-warns-china-by-threatening-pogrom-against-ethnic-chinese/) - On the recent Plastic cup pelting/ "attack" on the vehicle of U.S. Ambassador, Gary Locke, a Western Blogger gathered evidence of Chinese government's "not doing enough", and then implied that the Chinese government, by "not doing enough", was fanning the flame of nationalism, (even perhaps planning it). http://chinageeks.org/2012/09/the-recklessness-of-nationalist-brinksmanship/ Then he had this gem in his
- [The Economist's Anti-China Stance on Diaoyu Islands](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/09/20/the-economists-anti-china-stance-on-diaoyu-islands/) - The following tweet by Gady Epstein, a correspondent for the Economist based in Beijing, is not surprising. The way I read it, he seemed dissatisfied that China and Japan haven't yet escalated their tension into war. Yes, this is that same trash magazine that had a sort of mea culpa not too long ago for
- [Baidu, Tencent, Google, and Apple among The World's Most Innovative Companies](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/09/17/baidu-tencent-google-and-apple-among-the-worlds-most-innovative-companies/) - Is Apple one of the most innovative companies in the world? Most people would think so (so-so iPhone 5 specs notwithstanding). Google? Ditto. Baidu? Sure. Tencent? You know jack about Chinese companies if you don't think so. All these companies made the recently published Forbes' "The World's Most Innovative Companies." The authors of this study,
- [The Euphemism of Freedom - Case Study on Google in the Aftermath of Benghazi](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/09/14/the-euphemism-of-freedom-case-study-on-google-in-the-aftermath-of-benghazi/) - Whenever a for-profit - or even non-profit - organization professes to do good, to be a society's guardian - as Google has - I feel queasy. It's not that I think Google (or more generally corporations, NGOs, charities, even churches) is inherently evil. It's just that no non-government entity owes society at large a fiduciary
- [Rethinking the Freedom-Innovation Nexus](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/09/15/rethinking-the-freedom-innovation-nexus/) - A lot has been discussed on this blog recently with regards to censorship, most of the discourse so far have revolved around the justice and standards of censorship. I want to take a different but related direction, and discuss yet another myth propagated by the democracy/freedom advocates - the notion that "free" societies are always
- [The universality of human rights: a Chinese perspective](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/09/10/the-universality-of-human-rights-a-chinese-perspective/) - One of the most influential people of the twentieth century, but who is almost unknown by name, is a man named P.C. Chang (1892-1957). He (along with Charles Malik) were the two principle drafters of the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, one of the most influential documents of the twentieth century. Chang was a Chinese
- [On Chinese Women Dating / Marrying White Men](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/10/on-chinese-women-dating-marrying-white-men/) - I usually don't have much problems with Chinese women dating and marrying white men. Traditionally I typically view them on an individual basis. If the relationship last and works out for both parties, it's a win-win for all - who cares about if two people are of different races? Sure, I don't deny that the
- [U.S. and Western "Blood Money Out of Africa"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/29/u-s-and-western-blood-money-out-of-africa/) - Ron Paul has a sizable following which agree with his view that senseless wars or "humanitarian" interventions around the world actually undermine peace and future prospects for the United States. (Believe it or not, some paper even called Ron Paul "dangerous.") While few, there are other U.S. politicians who hold similar views. Back in 2001,
- [CNET's "Espionage anxiety over Huawei"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/28/cnets-espionage-anxiety-over-huawei/) - Despite full access to Huawei's headquarters in Shenzhen and her executives (including Chen Lifan, a board member and a senior vice president), CNET continues to report with astounding accusations and insinuations. At the heart of the issue is American and Australian press accusing Huawei of potentially assisting the Chinese government of hacking into American and
- [Riots in Assam](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/16/riots-in-assam/) - There has been terrible violence in India's Assam region recently and the violence has spread to other parts of India. Since this is a blog on China, not India, I am not going to dig too much into the cause or even meaning of the riots. But I do want to point out the relatively
- [China Daily's LIU Yuhan talks to Supermodel LIU Wen](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/24/china-dailys-liu-yuhan-talks-to-supermodel-liu-wen/) - China Daily USA has recently started doing short video segments, and I mainly want to give it a shout out. Below is China Daily's LIU Yuhan talking to supermodel LIU Wen. (Do check out their Youtube channel for more.) Nice to see Liu Wen so down to earth. Notice she's talking about modeling for some
- [Good to see Chinese media going on the offensive in an unapologetic manner](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/22/good-to-see-chinese-media-going-on-the-offensive-in-an-unapologetic-manner/) - This is a good start, but we need more articles like this in the Mainland press, not just HK: West has no reason to be smug Graeme Maxton says Western leaders who lecture the rest of the world about democracy, human rights and the free market should first practise what they preach, then learn to
- [On the recent Diaoyu Islands Dispute](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/21/on-the-recent-diaoyu-islands-dispute/) - There's been another round of commotion related to the dispute over the Diaoyu Islands (in Japanese it's called Senkaku) between China and Japan. It all started with a Tokyo mayor trying to 'buy' the island from some supposed private citizen who 'owns' it. We know these islands' administrative control was simply given to the Japanese
- [Does China need a new religion for the 21st century?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/21/does-china-need-a-new-religion-for-the-21st-century/) - (This will be a controversial post so let me explain in detail before throwing any cyber tomatoes) Hu Jintao and many other top ranking Chinese officials have spoken about the need for cultural influence and development of Chinese culture. But Chinese culture does not have as much influence in the rest of the world today and now
- ["十送红军"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/21/十送红军/) - 刀郎和云朵的声音太美了! 下面是他们唱的老歌: "十送红军." 我小的时侯听过这首歌. 不知道是那一年代的. 你认识吗？长征时候的红军真正了不起.
- [The Political Olympics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/09/the-political-olympics/) - As the Olympics wind down in London, there can be little doubt in anyone's mind that this Olympics is about politics. How else can one explain the string of smears against Chinese athletes and their performances - coming from unexpected sources such as the prestigious journal of Nature - all in the name of "science
- [The Myth of Chinese Non-Intervention](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/19/the-myth-of-chinese-non-intervention/) - Unlike most other myths about China that are created and perpetuated by the West, this myth - the notion that China does not ever interfere in the internal affairs of other sovereign nation states - was created by China itself. It is perpetuated primarily by China's historical record of non-intervention. Consequently, over time this principle
- ["Journey to the West"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/17/journey-to-the-west/) - Following is Dao Lang (刀郎), one of my all-time favorite Chinese singers, performing the theme song to the new "Journey to the West" ("新西游记") movie (or is it TV series?). Also in the video are behind-the-scenes of the production. As you all should know, "Journey to the West" is a Chinese classic, about a monk
- [The Myth of Chinese Mass Migration into Russia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/14/the-myth-of-chinese-mass-migration-into-russia/) - I stumbled upon a rather entertaining Reuters article a few days ago, reporting Russia's latest move to supposedly defend against a so-called "soft invasion" from China - in which massive yellow hordes from China's over-populated Northeast will systematically migrate into and outnumber the dwindling Russian population in the Russian Far East (RFE), and eventually assume
- [Stephen Prothero tells CNN viewers "Dalai Lama should condemn immolations"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/13/stephen-prothero-tells-cnn-viewers-dalai-lama-should-condemn-immolations/) - The world seems to be on pause while everyone's attention have been put on the Olympics. Shortly before the Olympics, Stephen Prothero, a religion scholar from Boston University wrote in CNN's blog that the Dalai Lama should condemn the immolations: If the Dalai Lama were to speak out unequivocally against these deaths, they would surely
- [Nature apologizes to readers and Ye Shiwen](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/09/nature-apologizes-to-readers-and-ye-shiwen/) - If there is anything that the British should be the most proud of, it is their establishment of the science peer review process. Because of it, science research work are inspired to be top notch and published works stand scrutiny. This culture has taken root firmly in America and other developed countries. Developing countries like
- [Xinhua: Details of intentional homicide trial of Bogu Kailai, Zhang Xiaojun](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/10/xinhua-details-of-intentional-homicide-trial-of-bogu-kailai-zhang-xiaojun/) - Following are trial details of the Bogu Kailai and Zhang Xiaojun murder of British citizen Neil Heywood just released by Xinhua on Twitter. Given the great interest for this case within the Western press, I've decided to quote the report below. HEFEI, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) - The attention-grabbing intentional homicide trial of Bogu Kailai and
- [Ye Shiwen follow-up: media scorecard (BBC & New York Times)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/09/ye-shiwen-follow-up-media-scorecard-bbc-new-york-times/) - Media scorecard for covering Ye Shiwen
- [Curriculum protest in Hong Kong a sign some still prefer wearing dirty British laundary](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/02/curriculum-protest-in-hong-kong-a-sign-some-still-prefer-wearing-dirty-british-laundary/) - At a personal level, I can easily imagine Joyce Lau being a friend, and perhaps that may end up being one day. As some of you know, she reads this blog. Her latest article in the New York Times about the recent curriculum protest in Hong Kong over "patriotic" education is tantamount to pushing a
- [Two-time Olympians Misty May and Kerri Walsh defeat China's beach volleyball pair Zhang Xi and Xue Chen to possible 3rd gold](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/07/two-time-olympians-misty-may-and-kerri-walsh-defeats-chinas-beach-volleyball-pair-zhang-xi-and-xue-chen-to-possible-3rd-gold/) - I just watched two of my favorite teams in the London 2012 Olympics compete on NBC: two-time Olympians American pair Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings and China's Zhang Xi (张希) and Xue Chen (薛晨). The American pair won in closely contested sets, 22-20 and 22-20. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Chinese team lost
- [The Guardian bitterly fights tarnished image from propagating Leonard's lame accusation over Ye Shiwen](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/07/the-guardian-bitterly-fights-tarnished-image-from-propagating-leonards-lame-accusation-over-ye-shiwen/) - Seeing Phelps and other Olympians defend Ye Shiwen against wild accusations by Leonard has given the Chinese hope that China and the West can see eye to eye on issues. While Leonard's accusations were problematic, the true culprit in this whole affair are in fact the British and American media, for they were the ones
- [A Follow Up on the Hong Kong Curriculum Protest - Who's doing the "brainwashing"?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/06/a-follow-up-on-the-hong-kong-curriculum-protest-whos-doing-the-brainwashing/) - @DeWang already addressed this topic, but I felt it appropriate to add a more visual perspective on this, and a simple commentary to the last blog entry simply does not suffice. I did an image search on the term "Hong Kong education protest", and here are just a few of the numerous pictures that appeared.
- [Letter to mom by then 9 years-old badminton superstar, Lin Dan (林丹)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/05/letter-to-mom-by-then-9-years-old-badminton-superstar-lin-dan-林丹/) - Today, badminton superstar Lin Dan (林丹) triumphed over Malaysian friend Lee Chong Wei (李宗伟) for gold at the London 2012 Olympics. This is one of the most highly anticipated match-ups at the London games as both athletes have faced each other at major competitions in recent years, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics finals. In both
- [The politics of the Olympics, more unfounded unfair criticisms](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/03/the-politics-of-the-olympics-more-unfounded-unfair-criticisms/) - One of my favorite Western reporters in China is Rob Schmitz of the Marketplace program from American Public Media. (In contrast to propagandist variety like Andrew Jacobs who once wrote for the New York Times that China was banning the jasmine flower.) Today, I must take exception to a narrative he offered about Yang Yu
- [Three Common Myths about Democratic Institutions](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/03/three-common-myths-about-democratic-institutions/) - It is obvious to any China watcher that in the western media, there is ample criticism and exposure of the numerous social and political side effects that accompanies China's rapid modernization. Three such side effects seem more frequently mentioned than the rest: abuse of unaccountable power, the rise of violent civil unrest, and the growing
- [CCTV America on Qiao Liang and Gabby Douglas before the games](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/03/cctv-america-on-qiao-liang-and-gabby-douglas-before-the-games/)
- [Spectacular Shanghai](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/02/spectacular-shanghai/) - I took the following photos of Shanghai's Lujiazui and Bund areas on July 30th. (h/t to Shaun Rein for recommending the Hyatt where I took the night shots and 龙信明 for taking me up to the 91st floor of the World Financial Center.) It was a beautiful day in Shanghai with fog completely gone, showing
- [With conviction](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/08/02/with-conviction/) - On my way to Shanghai from Guiyang few days ago, sat next to me was a business executive, not much of a conversational type. Past initial greetings, the conversation went like this, with me asking, "你觉得中国这几年发长有什么看法?" In response, he exclaims, "很正常!" I pried, "上海的空气不是污染吗? 中国如何解决这个问题?" With not even a pause, he declared, "这是过程!" I looked
- [Ye Shiwen, the 16 year old dreamy girl superstar, and the ugly world](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/31/ye-shiwen-the-16-year-old-dreamy-girl-superstar-and-the-ugly-world/) - False accusation on Ye Shiwen
- [Why U.S. "Soft Power" Is Fake and Losing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/31/why-u-s-soft-power-is-fake-and-losing/) - A little while ago, U.S. Secretary Hillary Clinton wrote a book about her understanding of "Smart Power", which in a nutshell is the new way of U.S. foreign policy of "balancing" Hard powers with "Soft powers". Much of the US switch toward "soft powers" is being discussed in recent Obama years. But as more of
- [The Tragicomedy of Errors: China, British Imperialism, and the Opium Wars](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/30/opium-wars-julia-lovell-china-british-imperialism-tragicomedy-errors/) - Julia Lovell, the author of a new book on the first Opium War, finds something funny in it and calls the war a "tragicomedy". and argues that the war is the "founding episode of modern Chinese nationalism"
- [From Guiyang (贵阳) to Liupangshui (六盘水)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/29/from-guiyang-贵阳-to-liupangshui-六盘水/) - Few days ago, we traveled to Liupanshui by train via Guiyang. Knowing the region is mountainous (and poor), I knew the landscapes could be spectacular. Well, weather really didn't cooperate much. Below are images I captured along the way. Hardcore landscape photographers will cringe at what I did, because I had to break every landscape
- [The Shaolin Temple (少林寺)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/28/the-shaolin-temple/) - The 1982 Jet Li movie, "Shaolin Temple," was really something out of this world. As a boy, I was mesmorized by the feats of these kungfu monks. Never have I ever seen anything like it in my life. One of the scenes showed monks practicing the horse stance in a training hall in unison, with
- [Zhengzhou Street Market](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/25/zhengzhou-street-market/) - The Yellow River flows through Henan Province, and this region is considered the cradle of Chinese civilization. Besides Luoyang, the province is home to a number of other ancient capitals of past dynasties. We were in Henan mainly to see the Shaolin Temple (which I plan to blog about later). Below are pictures I took
- [Aggressive Culture?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/24/aggressive-culture/) - Interesting perspective from American University Professor Emilio Viano on CCTV America, explaining Colorado shooting violence has something to do with America being an aggressive culture. Tough call in my personal opinion in linkage to the Colorado shooting, but I do agree with Dr. Viano's observation that America has a propensity to use violence in tackling
- [Don't have a gaokao](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/21/dont-have-a-gaokao/) - Recently, Chinese high school students have completed their gaokao exam. Scores have been made available and students now know their prospects for college. There's been a series of articles in the NYTs, Atlantic and other large mainstream American news sources talking about the gaokao. Let's examine some of these these articles. Edward Wong writing for
- [My Reflections on Shanghai](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/21/my-reflections-on-shanghai/) - I have now spent a week in Shanghai roaming around and mingling with friends, relatives, and locals. Lately, I have asked myself what were the most revealing this past week. Looking at Luzhiazui’s seemingly endless number of artfully designed skyscrapers and noticing a sea of stylishly dressed Chinese pouring through Shanghai’s modern subway system, I
- [Aspen Ideas Festival Debate between Eric X Li and Minxin Pei on "China and Democracy" (Video)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/19/aspen-ideas-festival-debate-between-eric-x-li-and-minxin-pei-on-china-and-democracy-video/) - Aspen Institute has just released the debate between Eric X Li and Minxin Pei, moderated by James Fallows. See my earlier reaction to JJ Gould's take (who was in the audience), when this video was still not yet available. Now that I have watched it, I think it is clear that Li trounced Minxin Pei.
- [Shanghai Food Heaven](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/18/shanghai-food-heaven/) - I love Chinese food! Today's meal will be hard to top anywhere else in Shanghai. Next to the Marriott Hotel near 人民广场 (People's Square) is a new mall about to open. However, the restaurant itself, on the 4th floor, is already open for business. I forgot to write down it's name. The food was spectacular.
- [It's about family at the Shanghai Zoo](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/16/its-about-family-at-the-shanghai-zoo/) - When at a zoo, what do you think is likely the more numerous? At the Shanghai Zoo today, I think children outnumbered animals. The place is massive, perhaps one of the largest zoos anywhere around the world. Rides and children activities are abound. While observing the kids, my thought was that they all should grow
- [Mighty Gears Found Around Olympic Venues in London as Olympics Near](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/14/mighty-gears-found-around-olympic-venues-in-london-as-olympics-near/) - As DeWang busies himself shooting lilies and other flowers around Shanghai, I think people ought to check out some of the pictures of heavy duty military gears around Olympic Venues in London as Olympics Near. Truly amazing stuffs! However it's not just the serious gears, but also the many precautions that have been taken -
- [Lotus and Water Lily from Shanghai People's Park](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/13/lotus-and-water-lily-from-shanghai-peoples-park/) - Hello from Shanghai! My family arrived yesterday. We were expecting Shanghai to be hot and humid, but the recent rain has made the weather more pleasant. We had a moment to stroll through 人民公园 (People's Park) this morning, and, to our pleasant surprise, were met with a pond where lotus and water lily are in
- [Shifang, two interpretations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/11/shifang-two-interpretations/) - For someone who likes to spin it for the negative on Shifang, we get: So Shifang has environmentally aware, political active, digitally native, fearless student protesters. Beijing must realize that this is an extremely dangerous mix. Godfree Roberts, as someone who I think gets China responds: So Shifang has environmentally aware, political active, digitally native,
- [Why there are no "50 Centers" in the West?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/09/why-there-are-no-50-centers-in-the-west/) - Because the governments like in US, are busy creating "high tech sock puppets" to do the supposed propaganda of the "50 centers". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ntrepid#Operation_Earnest_Voice Not Official Logo Now, according to the non-denied report, the US military hired at least 1 software company to design a software that can create and control accounts of fake "people", to
- [Fog entering San Francisco Bay at Golden Gate bridge](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/08/fog-entering-san-francisco-bay-at-golden-gate-bridge/) - Often when returning from Asia, I will look out the window as the airplane descends into San Francisco. Invariably, I will see fogs entering the San Francisco Bay, some times completely engulfing the Golden Gate bridge. I have always wanted to make a time-lapsed video, so decided the fogs over the bridge would be a
- [To the Victorian British Empire, Hong Kong was a 'notch'](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/09/to-the-victorian-british-empire-hong-kong-was-a-notch/) - Every June 4th, the British press tries to indoctrinate the view that Hong Kong was a grand and benevolent design in "freedom and democracy" under threat from Mainland China. There was never such a design. As perspectivehere points out for us in the book, "Collaborative Colonial Power: The Making of the Hong Kong Chinese," by
- [the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) ](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2010/10/06/the-8th-asia-europe-meeting-asem/) - The 8th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), a bi-annual event (the previous was in Beijing in 2008), just took place on October 4th and 5th in Brussels, Belgium. It was a big deal. Asia and Europe represent 60% of humanity and 60% of global trade. I like how ASEM state their mission. Below is part of it:
- [Fine line between journalism and activism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/06/fine-line-between-journalism-and-activism/) - Yesterday I tweeted this Global Times article, "Do not foment youngsters to protest," and to my surprise, I got a retweet response from Tom Lasseter, who is currently Beijing Bureau Chief for McClatchy Newspapers. Now, I can understand it is human nature to agree or disagree with truths. But, the central tenet to freedom of
- [Human Flight and Dreams](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/06/human-flight-and-dreams/) - I am a fan of Devin Graham, who is all about positive energy in his videography. Below is a video he made of human in flight. When I think about the American dream, this is one of the things I have in mind: a rich society that accords its people all sorts of pursuits. When
- [Open Forum](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2010/02/11/open-forum/) - This is an area where we welcome readers to give us feedbacks, tell us what they want to read, or to simply to share off-beat thoughts with each other.
- [Open Forum](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/04/open-forum-2/) - Our Open Forum has gotten to be a slow load for some of you. This is a new open forum thread. The previous one can be found here. Remember, this is an area where we welcome readers to give us feedbacks, tell us what they want to read, or to simply share off-beat thoughts with
- [China modernizes, "Democracy" faith wavers](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/07/03/china-modernizes-democracy-faith-wavers/) - I am now anxious to watch the debate between Eric X Li and Minxin Pei at the recent Aspen Ideas Festival, where the topic was "China and Democracy." Once the video is available, I'll post. The debate was moderated by The Atlantics' James Fallows, who actually admits himself here biased. So, perhaps the debate was
- [An irony for Asia Society](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/29/an-irony-for-asia-society/) - An Asia Society piece here with three experts weighing in on the 15th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong. Winston Lord, Orville Schell, and Jeffrey Wasserstrom are all individuals we can respect. What struck me really, really hard was that they were talking about press freedom. Wait a minute! How about adding a Chinese
- [A conversation with Aminta Arrington on China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/28/a-conversation-with-aminta-arrington-on-china/) - Following is a conversation with Aminta Arrington, author of the upcoming book, “HOME is a ROOF OVER a PIG, an American Family’s Journey in China.” (See my book review in a prior post.) Since the writing, her family has moved from Tai'an to Beijing where she now teaches at Renmin University. We talked about learning
- [CCTV America reports: "The rise of Asian Americans"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/28/cctv-america-reports-the-rise-of-asian-americans/) - A recent study conducted by PEW Research has found that Asian immigrants have now overtaken Hispanics as the fastest growing immigrant population coming into America. For them, they still largely believe in the American dream: the land of opportunity. (Though, interestingly, Joseph Stiglitz recently argued the American dream is increasingly becoming a myth.) The truth
- [Google's Project Glass](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/27/googles-project-glass/) - The following is a live demo of Google's Project Glass at the Moscone Center in San Francisco earlier today, with Google co-founder Sergey Brin hosting. (Click here for another demo showing how Google services are integrated.) It's essentially computer in a pair of glasses, able to see what you see and meshes your smartphone's display
- [Noam Chomsky and Tariq Ali with Julian Assange](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/27/noam-chomsky-and-tariq-ali-with-julian-assange/)
- [Silicon Valley Melting Pot](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/25/silicon-valley-melting-pot/) - I was at a corporate event yesterday, at Coyote Ranch, a bit south of San Jose. Looking at the faces of people there, I was struck by how diverse the Silicon Valley population is. Not to discount the atrocious past, or the discrimination that still exists today, I think America has the will officially to
- [Aminta Arrington's "HOME is a ROOF OVER a PIG, an American Family's Journey in China"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/22/aminta-arringtons-home-is-a-roof-over-a-pig-an-american-familys-journey-in-china/) - In this delightfully written memoir, "HOME is a ROOF OVER a PIG, an American Family's Journey in China," Aminta Arrington details the experiences of her all-American family, from suburban Georgia, fully immersed in language and culture in Tai'an, a relatively poor city in China's Shandong Province. The title derives from the character, “家,” which Arrington
- [The New Yorker throws stone in a glass house](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/18/the-new-yorker-throws-stone-in-a-glass-house/) - In this recent article at the New Yorker, Evan Osnos insinuates Chinese companies ultimately cannot be trusted because their relationship with the government cannot be known for certain. His entire article basically boils down to the following: Part of the complexity about being a big Chinese company is that it’s not clear what information related
- [Briton Tom Grundy Attempts Citizen’s Arrest On Tony Blair In Hong Kong](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/15/briton-tom-grundy-attempts-citizens-arrest-on-tony-blair-in-hong-kong/) - Last month, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was interrupted at the Leveson inquiry by David Lawley-Wakelin accusing him of war crimes in the role he played in misleading U.K. into the 2003 Iraq invasion. Recently, another British activist, Tom Grundy, symbolically tried citizen's arrest on Blair while the former PM was giving a speech
- [神舟九号发射圆满成功全程](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/18/神舟九号发射圆满成功全程/) - The following video footage is the successful launch of Shenzhou-9 (神舟九号), carrying China's first female astronaut, LIU Yang (刘洋), among a three person crew. One of their missions is to perform manual space dock with the Tiangong-1 space lab. Back in November 2011, China achieved space docking between Shenzhou-8 and Tiangong-1 with ground control. For
- [China deserves criticism for lack of rule of law in Brit sexual assault case](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/14/china-deserves-criticism-for-lack-of-rule-of-law-in-brit-sexual-assault-case/) - Remember this pervert who was caught trying to rape a Chinese woman in Beijing in early May? According to this People's Daily report, that Brit was deported yesterday. What happened to rule of law? If the damning evidence is not enough to convict this perp, then let him be. Otherwise sentence him to whatever punishment
- [Lowlifes imitating art](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/10/lowlifes-imitating-art/) - The Dalai Lama has in the last month, been making some serious allegations about China. He said that CCP agents posed as devotees and tried to kill him by putting poison in their hair so that when he blesses (see here and here, e.g.) them, he is smeared with the poison. The Dalai Lama also claimed that China has stolen
- [US Solar Tariffs Against China, Hypocritical and Fuzzy Math](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/08/us-solar-tariffs-against-china-hypocritical-and-fuzzy-math/) - U.S. Government slapped hefty tariffs against Chinese solar companies, accusing them of receiving government subsidies and dumping solar panels in US market. At the heart of this, the accusation of "dumping" actually came from a German based company, SolarWorld. http://solartribune.com/2012-05-14-case-solarworlds-allegations-against-chinese-pv-firms-are-hypocritical/#.T9KOOZPDDPw But recently, the Coalition for Affordable Solar Energy (CASE), a US based industry alliance, criticized SolarWorld's
- [Blame the gardener](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/08/blame-the-gardener/) - American politicians and media love to blame China for 'stealing' jobs. Following is a pie chart showing Apple's profits and percentage contributions from its global supply chain. Blaming China is like blaming one's gardener for his financial woes. This chart is a true pie in the face to those who have so clouded reality in
- [A more positive image](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/06/a-more-positive-image/) - We spend a lot of time on this blog talking about media bias in the West against China. One question is how do you correct it? The video report below reminded me the biggest impact really should come from the Chinese themselves. How? By becoming rich! Let's face it, we humans worship wealth and success.
