Feb. 21,
2018

ISSUE
No. 122

AMS Weekly Newsletter
Dedicated to the development of the future stewards of U.S.-China relations
In this week's newsletter we focus on Chinese innovation, a suyu used by Xi Jinping on February 14, and the confirmation hearing of Assistant Secretary of State Susan Thornton. Watch your inbox tomorrow for an announcement about the selection of our 2018 AMS Next-Generation Scholars!
Weekly Readings
 
For most people, the question of whether China can innovate has been settled. Companies that may have begun with a dependence on foreign technology or expertise developed their own techniques and technology to compete internationally. Chinese venture capitalists now are active on a global scale. And the party-state continues to incentivize and guide research and engineering in strategic industries. This week's readings show the change in China by looking at the careers of a number of scientists .



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Here is the document itself:


俗语 in Xi Jinping's Speeches

前人栽树、后人乘凉
qián rén zhòng shù,hòu rén chéng liáng

Meaning: The preceding generation plants trees, the subsequent generations can stay cool in the shade; working for the benefit of future generations

Xi Jinping used this suyu to encourage the current generation to resolutely continue the struggle for the long-term rejuvenation of China and the happiness of its people. This phrase may also be useful in reminding younger generations of the sacrifices already made by preceding generations. He used this in his State Council Chinese New Year meeting speech on February 14. This is a useful phrase that should be fairly easy to remember. 

Original:  奋斗是长期的,前人栽树、后人乘凉,伟大事业需要几代人、十几代人、几十代人持续奋斗。


Video of the Week

Acting Assistant Secretary of State Susan Thornton had her long-awaited confirmation hearing last week. Her short comments perhaps are typical of a nominee, but she deals with some tough questions from different senators. The entire hearing, including the other State and Energy Department officials up for confirmation, is worthwhile. But the questions of Ms. Thornton indicate the shifting foundations of U.S. policy toward China and the kinds of issues that attra ct the attention of senators.


Thornton's Statement begins around 35:45
Senator Menendez's questions begin around 1:23
Senator Rubio's questions begin around 128:10

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