- [Baidu CFO, Jennifer Li, "Gender is not a factor when it comes to success.. it's your attitude towards work"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/06/baidu-cfo-jennifer-li-gender-is-not-a-factor-when-it-comes-to-success-its-your-attitude-towards-work/) - Following segment is a profile by CNN's Kristie Lu Stout on Baidu CFO, Jennifer Li. Her advice? "Gender is not a factor when it comes to success.. it's your attitude towards work." That's obviously applicable to both men and women. If you think about it, that'd be applicable to race, age, or whatever color and
- ["Because of Love" by a father and his 3 years old daughter](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/02/because-of-love-by-a-father-and-his-3-years-old-daughter/) - June 1 is the official children's day in China. To the fathers who are musicians, athletes, artists, or simple laymen who have found ways to impart something they love to their children, it's pure bliss. Following performance is by a singer with his 3 years old daughter, titled, "Because of Love" ("因为爱情"). It has become
- [12 year-old Victoria Grant on the Canadian banking system](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/04/12-year-old-victoria-grant-on-the-canadian-banking-system/) - Someone asked me recently to comment on the difference between Chinese banks and American banks. While both seeks to maximize profits, the former is much more under the control of the government and thus more aligned with national economic policy. Ann Lee recently told Allen and I that in the U.S., as in the recent
- [Western press seizes "French fry brother" to show western moral superiority](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/06/02/western-press-seizes-french-fry-brother-to-show-western-moral-superiority/) - Recently, a series of photographs showing a white American man in China giving an old woman some of his fries have caused a stir in China. Being opportunists, the western press could not contain themselves so as to use this incident in order to show the merciful beneficence of western culture to Chinese. This gloating
- [At "The City of Roses"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/23/at-the-city-of-roses/) - In my past trips to Portland, Oregon, I was always struck by how green this city is, especially while looking down as the plane descends toward the airport. Portland is in fact known as "The City of Roses." Given the amount of rain in the Pacific Northwest, the whole area is lush and carpeted by
- [James Fallows' "China Airborn" completely misses the point on "China intranet"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/30/james-fallows-china-airborn-completely-misses-the-point-on-china-intranet/) - Apparently, James Fallows' latest book, "China Airborn" has argued the reason the Internet in China is 'slow' is due to censorship. Due to censorship, Fallows argued, China would never be innovative enough and hence won't be able to produce her own companies like Apple. In this article, he capitulates to his readers who contend that
- [RMB-Yen currency swap starts June 2012](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/30/rmb-yen-currency-swap-starts-june-2012/) - At the 4th BRICS summit, the member countries agreed to work towards currency swaps when trading among themselves. For China, this is a general trend in recent years to internationalizing the renmingbi (RMB) or yuan. At the end of 2011, 9% of China's total trade were settled in yuan with 14 countries and regions. That's
- [Fallows: defensive, gets feelings hurt](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/20/fallows-defensive-gets-feelings-hurt/) - I really don't know how anyone can defend James Fallows. Ever since I had this exchange with him, I knew the guy to be a scoundrel (what better evidence does one need?) but some people still insist on defending him. Fallows is cut from the same rotting wood as most western "journalists." He had another,
- [President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, to Julian Assange, "welcome to the club of the persecuted"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/23/president-of-ecuador-rafael-correa-to-julian-assange-welcome-to-the-club-of-the-persecuted/) - Following is an interesting interview of Ecuadorian President, Rafael Correa, by Julian Assange. There are many criticisms of U.S. foreign policy, but what I find most interesting is Correa lamenting the fact he has to fight against moneyed interests within his own country who control the mass media. Assange asked about China being a replacement
- [So they eat babies?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/08/so-they-eat-babies/) - Another common meme to dehumanize and defame the Chinese people is that they are cannibals and specifically eat babies. The Nazi analogy meme, the cruelty to animals meme and this meme have been very successfully employed in getting people to see the Chinese people as less than human. After all, what's more worthy of white folk's'
- [American Public Media's Marketplace casts doubt on China's investment in Mongolia, what about America's in Canada?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/18/american-public-medias-marketplace-casts-doubt-on-chinas-investment-in-mongolia-what-about-americas-in-canada/) - In this American Public Media's Marketplace report (which I heard on NPR yesterday), reporter Rob Schmitz casts some doubts about China's investments in Mongolia (podcast segment starts at 10:40 mark), especially with respect to recently discovered coal deposits. Of course, this is the same Rob Schmitz who exposed the Mike Daisey lies about working conditions
- [Japan's claim to Okinotori Atoll as island rejected by the U.N.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/18/japans-claim-to-okinotori-atoll-as-island-rejected-by-the-u-n/) - Japan's claim to Okinotori Atoll as island was recently rejected by the U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). If succeeded, Japan would be entitled to a continental shelf and an EEZ covering more than 100,000 square kilometers. Following is a report translated by People's Daily Online from it's Chinese original "国际正义不许冲之鸟变礁为'岛'".
- [Symbolic victory: Bush & Co guilty of war crimes](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/15/symbolic-victory-bush-co-guilty-of-war-crimes/) - A court In Kuala Lumpur has found Bush and many of his administration and his advisers, tried in absentia, guilty of war crimes. Of course, that is not surprising considering that the evidence is overwhelmingly against them. Many of Obama's administration including the commander in chief are almost certainly just as guilty. This represents a symbolic
- [Lacking insight in James Fallows' piece, "What Is the Chinese Dream?" ](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/14/lacking-insight-in-james-fallows-piece-what-is-the-chinese-dream/) - James Fallows is one of the most accomplished journalists in the West. His talents were demonstrated very early on in his career, being former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's chief speechwriter; the youngest person to ever hold such a job. Personally, I admire his understanding of the Western media. For example, his take on the "new
- [Chinese physicists break new record in exploiting quantum entanglement](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/12/chinese-physicists-break-new-record-in-exploiting-quantum-entanglement/) - Quantum entanglement is a curious physical property of our universe where paired quantum objects, regardless where they are, instantly reflect one another. Albert Einstein called this "Spooky action at a distance." Photons (light particles) are quantum objects. Physicists have experimentally confirmed this entanglement phenomenon. One way is to split a photon into two lower-energy photons,
- [Sina survey: "Why the Philippines insist on hard line over Huangyan incident?"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/08/sina-survey-why-the-philippines-insist-on-hard-line-over-huangyan-incident/)
- [The hypocrites "two wrongs don't make a right" fallacy fallacy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/07/the-hypocrites-two-wrongs-dont-make-a-right-fallacy-fallacy/) - In debates, it is common for "pro-China" arguments to be dismissed by hypocrites who trot out the "two wrongs don't make a right" fallacy. For example, a murderer criticizes a one-time burglar to no end, and the burglar finally points out the murderer's heinous crime. The burglar obviously cannot absolve his guilt by pointing out
- [Announcement: Login required before commenting allowed](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/08/announcement-login-required-before-commenting-allowed/) - Recently, Hidden Harmonies has been plagued by trolls impersonating other readers. For example, a "Raj" has been impersonating a "Cathy Graham," a "denk," a "Schmidt," a "Wayne." Trolls like that use a VPN service to grab new IP addresses for each new comment. This way, IP bans are ineffective. Moving forward, we are requiring all
- [Russia Today: "Hillary Clinton: US Losing Information War to Alternative Media"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/06/russia-today-hillary-clinton-us-losing-information-war-to-alternative-media/) - The following report by Russia Today is about a year old, but is just as applicable today, or for that matter, for the years to come. We often hear in the Western press that the Internet democratizes information. I think that's very true. But they often portray it, for example, in China's case, as Chinese
- [US forget "respecting Rule of Law", full on "Vigilante Human Rights"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/04/us-forget-respecting-rule-of-law-full-on-vigilante-human-rights/) - There is a missing dialog of US's "Human Rights" for Chen Guangcheng (CGC). That is, you don't hear the US talk about "Rule of Law" much in this CGC story. That's because every one in the Western Media, the Western NGO's, the Activists, and the US government, knows, CGC's case has nothing to do with
- [Chen Guangcheng escapes, waging PR campaign with Western press](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/28/chen-guangcheng-escapes-waging-pr-campaign-with-western-press/) - (Update April 29, 2012: with response to Kai's comment below. Update May 1, 2012: highlighting analysis done by reader perspectivehere in the comments section. May 5, 2012: Chen had dealings with the NED since 2004. See details below.) From the Chinese perspective, the West's willingness to go so far as to bestow the prestigious Nobel
- [SPAM Index Correlates To Democracy, Yes, BS is Always Free](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/02/spam-index-correlates-to-democracy-yes-bs-is-always-free/) - SophosLab published a list of top 12 email SPAM sources by country, http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2012/04/23/india-becomes-the-king-of-the-spammers-stealing-americas-crown/ the top twelve spam relaying countries for January - March 2012 1. India 9.3% 2. USA 8.3% 3. S Korea 5.7% 4= Indonesia 5.0% 4= Russia 5.0% 6. Italy 4.9% 7. Brazil 4.3% 8. Poland 3.9% 9. Pakistan 3.3% 10. Vietnam
- [Shanghai in 272 Gigapixels](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/05/01/shanghai-in-272-gigapixels/) - Following is a picture of Shanghai in 272 giga-pixels. Clicking on it will launch a new window allowing you to click and zoom. Can you find the Howard Johnson building? The Tiffany and Company billboard? All the key buildings that make the Shanghai skyline are easy to find. I am not quite sure how this
- [The idiotic "Why are you still in America?" fallacy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/26/the-idiotic-why-are-you-still-in-america-fallacy/) - So it's very common to see this moronic rhetorical question used against anyone that is criticizing aspects of the US or supporting aspects of China. It's really just the "love it or leave it" trope often used by ignorant bigots. So, once and for all, here's why this fallacy is ridiculous so that any future
- [Rob Schmitz to FLG, "wtf"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/26/rob-schmitz-to-flg-wtf/) - For people who have wondered why the Chinese government cracks down on the FLG, supposedly a 'spiritual movement,' well, the following Tweet from reporter Rob Schmitz says it all. Marketplace from American Public Media is one of my favorite shows on NPR that I listen to. Schmitz has been in the news more, lately, because
- [Disturbing trend of suicides in China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/22/disturbing-trend-of-suicides-in-china/) - China's development has seen a dramatic rise in quality of life for many of its people as many people are well aware. But despite this improvement in quality of life, modern China also has some very high suicide rates. According to 2010 figures supplied by the WHO, China is ranked 9th in the world in
- [Crossing the gender divide](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/26/crossing-the-gender-divide/) - This post may appear a bit from the left field. The Youku video below is a performance by Ye Zihan (叶紫涵), who cross-dresses and performs as a woman. Some may even think he is very pretty. What's more interesting is the Q&A with the judges that follows. Naturally, one judge asked Ye whether he considered
- ["Iraqi boy in an orphanage drew his mother and slept in her arms"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/22/iraqi-boy-in-an-orphanage-drew-his-mother-and-slept-in-her-arms/) - From imgur. This image almost brought tears to my eyes. I am so disappointed in the lack of humanity in the Western press. The plight of Iraqi children not told. So much for human rights bullshitery. [Update April 22, 2012: As a reader pointed out below in the comment section, this image seems to be taken
- [India's Agni-V missile](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/20/indias-agni-v-missile/) - So I've been reading a lot on the media - and on many Indian blogs - how India's Agni-V missile is going to reposition the balance of power in Asia, how it is designed to target Beijing and Shanghai.[ref]See, e.g., this WSJ article.[/ref] Presumptively, India had notified all members on the security counsel - but
- [A few gripes with Tania Branigan's Bo Xilai corruption piece](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/19/a-few-gripes-with-tania-branigans-bo-xilai-corruption-piece/) - (Update 4/20/2012: see update section below with response from Branigan.) There has been a lot of rumor mongering going on in the Western press about Bo Xilai and the alleged murder of British citizen Neil Heywood by his wife Gu Kailai. In an otherwise fairly well researched article by Guardian U.K. reporter, Tania Branigan, there
- [Chuncui, beautiful Chinese models and incredible portraits](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/20/chuncui-beautiful-chinese-models-and-incredible-portraits/) - In photography, you learn a lot by looking at pictures others have taken. So, today, while browsing Xinhua's photo section I was struck by some featured images, which lead me to the company, 纯粹视觉婚纱摄影机构 (Pureness Vision Photography Agency). There I saw many more amazing portraits. I took liberty in assembling some to share here, while
- [South China Sea:  Let's get it straight, it's not new Chinese aggression, it's new US policy.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2010/08/12/south-china-sea-lets-get-it-straight-its-not-new-chinese-aggression-its-new-us-policy/) - What's with the recent hoopla surrounding an ASEAN summit where US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton seemed to outline a new US policy in the South China Sea and China angrily denouncing her speech as an "ambush"? Well, it is just that, a new US policy for the South China Sea, one where US asserts
- [South China Sea, Wolves Crying Wolf](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/16/south-china-sea-wolves-crying-wolf/) - Recently, South China Sea territorial disputes seem to heat up in the Media. China is once again, accused of notching up aggression because of its increase might. A good time to examine the truths in the disputes, and the media coverage of the issue. Huffington Re-Post covered 1 side of the issue via an analysis
- ["南海姑娘" ("South China Sea Girl") ](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/01/10/南海姑娘-south-china-sea-girl/) - "南海姑娘" ("Girl from South China Sea") 赵聪 (Zhao Cong) on 琵琶 (pipa) 秦万民 (Qin Wanmin) on 吉他 (guitar) (Tudou.com version)
- [Brzezinski: Dangerously Wrong  ](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/12/brzezinski-dangerously-wrong/) - Zbigniew Brzezinski is a well known political scientist and the media often gives him opportunities to voice opinions on foreign policy. How deserving is this accorded credibility? Well, though I have not read much from him, from the looks of this article he wrote in foreignpolicy it would appear that his competence as a expert
- [Does the west care about what real Tibetans think?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/12/does-the-west-care-about-what-real-tibetans-think/) - It seems not. Rarely does their opinions (or the opinions of Chinese citizens for that matter) come into the equation when speaking about Sino-Tibetan issues. It's taken as a given that they all want independence. That all of their lives are far worse under Chinese "occupation" than it was under the Dalai Lama's Shangrila Kingdom.
- [Syria, Resolution 2042, a true win for humanitarian intervention](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/15/syria-resolution-2042-a-true-win-for-humanitarian-intervention/) - Joshua Goldstein wrote a whole book to explain that our world today, despite the seemingly endless number of crisis, is in fact the least brutal it has ever been. He concluded with empirical evidence that U.N. peacekeepers, as neutral third parties on the ground, have been stopping tribal factions from fighting and escalating violence. That
- [Book Review: Shaun Rein, "The End of Cheap China"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/13/book-review-shaun-rein-the-end-of-cheap-china/) - If I have to pick three books for Western readers that best explains modern China, I would recommend Shaun Rein's recently released book, "The End of Cheap China: Economic and Cultural Trends That Will Disrupt the World." (Also, see my interview with the author earlier this year.) The book draws heavily on Rein's personal experience
- [Why is the US so unhappy?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/12/why-is-the-us-so-unhappy/) - Perhaps it's too much democracy, human rights and freedom. More likely, it's too less of those things and way too much worries and troubles such as a lack of financial security, too much crime, not enough health care, and deficiencies in other indices of well-being. A common way to measure happiness and well-being is the
- [A Dance Show to Remember](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/10/a-dance-show-to-remember/) - The following series of photos were taken by me few days ago featuring local dancers from Silicon Valley. I was really impressed by the stunning visuals, both in the costumes and the choreography. The red, the vibrance, and the amazing grace were all so 'Chinese.' While photographing, I was struck by the idea that this
- [Love and Hardship](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/09/love-and-hardship/) - As I have written a number of years ago (see ""Father’s Prairie, Mother's River" – the feelings of one billion people on the move"), China is a country in transition. There are still hundreds of millions of people toiling away trying to survive. The following is a testimony to this idea that there are many
- [Anti-sinitic discrimination from other Chinese and collective self-esteem](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/07/anti-sinitic-discrimination-from-other-chinese-and-collective-self-esteem/) - The recent post by DeWang about the RT short documentary on Chinese Americans going back to China has further reinforced an ugly conception I have been only somewhat familiar with: that many Chinese people in China believe that Chinese people are not as good as their western counterparts. It may not be an explicit belief
- ["Culture Shock - Chinese Americans in China"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/05/culture-shock-chinese-americans-in-china/) - This is a thought-provoking two-part documentary, titled, "Culture Shock - Chinese Americans in China," produced by Stephy Chung featuring Chinese Americans' experiences in China with Beijing Foreign University Professor Li Jinzhao (Center for Diaspora Studies) providing analysis from an identity point of view. Professor Li says that Chinese Americans in China are "constantly weighing the
- [Behind The Scenes - The Great Hall of the People (幕后故事：人民大会堂)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/04/behind-the-scenes-the-great-hall-of-the-people-幕后故事：人民大会堂/)
- [BRICS pondering their own development bank](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/03/brics-pondering-their-own-development-bank/) - At the latest BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the member nations have announced plans to evaluate forming their own development bank. Currency swaps between them are under way, and in fact, Russia and China are already settling bilateral trade in Rubles and RMB's. Below is Andrew Gavin Marshall weighing in on this development on Russia
- [Kenneth Lieberthal and Wang Jisi, "Addressing U.S.-China Strategic Distrust"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/04/03/kenneth-lieberthal-and-wang-jisi-addressing-u-s-china-strategic-distrust/) - In the Western discourse, it is extremely rare to see the 'Chinese' perspective. Whatever coverage about China that exists, they are generally something anti-government related. For example, at the moment the Western press seems to be drunk and indulgent on tabloidism with respect to the news of Bo Xilai recently relieved of his post as
- [In Japan's Shoes](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/29/in-japans-shoes/) - In 2006, a high level meeting took place between Zhu Zhixin, vice chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission, and Jun Hamano, vice minister for economic and fiscal policy (Cabinet Office) to discuss the consequence of the 1985 Plaza Accord where Japan was forced by the United States to rapidly increase the value of
- [More on China's territorial disputes (with Japan).](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/29/more-on-chinas-territorial-disputes-with-japan/) - I'd like to give people a heads up on the accessible work from two outstanding legal scholars specializing in international maritime law and especially China's territorial disputes. Many may already know Professor Jerome Cohen who has down excellent work not on developing the rule of law within China's legal system but in teaching law to
- [Massive number of BYD electric vehicles in trial](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/28/massive-number-of-byd-electric-vehicles-in-trial/) - The following presentation is by a BYD executive in America talking about the company's directions. I find his slides showing the ongoing trials in various cities in China make the company and it's technologies much more concrete and real. China is also investing heavily to enable the charging infrastructure necessary for wide adoption of electric
- [On Territorial Disputes](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/25/on-territorial-disputes/) - No, the red dots are not alien landing sites nor are they earthquake hot spots. They represent some of the territorial disputes unresolved today in Asia and North America. Between Canada and the United States, there are officially seven territories under dispute. [ref]Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_territorial_disputes[/ref] The United States have other disputes, though not indicated above, for
- [Democracy Is Ruining Capitalism - Does China Do Capitalism Better Than America? ](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/10/democracy-is-ruining-capitalism-does-china-do-capitalism-better-than-america/) - Slate/Intelligence Squared appears to be planning an interesting live debate on March 13 - with Orville Schell and Peter Schiff arguing for the motion in the title and Ian Bremmer and Minxin Pei against. Details of the debate can be found at the slate and intelligence squared websites. The intelligence squared site - in particular
- [CNN's latest look at a Shengzhen toy factory in going green](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/21/cnns-latest-look-at-a-shengzhen-toy-factory-in-going-green/) - CNN is basically trash, though today I was forwarded a link to their look at a toy factory in Shengzhen trying to be more green. Of course, the typical Western view of the Chinese factory is like that of 19th century America or U.K.. There are horrendous working conditions, I am sure, in other sectors
- [CCTV America and Beyond](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/20/cctv-america-and-beyond/) - Over the last few years, CCTV has been signaling expanding its footprint around the globe. On February 6, 2012, CCTV America officially launched with a new production studio based in Washington, D.C.. So far, I have watched a number of CCTV America reports, and I must say, for the American market, they are good. The
- [The Retraction of Mike Daisey's one-man show “The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs” from ‘This American Life’](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/21/western-medias-china-reporting-quality-gap-continues-nprs-retraction-of-mike-daisey-interview/) - [Editor: this piece was co-written by Charles Liu and Allen] To the credit of "This American Life" - a popular program on Public Radio International - its producers over the weekend officially retracted its January airing of a version of Mike Daisy's popular monologue titled “The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs,” in which Daisy
- [June Fourth 1989, another look](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/04/june-fourth-1989-another-look/) - It has been 22 years since the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen incident. While the Western media has over the years toned down this 'massacre' myth, they are still using vague language to keep the 'massacre' narrative alive. For example, even NPR's 'anniversary' piece yesterday, echoing an Associated Press article, described it as "the crushing of
- [Throwing the baby out with the bath water](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/17/throwing-the-baby-out-with-the-bath-water/) - I have mentioned in previous blogs that I believe people around the world value much of the same basic things such as freedom to express themselves (their opinions, religion, etc) and some control of the political climate of their society. There may be plenty of other freedoms people value to varying degrees over the world.
- [Wen Jiabao Urges Political Reform and Praises Internet Criticism of Government](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/14/wen-jiabao-urges-political-reform-and-praises-internet-criticism-of-government/) - The Fifth Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) has just ended. Here are two stories about Wen that I found interesting. I have no personal insights beyond what is reported, but I thought it is helpful to bring attention to such stories to balance the distorted view in the West that the Chinese
- [Should Chinese be Allowed to Vote on the Upcoming US Presidential Election?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/15/should-chinese-be-allowed-to-vote-on-the-upcoming-us-presidential-election/) - Firstly, this author is not questioning whether US citizens of Chinese descents should be allowed to vote. Successive US administration has repeatedly chided the People's Republic of China for violation of human rights. The lack of "direct" leadership election is cited as one violation. So should the US government put pressure on the Communist Party
- [Examining The Non-Existent "Rich Chinese Hunting Polar Bear" Story](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/13/examining-the-non-existent-rich-chinese-hunting-polar-bear-story/) - Recently a story by Peter Simpson of Daily Mail UK made waves in the conservationist circle, that wealthy Chinese businessmen, as many as 100, are paying upwards of $80,000US to hunt endangered polar bears into extinction with this headline, "Rich Chinese Thrill Seekers Paying £50,000 for ‘trip of a lifetime…’ to kill endangered polar bears."
- [Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: "The danger of a single story"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/13/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-the-danger-of-a-single-story/) - Hat tip to reader, perspectivehere, in sharing this important perspective (through our Open Forum) from the continent of Africa, from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, where in this 20-minute talk to a TED audience, she warns against a dominant Western narrative about other peoples on the planet. It's called, "The danger of a single story." Adichie's words
- [Expanding on Zbigniew Brzezinski's case for continued American hegemony](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/27/expanding-on-zbigniew-brzezinskis-case-for-continued-american-hegemony/) - Having emerged from the Cold War, the United States is the preeminent superpower. However, with the last decade mired in wars, and especially with the 2008 financial crisis, America is full of doubt. With China registering another 9% GDP growth in 2011, America is fearful of being overtaken. PEW Research conducted two global attitude surveys
- [Stan Abrams of China Hearsay - A Case of Pathological Bias?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/29/stan-abrams-of-china-hearsay-a-case-of-pathological-bia/) - I usually prefer to keep my posts on general, important issues - and not nit-pick on other bloggers. However, just as once in a while one is permitted to get drunk, I will indulge in a very short post here on Stan Abrams of China Hearsay. A few weeks ago, when China lost the WTO
- [The world's fastest smartphone, Huawei Ascend D Quad](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/09/the-worlds-fastest-smartphone-huawei-ascend-d-quad/) - Following is a commercial for the Huawei Ascend D quad Android-based smartphone - currently the world's fastest! Huawei already sends chills down Cisco's spine, and I have no doubt it will become a household name globally. Unfortunately, I thought this phone was poorly named. Just say "d quad" fast! (Here is a hint if you
- [Bo Xilai best not fart](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/09/bo-xilai-best-not-fart/) - Because if he does, there is clearly a press club waiting for a whiff. After Wang Lijun's (王立军) visit to the American Consulate in February 6, 2012, there has been speculation in the Western press that this ex-police chief from Chongqing may be seeking political asylum. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has confirmed to a reporter
- [Announcement: 2012 Hidden Harmonies Essay Contest](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/05/announcement-2012-hidden-harmonies-essay-contest/) - We are excited to officially launch the 2012 Hidden Harmonies Essay Contest. In doing this, we hope to bring more awareness to the 'Chinese' perspective. The best 3 essays will be awarded prizes with an iPad 2 ipad 3 going to the top essay. This year's topic will answer the following question: Every society has
- [Li Daguang: "Non-aligned" policy does not mean China cannot make friends](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/08/li-daguang-non-aligned-policy-does-not-mean-china-cannot-make-friends/) - [This is a translation courtesy of Charles Liu of a recent Op-Ed by LI Daguang] 李大光：中国 “不结盟” 并不意味着不结交朋友 LI Daguang: China's "Non-aligned" Policy Does Not Mean She Cannot Make Friends 2012-02-27 08:34 摘要：结交朋友，特别是牢固的国家友好关系，有利于打破某些大国针对中国建立的包围圈。否则就会出现国家越来越强大了，朋友却越来越少了；国家越来越富裕了，但影响力却越来越小了。这是软实力不强的真实反映。 Abstract: Making friends, especially dependable international relations, have the benefit of breaking down certain containment against China by larger countries. Otherwise as
- [The need for clarity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/06/the-need-for-clarity/) - Unlike many of the bloggers here, I'm not a big fan of Eric X. Li's writing and speeches from what I have so far seen and heard. I disagree with what he has said as they are either irrelevant, confused, contradictory or a strawman. I think I have expressed why I felt this way in
- [Eric X Li, Chinese pluralism vs. Western universality](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/01/eric-x-li-chinese-pluralism-vs-western-universality/) - As regular readers of this blog may know, we are fans of Eric X. Li. In this video below at the Aspen Institute, Anand Giridharadas (of NYT) interviewed him in front of a live audience. As Giridharadas said at the introduction, Eric indeed shakes the foundation of prevailing Western views present in the room. I
- [Glaxo CEO Witty on Competiveness and Innovation in China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/05/glaxo-ceo-witty-on-competitiveness-and-innovation-in-chin/) - In this short interview, CEO Witty of Glaxo - British multinational pharmaceutical, biologics, vaccines and consumer healthcare company - said that while Chinese government will continue to have a tension between building its domestic industry and fomenting an open competitive market in which foreign companies participates, it does a good job of making its market
- [Neil DeGrasse Tyson on "The Most Astounding Fact"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/03/06/neil-degrasse-tyson-on-the-most-astounding-fact/) - One thing I love about science is that it helps us connect the dots. The video below is narrated by astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson. I was inspired by it. We all can take a pause and relish in the fact that when distilled all the way down, all of us are the same. On the
- [Rethinking democracy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/08/rethinking-democracy/) - This blog will essentially be a second part to the important discussions Allen and raventhorn started about democracy. I will present a philosophical discussion so that we may better think from a different and deeper perspective about this notion than everyday people may be used to by looking at its fundamental structure. Philosophers have always spoken of
- [Refilling the Liberal vacuum](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/10/refilling-the-liberal-vacuum/) - In a previous post I talked about the Liberal tradition (that is, the explicit and formal human rights framework, not to be confused with how people often use the term to refer to a political or economic “left” or being “progressive”) as being a byproduct of religious, political and other kinds of oppression in the
- [India: Friend, Enemy, or Both?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2009/06/23/india-friend-enemy-or-both/) - This article was printed in the People's Daily on June 19th. Since this is a state controlled publication, whatever is published will usually have the blessing of the CCP leadership. Chinese President Hu Jintao and India PM Manmohan Singh recently appeared together at the BRIC summit in Russia. Things seemed friendly enough at the time.
- [Some Thoughts on the Linsanity Surrounding Jeremy Lin](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/21/some-thoughts-on-the-linsanity-surrounding-jeremy-lin/) - Like other Asian Americans, I have been following Linsanity over the last 2 weeks or so with great interest and pride. It's not too often you see a twice-cut bench warmer become a starter and take a professional team in New York by storm like Jeremy Lin (林書豪) has. While the future of Lin as
- [U.S. Media Preparing Americans for Invasion of Iran](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/20/u-s-media-preparing-americans-for-invasion-of-iran/) - A U.S. or U.S.-backed attack on Iran seems to be a foregone conclusion if we simply look at how the U.S. media covers the issue. FAIR (Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting) recently had this to report while looking at U.S. media, "Do TV Networks 'Practice' for War?" 02/13/2012 by Peter Hart Alexander Cockburn's latest piece
- [Time for China to go on the offensive?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/16/time-for-china-to-take-an-offensive-strategy/) - I've noticed repeatedly that when western reporters interview Chinese diplomats or politicians they almost always take an apologetic tone and talk about criticisms as if they were outright true and ought not be questioned. Most of us know that many of these criticisms are either not accurate or given not out of a spirit of
- [The kind of trash we're dealing with](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/18/the-kind-of-trash-were-dealing-with/) - Not too long ago, James Fallows, a writer and editor for the Atlantic wrote a piece about Jeremy Lin. In that article he claimed that his fellow Atlantic writer Bob Wright's claim that Lin's success is somehow partly due to him being Asian as "horseshit." I really don't want to harp on either of the
- [San Francisco and Golden Gate Bridge](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/20/san-francisco-and-golden-gate-bridge/) - I had an opportunity to visit the Sausalito vista point at the Golden Gate Bridge couple of days ago. More than anything, I was hoping to capture an image of a giant COSCO container ship as it enters the bay beneath the bridge. No such luck. Below are couple of landscapes taken under harsh early
- [Eric X Li: "Why China’s Political Model Is Superior"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/16/eric-x-li-why-chinas-political-model-is-superior/) - This Op-Ed just published at the NYT from venture capitalist, Eric X Li, "Why China’s Political Model Is Superior" is a must read. Especially to the Western audience bought into democracy as a "faith" will find this opinion unsettling. And it is particularly unsettling because the West is full of doubts these days. "Why China’s
- [What Does SOPA (and PIPA) Tell us About "Freedom"?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/21/what-does-sopa-and-pipa-tell-us-about-freedom/) - As you may know, there is a heated high-profile war being waged in the U.S. now over a new bill called SOPA ("Stop Online Piracy Act" in the House) and PIPA ("Protect Intellectual Property Act" in the Senate). The bills have been temporarily put on hold, but the issues highlighted by the controversies will not go
- [Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping with Biden and Clinton at State Department](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/15/chinese-vice-president-xi-jinping-with-biden-and-clinton-at-state-department/) - Secretary Hillary Clinton hosted a luncheon at the State Department for the visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden also chimed in as they all affirmed to continue dialog and deal with issues of contention. Overall, I liked the tone they are setting for the on-going conversation between the two nations'
- [Professor Ann Lee on her book, "What the U.S. Can Learn from China"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/14/professor-ann-lee-on-her-book-what-the-u-s-can-learn-from-china/) - Ann Lee, a former investment banker and hedge fund partner, and now an adjunct professor of economics and finance at New York University, recently sat down with Allen and I for a conversation about her book, "What the U.S. Can Learn from China." (Also in our Recommend Read section.) She discussed some lessons and also
- [Listen up, Syria, Google wants you invaded](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/14/listen-up-syria-google-wants-you-invaded/) - Well, at least indirectly. Google in its exit from the Chinese market for search tried to bolster it's "do no evil" motto by trying to demonize China's censorship laws. We have written quite a bit about Google in the past - some directly and others indirectly (see our other 'Google'-tagged articles). In this article, I
- [Ho Pin's NYT Op-Ed, "China's Heir Apparent," has many holes](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/13/ho-pins-nyt-op-ed-chinas-heir-apparent-has-many-holes/) - The New York Times has just published an Op-Ed by Ho Pin, entitled, "China's Heir Apparent." It was originally written in Chinese and translated by someone else. Ho Pin, according to a blurb at the end of the Op-Ed, is an editor of a Chinese book on Vice President Xi Jinping's biography. Unfortunately, his opinions
- [Full text of Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping's interview with Washington Post](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/13/full-text-of-chinese-vice-president-xi-jinpings-interview-with-washington-post/) - Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping is currently in the United States reciprocating a visit Vice President Biden took last year in China. Xi is expected to become the new Chinese President for the 2013-2017 term. If the CPC renews, he would also reign from 2018 to 2022. America is interested in getting to know him, because he will help
- [Daffodils](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/11/daffodils/) - Some daffodils I planted few months ago are in full bloom now. Not really raining today, but spraying water on the flower gives it more interest. I've been struck how beautiful these flowers are. Couple more shots I took below. California golden sun in the late afternoon provides perfect lighting for these kind of shots.
- [WTO's Recent Ruling Against China over Export Controls of Certain Raw Materials: A Critical Juncture for the WTO and a Chance for Chinese Leadership?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/06/wtos-recent-ruling-against-china-over-export-controls-of-certain-raw-material-a-critical-juncture-for-the-wto-and-a-chance-for-chinese-leadership/) - Last week, the WTO handed China a setback in its ruling over its appeal over export controls (herein the Ruling) covering "[c]rtain forms of bauxite, coke, fluorspar, magnesium, manganese, silicon carbide, silicon metal, yellow phosphorous, and zinc." The Global Times has a strong response: Time to reassess unfair WTO entry terms Global Times | February
- [The Economist and the South China Sea: It is "complex" if I can't understand it](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/09/the-economist-south-china-sea/) - The Economist is often held prisoner by its own prejudice arising from its whatever-China-does-internationally-is-wrong stance, and a recent article on the South China Sea disputes proves it.
- [Reader westiseast's claim of "zero balance whatsoever" in Chinese media](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/09/reader-westiseasts-claim-of-zero-balance-whatsoever-in-chinese-media/) - In the spirit of bridging understanding, reader westiseast responded to my request to give a quick analysis on why he thought there is "zero balance whatsoever" (refer to his original comment as it was a bit more nuanced) in the Chinese press. After all, we frequently criticize the Western press on this blog, it only
- [The Economist, it is time for a new editorial overhaul](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/26/the-economist-it-is-time-for-a-new-editorial-overhaul/) - The Economist recently announced a dedicated weekly section on China. It said, China is the second country for them to have done this for, followed only by their singling out the United States since 1942. In my view, the extra attention they give to 'China' as a topic is hardly going to help Westerners' understanding
- [On Syria, Russia Today vs. BBC.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/05/on-syria-russia-today-vs-bbc/) - Below are two reports filed on February 4, 2012 on the conflict within Syria. One by Russia Today and the other by BBC. With President Obama saying "regime change," I think it is clear if the U.N. resolution was passed, Syria would be attacked by NATO - like what happened recently to Libya. More striking
- [Catching Shaun Rein's "The End of Cheap China" book wave](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/04/catching-shaun-reins-the-end-of-cheap-china-book-wave/) - We recently noticed a peculiar phenomenon over at the China Law Blog. Since about two weeks ago, they started publishing a series of articles with the title, "The End of Cheap China," followed by something else. We also know Shaun Rein has been marketing his book for months now - "The End of Cheap China."
- [perspectivehere on the 90th anniversary of "The Shandong Problem"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/02/03/perspectivehere-on-the-90th-anniversary-of-the-shandong-problem/) - If not for the United States, Shandong Province (山东省), map to the left, may still be a Japanese territory today. Reader perspectivehere brought to our attention tomorrow (Feb. 4th) will be the 90th anniversary of the Washington Naval Conference of 1929 which gave back sovereignty of Shandong Province to China. It was The Treaty of
- [Case Study on Bigotry: Is Dan Harris of the China Law Blog a Bigot? A Response to Dan Harris's Post  "Chinese Students In America. It's Bad Out There"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/17/case-study-on-bigotry-is-dan-harris-of-the-china-law-blog-harris-and-mourea-bigot/) - After reading DeWang's recent post on Dan Harris' post titled "Chinese Students In America. It's Bad Out There", I couldn't but help to saunter over to China LawBlog to have a look - and boy, was I in for a shock! Here is what appears to be an intelligent person - a practicing lawyer (ok,
- [South China Sea, two opposing views from Philipines on the U.S. Asia 'pivot'](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/28/south-china-sea-two-opposing-views-from-philipines-on-the-u-s-asia-pivot/) - There has been a lot of coverage in the U.S. media lately about America's Asia 'pivot.' In particular, U.S. seems to be taking sides with Vietnam and Philippines in their disputes with China. The U.S. relationships with these two countries are nothing but complex. When the Philippines was colonized by the Spanish, the U.S. took
- [Revisiting the Sino-Indian War of 1962](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/24/revisiting-the-sino-indian-war-of-1962/) - As the new year approaches, we should take some time to reflect that 2012 is the 50th anniversary of the Sino-Indian war of 1962. The war has shaped and will continue to shape the attitudes of people towards each other from two global nuclear (presently or soon to be) superpowers. The war was not only interesting in
- [Ma Ying Jiu Wins Taiwan Election](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/14/ma-ying-jiu-wins-taiwan-election/) - Ma Ying Jieu has won what has been a tough and closely watched election in Taiwan. Emphasizing close relations with the mainland, Ma celebrated the victory as a victory for the people of Taiwan. The DPP, with charismatic (and "native Taiwanese") Tsai, gave stoic (and "外省人") Ma a much bigger challenge this time (characterization by my deep-green family-in-laws),
- [Five reasons why China will not invade Taiwan, and an analysis of Cross-strait Relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/24/china-taiwan-america-us-cross-strait-relations-invade-five-reasons/) - The United States has successfully used Taiwan as a pawn against China for decades. The media never tires of reminding us that China has never "ruled out" the use of force against the island. However, an analysis of China's past behavior paints a very different picture - that invading Taiwan is the reverse of China's current demeanor, will ultimately be detrimental to its own interests.
- [Happy Chinese New Year](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/23/happy-chinese-new-year/) - (This Chinese New Year greeting came via raffiaflower, and I took the liberty in sharing it. DeWang) Hi, there! Every language has a word for love. But Chinese is probably the only language that has so many possible written variations of the emotion. This has been the way, even since before Qinshihuangdi unified China and
- [Human Rights Revisted](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/21/human-rights-revisted/) - This blog will be a continuation of the interesting dialogue started by Oli on human rights and China. I agree with Oli that Chinese culture does have considerable resources to take into account concerns raised by many human rights discourse. The value of human rights is universal and ancient. Many such values, though implicitly already
- [How Bad or Good is Chinese TV?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/22/how-bad-or-good-is-chinese-tv/) - Today also happened to be the day before new year (除夕)in the lunar calendar. I would like to wish everybody a happy, healthy and prosperous dragon year. Instead of the usual heavy subject matter, I would like to talk about something more light hearted. I am in a holiday mood today so I will address
- [Hidden Harmonies bloggers and readers make a difference](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/20/hidden-harmonies-bloggers-and-readers-make-a-difference/) - We are here to offer a balance that is sorely lacking in the mainstream Western press about all things 'China' and 'Chinese.' Some of you might have wondered how this endeavor is fairing as we approach our second year. Allen and I are grateful of the authors and those of you who come here to
- [Chinese boy attacked by 7 in Chicago](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/19/chinese-boy-attacked-by-7-in-chicago/) - At Chicago, a Chinese boy was brutally beaten by seven teens, including a girl who lured him into an alley where the beating took place. An article filed by NYDailyNews.com said, "Cops don't believe the attack was racially motivated." I will update this post as I learn more. WARNING: video is violent. [Update 1] I
- [What does "Internet Censorship" Mean?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2010/03/16/what-does-internet-censorship-mean/) - As Google prepares potentially for a highly politicized exist of China, we'll hear a lot more accusations on how closed China's Internet is. The presumption of Google's move would be that China's Internet is closed while the rest of the world (in which Google still does business) is open. Of course, anyone who has even
- [Debunking Myth of China exploiting Africa Again!](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/18/debunking-myth-of-china-exploiting-africa-again/) - The debate was hosted by Intelligence Squared at Cadogan Hall in London. And the motion was "Beware the Dragon: Africa Should Not Look to China"
- [Former Deng Xiaoping translator, Zhang Weiwei, on Chinese thinking](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/17/former-deng-xiaoping-translator-zhang-weiwei-on-chinese-thinking/) - Zhang Weiwei was a translator to former Chinese leader, Deng Xiaoping. We have a prior article (translated from Chinese) of his arguing there is a progression for which 'democracy' can be achieved, but more than that, China should borrow and adapt practices that are useful for China's own conditions. In this interview (use this link
- [(Letter from btbr403) Translation:Can you provide an example to refute this senior fellow?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2009/09/20/translation-democratization-modernization-china/) - admin's note. The following is a blog post from 多维博客(h/t to Snow). Besides re-posting an article originally published on the Study Times (a weekly publication of the CCP's Central Party School) in 2008, it drew a vigorous debate among Chinese with nearly 300 comments (I hope that someone could translate them too), many of them
- [MIT Professor, "Open Sources and Information Laundering"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/13/mit-professor-open-sources-and-information-laundering/) - On November 29, 2011, the Washington Post cited on a page 1 story a study done at the Georgetown University that China's nuclear arsenal was 10x as large U.S. government official (and experts) estimates. The study and the article drew a great deal of attention. The information was false. MIT Associate Professor of Political Science,
- [Responding to China Law Blog: "Chinese Students In America. It's Bad Out There."](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2012/01/12/responding-to-china-law-blog-chinese-students-in-america-its-bad-out-there/) - Dan Harris over at China Law Blog made a bold post today relaying complaints students at the University of Washington have for their fellow international students from Mainland China. He qualified that the complaints were directed at students from China and not of students with Chinese ethnicity. He also qualified the students whom he got
- [Calling China "Currency Manipulator".  Racism, and/or sore loser mentality?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/31/calling-china-currency-manipulator-racism-andor-sore-loser-mentality/) - U.S. Senate passed the "China currency manipulation bill" around October. http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/10/11/senate-passes-china-currency-manipulation-bill/ You can find the text here. http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-s1619/text The action hints at Racism at its core, buried under layers of political procedural jargons. A few points for thoughts. UPDATE: 2 graphs, Gold-Dollar price history vs. Gold-RMB price history: Gold-USD: 1982: ~$400/ounce, 2012: ~$1700/ounce. (4.25 times
- [2008 "Olympic Debate" over Tibet on American Bar Association China Law Committee](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/24/2008-olympic-debate-over-tibet-on-american-bar-association-china-law-committee/) - My 2008 public debate with a US trained Tibetan Lawyer (with some other folks interjecting), archived on ABA China Law Committee Listserver: This began over the ABA China Law Committee's email listserver in 2008 around the time of the Tibet riots. Several US attorneys started asking questions about Tibet and the riot. The Tibetan-American lawyer
- [A Brief History of the Sino-Indian Border Dispute and the role of Tibet](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2010/03/26/a-brief-history-of-the-sino-indian-border-dispute-and-the-role-of-tibet/) - For over a century, the intricacies of the border between India and China/Tibet have baffled scholars. The sheer complexity of this problem can be judged by the fact that 36 rounds of negotiations have taken place between India and China at different levels since 1981; but they have yet to reach a settlement. A major part of the dispute hinges upon the question of Tibet's sovereignty.....
- [You Scratch My Back, but I Won’t Scratch Yours](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2010/03/10/you-scratch-my-back-but-i-wont-scratch-yours/) - The two Asian Giants are still not able to figure out the line which divides them – in the longest running border dispute in modern history.
- [(Letter from pug_ster) National Geographic got into the propaganda act?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2009/11/22/national-geographic-got-into-the-propaganda-act/) - Saw an interesting blog of some brave woman who took great risks of taking a picture of 2 Uyghur 'protesters' before they got shot Chinese police. It even have a colorful story with it: Writer Matthew Teague photographed these Uygur men, advancing upon Chinese forces, moments before they were shot. Many people carry cameras these
- [Some thoughts at Lake Tahoe](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/30/some-thoughts-at-lake-tahoe/) - Below are couple of shots taken at Lake Tahoe where I vacationed this past week. Generally, I was impressed with how environmentally conscience American society has become, and the pristine waters and clean beaches at the lake reminded me of that. Recycling is in full force. I recall back in the 80's, recycling was still
- [Understanding Democracy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2008/08/30/understanding-democracy/) - For all the talk about democracy leading up to the Olympics, perhaps it is time - in the wake of the Olympics - to take a step back and ponder about what democracy really is. An interesting article appeared in the New Yorker earlier this month about the process of politics. Digging under the hood
- [Opinion:Making Sense of the Dollar and Yuan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2009/11/26/making-sense-of-the-dollar-and-yuan/) - Officials from both China and the U.S. have lauded Obama's recent trip to China as a great success. While some have criticized the trip for producing little in terms of specifics, one should not casually dismiss the achievements actually made (see U.S.-China Joint Statement). In so many ways, the relationship between U.S. and China has
- ["国家" by 成龙 and 美和](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/24/国家-by-成龙-and-美和/) - In an earlier comment I talked about the importance of "国家," and having just watched this music video by Jacky Chan (成龙) in duet with MEI He (美和) paying homage to that same idea made my day. Without a strong enough country, there is no freedom.
- [Glenn Greenwald labeling U.S. hypocricy on Internet Freedom "egregious and shameless;" really shows how weak U.S. foreign policy is](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/21/glenn-greenwald-labeling-u-s-hypocricy-on-internet-freedom-egregious-and-shameless-really-shows-how-weak-u-s-foreign-policy-is/) - Earlier this year, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton laid out the blueprint for U.S. foreign policy in pursuit of "Internet Freedom" around the world. As I stated in a prior post, I believed this is a way to ensure U.S. government can support political oppositions in countries around the world and to lend them a
- [Jun Lu Performing Arts, "龙的传人"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/20/jun-lu-performing-arts-龙的传人/) - I was invited to Jun Lu Performing Arts as a guest photographer for their year-end performance at Santa Clara University's Mayer Theatre this past Sunday. It was titled, "龙的传人." Jun Lu is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Her dancers brought cheers and thunderous applause from the audience. The theatre house manager at the end
- [Dalai Lama Retires...](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/03/22/dalai-lama-retires/) - There is a lot going on in the world. A natural disaster in Japan. Ravages of war from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestinian territories, to now Libya. The world is still in a recession. There is global warming. And population is still set to reach 9 billion by 2045. Still I think there is still time for some comic
- [Chinese Consulate in L.A. shot at by 'human rights' protester](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/15/chinese-consulate-in-l-a-shot-at-by-human-rights-protester/) - Around 2:15pm this afternoon, a 'human rights' protester fired a number of shots at the Chinese Consulate aiming for a security guard, according the the AP. Below is a brief AP report relayed on the Huffington Post: "Shots fired at Chinese Consulate in LA, 1 arrested" December 16, 2011 12:31 AM EST | LOS ANGELES
- [The 74th Anniversary of Nanjing Massacre](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/13/the-74th-anniversary-of-nanjing-massacre/) - Today marks the 74th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre, where Japanese soldiers went on a rampage of rape and murder, targeting women and children alike, killing more than 300,000 Chinese during the brief few weeks when they took over Nanjing, then capital city of the nationalist government. The issue that is perhaps the most contentious
- [William Hooper: "David Cameron Drums of War"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/11/william-hooper-david-cameron-drums-of-war/) - The following analysis came via William Hooper at the Oligarch. Much of it resonates with me. It is in response to the latest politics between the U.K. and the European mainland where U.K. is decidedly against Germany's and France's efforts in dealing with the Euro financial crisis. Hooper's characterization, eloquently, of U.K.'s latest actions is
- [Great Party, but Where's the Communism?  Minxin Pei Proves that Freedom of Opinion is a Bad Thing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/08/great-party-but-wheres-the-communism-minxin-pei-proves-that-freedom-of-opinion-is-a-bad-thing/) - (Below is an editorial by blogger 龙信明 countering an article published in the New York Times by Minxin Pei, who is a professor of government at Claremont McKenna College in California. Indeed, why would Americans subject their college-age child to such aptitude? Or, rather, ineptitude. DeWang) Great Party, but Where's the Communism? Minxin Pei Proves
- [Is China heading for another Cultural Revolution?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/07/is-china-heading-for-another-cultural-revolution/) - Back a few weeks ago, I wrote a comment "recommending Cultural Revolution" every 50 years or so, provided the excessive abuses can be avoided. FOARP (and other resident/expat Western mouth pieces) had a cow. http://foarp.blogspot.com/2011/11/hidden-harmonies-raventhorn-lets-have.html. So, since an indirect challenge to me was issued, I confront it here, since HH is where I brought it
- ["Jasmine Flower" (茉莉花) ](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/07/jasmine-flower-茉莉花/) - Yu Hongmei 于红梅 Erhu 二胡 Zhao Cong 赵聪 Pipa 琵琶 Chen Yue 陈悦 Dizi 笛子 Ji Wei 吉炜 Guzheng 古筝 "Jasmine Flower" (茉莉花) Flower of jasmine, oh so fair! Flower of jasmine, oh so fair! Budding and blooming here and there, Pure and fragrant all declare. Let me take you with tender care, Your sweetness
- [Finally, a somewhat balanced editorial in the NYT](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/03/finally-a-somewhat-balanced-editorial-in-the-nyt/) - On China by a law professor teaching in Shanghai. The article is about the legal systems in the US compared with China's and how people's views on law and social justice are both similar and different. Reasoned criticisms of each other's legal systems can be beneficial for both societies but they would need to get
- [India v/s China: We've got Facebook! What've you got?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/12/01/india-vs-china-weve-got-facebook-whatve-you-got/) - An interesting analysis in TIME magazine, to the extent that it tries to be an analysis: The ChIndian Century And don't forget to check out these two accompanying arguments, one for India and one for China: The Case for India: Free to Succeed The Case for China: The Power of Planning I plan to blog
- [Julian Assange: Why the world needs WikiLeaks](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/30/julian-assange-why-the-world-needs-wikileaks/) - The TED interview below (video at the end of the post) was conducted in July 2010 with Julian Assange talking about the need for the public to keep an eye out for government conduct. Americans cherish freedom of the press, and by that, it is generally understood that the media's job is to be the
- [Taking the good parts](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/29/taking-the-good-parts/) - Following is a rendition of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" in Chinese. It's a delightful performance. The Chinese performance struck me for having taken the music (in my opinion the great part) and replacing the lyrics (in my opinion the not so great part) with something that is much more palatable. While China has many problems
- ["Tell Me Why" by 钟辰乐 (Zhong Chenyue) and 徐泽辉 (Xu Zehui)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/28/tell-me-why-by-钟辰乐-zhong-chenyue-and-徐泽辉-xu-zehui/) - (Here is another performance by 钟辰乐 (Zhong Chen Yue) singing "Memory" accompanied by an orchestra. I think I still prefer his China's Got Talent version from a while ago.)
- [Chinese Folk Dance in Silicon Valley](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/27/chinese-folk-dance-in-silicon-valley/) - When you think of the word, culture, what comes to mind? For some, it means identity. Others who accept Henry Kissinger's argument, that China finds exceptionalism in culture while America pursues 'freedom' and 'human rights' with missionary zeal, culture defines values. When I think of Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, (with due respect of course) I
- [Jon Huntsman's "gonna take China down" comments](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/23/jon-huntsmans-gonna-take-china-down-comments/) - Former U.S. Ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman, in a televised Republican primary debate told Americans he would reach out to the 500 million Chinese Internet users; to lead them towards change which would ultimately "take China down." Video below has been circulating in China. It contains what Huntsman said captioned in Chinese. I want to
- [Conniving News Network](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/10/conniving-news-network/) - The following image (h/t DJ) came via Zee M Kane (editor at The Next Web) of CNN cropping out an Israeli [see Citizen comment below] U.S. soldier's assault rifle. Some say the rifle is not pointed at the head of the enemy soldier. I think its hard to tell. But that's really irrelevant. What CNN
- [Yan Xuetong, "the country that displays more humane authority will win"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/21/yan-xuetong-the-country-that-displays-more-humane-authority-will-win/) - Professor of political science and dean of the Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University, Yan Xuetong, recently had one of his Chinese essays translated by Zhaowen Wu and David Liu and published as an Op-Ed in the New York Times. Professor Yan is also the editor of The Chinese Journal of International Politics.
- [Michael Scheuer on Russia Today about America and the Muslim World](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/16/michael-scheuer-on-russia-today-about-america-and-the-muslim-world/) - Former CIA agent of 20 years, turned historian, Dr. Michael Scheuer, recently discussed his views with Russia Today about America and the Muslim world. U.S. political leaders should absolutely heed what he had to say. The only disagreement I have with Scheuer is his view that the U.S. is inextricable in her feud with the
- [America feeling missing out in Asia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/14/america-feeling-missing-out-in-asia/) - With Obama meeting other East Asian countries in Hawaii these few days, the "American re-engagement with Asia" story is all of a sudden in vogue again. This new way of thinking actually started with President Obama's promise couple of years ago to double America's exports in the not too distant future. The goal itself is
- [Joe Wong](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/12/joe-wong/) - China Daily has a really good article out about comedian Joe Wong. He first debut on Letterman couple of years ago. Last year, he performed at the Radio Television Correspondence dinner at the White House. The thing that I most admire in Wong is his marching forward unencumbered by whatever perceived limitations that he might
- [Is the West building a case for the invasion of Iran?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/09/is-the-west-building-a-case-for-the-invasion-of-iran/) - Remember the 1990s and early 2000s hunt for WMD in Iraq headed by the former director-general of the IAEA, Hans Blix? No WMD has been found, but during that period, the propaganda within the NATO countries arguing for war ultimately led to the 2003 Iraq invasion. Now, fast forward to 2011. I get the sinking
- [Hans Rosling: sovereignty and capitalism got China and India moving](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/05/hans-rosling-sovereignty-and-capitalism-got-china-and-india-moving/) - Following is a TED talk given by Hans Rosling about two years ago. Rosling has a unique skill in visualizing large data sets that span civilizations. In a nutshell, it was freeing from colonialism and foreign invasions followed by capitalism that is finally enabling China and India to slowly catch up to their Westerner counterparts.
- [Andy Xie's Blunt No To Eurozone Bailout](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/02/andy-xies-blunt-no-to-eurozone-bailout/) - [Editor's note: this post is of course in response to the recent barrage of articles in the U.S. and U.K. scoffing at the idea that European leaders may be looking at China to 'save' Greece. For example, here, Huffington Post writes, "China As Savior or Predator in Europe?" Does such narrative even make sense? China
- [China achieves space docking](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/11/02/china-achieves-space-docking/) - Little over a month ago, China launched the Tiangong-1 space lab module and announced a planned next step of conducting space docking within two months. Launched couple of days ago, Shenzhou-8 has made a successful space dock with Tiangong-1. This is a major milestone for China's space program as this is a crucial step in
- [On Chinese Language Dialects and Chinese People](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/26/on-chinese-language-dialects-and-chinese-people/) - I would have to say the movement of the "Han people" is very complex. Most casual observers would think that the Mandarin version of Chinese language is the most "proper" version. In fact, it is the most modern version with the Beijing dialect heavily influenced by the Man language. Both the Minanese and Cantonese would
- [Interesting encounters in Japan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/31/interesting-encounters-in-japan/) - My strategy for fighting jet lag returning from Asia is to have a large breakfast followed by a large lunch on the departure date. Minimal fluid around lunch and depart in the afternoon. Sleep little the night before. And then sleep all the way in a window seat on the plane. On numerous occasions, I
- [Got freedom of expression? ](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/29/freedom-of-expression/) - The west loves to criticize China for its lack of freedom of expression. I personally think that this is a serious problem for China (though not the most serious problem facing the society which I consider problems with social justice and the environment). But the west has serious issues with freedom of expression as well.
- [Hunanese vs Hakka](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/22/hunanese-vs-hakka/) - Does all Chinese dialect group have the same representation in politics historically? The question first appeared to me when I read Li Guangyao's 李光耀(Lee Kuan Yew) autobiography, The Singapore Story and From Third World to First: The Singapore Story. He mentioned that Hakka is disproportionately represented in politics in Singapore and other Chinese communities. At
- [China's role in the international community](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/21/chinas-role-in-the-international-community/) - I'd like to extend DeWang's last post on the possible role of China in the resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict with a more generalized discussion of what China's role should be in international affairs in the future. China seems to be taking a more active approach in engaging with the world's conflicts and affairs and
- [the Israel-Palestine conflict, a call for peace](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/20/the-israel-palestine-conflict-a-call-for-peace/) - I was recently exposed to some very sad images of the Israel-Palestinian conflict and thought about what I might do constructively as a blogger. So, I have decided to make a plea to the world to help the two sides end their cycle of violence. I think we are way passed the point of taking
- [Article uses Kaifeng Jews to put China down](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/18/media-uses-kaifeng-jews-to-speak-negatively-about-china/) - A story published a few days ago in the LA Times talked about an Israeli organization, Shavei Israel, which helped a few Keifeng Jews to make Aliyah (immigrate to Israel). It quoted a few Kaifeng Jews having made the trip as saying how Israel is superior to China. Consider the title of the article: "Chinese Jews
- [The Already-Here US Higher Education Loan Bubble](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/19/the-already-here-us-higher-education-loan-bubble/) - http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/college/story/2011-10-19/student-loan-debt/50818676/1 Some people in US are asking rather obliviously, why are the students protesting on Wall Street (and main streets)? The above may provide some hint. •Defaults. The portion of borrowers in default — more than nine months behind on payments — rose from 6.7% in 2007 to 8.8% in 2009, according to the most
- [Outrage over toddler run over by vans followed by passers-by not helping](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/17/outrage-over-toddler-run-over-by-vans-followed-by-passers-by-not-helping/) - Video below is a gruesome hit-and-run of a two year-old toddler by two vans in Foshan, Guangdong Province. What is worse is the more than a dozen passers-by simply letting her lying on the street bleeding and not calling for help. This tragedy has gripped the nation; it is all over the news. The two
- [Cross Strait Land Bridge Project, Just an Idea??](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/17/cross-strait-land-bridge-project-just-an-idea/) - Concept Art for the Taiwan Strait land bridge story I posted over the weekend. (I drew this concept art from memory of what I have seen from a rough plan of the project). Link to previous article: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/90882/7185964.html First, a public message/warning: There are many interesting and good ideas on the net, but some people try
- [Happy Ten - Ten (Double Ten)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/12/happy-ten-ten/) - October 10th is the National Day of the Republic of China. It is celebrated in both Taiwan and the Mainland as an event that liberated China from the grip of feudal rule. Following up on Ma Ying-Jeou's 10-10 speech (Chinese version) as well as zack's recent comment in the open forum yesterday, I thought I'd put
- [Chinese men wins 2011 Gymnastics Worlds team title](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/13/chinese-men-wins-2011-gymnastics-worlds-team-title/) - Video below is a highlight of the Chinese men at the 2011 Gymnastics Worlds in Tokyo where they have just won the team title. I was recently at a friend's daughters gymnastics tournament. There were teams of five year-olds and up. At that age, 10 hours training each week is considered the norm. I was
- [English language 'China' blogs going gaga over China Daily criticism of U.S. media](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/07/english-language-china-blogs-going-gaga-over-china-daily-criticism-of-u-s-media/) - [Update October 11, 2011 for reasons here and here: There are some in] the English language 'China' blogosphere having a cow over a recent China Daily editorial by CHEN Weihua criticizing the U.S. media for lack of coverage of the Occupy Wall Street protests. Chen is correct in pointing out this phenomenon. I find it
- [India's $35 Android-based tablet](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/11/indias-35-android-based-tablet/) - The "$35 laptop" commissioned by the Indian government is becoming real. On October 5, 2011, the laptop was officially launched under the name, Aakash, which means sky. India has ordered 100,000 units at $50 a piece. The manufacturer (DataWind) has said at 2 million units, it could achieve the $35 price point. This is a
- [Liu and al-Awlaki](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/09/liu-and-al-awlaki/) - As you may have known, recently the US assassinated two of its own citizens in Yemen, Anwar al-Awlaki and Samir Khan. Say what you will about these two but the actions taken by the government of assassination without trial certainly is an extreme if not wholly unconstitutional measure as witnessed by some constitutional lawyers and
- [No Goodwill](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/06/no-goodwill/) - The recent “goodwill” game on August 18th between the Chinese basketball team the Bayi Rockets and the American college team the Georgetown Hoyas will unfortunately go down in history as an infamous case of unsportsman-like conduct. But the coverage of the game by the American press will also go down as an exemplary case of
- [Rest in Peace, Steve Jobs](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/05/rest-in-peace-steve-jobs/) - Many people will see Steve Jobs in his more recent successes in Pixar, iMac, iPod, iPad, and the iPhone. With the original Napster and other peer-to-peer music sharing, Apple dared and even became successful in selling music which people thought impossible. These successes (and I am sure there are dozens of others) encapsulates Steve Jobs.
- [Opinion: the Occupy Wall Street movement will eventually fizz](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/10/04/opinion-the-occupy-wall-street-movement-will-eventually-fizz/) - The recent Occupy Wall Street movement across the U.S. may be weighing in your minds. I couldn't help but draw the parallel to the 1989 Tiananmen protest. With the unemployment in America stuck at 9.1%, pressure on society is gradually mounting. Many young Americans are starting to doubt their future. This sentiment is not that
- [Taiwan weapons sales, citizens best buzz off](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/09/19/taiwan-weapons-sales-citizens-best-buzz-off/) - The last time the U.S. sold weapons to Taiwan ($6.4 billion worth in January 2010) led to China suspending military-to-military contacts with the U.S.. Senator Dianne Feinstein, who also chairs Senate's Select Committee on Intelligence, has subsequently said in public the weapons sale was a mistake. In the news again, looks like Obama is approving
- [China launches first Tiangong-1 space lab module](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/09/29/china-launches-first-tiangong-1-space-lab-module/) - China has successfully launched her first Tiangong-1 ( 天宫一号, "Heavenly Palace 1") space lab module that would eventually dock with a series of other ones to form a space station. China Daily reports: Zhang Shancong, deputy chief designer of the Tiangong-1, told Xinhua that the module carries special cameras which will take hyperspectral images of
- [Shanghai Commuter Trains Crash, French-Chinese JV Signal System Faulted](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/09/27/shanghai-commuter-trains-crash-french-signal-system-faulted/) - http://www.smh.com.au/world/china-metro-crash-injures-271-20110928-1kvvr.html 2 Shanghai Commuter trains crashed. Just in. Train company blamed French-Chinese Joint Venture made signaling system as probable cause.
- [NYT says 'Journalist Is Detained in China for Article on Sex Slaves,' but journalist says not](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/09/27/nyt-says-journalist-is-detained-in-china-for-article-on-sex-slaves-but-journalist-says-not/) - Andrew Jacobs of New York Times is at it again with the half-truth and twist of fact
- [No way to realize my ideas](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/09/26/no-way-to-realize-my-ideas/) - I was recently browsing a collection of Adrian Fisk's portraits of ordinary Chinese people holding up placards expressing their thoughts. The photo of LUO ZhengChui caught my attention. She is a 30 year-old farmer in Yunnan Province. Her message (with couple of wrong Chinese characters) roughly translates to: After watching television, I have many ideas,
- [Fudan University Professor and Director of Center for American Studies, Shen Dingli: "A blow to Sino-US ties"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/09/23/fudan-university-professor-and-director-of-center-for-american-studies-shen-dingli-a-blow-to-sino-us-ties/) - Below is an Op-Ed from Fudan University professor and its Director of Center for American Studies, Shen Dingli, titled, "A blow to Sino-US ties." It appeared in China Daily today. Over the last few days, I have noticed Chinese media taking a strong stance against the U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan, albeit this round being
- [Chinese scholars propose human rights commission](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/09/22/chinese-scholars-propose-human-rights-commission/) - A panel of experts from China University of Political Science and Law have proposed establishing an independent human rights commission in a recent forum attended by both Chinese and foreign human rights experts. (China Daily has more details.) If this proposal becomes enshrined in China's constitution, that'd be a really interesting development. Below are couple
- [Politicofacting Jon Huntsman on China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/09/15/politicofacting-jon-huntsman-on-china/) - Couple of days ago, I was listening to this NPR segment where Bill Adair of PolitiFact.com was asked to weigh in on the recently CNN hosted 2012 Republican debate. PoliticFact.com specializes in fact-checking assertions made by American politicians. For example, on the following attack on Obama's stimulus from Texas governor Rick Perry: "He had $800
- [Janet Carmosky: "China Bashing Season Officially Kicks Off"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/09/12/janet-carmosky-china-bashing-season-officially-kicks-off/) - Below is a recent article written by Janet Carmosky appearing at the Forbes. I simply liked the way she articulates what's wrong with the American narrative about China - both in their elections as well as in their media. Sep. 8 2011 "China Bashing Season Officially Kicks Off" In the past 24 hours both Mitt Romney and House
- [Newsweek bottom-feeding](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/09/08/newsweek-bottom-feeding/) - What is a bottom-feeder? It usually refers to some fish swimming and feeding at the bottom of a lake or river. Just imagine what generally falls to the bottom. This is what I think of whenever the Western press engages in putting the most fringe unto a pedestal and worships it. Recently, Newsweek published an
- [Along the River During the Qingming Festival (Digital Version)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/09/04/along-the-river-during-the-qingming-festival-digital-version/) - This might be old news to some (as the original painting was done during the Song Dynasty) but a digital version was created for the China pavilion during the Shanghai Expo 2010. After the expo it was displayed from November 9 to November 29, 2010 and is currently in Taipei from July 1 to October
- [In view of Sarca-Chinese Characters, My own:](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/29/in-view-of-sarca-chinese-characters-my-own/)
- [All your Schadenfreude are belong to us? ](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/25/all-your-schadenfreude-are-belong-to-us/) - With the current financial crisis in America and unrest in Britain, it appears that multiple western media outlets cannot resist the temptation to interpret China's and other countries' responses in terms of "schadenfreude".
- [ Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Fu Ying on China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/24/foreign-affairs-vice-minister-fu-ying-on-china/) - Following is an interview of Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fu Ying, conducted by SPIEGEL. Many of you might know she was the former China ambassador to the U.K.. Her English is really good and articulates the Chinese perspective really well for the Western audience. For those of you who frequent this blog, you will
- [Rebels Enter Tripoli](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/22/rebels-enter-tripoli/) - It appears that the Rebels have entered Tripoli yesterday without much resistance, although pockets of intense fighting continue to exist. The WSJ reported world reaction as follows: U.S. President Barack Obama: "The people of Libya are showing that the universal pursuit of dignity and freedom is far stronger than the iron fist of a dictator. The
- [Bayi Rockets and Georgetown Basketball brawl, a key fact to remember](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/20/bayi-rockets-and-georgetown-basketball-brawl-a-key-fact-to-remember/) - Georgetown University's Hoyas (乔治城大学) basketball team is currently in China playing against various Chinese teams on a friendship tour. In an exhibition game against the Bayi Rockets (八一火箭队) yesterday, a brawl broke out between the two. This took place at about ten minutes left in the fourth quarter and the game tied at 63. I
- [Ministry of Rail spokesperson Wang Yongping dismissed](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/19/ministry-of-rail-spokesperson-wang-yongping-sacked/) - (Update: see Ray's comments below. I originally had 'sacked' in the title which is probably too harsh given he is reassigned to another post.) Out of the recent bullet train crash near Wenzhou, I think one of the biggest lessons for the Ministry of Rail is the importance of good PR. Spokesperson Wang Yongping (王勇平)
- [Chinese Jew or Jewish Chinese?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/16/chinese-jew-or-jewish-chinese/) - I saw this article and feel like sharing. Frankly, I feel it is another poorly written piece but is an interesting read nonetheless. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904007304576496022880806338.html#articleTabs%3Darticle I also find this very interesting when I first saw it. A Chinese-Jewish Admiral. http://www.military.com/forums/0,15240,155039,00.html http://neoconexpress.blogspot.com/2007/10/first-eli-marom-israeli-of-chinese.html And some footage of Chinese Jews moving to Israel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edhtdoPukk0
- [China pledges $55m in food aid to Horn of Africa](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/16/china-pledges-55m-in-food-aid-to-horn-of-africa/) - BEIJING (AFP) — China's Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday pledged 353.2 million yuan ($55.3 million) in food aid to African countries suffering their worst drought in years. The announcement came after the US government urged China, which has massive commercial interests in Africa, to do more to help the millions of people in danger of
- [Propaganda sprinkling](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/14/propaganda-sprinkling/) - After first reading this article from the Associated Press (echoed by the NPR), I thought, well, it seems to be all facts based. Over the years, I have come to realize critical thinking is required when consuming Western press. Read the left column through first before reading my comments on the right. Try to ignore
- [Reader Naqshbandiyya chimes in on Tibet and ethnic nationalism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/15/reader-naqshbandiyya-chimes-in-on-tibet-and-ethnic-nationalism/) - In an earlier discussion, reader Naqshbandiyya responded to this comment by Otto Kerner. He was in fact commenting on the exchange between Otto Kerner and Raventhorn2000. I want to repeat his point that for the most part, U.S. and China are interested in creating a tolerant society at home. They prize harmony. We all should watch
- [China's Supreme People's Court clarifies trial procedures in citizens suing local governments over information disclosure](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/13/chinas-supreme-peoples-court-clarifies-trial-procedures-in-citizens-suing-local-governments-over-information-disclosure/) - In May 2008, the State Council issued “Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Open Government Information” (中华人民共和国政府信息公开条例) went into law, requiring government departments to disclose a very wide range of information to the public and media. (See my prior article, "China’s determined and long march towards rule of law.") Since then I have
- [Broken Steam Valve of Democracy Explodes in UK (and other places)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/11/broken-steam-valve-of-democracy-explodes-in-uk-and-other-places/) - London UK riots for 3 straight nights August 2011, after a suspicious police shooting death of a young man. Now more than 1000 arrested. Oakland, California, US, riot, July 2010, after transit police shoots and kills a young protester, and verdict on the police was less severe than expected; several hundred arrested. Dresden Germany, about
- [A Singaporean view on racial harmony](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/10/a-singaporean-view-on-racial-harmony/) - Reader silentvoice recently made these remarks about racial harmony as a Singaporean. His thoughts resonated with me and I would like to highlight it here as a post. Do you think this is achievable in the West? Why would you be for or against such a policy? Do you think this is generally what China
- [Eric X. Li's "Counterpoint" Op-Ed in the New York Times - Debunking Myths About China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/22/eric-x-lis-counterpoint-op-ed-in-the-new-york-times/) - Eric X. Li had a wonderful op-ed in the NY Times. I really don't know how he got a piece through, especially since all mine have been rejected. Anyways, hats off to him! Here is his op-ed, with some of my thoughts scribbled throughout. Counterpoint: Debunking Myths About China The Chinese Communist Party has been running
- [China’s New Health-Care Push](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/05/china’s-new-health-care-push/) - The economic reform of the 1980s brought many benefits but also meant that the health care sector was changed from the previous "universal coverage" to paid only service. This means that many of the poorer people was unable to afford health care. It is one of the biggest source of grief for the society. One
- [Global Times: "Blood stains the Silk Road"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/06/global-times-blood-stains-the-silk-road/) - Global Times carried some really good coverage of the recent attacks in Kashgar, shedding light on the tension in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Rest of this post is really just the Global Times article itself. That one idea I feel deserves still extra mentioning is the fact that people when feeling there is nothing
- ["飞天乐舞" by 赵聪 (Zhao Cong on pipa) and 陈曦 (Chen Xi on violin)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/05/飞天乐舞-by-赵聪-zhao-cong-on-pipa-and-陈曦-chen-xi-on-violin/)
- [Biggest-ever series of cyber attacks uncovered](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/03/biggest-ever-series-of-cyber-attacks-uncovered/) - News of the uncovering of the "biggest-ever" series of cyber attacks by McAfee seems to be spreading through the media like wildfire. In thisWashington Post article, it is reported: A leading computer security firm has used logs produced by a single server to trace the hacking of more than 70 corporations and government organizations over
- [David Gergen on American politics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/02/david-gergen-on-american-politics/) - David Gergen has been adviser to four U.S. presidents, and recently, he had this to say about the state of politics in America (in telling his relatives): I try to tell them that the United States is going through a rough patch: the rise of lots of problems that we have allowed to fester over
- [A mentally retarded journalist, take 2](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/28/a-mentally-retarded-journalist-take-2/) - (Bad journalism on the left. Right column are Allen and my commentary on why. Fortunately, not all Brits are like this.) “London Games will outdo Beijing because of freedom”By JOHN LEICESTER | APPublished: Jul 26, 2011 13:11 Updated:Jul 26, 2011 22:33LONDON: If Johnnie Walker lived in China, the police would have knocked on his
- [Fact Checking NYT's Qi Chonghuai Jailed Journalist Story](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/01/fact-checking-nyts-qi-chonghuai-jailed-journalist-story/) - Recently New York Times published a story on a jailed Chinese journalist Qi Chonghuai, and made some fairly severe, usual allegations (corruption, official misconduct, torture), and a new one - double jeopardy violation in resentencing Qi to more jail time for the crime he served 4 years already, because he vowed to continue to expose
- [Knockoff?  Maybe, but it says more about what the Chinese thinks of the American newsroom](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/02/knockoff-maybe-but-it-says-more-about-what-the-chinese-thinks-of-the-american-newsroom/) - Interesting story here. The truth is it says more about the American newsroom. As the Colbert Report revealed here, news can come out of American journalists' asses, and they often do. See highlighted text below; so very true. Hence, newsrooms across America are going bankrupt. The only way to buck the trend, frankly, is to
- [China Bullet Train Crash, and the organic nature of public relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/30/china-bullet-train-crash-and-the-organic-nature-of-public-relations/) - PR, as in public relations, is an art. Over the last few days I have been watching Wang Yongping (王勇平) addressing the Chinese press on the bullet train crash. On one hand, I feel bad for him, for he was genuinely trying to relay facts. On the other hand, I thought he really bungled on
- [Who owns America's $14.3 trillion debt?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/08/01/who-owns-americas-14-3-trillion-debt/) - Americans, of course! Various entities within the U.S. own $9.8 trillion and the remainder $4.5 trillion are owned by foreigners and foreign governments. My own tally shows China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan combined for about $1.4 trillion, about $500 billion more than Japan. These data come from Business Insider and make for great reference since
- [The ONLY Previous Lightning Damaged Train Signaling System, UK August 2006](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/29/12676/) - Here is one incident in York, UK that's actually very similar to the HSR collision in China, the lightning also knocked out the signaling system in the train station, but fortunately, no collisions. HH has the scoop on this. http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/885887.lightning_strike_sparks_rail_chaos/ A LIGHTNING strike caused chaos at York Station today leading to long delays for thousands
- [China bullet train fake news and false rumors exposed](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/28/china-bullet-train-fake-news-and-false-rumors-exposed/) - Roland Song has done a number of much needed translations of false rumors and fake news surrounding the Wenzhou train crash. It is a must read. I was in particular looking into information related to the two year old girl who was found. A panelist on CCTV criticized the Ministry of Rail for declaring rescue
- [The Colbert Report, "Norwegian Muslish Guman's Islam-Esque Atrocity"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/28/the-colbert-report-norwegian-muslish-gumans-islam-esque-atrocity/) - The Colbert Report Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive And, some will say this 'Muslish' jumping the gun so called 'journalism' is not singling out the Muslims. They do that to 'China,' 'Chinese' companies, and everybody else. Exactly! This is not supposed to be normal!
- [Wenzhou South Railway station signaling system failure was root-cause of D301 and D3115 crash](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/27/wenzhou-south-railway-station-signaling-system-failure-was-root-cause-of-d301-and-d3115-crash/) - "Flaws in railway signal system lead to fatal collision: railway authorities" WENZHOU, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Design flaws in railway signal equipment led to Saturday's fatal high-speed train collision near Wenzhou in Zhejiang Province, the Shanghai Railway Bureau said on Thursday. Having been struck by lightning, the signal system at Wenzhou South Railway Station failed
- [A mentally retarded journalist](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/27/a-mentally-retarded-journalist/) - During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Chinese people complained too. You would just need to be able to read Chinese to see it. Doing so didn't land them in jail as this Brit (I presume) claims in this piece, "London Games will outdo Beijing because of freedom." Breaking Chinese law does. In referring to the 2012
- [CCTV panel criticizing government handling of D301 and D3115 crash](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/27/cctv-panel-criticizing-government-handling-of-d301-and-d3115-crash/) - I have been following the development of the D301 and D3115 bullet train crash in Wenzhou. Following segment is from CCTV of a panel criticizing how the Chinese government has handled the rescue and investigation so far. The burying of train D301's head really doesn't make sense. The panel raises quite a few issues and
- [在梅边 (Beside the Plum Blossom) by 王力宏 (Wang LiHong)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2010/03/10/在梅边-besides-the-plum-blossom-by-王力宏-wang-lihong/) - What happens when you mesh up American style rap with an opera written roughly 500 years ago? This song, "在梅边" ("Beside the Plum Blossom") by 王力宏 (Wang LiHong) draws inspiration from 牡丹亭 (The Peony Pavilion), a play written by Tang Xianzu during the Ming Dynasty(1368 to 1644) using the 昆曲 (Kunqu) style opera and music. The Peony Pavilion
- [【每日歌曲 720HD】"寒江雪" by 储兰兰 and 郑源](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/25/【每日歌曲-720hd】寒江雪-by-储兰兰-and-郑源/) - Some poetry buffs may want to offer a translation for the following song. My take is it is about 'departure' between a couple. The mood of it might resonate with some of you, perhaps over those who departed in the recent train crash and bus accident. The song is neat in combining modern pop and
- [Glenn Greenwald on Western media coverage of Oslo, 'terrorism' is not when the perp is White](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/25/glenn-greenwald-on-western-media-coverage-of-oslo-terrorism-is-not-when-the-perp-is-white/) - [Update: Please see Wukailong remarks in the comments section. He is correct, and my fault for lumping Norwegian media into this supposed 'Western' media madness on this particular issue. To their credit, they are reporting the Oslo shooting and bombing as 'terrorist' acts.] In looking at the New York Times coverage of the Oslo bombing
- [CCTV reports D301's blackbox recovered](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/25/cctv-reports-d301s-blackbox-recovered/) - The Chinese media has been pressing for information relating to why didn't the D301 train stop in time and instead rear-ended the D3115. In the latest press conference over the collision, Ministry of Rail spokesperson Wang Yongping (王勇平) informed the press that the 'blackbox' for the D301 train has been recovered and experts are investigating
- [The U.S. witch hunt against Toyota, and a lesson for foreign corporations?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2010/02/19/the-u-s-witch-hunt-against-toyota-and-a-lesson-for-foreign-corporations/) - [Edit 2/20/2010] People do not remember now, but back in 2007 and 2008, Chinese toys companies were the butt of high profile highly politicized investigations for manufacturing unsafe toys; after formal investigation it turned out most of the recalls were due to fault of U.S. designers - not Chinese manufacturers. "Made in China" was under
- [Bullet trains D301 and D3115 crash in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/24/bullet-trains-d301-and-d3115-crash-in-wenzhou-zhejiang-province/) - A high-speed train (D301) lost drive due to lightning and while stopped, was rammed behind by another high-speed train, D3115. This took place Saturday in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province. China Daily's full coverage below: "At least 35 dead in East China train crash" Death toll has risen to 35 and 210 were injured in atrain crash and derailing accident late Saturday in East China's Zhejiang province. Rescue: Leaders urge all-out efforts Vice premier rushes to scene Aftermath: 23 trains suspended [Update July 24, 2011] Ministry of Rail apologizes. "Ministry apologizes for deadly
- [A Chinese not worthy of Nobel Prize](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/24/a-chinese-not-worthy-of-nobel-prize/) - I remember China launched an ad campaign on Time Square a while back. Other than the well known astronaut, actor, athlete, there is one person that stood out but I doubt anybody knew him at all. His name is Yuan Longping and he is the father of hybrid rice. Here's some of his contribution. There
- [康美之恋 (Kang Mei Zhi Lian) by 谭晶 (Tan Jing): Traditional Chinese medicine made really cool](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2010/03/24/traditional-chinese-medicines-appeal-for-the-21st-century/) - (Tudou.com version) This video is mind-numbingly beautiful, inspiring, and powerful. In the last 24 hours, I have been watching it for a least a dozen times (with the music blasting in my ears on my headphone), and trying to figure out what is in it that has completely mesmerized me. Many of you will recognize
- [Reflecting on the Wikileaks Incident: What It Teaches About "Freedom"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/01/16/reflecting-on-the-wikileaks-incident/) - Before this year really gets going (yes I know I have been out of commission from blogging for a while, a state which may continue for just a while longer), I thought I'd post my own little post reflecting on the Wikileaks incidient - which I think illustrate important issues relating to "freedom." The controversy
- [Short Analogy of the Day on Democracy and Speech](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/21/short-analogy-of-the-day-on-democracy-and-speech/) - Sarcasm intended to add to realism of the Analogy: Speech, human communication, written or verbal, is like p*ssing. It is a biological necessity, we all have to do it sometimes. Done occasionally with "self-control", you ensure that you don't soil yourself. And done properly, the byproduct can be useful, for purpose of fertilizing and growing
- [Baidu China Launches Its Own Browser!](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/20/baidu-china-launches-its-own-browser/) - http://www.favbrowser.com/download-baidu-browser-beta/ I downloaded the free version.
- [(Letter from Pahit Manis) Dave and Hillary blink on human rights](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/20/letter-from-pahit-manis-dave-and-hillary-blink-on-human-rights/) - (This came via email from a reader in Malaysia.) July 18, 2011 By Pahit Manis In a telling sign that human rights are not always a non-negotiable component of democracy - but more of a political weapon (now currently being used against Libya) and a bargaining chip for advantage - Britain’s Prime Minister maintained a
- [Reader cp on China and the West](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/21/reader-cp-on-china-and-the-west/) - Lately, we have focused on propaganda in the Western media. Reader cp made (what I think) are very measured and accurate characterizations of what is happening around us. It is short and to the point, and I simply want to highlight it. As many here have argued in the past, these type of issues need
- [How China is Dealing with the US Bubble Economy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/20/how-china-is-dealing-with-the-us-bubble-economy/) - http://money.cnn.com/2011/07/20/news/international/china_us_debt/ China tells US to get debt under control. If US could take a hint, its politicians should imagine a scenario, where Chinese financial inspectors come to US banks and US government to inspect/audit the accuracy of the books, much like US inspectors inspect Chinese made products for lead in Chinese factories. Crazy? Why not?
- [China Sets to be #1 in Deep Sea Exploration](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/20/china-sets-to-be-1-in-deep-sea-exploration/) - http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304567604576455930556290432.html China sent exploration ship Jiaolong to the Pacific, to test diving depth. (And signally potential to go after the newly discovered rare earth deposit). Barely more than a month after Japan announced discovery of new rare earth mineral deposit in the Pacific seafloor, China test its new submergible ship for new depths. Setting further
- [Propaganda?  NPR reports, "Dalai Lama Wanted 'To Show An Old Friend's Face'"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/19/propaganda-npr-reports-dalai-lama-wanted-to-show-an-old-friends-face/) - The Dalai Lama recently met with U.S. President Obama and news of it made headlines both in China and in the West. I want to first address this point made by some that China shouldn't make a big deal out of this meeting, because after all, China recently met with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and
- [Attacked in Taiwan?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/18/attack-in-taiwan/) - In Oct 2008, while visiting a Confucius temple in Taiwan, Vice Chairman Zhang Mingqing (张铭清) of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait was shoved around and pushed down. However, I would like to point out that he is also the Dean of the school of journalism of the University of Xiamen and is
- [perspectivehere chimes in on "anti-China propaganda"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/17/perspectivehere-chimes-in-on-anti-china-propaganda/) - I have recently posted a number of side-by-side comparisons showing how propagandistic articles (here and here) look like in the U.S. media. These are not mere instances, as I have shown here, based on a study by the PEW Research Center for Excellence in Journalism which systematically looked at coverage of China in the last
- [Ever heard of Justin Yifu Lin?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/15/ever-heard-of-justin-yifu-lin/) - Most people probably don't know him but I believe he is one of the most influential people from Taiwan. Here is a World Policy Institute interview of Justin Yifu Lin, the current Senior Vice President of World Bank. He was appointed on 2008. On another note Zhu Min was appointed deputy managing director at IMF.
- [Russia Today: Sending arms to Libyan rebels is illegal, Western media falsifying reporting](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/15/russia-today-sending-arms-to-libyan-rebels-is-illegal-western-media-falsifying-reporting/) - Russia Today interviews Mahdi Darius Nazemroaya, a researcher at Center for Research for Globalization, about the illegal arming of Libyan rebels. Nazemroaya also tells first hand account of Reuters reporter lying about meeting rebel leaders to give false impression of support by the population in Tripoli.
- [The New/Old Western Religion of Politics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/14/the-newold-western-religion-of-politics/) - In this article, http://nationalinterest.org/article/hegemony-chinese-characteristics-5439, Aaron Friedberg argues essentially, US and China are destined to be hostile to one another because of their differing political ideologies. That argument is often used in the Western perspective. However, it deserves a 2nd look and rethink. The glaring assumption in this view is that China has a "different political ideology" than
- [Some thoughts at 100k](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/14/some-thoughts-at-100k/) - We are about to pass the 100k 'visitors' (metric is not exact science, and I actually suspect it should be 'visits') mark soon, though the map doesn't count our RSS readers traffic. (We are also moving onto a bigger server, so please bear with the recent sluggishness for just a little while longer. There are
- [Zero tolerance for concealing major accidents](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/14/zero-tolerance-for-concealing-major-accidents/) - People's Daily recently published an Op-Ed by He Yong (h/t to Sweet & Sour Socialism), titled, "China needs zero tolerance for concealing major accidents." The original was published in Chinese and subsequently translated into English by the People's Daily Online. If all facts are true, then I agree with He completely. In recent years, there have
- [Can we live without mainstream media?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/21/can-we-live-without-mainstream-media/) - Lately, I have been wondering if it is possible for someone in the West to completely boycott the mainstream media. Obviously, the goal is to be more informed afterwards. For those of you don't think you are in the 'West,' feel free to chime in too. Any of you out there feel you are informed
- [South China Sea Coverage, China Daily versus Reuters, Which is more propagandistic?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/11/south-china-sea-coverage-china-daily-versus-reuters-which-is-more-propagandistic/) - Following is a side-by-side look at how Reuters and China Daily reported on the South China Sea dispute in context of the U.S.-China relations. Again, you will have to decide which media outlet's article is of higher journalistic standard. One thing to bear in mind is that U.S. media almost always refer to the Chinese
- [9-year-old Zhong Chenle (钟辰乐) sings "Memory" on China's Got Talent](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/10/9-year-old-zhong-chenle-钟辰乐-sings-memory-on-chinas-got-talent/) - I dare say, I think I like the boy's version more than Barbra Streisand's. Zhong Chenle says he found the song on his own over the Internet, and his older brother taught him the lyrics. (Tudou.com version)
- [Pew Research Report, "THE U.S. MEDIA ON CHINA"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/07/pew-research-report-the-u-s-media-on-china/) - In January 24, 2011, Pew Research Center's Project on Excellence in Journalism (PEJ) released a report ("THE U.S. MEDIA ON CHINA") analyzing U.S. media coverage of China in the last few years, an ongoing effort started since 1997. The report asked, "When China has made news, what is it Americans are learning about?" That question
- [James Fallows should know better speculating someones death is cultural taboo](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/08/james-fallows-should-know-better-speculating-someones-death-is-cultural-taboo/) - James Fallows is a national correspondent for The Atlantic Monthly and one of the more accomplished journalists in the West. Throughout the years, he has also become a well known "China hand." I have high regards for his views about Western media; he is like a sage. As a Westerner, his views about China are
- [Why WTO Doesn't Matter, Rare Earth Is Only a 2nd Proof.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/06/why-wto-doesnt-matter-rare-earth-is-only-a-2nd-proof/) - http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/06/us-china-rareearth-idUSTRE7651RZ20110706 WTO ruled China's regulations of rare earth mineral quotas as illegal, China promises to comply, but it really doesn't matter, because China is not responsible for China's monopoly on rare earth mineral, and there is little anyone can do to, and really, WTO is toothless. A few weeks ago, my young American newly minted lawyer
- [龙信明 BLOG: "Strauss-Kahn - Politics, Espionage & Journalistic Fraud"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/06/龙信明-blog-strauss-kahn-politics-espionage-journalistic-fraud/) - (DeWang: Following is a well researched analysis of the high profile arrest in the U.S. of former IMF chief, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, and the subsequent falling apart of the prosecutions, sourced in its entirety from the 龙信明 BLOG.) Strauss-Kahn - Politics, Espionage & Journalistic Fraud Another Day in the Life of the US & Israel Editorial Editor's
- [龙信明 Blog: "Ai Weiwei - 'China's Conscience'  And Another Dissident Bites the Dust"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/10/龙信明-blog-ai-weiwei-chinas-conscience-and-another-dissident-bites-the-dust/) - The following article is sourced from the 龙信明 Blog. Ai Weiwei - "China's Conscience" And Another Dissident Bites the Dust The Western media are once again having a field day about the detention of yet another "dissident", this time the artist Ai Weiwei. To hear the New York Times tell it, "Ai Weiwei Takes Role
- [Baidu and Microsoft teams up against Google and a view on censorship](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/05/baidu-and-microsoft-teams-up-against-google/) - Some might wonder how is it possible that Google still commands about 15-20% search market share in China despite its google.cn service essentially shut down there. The reason is because many Chinese netizens, 450 million and growing, are still using google.com for English language searches. Actually, according to Analysys International, a Beijing market research firm,
- [Instances of Use of United States Armed Forces Abroad, 1798-2010, by Richard F. Grimmett, Specialist in International Security](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/04/instances-of-use-of-united-states-armed-forces-abroad-1798-2010-by-richard-f-grimmett-specialist-in-international-security/) - Larry from Bear Canada just passed along a copy of this report detailing instances of use of U.S. armed forces abroad from 1798-2010. Thought it would be interesting to share this with everyone. I've also placed this in the our Recommended Reading List, which is grossly incomplete, but does give some reference to some interesting
- [Shanghai-Beijing Bullet Train Western Media Coverage, a case of Journalism vs. Propaganda](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/07/02/shanghai-beijing-bullet-train-western-media-coverage-a-case-of-journalism-vs-propaganda/) - Journalism is reporting the facts. Today, I was curious how the Western media covered the new high speed rail between Shanghai and Beijing had just gone into service. I searched on Google, and the very first two articles I read had already struck me. One represents what journalism should be and the other was really
- [China's media watchdog, General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP), on blacklisting journalists](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/29/chinas-media-watchdog-general-administration-of-press-and-publication-gapp-on-blacklisting-journalists/) - Xinhua reported official policies announced by the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) where journalists cannot be blacklisted or blocked from reporting. China has over 7,000 papers and magazines in circulation, and this figure is hardly a surprise given the explosive growth in the last three decades in the country. GAPP, having oversight over
- [Cui Tiankai and Kurt Campbell on Asia-Pacific](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/27/cui-tiankai-and-kurt-campbell-on-asia-pacific/) - Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai met with United States Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell in Honolulu few days ago in what is the first official U.S.-China dialog on the Asia Pacific. This meeting came about as a result of the last Strategic & Economics Dialog where both countries decided it was critical they find
- [Jon Stewart and Chris Wallace, sensationalism vs. partisanship](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/27/jon-stewart-and-chris-wallace-sensationalism-vs-partisanship/) - Chris Wallace of Fox News hosted Jon Stewart in a pretty interesting exchange about the state of media in the U.S.. Stewart is a long time critic of Fox News; not as much for the sensationalism, misinformation, and leanings towards conflict which he finds in America's mass media, but the 'partisanship' he thinks Fox News
- [Michael Jackson's 'Beat It,' Mao style](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/21/michael-jacksons-beat-it-mao-style/) - Below is Michael Jackson's "Beat It" dun over heavy editing of a Mao era musical - worth a few laughs I think. The original video footage is here on Tudou (and embedded below). For the many of you who also understand Chinese will notice that the second half of the musical was praising Mao as
- [Yin, Yang and Political System](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/19/yin-yang-and-political-system/) - By Wahaha (cross posted from anti-cnn) If you check the definition of 阴阳 in Wikipedia, you will see the following : “In Chinese philosophy, the concept of yin yang (simplified Chinese: 阴阳; traditional Chinese: 陰陽; pinyin: yīnyáng) is normally referred to in the West as “yin and yang” and is used to describe how polar
- ["Unnatural Selection: Missing Girls, Abortion, and the Perversion of Choice"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/15/unnatural-selection-missing-girls-abortion-and-the-perversion-of-choice/) - I highly recommend heading over to the Shanghai Scrap blog where American writer Adam Minter interviews his friend, Mara Hvistendahl, who has just published the book, "Unnatural Selection: Missing Girls, Abortion, and the Perversion of Choice." To give you an idea of the conversation, I have excerpted a question below. You might want the book
- [It's the economy, stupid.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/15/its-the-economy-stupid/) - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has made another round of public statements about China I thought worthwhile taking a look. As the Chinese become more affluent, I think they will care less and less. But, for now, they do. Reuters reported on Clinton's remarks in her recent trip to Africa, and I would like
- [Kissinger, 'On China,' looking for harmonies in the China-U.S. relationship](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/13/kissinger-on-china-looking-for-harmonies-in-the-china-u-s-relationship/) - I continue to like how Henry Kissinger discusses the China-U.S. relationship; not in the sense that he is capable of articulating the Chinese leaders point of views but much more in a way that seeks for mutual benefits for the two countries. For example, in his discussion on MSNBC couple of weeks ago (video below),
- [Robin Li of Baidu and Bill Gates join hands to combat smoking in China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/11/robin-li-of-baidu-and-bill-gates-join-hands-to-combat-smoking-in-china/) - In early May, China announced a smoking ban in public places and I expressed some pessimism in how fast this will truly take effect. Later, I found a reason to be optimistic. When I saw this news of Robin Li and Bill Gates agreeing to work together between the Baidu Foundation and the Bill and
- [Triumph](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/10/triumph/) - Following is a story of triumph about 高逸峰 (Gao Yifeng) on the wildly popular "中国达人秀" ("China's Got Talent") show. According to the Baike page, Gao once owned a very large business. Through mismanagement, his company went bankrupt. He re-emerged into a much more modest endeavor. Below is my translation of his conversation with the judge
- ['On China,' Henry Kissinger on NPR by Neal Conan and Ted Koppel](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/08/on-china-henry-kissinger-on-npr-by-neal-conan-and-ted-koppel/) - Full transcript here. Also check out Allen's book review. Audio recording accessible through here. Kissinger's warnings to us all must be repeated, in his answer to Conan's following question: CONAN: We just have a couple of minutes left. I wanted to ask you, finally, about a - something you wrote in a Washington Post op-ed
- [Li Na Wins French Open - Becomes First Asian Woman To Win a Grand Slam](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/04/li-na-wins-french-open-becomes-first-asian-woman-to-win-a-grandslam/) - Today Li Na Wins French Open - and in the process becomes First Asian Woman To Win a Grand Slam! Here is a short report from Xinhua: PARIS, June 4 (Xinhua) -- History-making Li Na claimed the first-ever grand slam women's singles title for China and Asia, beating defending champion Francesca Schiavone of Italy 6-4,
- [Mongolian Protests](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/29/mongolian-protests/) - A casual glance of English news bulletins on the web reveal articles such as the following: China cracks down in Inner Mongolia to thwart protests (LA Times) China Clamps Down in Bid to Halt Mongolian Protests‎ (WSJ) China must avoid force in Mongolia: Amnesty (AFP) I am dismayed at the tone of the coverage from
- [牧羊曲 by 张璐 (Zhang Lu) on 古筝 (Gu Zheng)](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/06/02/牧羊曲-by-张璐-zhang-lu-on-古筝-gu-zheng/) - Remember "the Shaolin Temple" mega hit in 1982 starring Jet Li? Following is "牧羊曲" ("Mu Yang qu") performed on a 古筝 (Gu Zheng) by 张璐 (Zhang Lu). (Tudou.com version)
- [Book Review: On China, By Henry Kissinger](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/30/book-review-on-china-by-henry-kissinger/) - Two weeks ago, Henry Kissinger's new book "On China" went on the shelf. I have the honor of being asked recently to review the book. Henry Kissinger - preeminent American political scientist, diplomat, National Security Advisor and later concurrently Secretary of State in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford - requires no
- [Wenchuan reconstruction indeed a miracle](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/28/wenchuan-reconstruction-indeed-a-miracle/) - I was still saddened by the 2008 May 12th earthquake in Sichuan Province while watching the presently airing 10-part series documentary on CCTV. It has also given me a lot of hope and opened my eyes on what is possible. CCTV has every right to call the reconstruction a miracle. Despite the tragedy, in just
- ["We Can Be More Calm in the Face of Hillary’s Accusations"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/26/we-can-be-more-calm-in-the-face-of-hillary’s-accusations/) - (Via The 4th Media, the following is an article on the popular Chinese web site, 环球网 (Huanqiu Web), by 溪兰城 (Xi Lan Cheng), self-described media person in Beijing, translated by Huifang Yu.) During an interview with Atlantic Monthly, Hillary said, “They're worried, and they are trying to stop history, which is a fool's errand. They cannot
- [ABC TV reporter films and angers 'secret agents;' one 'agent' freaks out](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/25/abc-tv-reporter-films-and-angers-secret-agents-one-agent-freaks-out/) - Below is a footage by Stephen McDonell while on assignment for ABC TV's Foreign Correspondent program in China. They were investigating some "underground Christian boom" for airing in Australia. Religion (actually, underground churches) is a sensitive topic, so I can imagine the Chinese government being careful as to not let foreign journalist stir up anything.
- [What says China's criminal procedure law about Ai Weiwei? A Chinese says "Ideological bias clouds Western views"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/24/what-says-chinas-criminal-procedure-law-about-ai-weiwei-a-chinese-says-ideological-bias-clouds-western-views/) - Ai Weiwei appeared in Western headlines again after Xinhua reported Beijing police saying he was under 'house surveillance' and under investigation for tax evasion. (I should mention that while searching for materials for this post, I was struck by the lack of search results on Google on 'Ai Weiwei' from China. Why? I would venture
- [Chen Jia verdict in, life in prison](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/23/chen-jia-verdict-in-life-in-prison/) - The top search on Baidu last Wednesday, May 18th, was 陈家 (Chen Jia), who was expecting a verdict from the Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People's Court; he rammed a stopped car at a traffic light last year while driving drunk at 110km/hour, killing a father, a six year-old girl, and severely injuring the mother. His
- [Jim Hoge of Foreign Affairs Magazine on China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/21/jim-hoge-of-foreign-affairs-magazine-on-china/) - Jim Hoge has been the editor of Foreign Affairs magazine since 1992. He holds the Peter G. Peterson Chair at the Council on Foreign Relations, and is a director of Human Rights Watch and the Foundation for a Civil Society. He is also the chairman of the International Center for Journalists. He recently had this
- ["We Chinese - 我们中国人" by M. Scott Brauer](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/20/we-chinese-我们中国人-by-m-scott-brauer/) - "We Chinese - 我们中国人" by M. Scott Brauer is a glimpse into the minds of the ordinary Chinese. I personally like this form of street photography where the subjects are near where they live, work, or just happens to be. The image themselves give many clues to society. I enjoy this type of work too
- [CCTV Story Board: "Fisherman's theatre"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/21/cctv-story-board-fishermans-theatre/) - While visiting Yangshuo in our China trip last month, we got to see the spectacularly produced Zhang Yimou show, "Impression Liu Sanjie." (I shared some photos in an earlier post.) All the performers on that show were locals. Below is a documentary on the excellent "Story Board" program on CCTV entitled, "Fisherman's theatre." It showcases
- [Scenes from China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/19/scenes-from-china/) - The Atlantic has a nice collection of recent China photos compiled from various sources. A picture is really worth a thousand words often times. I only have minor issues with some of the captions, but in all, the 48 shots give a strong sense of realism in a changing China. Actually, if the Western press
- ["The Economic Collapse of America"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/19/the-economic-collapse-of-america/) - Below is a two-part series made by Aaron Hawkins. I came across his channel on Youtube because he recently talked about the China, South Korea, and Japan efforts in looking into bypassing the USD in their trilateral trade. It appears he has built a small but steady following. Hawkins believes America will collapse economically when
- ['Wolf Clause' bars China-U.S. collaboration on space; China-Russia plans man on Mars by 2040](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/18/wolf-clause-bars-china-u-s-collaboration-on-space-china-russia-plans-man-on-mars-by-2040/) - Xinhua (via China Daily) has just reported Chinese journalists blocked from covering the Endeavor launch due to the 'Wolf Clause.' The clause was introduced into the 2011 budget bill by congressman Frank Wolf and signed into law by President Obama just one month ago. It is unfortunate, because China's scientists have designed some core parts
- [Kunming-Singapore High Speed Railway construction starts](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/17/kunming-singapore-high-speed-railway-construction-starts/) - By 2020, China's FTA with ASEAN nations will get another big boost; a 3,900km high-speed railway system linking China's Kunming through Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia down to Singapore becomes operational and construction has already started. See my hand-drawing in the regional map below to get a sense of scope of this project. China's trade with
- [Translation: Betting on U.S. immigration officials to jump on this illegal "Jasmine Revolution" political refugee business soon](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/16/translation-betting-on-u-s-immigration-officials-to-jump-on-this-illegal-jasmine-revolution-political-refugee-business-soon/) - Couple months ago first words on the Chinese "Jasmine Revolution" appeared on an overseas Chinese political blog, Boxun, and has since led to much media hysteria in the West. Two individuals have come forth claiming credit for this call. Below is my translation of an article written by a Boxun forum user, 华龙(Hua Long), titled,
- [New York Times journalist responds to rebuttal of their 'jasmine ban' story](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/15/new-york-times-journalist-responds-to-rebuttal-of-their-jasmine-ban-story/) - After publishing my prior post, ""Catching Scent of Revolution, China Moves to Snip Jasmine" – Retarded Government or Retarded NYT?" I invited Andrew Jacobs to respond. He did and I want to share it with you. A friend had also written in to list Andrew Jacobs' recent articles at the paper, and I want to
- ["Catching Scent of Revolution, China Moves to Snip Jasmine" - Retarded Government or Retarded NYT?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/13/catching-scent-of-revolution-china-moves-to-snip-jasmine-retarded-government-or-retarded-nyt/) - Is it conceivable that the Chinese government ban the jasmine flower in China? That is exactly what a group of journalists at the New York Times argue in their recent article, "Catching Scent of Revolution, China Moves to Snip Jasmine." I asked Andrew Jacobs, one of the authors if he believed what he wrote? In
- [Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan on Charlie Rose](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/13/treasury-secretary-timothy-geithner-and-chinese-vice-premier-wang-qishan-on-charlie-rose/) - Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan were on Charlie Rose May 9, 2011, and I highly recommend a viewing of their conversation (about 40 minutes). Vice Premier Wang (via interpreter) categorically said that the trade imbalance is not related to the currency issue. Geithner basically agreed, though noting currency valuation is
- [Ai Weiwei petition coverage says more about shoddy journalism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/12/ai-weiwei-petition-coverage-says-more-about-shoddy-journalism/) - Today, I am writing about an article at the San Francisco Chronicle by Andrew S. Ross on a supposed Chinese government denial of service attack on change.org. The article was dated April 28, 2011, entitled, "Change.org attacked after backing China dissident." This date is important, so make a note of it. Because Ai Weiwei is
- [Three years after quake, Sichuan rebuilds](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/11/three-years-after-quake-sichuan-rebuilds/) - Few weeks ago, a China Daily reporter contacted this blog for leads on foreigners working with China in Sichuan's reconstruction. As you know, tomorrow is the three year anniversary of the May 12, 2008 earthquake; I have been looking for reports in the last few days on this topic. The story that brought tears to
- [Full Text of the Third U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialog Closing Remarks](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/11/full-text-of-the-third-u-s-china-strategic-and-economic-dialog-closing-remarks/) - Following the video is the full text of the joint closing remarks to the third U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialog (S&ED) by Secretary of State Clinton, Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geithner, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan, and Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo. I have highlighted where the leaders mentioned specific areas of progress. Secretary of
- [100,000 Strong Initiative taking baby steps](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/10/100000-strong-initiative-taking-baby-steps/) - In the current Strategic and Economic Dialog between U.S. and China, Secretary Clinton reiterated the importance of the 100,000 Strong Initiative. According to the Institute of International Education, there are ten times more Chinese students studying in the U.S. than the other way around. The initiative is to raise the number of Americans studying in
- [Russia Today: Gadhafi wanted gold for oil, not printed money](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/10/russia-today-gadhafi-wanted-gold-for-oil-not-printed-money/) - According to the below Russia Today segment, Gadhafi was trying to mobilize the oil-exporting nations to accept only gold dinars as payment - not printed money. Remember, Libya is part of OPEC, and during the 1973 oil crisis, the organization raised the price of oil dramatically. OPEC has stated their actions were due to hyper-inflation
- [Hillary Clinton and Dai Binguo Remarks at U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue Strategic Track Plenary Session One](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/09/hillary-clinton-and-dai-binguo-remarks-at-u-s-china-strategic-and-economic-dialogue-strategic-track-plenary-session-one/) - The U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue is now officially under way. In this round, the two countries have expanded the agenda to include top level military exchanges. Above are opening remarks by Secretary Hillary Clinton and Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo from the "Strategic Track" (foreign policy). Clinton named a laundry list of initiatives China
- [China Recognized as One of the Top Clean Technology Producers by World Wildlife Fund](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/09/china-recognized-as-one-of-the-top-clean-technology-producers-by-world-wildlife-fund/) - Despite wrestling with tremendous environmental problems associated with developing its economy, China has nevertheless been recognized as one of the top clean technology producers by World Wildlife Fund. This is not a small accomplishment on China's part and is a testament of the continuous effort and progress China is making in this important arena. According
- [Opinion: the Death of Osama Bin Laden, the Ethics of Assassination, and Next Media Animation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/03/the-death-of-osama-bin-laden-the-ethics-of-assassination-and-next-media-animation/) - As you all know, Osama Bin Laden was killed by special U.S. op forces a couple of days ago in Abbottabad, Pakistan. According to Obama's remarks in the immediate aftermath of Bin Laden's death, Osama Bin Laden died in a firefight when he resisted capture. Personally, I am ambivalent about the killing, especially the circumstances of
- [Russia Today, Juliane Assange on Google, Facebook, Guardian, The New York Times, and Media](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/06/russia-today-juliane-assange-on-google-facebook-guardian-the-new-york-times-and-media/) - Regardless of your personal views about Wikileaks exposing secret U.S. documents, you will find this exclusive interview by Russia Today of Juliane Assange fascinating. He also weighs in on Google, Facebook, the Guardian, the New York Times, and media in general. Here is a transcript of the interview [added by Allen May 8, 2011]: Intro
- [When the 'race' gets strong, everybody wants in](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/05/when-the-race-gets-strong-everybody-wants-in/) - Race is a hot issue anywhere on the planet and has been throughout human history. Waves of European immigrants (not to mention those from other continents) have been shunned upon in America's past. After generations they became more accepted. But I am not trying to single out America. This phenomenon probably speaks about human nature
- ["Kauai - The Lost World" by Devin Graham](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/06/kauai-the-lost-world-by-devin-graham/) - Video below is of Kauai taken by Devin Graham, the same island where my family vacationed at last year. My prior post has many pictures taken from some of the same spots as in this video. China too is endowed with many incredibly beautiful landscapes. The difference, however, is that China is now the factory
- ["A River Runs Red in Fujian" and some punishing news](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/05/a-river-runs-red-in-fujian-and-some-punishing-news/) - China Daily has just reported the Longyan Municipal Intermediate People's Court upholding a prior Xinluo District Court ruling fining Zijin Mining for $4.6 million in damages and sentencing the company's former vice president, Chen Jiahong, the company's environmental protection officer, Huang Fucai, and three other company managers to three-year sentences. Zijin Mining was found guilty
- [A call in joining hands to fight climate change](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/04/a-call-in-joining-hands-to-fight-climate-change/) - Climate change is real, and as Laura Tam, the lead author of the just published San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association (SPUR) Report, "Climate change hits home" (PDF), says, it is too late to prevent it entirely, but local communities can still do their part. Her report recommends 30 strategies to mitigate. "Although we
- [South Korea Police raids Google Seoul office](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/03/south-korea-police-raids-google-seoul-office/) - Unlike what most Americans believe, the world outside the U.S. is getting increasingly tiresome of Google's practices. Xinhua has just reported Google's Seoul office raided by police. This was due to suspicion of Google's AdMob unit illegally collecting private mobile user information. Google made many headlines in their confrontation with the Chinese government. See Allen's
- [China's official stance on bin Laden's death, "milestone for anti-terrorism"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/03/chinas-official-stance-on-bin-ladens-death-milestone-for-anti-terrorism/) - Xinhua has officially reported Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu on China's stance to news regarding Osama bin Laden's death. The article said: "China has taken note of the announcement," Jiang said, "We believe the death of Osama bin Laden is a milestone and a positive development for the international anti-terrorism efforts." "Terrorism is the common
- [Dalai Lama at UCLA](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/29/dalai-lama-at-ucla/) - I spent over nine-years at UCLA and am (no surprise here) an avid alum supporter of the institution. Recently, I got wind that the Dalai Lama will be at UCLA next week. A big part of the visit will be Dalai Lama's participating in the symposium "Buddhism and Neuroscience: A Discussion on Attention, Mental Flexibility
- [Having 1 billion MORE, shouldn't China be more anxious in being the #1 economy?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/02/having-1-billion-more-shouldnt-china-be-more-anxious-in-being-the-1-economy/) - Following is Russia Today interviewing Economist Max Fraad Wolff, from The New School in New York, supporting an IMF report saying China's economy will overtake that of the United States in five years on a purchasing-power parity (PPP) basis. This report has stirred up a new wave of discussions around the globe. I liked Wolff's
- [China's public smoking ban regulation in place, but toothless](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/05/02/chinas-public-smoking-ban-regulation-in-place-but-toothless/) - In my recent trip to China, the one thing that I really disliked was the fact that so many people smoked. Not only that, there was a general disregard for non-smokers who do not wish to be second-hand smokers. While on airplanes, buses, and some other places, people observed non-smoking signs well. In restaurants and
- [Tibet's "天路" ("Heaven Road")](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/30/tibets-天路-heaven-road/) - The video below is about the 青藏铁路 (Qingzang railway) connecting Tibet Autonomous Region's Lhasa and Qinghai Province's Xining. Much of the 2000km railway is an engineering marvel. One, for it's 5000 meter elevation and rough terrain and another for where the tracks have to work on top of permafrosts (where the ice could melt depending
- [Ai Weiwei: fighting for justice or freedom of speech?](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/28/ai-weiwei-fighting-for-justice-or-freedom-of-speech/) - Negotiating the way through Ai Weiwei-land and the barrage of mainstream media (msm) and Web opinions, Joni Mitchell’s song, "Both Sides Now," on classic radio comes to mind: Old friends are acting strange they shake their heads say I’ve changed something’s lost, something’s gained. Equanimity is a cop-out in this debate that pivots on black
- [Posner, purveyor of 'human rights,' needs to remember he is not the customer](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/27/posner-purveyor-of-human-rights-needs-to-remember-he-is-not-the-customer/) - I was just reading this New York Times article, "Bleak Outlook for U.S.-China Talks on Human Rights," and the reporter whines about lack of progress. Why can't it keep it short, like the way this China Daily article does it? Honestly I don't have anything constructive to say about the NYT version. Posner surely must
- [Tsinghua University Professor Yan Xuetong: "How Assertive Should a Great Power Be?"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/25/tsinghua-university-professor-yan-xuetong-how-assertive-should-a-great-power-be/) - Yan Xuetong is professor of political science and dean of the Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing. He is the author of “Ancient Chinese Thought, Modern Chinese Power.” His new book became available on April 3, 2011 and can be ordered through places like Amazon. Below is an Op-Ed he authored
- [How to win the hearts and minds of 1.3 billion Chinese people](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/24/how-to-win-the-hearts-and-minds-of-1-4-billion-chinese-people/) - Serenade Chairman Mao and pay homage to the Communist Party as Nigerian born Uwechue Emmanuel (in Chinese, 郝歌 (Hao Ge)) managed to do on CCTV through popular Chinese song, "草原上升起不落的太阳." Chinese people love their motherland and harmony. Intonation must be impeccable. Race is irrelevant. (Tudou.com version here)
- [A bit more texture in my recent trip to China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/22/a-bit-more-texture-in-my-recent-trip-to-china/) - This is the last sequence of photos I will be sharing to hopefully give a bit more texture about China. My family traveled to Guilin and Beijing for a bit over two weeks. We really enjoyed ourselves and were impressed with the pace of changes, especially in Beijing. I took the photo below while on
- [West Considers History Amnesia Pill Law](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/21/west-considers-history-amnesia-pill-law/) - In the Spirit of stretching political issues to the ridiculous, such as https://hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/china-bans-time-travel/, I bring the doom and gloom news that while China is banning the still non-existent technology of time travel, the West is considering banning history or any memory of it, especially those periods not appealing to any citizens. http://paidcontent.org/article/419-europe-is-debating-a-right-to-forget-law-so-what-does-that-mean/ Around the same
- ["China bans time travel"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/19/china-bans-time-travel/) - No kidding! I am still deciding whether this is funny. Google search this phrase, "China bans time travel," and it will yield the following (results around April 19, 2011 22:50pm PST): Chinese censors attack 'frivolous' time travel dramas Telegraph.co.uk - Andrew Hough - ‎Apr 15, 2011‎ Television dramas with plots involving time travel could be banned by the
- [A More Holistic Approach to Improving the Human Condition](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2010/05/01/a-holistic-approach-to-improving-the-human-condition/) - Last week, I ran across an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal about the stumbles Bill Gates' venerable $700 million effort to help eradicate Polio has taken in Africa. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is recognized as the largest charitable institution in history and perhaps the most important as well. Time Magazine recognized
- [Imagine your obnoxious neighbor giving you an "F" grade for parenting](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/19/imagine-your-obnoxious-neighbor-giving-you-an-f-grade-for-parenting/) - Imagine your obnoxious neighbor giving you an "F" grade for parenting. He is the richest and has the neighborhood's gangsters loyal to him. What do you do? He has even molested some children in your neighborhood. There is a reason why the annual "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices" by the United States is formulated
- [Guilin culinary delights](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/12/guilin-culinary-delights/) - If you visit China and end up eating at an average or below average restaurant, pretend the kitchen doesn't exist. Do not venture back there. However, I was really happy to see this during lunch today. The restaurant exposes the kitchen to the full view of their patrons. I was told this restaurant chain is
- [Great Wall, Bird Nest, and Water Cube](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/17/great-wall-bird-nest-and-water-cube/) - We took a day tour yesterday visiting the Great Wall at Badaling and then to the Olympics compound. In between, we'd also stopped by a wax museum featuring the Ming Dynasty period. While learning about the Ming, I noticed many important historic events taking place in and around Beijing. I really wished I had brushed
- [An evening at Beijing's Qianmen Dajie](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/15/an-evening-at-beijings-qianmen-dajie/) - My family spent the evening strolling Qianmen Dajie today and had Peking Duck at the famous Quanjude Restaurant (全聚德). The restaurant was established in 1864. Dignitaries from around the world visit it. I took the above photo of Qianmen which faces Qianmen Dajie. On the other side of it is Tiananmen Square. If you ever
- [Beijing Wangfujing under blue skies](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/14/beijing-wangfujing-under-blue-skies/)
- [A hint of the European invaders and looters in Forbidden City](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/13/a-hint-of-the-european-invaders-and-looters-in-forbidden-city/) - Western travelers will likely wonder why these gold platings were scraped off in water vessels throughout Forbidden City. This is the last visible hint in Forbidden City that still remains today of the European invaders. The Yuanmingyuan (another location) remains in complete ruins as a reminder to the Chinese people. Each time some auction house
- [Visitors to Forbidden City](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/13/visitors-to-forbidden-city/) - Obvioulsy, Forbidden City requires no introduction. My family spent the day there today. For now, I'd simply like to share photos I took of some visitors there. I have collected more QQ numbers, including from the parents of the two boys below. They are from Wenzhou, Zhejiang province. Couple of my college friends were from
- [Gmail, respect jurisdiction or accept blockage](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/12/gmail-respect-jurisdiction-or-accept-blockage/) - Over the past week and a half, I have been accessing my Gmail account from within China at various places. Since Google insinuated the service being interfered with by the Chinese government, I thought I report first hand what I experienced. While in Guilin, I only could connect couple of times in hotels without resorting
- [A night cruise in Guilin](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/11/a-night-cruise-in-guilin/) - Yesterday we took a boat cruise from the Li River and meandered into a bunch of lakes in Guilin. The night scene is pretty amazing. This tour is primary geared towards Chinese travelers. Below are the riyue ta (sun-moon pagodas). Our hotel is just a block away.
- [Faces of Guilin](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/09/faces-of-guilin/) - Today, we spent the whole day at Guilin's Qixing Gongyuan (Seven Star Park). Former U.S. President Bill Clinton visited this park and gave a speech on environmentalism there. Guilin is a Tier 2 city in southwestern China where growth is primarily driven by tourism. Locals and tourists from other parts of China frequent the park.
- [Conversation with a Chinese auto-worker on fighting graft](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/07/conversation-with-a-chinese-auto-worker-on-fighting-graft/) - While taking a river boat cruise from Guilin down to Yangshuo yesterday, I had an interesting conversation with a fellow traveler; in fact, a Chinese auto-worker who is from Nanjing. I asked him about Nanjing's development, expecting him to tell me about the city's robust growth as in other tier 1 cities. Bear in mind
- [An evening at Zhang Yimou's folk musical, "Impression Liu Sanjie"](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/07/an-evening-at-zhang-yimous-folk-musical-impression-liu-sanjie/) - Yesterday I had the good fortune of spending the evening at Zhang Yimou's folk musical, "Impression Liu Sanjie." The stage itself is on the Li River in Yangshuo with mountains in the backdrop. The visuals are breath-taking. If you are familiar with Zhang Yimou's movies, you might know that the director is also famous for
- [清明节 (Qingming Festival), paying respect to the ancestors](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/05/清明节-qingming-festival-paying-respect-to-the-ancestors/) - April 5th is officially 清明节 (Qingming Festival). It is a Chinese tradition to pay respect to ancestors and make symbolic offerings so they have a better after-life. This tradition is accompanied by "扫墓" or sweeping of the tomb. Today, I was able to witness this tradition as practiced in Guilin with my wife's side of
- [All happy on the Wangfujing front](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/04/03/all-happy-on-the-wangfujing-front/) - As I was strolling through Wangfujing today, I couldn't help but recall reading the tense "crack downs" narrated in the Western media over a possible Jasmine Revolution in China. Honestly, I was hoping to snap a few shots of some BBC journalist lurking around, but they were nowhere to be seen. I suppose they have
- [The New York Times Paywall](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/2011/03/31/the-new-york-times-paywall/) - As many of you already know, the New York Times is now requiring people to "pay" for their content. Actually, it's a little more complicated then that. While NYT wants to realize additional revenues for their content, they also don't want to chase away too many people and have the effect of reducing advertising revenue.

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- [08 Constitution Charter](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/08-constitution-charter/)
- [1989](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/1989/)
- [2008](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/2008/)
- [2008 beijing olympics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/2008-beijing-olympics/)
- [2008 beijing paralympics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/2008-beijing-paralympics/)
- [512](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/512/)
- [6/4](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/64/)
- [92 consensus](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/92-consensus/)
- [activism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/activism/)
- [Add new tag](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/add-new-tag/)
- [ads](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ads/)
- [advertising](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/advertising/)
- [Afghanistan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/afghanistan/)
- [africa](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/africa/)
- [age fixing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/age-fixing/)
- [airline](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/airline/)
- [alliance](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/alliance/)
- [america](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/america/)
- [American](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/american/)
- [American culture](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/american-culture/)
- [american policy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/american-policy/)
- [amnesty international](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/amnesty-international/)
- [Anti-intellectualism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/anti-intellectualism/)
- [apple](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/apple/)
- [architecture](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/architecture/)
- [arms sales](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/arms-sales/)
- [art](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/art/)
- [ASEAN](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/asean/)
- [Asia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/asia/)
- [Asian Currency](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/asian-currency/)
- [Asian Pacific Post](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/asian-pacific-post/)
- [athletes](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/athletes/)
- [australia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/australia/)
- [authoritarianism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/authoritarianism/)
- [auto](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/auto/)
- [baby formula](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/baby-formula/)
- [balance](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/balance/)
- [banquet](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/banquet/)
- [BBC](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/bbc/)
- [beida](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/beida/)
- [Beijing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/beijing/)
- [beijing air](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/beijing-air/)
- [Beijing Olympics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/beijing-olympics/)
- [belief systems](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/belief-systems/)
- [berlin wall](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/berlin-wall/)
- [bias](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/bias/)
- [Bird's Nest](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/birds-nest/)
- [blacks](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/blacks/)
- [blog](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/blog/)
- [blog4china](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/blog4china/)
- [Blue Sky](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/blue-sky/)
- [bolshoi ussuriyskiy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/bolshoi-ussuriyskiy/)
- [border dispute](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/border-dispute/)
- [boycott](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/boycott/)
- [buildings](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/buildings/)
- [bus](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/bus/)
- [business](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/business/)
- [butterfly](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/butterfly/)
- [caijing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/caijing/)
- [California](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/california/)
- [calligraphy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/calligraphy/)
- [canada](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/canada/)
- [capitalism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/capitalism/)
- [carbon trading](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/carbon-trading/)
- [cargo ship sinks](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cargo-ship-sinks/)
- [carnegie](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/carnegie/)
- [cat's eye](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cats-eye/)
- [CCP](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ccp/)
- [CDM](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cdm/)
- [censorship](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/censorship/)
- [censorshp](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/censorshp/)
- [cession](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cession/)
- [charity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/charity/)
- [Chas Freeman](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chas-freeman/)
- [chen shui bian](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chen-shui-bian/)
- [Chen Shuibian](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chen-shuibian/)
- [chengdu](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chengdu/)
- [child](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/child/)
- [children](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/children/)
- [chimerica](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chimerica/)
- [China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china/)
- [china and africa](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china-and-africa/)
- [China and Japan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china-and-japan/)
- [China bashing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china-bashing/)
- [China stock market](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china-stock-market/)
- [China Witness](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china-witness/)
- [China Witness: Voices from a Silent Generation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china-witness-voices-from-a-silent-generation/)
- [china's banking system](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinas-banking-system/)
- [China's collapse](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinas-collapse/)
- [china's currency reserves](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinas-currency-reserves/)
- [china's economy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinas-economy/)
- [china's future](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinas-future/)
- [china's migrant workers](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinas-migrant-workers/)
- [china's peaceful rise](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinas-peaceful-rise/)
- [china's regulatory system](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinas-regulatory-system/)
- [china-u.s. relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china-us-relations/)
- [Chinese](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese/)
- [Chinese American](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-american/)
- [Chinese antithetical couplet](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-antithetical-couplet/)
- [Chinese attitude](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-attitude/)
- [chinese civil society](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-civil-society/)
- [Chinese Communist Part](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-communist-part/)
- [Chinese culture](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-culture/)
- [chinese cusine](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-cusine/)
- [chinese economy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-economy/)
- [chinese film](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-film/)
- [chinese food](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-food/)
- [Chinese goverment](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-goverment/)
- [Chinese Government](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-government/)
- [Chinese gymnasts](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-gymnasts/)
- [Chinese identity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-identity/)
- [chinese immigrants](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-immigrants/)
- [chinese imperial art](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-imperial-art/)
- [chinese justice system](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-justice-system/)
- [Chinese landlords](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-landlords/)
- [Chinese language](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-language/)
- [Chinese media](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-media/)
- [chinese nationalism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-nationalism/)
- [Chinese neighbours](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-neighbours/)
- [chinese netizen](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-netizen/)
- [Chinese People](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-people/)
- [Chinese Writer](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-writer/)
- [Chinese xenophobia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-xenophobia/)
- [Christianity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/christianity/)
- [cinema](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cinema/)
- [civil society](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/civil-society/)
- [civilization](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/civilization/)
- [civilizations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/civilizations/)
- [class warfare](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/class-warfare/)
- [climate change](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/climate-change/)
- [collectivism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/collectivism/)
- [comments](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/comments/)
- [comments about foolsmountain](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/comments-about-foolsmountain/)
- [commercial](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/commercial/)
- [communication](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/communication/)
- [communism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/communism/)
- [communist](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/communist/)
- [Communist Party](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/communist-party/)
- [compensation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/compensation/)
- [Compton](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/compton/)
- [computer](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/computer/)
- [conflict](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/conflict/)
- [confucianism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/confucianism/)
- [confucius institute](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/confucius-institute/)
- [Congo](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/congo/)
- [Copenhagen](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/copenhagen/)
- [corruption](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/corruption/)
- [counter](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/counter/)
- [CPP](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cpp/)
- [creativity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/creativity/)
- [crime](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/crime/)
- [Crisis](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/crisis/)
- [cross strait relationship](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cross-strait-relationship/)
- [cross-cultural communication](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cross-cultural-communication/)
- [cross-straight politics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cross-straight-politics/)
- [cross-straight relationship](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cross-straight-relationship/)
- [cross-strait](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cross-strait/)
- [cross-strait politics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cross-strait-politics/)
- [cross-straits relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cross-straits-relations/)
- [cultural differences](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cultural-differences/)
- [cultural identity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cultural-identity/)
- [cultural preservation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cultural-preservation/)
- [Cultural Revolution](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cultural-revolution/)
- [culture shock](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/culture-shock/)
- [currency](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/currency/)
- [currency manipulation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/currency-manipulation/)
- [cyber security](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cyber-security/)
- [dalai lama](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/dalai-lama/)
- [darfur](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/darfur/)
- [debate](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/debate/)
- [democracy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/democracy/)
- [democratic progress party](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/democratic-progress-party/)
- [democratic progressive party](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/democratic-progressive-party/)
- [demographics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/demographics/)
- [demonization dehumanization cats pets western propaganda China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/demonization-dehumanization-cats-pets-western-propaganda-china/)
- [Deng Xiaoping](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/deng-xiaoping/)
- [developing country](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/developing-country/)
- [development](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/development/)
- [diaoyutai](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/diaoyutai/)
- [diplomacy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/diplomacy/)
- [direct flights](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/direct-flights/)
- [Disaster Relief](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/disaster-relief/)
- [discontent](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/discontent/)
- [discussion](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/discussion/)
- [dissent](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/dissent/)
- [dissident](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/dissident/)
- [dizi](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/dizi/)
- [documentary](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/documentary/)
- [dollar](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/dollar/)
- [domestic manufacturing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/domestic-manufacturing/)
- [donation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/donation/)
- [donghai](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/donghai/)
- [doping](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/doping/)
- [dpp](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/dpp/)
- [earth quake](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/earth-quake/)
- [earthquake](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/earthquake/)
- [East](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/east/)
- [economic crisis](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/economic-crisis/)
- [economic development](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/economic-development/)
- [economic reform](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/economic-reform/)
- [economics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/economics/)
- [effect](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/effect/)
- [embezzlement](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/embezzlement/)
- [endangered species](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/endangered-species/)
- [energy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/energy/)
- [engineering](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/engineering/)
- [english](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/english/)
- [epistemology](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/epistemology/)
- [equality](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/equality/)
- [eswn](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/eswn/)
- [ethics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ethics/)
- [ethnic politics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ethnic-politics/)
- [ethnic problems](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ethnic-problems/)
- [ethnic relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ethnic-relations/)
- [ethnic relations in China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ethnic-relations-in-china/)
- [ethnicities](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ethnicities/)
- [ethnicity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ethnicity/)
- [EU](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/eu/)
- [exchange rate](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/exchange-rate/)
- [expats](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/expats/)
- [experience](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/experience/)
- [exploitation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/exploitation/)
- [face](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/face/)
- [fair trade](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/fair-trade/)
- [Falun Gong](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/falun-gong/)
- [family](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/family/)
- [family planning](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/family-planning/)
- [family relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/family-relations/)
- [featured](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/featured/)
- [fertility](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/fertility/)
- [Fiat](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/fiat/)
- [Fifty Cent Party](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/fifty-cent-party/)
- [filter](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/filter/)
- [finance](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/finance/)
- [financial crisis](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/financial-crisis/)
- [financial disclosure](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/financial-disclosure/)
- [flag](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/flag/)
- [FLG](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/flg/)
- [flight](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/flight/)
- [flu](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/flu/)
- [Folk Music](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/folk-music/)
- [Folklore](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/folklore/)
- [food](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/food/)
- [food safety](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/food-safety/)
- [foolsmountain anniversary](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/foolsmountain-anniversary/)
- [Forbidden City](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/forbidden-city/)
- [foreign activists](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/foreign-activists/)
- [foreign devil](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/foreign-devil/)
- [foreign devils](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/foreign-devils/)
- [foreign exchange reserves](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/foreign-exchange-reserves/)
- [foreign policy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/foreign-policy/)
- [foreigner](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/foreigner/)
- [foreigners](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/foreigners/)
- [formula](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/formula/)
- [foxconn](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/foxconn/)
- [France](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/france/)
- [free](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/free/)
- [free speech](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/free-speech/)
- [freedom](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/freedom/)
- [freedom of speech](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/freedom-of-speech/)
- [frontline](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/frontline/)
- [FTA](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/fta/)
- [fuel](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/fuel/)
- [fuloong](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/fuloong/)
- [future of tibet](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/future-of-tibet/)
- [g2](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/g2/)
- [g20](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/g20/)
- [G8](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/g8/)
- [game](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/game/)
- [GDP](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/gdp/)
- [gender](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/gender/)
- [generation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/generation/)
- [generation gap](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/generation-gap/)
- [genocide](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/genocide/)
- [geopolitics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/geopolitics/)
- [German](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/german/)
- [Get LuckY](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/get-lucky/)
- [GFW](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/gfw/)
- [global](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/global/)
- [global economic crisis](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/global-economic-crisis/)
- [global economy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/global-economy/)
- [global financial crisis](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/global-financial-crisis/)
- [global recession](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/global-recession/)
- [global warming](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/global-warming/)
- [globalism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/globalism/)
- [gold medal](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/gold-medal/)
- [Google](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/google/)
- [goverment](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/goverment/)
- [government](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/government/)
- [government credibility](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/government-credibility/)
- [government officials](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/government-officials/)
- [government spending](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/government-spending/)
- [Great Leap Forward](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/great-leap-forward/)
- [Great Wall](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/great-wall/)
- [green dam](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/green-dam/)
- [green house gas](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/green-house-gas/)
- [greeting](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/greeting/)
- [grieving parents](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/grieving-parents/)
- [guanxi](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/guanxi/)
- [guiyang](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/guiyang/)
- [Guizhou](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/guizhou/)
- [gymnast](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/gymnast/)
- [gymnastics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/gymnastics/)
- [gymnasts](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/gymnasts/)
- [H1N1](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/h1n1/)
- [hacker](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hacker/)
- [hackers](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hackers/)
- [Han](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/han/)
- [Han chauvinism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/han-chauvinism/)
- [Han racism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/han-racism/)
- [happiness](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/happiness/)
- [Happy New Year](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/happy-new-year/)
- [harmonious society](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/harmonious-society/)
- [He Kexin](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/he-kexin/)
- [health](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/health/)
- [healthcare](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/healthcare/)
- [healthcare reform in china](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/healthcare-reform-in-china/)
- [hexiazi island](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hexiazi-island/)
- [Hiati](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hiati/)
- [high-speed rail](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/high-speed-rail/)
- [HK](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hk/)
- [Hollywood](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hollywood/)
- [hong kong](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hong-kong/)
- [hope](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hope/)
- [hospitality](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hospitality/)
- [housing bubble](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/housing-bubble/)
- [HSR](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hsr/)
- [Hua Goufeng](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hua-goufeng/)
- [huizhou](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/huizhou/)
- [human bias](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/human-bias/)
- [human perception](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/human-perception/)
- [humor](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/humor/)
- [hush money](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hush-money/)
- [ideals](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ideals/)
- [identity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/identity/)
- [ideologies](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ideologies/)
- [ideology](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ideology/)
- [IMF](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/imf/)
- [immigrant](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/immigrant/)
- [inaugural address](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/inaugural-address/)
- [incident](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/incident/)
- [india](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/india/)
- [India vs China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/india-vs-china/)
- [India-China comparision](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/india-china-comparision/)
- [individualism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/individualism/)
- [industrial espionage](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/industrial-espionage/)
- [infrastructure](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/infrastructure/)
- [innovation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/innovation/)
- [insurance](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/insurance/)
- [insurgency](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/insurgency/)
- [international agreement](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/international-agreement/)
- [international intervention](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/international-intervention/)
- [international politics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/international-politics/)
- [international relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/international-relations/)
- [Internationalist](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/internationalist/)
- [internet](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/internet/)
- [internet attack](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/internet-attack/)
- [Internet censorship](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/internet-censorship/)
- [internet mob](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/internet-mob/)
- [interview](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/interview/)
- [intuition](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/intuition/)
- [investment](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/investment/)
- [iPhone Girl](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/iphone-girl/)
- [Iran](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/iran/)
- [Iraq](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/iraq/)
- [Islam](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/islam/)
- [Israel](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/israel/)
- [japan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/japan/)
- [Japanese](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/japanese/)
- [Jasmine Flower](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/jasmine-flower/)
- [John Huntsman](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/john-huntsman/)
- [journals](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/journals/)
- [judism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/judism/)
- [July 5](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/july-5/)
- [June 4](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/june-4/)
- [justice](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/justice/)
- [kadeer](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/kadeer/)
- [karmapa](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/karmapa/)
- [Killing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/killing/)
- [KMT](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/kmt/)
- [Korea](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/korea/)
- [kyoto protocol](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/kyoto-protocol/)
- [landlords](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/landlords/)
- [Laobaixing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/laobaixing/)
- [laowai](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/laowai/)
- [law](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/law/)
- [law of the sea](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/law-of-the-sea/)
- [leaders](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/leaders/)
- [Lee Kuan Yew](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/lee-kuan-yew/)
- [legal](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/legal/)
- [Lhasa](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/lhasa/)
- [Li Bai](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/li-bai/)
- [Li Qiaoming](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/li-qiaoming/)
- [liberalism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/liberalism/)
- [liberty](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/liberty/)
- [Lin Miaoke](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/lin-miaoke/)
- [Literature](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/literature/)
- [loongson](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/loongson/)
- [losar](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/losar/)
- [lost treasures](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/lost-treasures/)
- [Lou Jing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/lou-jing/)
- [Ma Ying-jeou](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ma-ying-jeou/)
- [ma yingjiu](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ma-yingjiu/)
- [Made in China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/made-in-china/)
- [Mainland](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mainland/)
- [mainland investment](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mainland-investment/)
- [malaysia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/malaysia/)
- [Mao](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mao/)
- [Mao Amin](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mao-amin/)
- [mao zedong](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mao-zedong/)
- [Maoism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/maoism/)
- [Maoist](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/maoist/)
- [mass incident](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mass-incident/)
- [math](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/math/)
- [mccain](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mccain/)
- [McDull](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mcdull/)
- [medal count](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/medal-count/)
- [media accuracy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/media-accuracy/)
- [media bias](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/media-bias/)
- [media control](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/media-control/)
- [mega-projects](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mega-projects/)
- [Melbourne International Film Festival](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/melbourne-international-film-festival/)
- [mianzi](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mianzi/)
- [michael jackson](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/michael-jackson/)
- [Military](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/military/)
- [military parade](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/military-parade/)
- [milk](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/milk/)
- [milk powder](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/milk-powder/)
- [mime](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mime/)
- [minorities](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/minorities/)
- [miscommunication](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/miscommunication/)
- [missile](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/missile/)
- [mitbbs](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mitbbs/)
- [model](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/model/)
- [modernization](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/modernization/)
- [modernization effort](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/modernization-effort/)
- [monk](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/monk/)
- [Morakot](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/morakot/)
- [moral vacuum](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/moral-vacuum/)
- [morality](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/morality/)
- [morin khurr](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/morin-khurr/)
- [mourn](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mourn/)
- [movie](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/movie/)
- [Mumbai](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mumbai/)
- [names](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/names/)
- [Nation Building](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/nation-building/)
- [national bird](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/national-bird/)
- [national character](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/national-character/)
- [national day](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/national-day/)
- [National Palace Museum](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/national-palace-museum/)
- [national stadium](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/national-stadium/)
- [nationalism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/nationalism/)
- [Naxal](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/naxal/)
- [nba](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/nba/)
- [NED](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ned/)
- [needling](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/needling/)
- [neo-colonialism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/neo-colonialism/)
- [New Architeture](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/new-architeture/)
- [new star](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/new-star/)
- [Nobel](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/nobel/)
- [Nobel peace prize Hu Jia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/nobel-peace-prize-hu-jia/)
- [nobel prize](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/nobel-prize/)
- [nonverbal](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/nonverbal/)
- [norms](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/norms/)
- [nytimes](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/nytimes/)
- [obama](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/obama/)
- [obama visit](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/obama-visit/)
- [official chinese characters](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/official-chinese-characters/)
- [oil](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/oil/)
- [Old Hundred Names](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/old-hundred-names/)
- [Olymics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/olymics/)
- [Olympic](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/olympic/)
- [Olympic protest](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/olympic-protest/)
- [olympics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/olympics/)
- [one-child](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/one-child/)
- [online](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/online/)
- [Opening Ceremony](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/opening-ceremony/)
- [opening up](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/opening-up/)
- [opium war](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/opium-war/)
- [oppression](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/oppression/)
- [organ harvesting](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/organ-harvesting/)
- [overseas](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/overseas/)
- [overseas chinese](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/overseas-chinese/)
- [overseas democracy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/overseas-democracy/)
- [Panchen Lama](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/panchen-lama/)
- [panda diplomacy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/panda-diplomacy/)
- [paralympics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/paralympics/)
- [parity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/parity/)
- [Parks](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/parks/)
- [passport](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/passport/)
- [patriotism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/patriotism/)
- [Paul Krugman](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/paul-krugman/)
- [peaceful and harmonious society](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/peaceful-and-harmonious-society/)
- [peaceful rise](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/peaceful-rise/)
- [peasant](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/peasant/)
- [peasants](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/peasants/)
- [Pendarvis](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/pendarvis/)
- [perspective](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/perspective/)
- [petition](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/petition/)
- [Pew global attitude survey](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/pew-global-attitude-survey/)
- [photo](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/photo/)
- [pla](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/pla/)
- [plight of chinese minorities](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/plight-of-chinese-minorities/)
- [poem](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/poem/)
- [police](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/police/)
- [police brutality](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/police-brutality/)
- [Policy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/policy/)
- [political activism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/political-activism/)
- [political correctness](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/political-correctness/)
- [political ideology](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/political-ideology/)
- [political reform](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/political-reform/)
- [pollution](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/pollution/)
- [polution](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/polution/)
- [population control](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/population-control/)
- [post games](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/post-games/)
- [PR](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/pr/)
- [prejudice](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/prejudice/)
- [presidential politics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/presidential-politics/)
- [Prime Minister Samak](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/prime-minister-samak/)
- [Prize](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/prize/)
- [processor](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/processor/)
- [product safety](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/product-safety/)
- [propaganda](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/propaganda/)
- [Protest](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/protest/)
- [protest zones](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/protest-zones/)
- [Protesters](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/protesters/)
- [protests](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/protests/)
- [psychology](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/psychology/)
- [public education](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/public-education/)
- [public opinion](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/public-opinion/)
- [public relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/public-relations/)
- [quality control](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/quality-control/)
- [quality product](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/quality-product/)
- [race](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/race/)
- [race nation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/race-nation/)
- [Race relationship](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/race-relationship/)
- [racial](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/racial/)
- [racial prejudice](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/racial-prejudice/)
- [racial terms](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/racial-terms/)
- [racism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/racism/)
- [racist](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/racist/)
- [rank](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rank/)
- [real estate](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/real-estate/)
- [real-name](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/real-name/)
- [Rebiya Kadee](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rebiya-kadee/)
- [Rebiya Kadeer](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rebiya-kadeer/)
- [recent graduates in china](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/recent-graduates-in-china/)
- [reform](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/reform/)
- [regulation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/regulation/)
- [relief](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/relief/)
- [renmingbi](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/renmingbi/)
- [report](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/report/)
- [Republic Of China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/republic-of-china/)
- [restaurant](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/restaurant/)
- [revolution](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/revolution/)
- [Richard Gere](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/richard-gere/)
- [rightist](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rightist/)
- [riot](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/riots/)
- [rise of china](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rise-of-china/)
- [RMB](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rmb/)
- [Robert Compton](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/robert-compton/)
- [rocket](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rocket/)
- [rocks](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rocks/)
- [Rovism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rovism/)
- [Rudyard Kipling](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rudyard-kipling/)
- [rule of law](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rule-of-law/)
- [rumor](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rumor/)
- [Russia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/russia/)
- [russia - china relationship](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/russia-china-relationship/)
- [Sanlu](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sanlu/)
- [sarkozy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sarkozy/)
- [Satire](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/satire/)
- [scandal](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/scandal/)
- [science](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/science/)
- [SCMP](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/scmp/)
- [Scooter](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/scooter/)
- [segway](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/segway/)
- [Self-determination](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/self-determination/)
- [sensivitity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sensivitity/)
- [separatism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/separatism/)
- [serf emancipation day](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/serf-emancipation-day/)
- [service](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/service/)
- [Shanghai](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/shanghai/)
- [shenzhen](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/shenzhen/)
- [shenzhou](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/shenzhou/)
- [shugden](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/shugden/)
- [sichuan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sichuan/)
- [Sichuan earthquake](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sichuan-earthquake/)
- [sichuan earthquake commemoration](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sichuan-earthquake-commemoration/)
- [Silverware](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/silverware/)
- [simplified chinese](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/simplified-chinese/)
- [Singapore](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/singapore/)
- [singing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/singing/)
- [sino-french relationship](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sino-french-relationship/)
- [Sino-Indian relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sino-indian-relations/)
- [sixfour](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sixfour/)
- [smog](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/smog/)
- [smuggling](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/smuggling/)
- [soccer](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/soccer/)
- [social inequality](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/social-inequality/)
- [social values](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/social-values/)
- [society](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/society/)
- [soft power](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/soft-power/)
- [Sondhi Limthongkul](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sondhi-limthongkul/)
- [song](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/song/)
- [South China Morning Post](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/south-china-morning-post/)
- [South Ossetia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/south-ossetia/)
- [southern weekly](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/southern-weekly/)
- [sovereignty](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sovereignty/)
- [space program](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/space-program/)
- [sparrow](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sparrow/)
- [sports](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sports/)
- [standards](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/standards/)
- [star ensemble singing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/star-ensemble-singing/)
- [statistics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/statistics/)
- [stereotype](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/stereotype/)
- [stimulus](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/stimulus/)
- [students](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/students/)
- [sudan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sudan/)
- [suicide](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/suicide/)
- [survey](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/survey/)
- [survivor](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/survivor/)
- [swine flu](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/swine-flu/)
- [synchronized swimming](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/synchronized-swimming/)
- [table manners](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/table-manners/)
- [Tai Chi](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tai-chi/)
- [tainted food](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tainted-food/)
- [taiwan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/taiwan/)
- [taiwan business visionary](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/taiwan-business-visionary/)
- [Taiwanese minorities](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/taiwanese-minorities/)
- [TAM](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tam/)
- [Telegraph](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/telegraph/)
- [tent](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tent/)
- [terrorism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/terrorism/)
- [Terry Gou](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/terry-gou/)
- [texas](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/texas/)
- [thailand](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/thailand/)
- [the Beijing Olympics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/the-beijing-olympics/)
- [the role of military](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/the-role-of-military/)
- [the West](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/the-west/)
- [Thoughts on a Still Night](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/thoughts-on-a-still-night/)
- [three links](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/three-links/)
- [tiananmen](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tiananmen/)
- [Tianjin](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tianjin/)
- [tianya](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tianya/)
- [tibet](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tibet/)
- [Tibet China Dialogue](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tibet-china-dialogue/)
- [tibetan conference](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tibetan-conference/)
- [tibetan people](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tibetan-people/)
- [Tom Miller](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tom-miller/)
- [tony blair](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tony-blair/)
- [torch](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/torch/)
- [torch relay](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/torch-relay/)
- [tourism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tourism/)
- [tourist](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tourist/)
- [trade imbalance](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/trade-imbalance/)
- [traditional chinese](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/traditional-chinese/)
- [translation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/translation/)
- [transparency](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/transparency/)
- [travel](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/travel/)
- [travelogue](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/travelogue/)
- [trip](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/trip/)
- [Tsien](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tsien/)
- [Tsinghua](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tsinghua/)
- [Typhoon Morakot](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/typhoon-morakot/)
- [u.s.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s/)
- [U.S. China Relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-china-relations/)
- [U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-china-strategic-and-economic-dialogue/)
- [uighur](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/uighur/)
- [Uighurs](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/uighurs/)
- [uigur](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/uigur/)
- [underage gymnasts](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/underage-gymnasts/)
- [unification](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/unification/)
- [united](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/united/)
- [united nations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/united-nations/)
- [Urumqi](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/urumqi/)
- [US](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/us/)
- [US election](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/us-election/)
- [US-Sino Relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/us-sino-relations/)
- [USA](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/usa/)
- [Uyghur](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/uyghur/)
- [Uyghurs](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/uyghurs/)
- [uygur](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/uygur/)
- [valentine's day](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/valentines-day/)
- [values](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/values/)
- [village](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/village/)
- [violence](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/violence/)
- [virus](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/virus/)
- [wang lixiong](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/wang-lixiong/)
- [wang qianyuan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/wang-qianyuan/)
- [wang xizhe](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/wang-xizhe/)
- [wang yang](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/wang-yang/)
- [war](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/war/)
- [Wen Jiabao](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/wen-jiabao/)
- [wengan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/wengan/)
- [Wenzhou](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/wenzhou/)
- [West](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/west/)
- [western](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/western/)
- [western media](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/western-media/)
- [white](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/white/)
- [who](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/who/)
- [who holds the purse](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/who-holds-the-purse/)
- [woeser](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/woeser/)
- [women](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/women/)
- [worker's rights](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/workers-rights/)
- [World](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/world/)
- [world economy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/world-economy/)
- [World Uighur Congress](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/world-uighur-congress/)
- [World War 2](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/world-war-2/)
- [wto](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/wto/)
- [wwii](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/wwii/)
- [xiao](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/xiao/)
- [Xiaokang survey](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/xiaokang-survey/)
- [Xinjian](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/xinjian/)
- [xinjiang](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/xinjiang/)
- [XinJiang ethnic riots](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/xinjiang-ethnic-riots/)
- [Xinran](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/xinran/)
- [xintai mental institute scandal](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/xintai-mental-institute-scandal/)
- [Yang Jia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yang-jia/)
- [Yang Peiyi](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yang-peiyi/)
- [Yearning](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yearning/)
- [yo-yo ma](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yo-yo-ma/)
- [youth](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/youth/)
- [yuan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yuan/)
- [yuan peg](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yuan-peg/)
- [yunlin](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yunlin/)
- [Zhang Donhong](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/zhang-donhong/)
- [Zhao](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/zhao/)
- [Zhao Ziyang](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/zhao-ziyang/)
- [Zhou Enlai](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/zhou-enlai/)
- [中国](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/中国/)
- [外国人](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/外国人/)
- [天津](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/天津/)
- [奥运会](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/奥运会/)
- [开幕式](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/开幕式/)
- [毛阿敏](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/毛阿敏/)
- [渴望](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/渴望/)
- [老外](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/老外/)
- [老百姓](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/老百姓/)
- [茉莉花](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/茉莉花/)
- [言外之意](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/言外之意/)
- [面子](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/面子/)
- [鬼佬](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/鬼佬/)
- [鬼子](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/鬼子/)
- [u.s.-china relationship](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-china-relationship/)
- [u.s. presidential politics](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-presidential-politics/)
- [u.s. economy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-economy/)
- [u.s.-china bilateral relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-china-bilateral-relations/)
- [u.s. president](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-president/)
- [sino-u.s. relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sino-u-s-relations/)
- [u.s. debt](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-debt/)
- [u.s.-china military relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-china-military-relations/)
- [china-u.s. relations](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china-u-s-relations/)
- [56 ethnic groups](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/56-ethnic-groups/)
- [freedom of press](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/freedom-of-press/)
- [U.S. Presidential Election](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-presidential-election/)
- [shen xue](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/shen-xue/)
- [zhao hong bo](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/zhao-hong-bo/)
- [Vancouver](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/vancouver/)
- [Figure Skating](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/figure-skating/)
- [Toyota](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/toyota/)
- [Ford](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ford/)
- [Auto Recall](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/auto-recall/)
- [Accidents](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/accidents/)
- [Xenophobia](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/xenophobia/)
- [Protectionism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/protectionism/)
- [Yan Xuetong](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yan-xuetong/)
- [George Kennan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/george-kennan/)
- [Yao Shujie](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yao-shujie/)
- [Cooperatition](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cooperatition/)
- [Industrial Revolution](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/industrial-revolution/)
- [Urbanization](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/urbanization/)
- [Have and Have-nots](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/have-and-have-nots/)
- [Chinese Century](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-century/)
- [Red Scare](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/red-scare/)
- [U.N. Clean Development Mechanism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-n-clean-development-mechanism/)
- [carbon market](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/carbon-market/)
- [carbon emissions](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/carbon-emissions/)
- [在梅边](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/在梅边/)
- [王力宏](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/王力宏/)
- [牡丹亭](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/牡丹亭/)
- [The Peony Pavilion](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/the-peony-pavilion/)
- [Weapons Sale](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/weapons-sale/)
- [LTML](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ltml/)
- [Interference](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/interference/)
- [humanity](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/humanity/)
- [governance](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/governance/)
- [weapons proliferation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/weapons-proliferation/)
- [developed vs. developing world](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/developed-vs-developing-world/)
- [yen revaluation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yen-revaluation/)
- [plaza accord](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/plaza-accord/)
- [陈海汶](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/陈海汶/)
- [Chen HaiWen](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chen-haiwen/)
- [google.cn](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/google-cn/)
- [Opium Wars](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/opium-wars/)
- [Kangmei](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/kangmei/)
- [herbal medicine](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/herbal-medicine/)
- [康美之恋](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/康美之恋/)
- [Geely](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/geely/)
- [Volvo](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/volvo/)
- [yuan valuation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yuan-valuation/)
- [globalization](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/globalization/)
- [trade imbalalance](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/trade-imbalalance/)
- [balance of account](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/balance-of-account/)
- [ip law](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ip-law/)
- [copyright](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/copyright/)
- [stephen a. roach](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/stephen-a-roach/)
- [u.s.-china trade](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-china-trade/)
- [chinese censorship](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinese-censorship/)
- [social media](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/social-media/)
- [Qinghai Earthquake](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/qinghai-earthquake/)
- [China disaster donation guide](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china-disaster-donation-guide/)
- [中国红十字会](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/中国红十字会/)
- [Red Cross Society of China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/red-cross-society-of-china/)
- [中国扶贫基金会](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/中国扶贫基金会/)
- [China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china-foundation-for-poverty-alleviation/)
- [华彦钧](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/华彦钧/)
- [阿炳](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/阿炳/)
- [Huà Yànjūn](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hua-yanjun/)
- [Abing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/abing/)
- [二泉映月](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/二泉映月/)
- [Moon Reflected on Second Spring](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/moon-reflected-on-second-spring/)
- [Qiao Xinsheng](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/qiao-xinsheng/)
- [中国博客](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/中国博客/)
- [探索和谐](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/探索和谐/)
- [欢迎你](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/欢迎你/)
- [Shanghai World Expo 2010](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/shanghai-world-expo-2010/)
- [上海世博会](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/上海世博会/)
- [lang lang](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/lang-lang/)
- [上海世博会 2010](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/上海世博会-2010/)
- [polio](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/polio/)
- [bill and melinda gates foundation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/bill-and-melinda-gates-foundation/)
- [world health](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/world-health/)
- [vaccination](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/vaccination/)
- [中庸](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/中庸/)
- [Confucius](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/confucius/)
- [孔子](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/孔子/)
- [Doctrine of the Mean](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/doctrine-of-the-mean/)
- [African American](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/african-american/)
- [Asian American](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/asian-american/)
- [robbery](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/robbery/)
- [do no evil](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/do-no-evil/)
- [internet marketing](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/internet-marketing/)
- [格玛](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/格玛/)
- [Ge Ma](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ge-ma/)
- [钟丽燕](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/钟丽燕/)
- [Zhong Liyan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/zhong-liyan/)
- [趙聰](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/趙聰/)
- [Zhao Cong](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/zhao-cong/)
- [于紅梅](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/于紅梅/)
- [Yu Hong-Mei](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yu-hong-mei/)
- [琵琶](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/琵琶/)
- [pipa](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/pipa/)
- [erhu](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/erhu/)
- [二胡](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/二胡/)
- [月舞](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/月舞/)
- [Moon Dance](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/moon-dance/)
- [india's envy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/indias-envy/)
- [zhang weiwei](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/zhang-weiwei/)
- [U.S.-China Strategic & Economic Dialogue](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-china-strategic-economic-dialogue/)
- [american press](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/american-press/)
- [u.s. media](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-media/)
- [SED](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sed/)
- [Clinton](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/clinton/)
- [Geithner](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/geithner/)
- [COMAC](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/comac/)
- [C919](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/c919/)
- [ARJ21](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/arj21/)
- [中国商用飞机有限责任公司](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/中国商用飞机有限责任公司/)
- [Cheonan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cheonan/)
- [Baekryong Island](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/baekryong-island/)
- [Lee Myung-bak](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/lee-myung-bak/)
- [North Korea](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/north-korea/)
- [South Korea](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/south-korea/)
- [DPRK](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/dprk/)
- [ROK](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rok/)
- [foreign reserve](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/foreign-reserve/)
- [foxconn suicides](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/foxconn-suicides/)
- [Gulf of Tonkin](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/gulf-of-tonkin/)
- [Stephen Gowans](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/stephen-gowans/)
- [北斗卫星导航系统](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/北斗卫星导航系统/)
- [Beidou](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/beidou/)
- [COMPASS](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/compass/)
- [GPS](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/gps/)
- [Galileo](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/galileo/)
- [Dong Fang Hong](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/dong-fang-hong/)
- [东方红](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/东方红/)
- [Ming Dizhu](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ming-dizhu/)
- [Claire Lee Chennault](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/claire-lee-chennault/)
- [Flying Tigers](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/flying-tigers/)
- [John Woo](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/john-woo/)
- [Red Cliff](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/red-cliff/)
- [Three Kingdoms](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/three-kingdoms/)
- [Dianne Feinstein](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/dianne-feinstein/)
- [U.S. Weapons Sales](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-weapons-sales/)
- [中国互联网状况](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/中国互联网状况/)
- [The Internet in China](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/the-internet-in-china/)
- [中国互联网络信息中心](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/中国互联网络信息中心/)
- [China Internet Network Information Center](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china-internet-network-information-center/)
- [CINIC](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cinic/)
- [King Ashoka](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/king-ashoka/)
- [stupa](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/stupa/)
- [Taj Mahal](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/taj-mahal/)
- [karate kid](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/karate-kid/)
- [jackie chan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/jackie-chan/)
- [杨澜](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/杨澜/)
- [Yang Lan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yang-lan/)
- [Hillary Clinton](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hillary-clinton/)
- [希拉里](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/希拉里/)
- [Zhang Monan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/zhang-monan/)
- [Mohatma Gandhi](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mohatma-gandhi/)
- [Martin Luther King Jr.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/martin-luther-king-jr/)
- [Civil Disobedience](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/civil-disobedience/)
- [Henry David Thoreau](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/henry-david-thoreau/)
- [Walden Pond](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/walden-pond/)
- [Ai Weiwei](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ai-weiwei/)
- [Dagon Global Credit Rating Co.](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/dagon-global-credit-rating-co/)
- [Moody's](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/moodys/)
- [Standard and Poor's](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/standard-and-poors/)
- [sovereign credit rating](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/sovereign-credit-rating/)
- [大公国际资信评估有限公司](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/大公国际资信评估有限公司/)
- [Intel](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/intel/)
- [Intel Capital](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/intel-capital/)
- [China Investment Corporation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china-investment-corporation/)
- [U.S. media hypocricy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-media-hypocricy/)
- [carbon emission](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/carbon-emission/)
- [china economy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/china-economy/)
- [Dragon Heart Charitable Foundation](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/dragon-heart-charitable-foundation/)
- [成龙](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/成龙/)
- [MIT](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mit/)
- [United Nations Environment Programme](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/united-nations-environment-programme/)
- [Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/renewable-energy-policy-network-for-the-21st-century/)
- [REN21](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ren21/)
- [WSJ](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/wsj/)
- [Huawei](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/huawei/)
- [U.S. Protectionism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-protectionism/)
- [Xun Zi](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/xun-zi/)
- [阎学通](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/阎学通/)
- [normative hierarchical order](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/normative-hierarchical-order/)
- [荀子](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/荀子/)
- [Chen Sisi](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chen-sisi/)
- [陈思思](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/陈思思/)
- [亲亲的中国人](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/亲亲的中国人/)
- [Dear Chinese People](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/dear-chinese-people/)
- [U.S. Military Bases Map](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/u-s-military-bases-map/)
- [美军基地](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/美军基地/)
- [WW2](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/ww2/)
- [Colonialism](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/colonialism/)
- [JAL Boeing 747](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/jal-boeing-747/)
- [Hong Kong Tak Airport](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hong-kong-tak-airport/)
- [Newsy](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/newsy/)
- [Rosa Sow](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rosa-sow/)
- [赵聪](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/赵聪/)
- [于红梅](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/于红梅/)
- [Yu HongMei](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yu-hongmei/)
- [陈悦](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/陈悦/)
- [Chen Yue](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chen-yue/)
- [王宏伟](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/王宏伟/)
- [Wang Hongwei](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/wang-hongwei/)
- [夜来香](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/夜来香/)
- [Evening Primrose](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/evening-primrose/)
- [Zhang Yan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/zhang-yan/)
- [张燕](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/张燕/)
- [Li XiangLan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/li-xianglan/)
- [李香蘭](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/李香蘭/)
- [Yoshiko Otaka](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yoshiko-otaka/)
- [Yoshiko Yamaguchi](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/yoshiko-yamaguchi/)
- [Liu Wei](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/liu-wei/)
- [China's Got Talent](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/chinas-got-talent/)
- [Marriage D'amour](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/marriage-damour/)
- [Rolando Mendoza](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/rolando-mendoza/)
- [Philippines](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/philippines/)
- [Hong Kong Tourist Hostage](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hong-kong-tourist-hostage/)
- [Orville Schell](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/orville-schell/)
- [月滿西樓](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/月滿西樓/)
- [Li Qingzhao](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/li-qingzhao/)
- [AHA](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/aha/)
- [American Humanist Association](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/american-humanist-association/)
- [Separation of Church and State](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/separation-of-church-and-state/)
- [Fan Gang](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/fan-gang/)
- [梦回佤乡](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/梦回佤乡/)
- [Dreaming Back to the Wa Village](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/dreaming-back-to-the-wa-village/)
- [Hip Pop](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hip-pop/)
- [李清照](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/李清照/)
- [童丽](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/童丽/)
- [Tong Li](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/tong-li/)
- [Robert Zoellick](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/robert-zoellick/)
- [World Bank](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/world-bank/)
- [the world mapper](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/the-world-mapper/)
- [Danny Dorling](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/danny-dorling/)
- [University of Sheffield](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/university-of-sheffield/)
- [Mark Newman](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/mark-newman/)
- [University of Michigan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/university-of-michigan/)
- [cartogram](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/cartogram/)
- [Nagasaki](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/nagasaki/)
- [Hiroshima](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/hiroshima/)
- [nuclear bomb](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/nuclear-bomb/)
- [valuation of yuan](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/valuation-of-yuan/)
- [trade deficit](https://blog.hiddenharmonies.org/tag/trade-deficit/)