June 13,
2014

ISSUE
No. 13

AMS Weekly Newsletter
Supporting the development of the future stewards of U.S.-China relations
美国中文同学会领导精英培训项目
There will not be a newsletter next week, as we will be in China for our inaugural AMS Leadership Development Program with the Central Party School, Peking University, and the China Executive Leadership Academy of Pudong. The program is the first of its kind and will be conducted entirely in Chinese. It is focused on giving bilingual, mid-career Americans deeper insight into the Chinese policy environment. Special thanks to the Ford Foundation and the Albright Stonebridge Group for support!
Weekly Readings
 
Ever since Xi Jinping came into power, reform has been the name of the game. The lengthy reform objectives published after the CCP's Third Plenum placed a large set of issues on the Premier Li Keqiang's agenda, and
Weibo Watch
 
Writer and weibo "BigV" Li Kaifu is giving parenting advice that has become the number 4 post on weibo. In his post and associated article, Li argues that parents who over-pressure or control their children are doing more
harm than good. Instead he suggests that parents show confidence in their children and guide them into healthy and successful lives.

The message and popularity of the post are interesting because they seem to reaffirm what Evan Osnos argues in his book "Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China." That is, paraphrasing Osnos, while American parents are wondering if they have something to learn from China's "tiger parents", Chinese parents are now looking to western styles of parenting.

Many of the netizens seem to agree that what they see as "traditional" parenting stifles creativity, which they say is critical for success. "Western" styles of parenting on the other hand are seen to foster both creativity and self-confidence.

This brings up the question though, what are "western" styles of parenting? How much is this perceived "western" style of parenting just a collection of stereotypes? Obviously not everyone in the west has easy going parents who have complete confidence in their kids, just as not every parent in China is a "tiger parent." These questions are worth looking into.

See it here
俗语 in Xi Jinping's speeches

群贤毕至
q�n xi�n b� zh�

Translation: the arrival or gathering of distinguished guests
讲话情景: 6月9日,习近平在中国科学院第十七次院士大会、中国工程院第十二次院士大会上的讲话

说明: Xi Jinping gave a speech a couple days ago at the Chinese Academy of Sciences encouraging greater technological and scientific innovation. This was one of Xi's more in-depth expositions of his views on the role innovation and science have had and should have in Chinese historical development. He opened his speech with this 成语which is a useful one to know if you are speaking in front of an august group.

原文: 各位院士,同志们,朋友们: 今天,群英荟萃,群贤毕至,中国科学院第十七次院士大会、中国工程院第十二次院士大会开幕了。有机会同大家见面,感到十分高兴。首先,我代 表党中央、国务院,对两院院士大会的召开,表示衷心的祝贺!向两院院士和全国广大科技工作者,表示诚挚的问候!向前来参加会议的外籍院士和国际科学界的朋 友们,表示热烈的欢迎!
 
Documentary of the Week
 
Here is an interesting piece that was brought to our attention by Bill Bishop in his Sinocism newsletter (google it and sign up!). This is a piece called 我是延安人and features some early interviews with Xi Jinping.  

Highlighted Job Opportunity 
 
The Maryland China Initiative at the University of Maryland College Park is currently seeking an English/Mandarin-speaking program assistant. This is a great opportunity to be engaged with US-China relations in a bilingual work environment. There will also be opportunities through this position to get involved with the American Mandarin Society.  Responsibilities include  providing programming support and logistic support.

Qualifications: Ideal candidates are U.S. permanent resident, U.S. citizens, or candidates with OPT employment authorization of at least 6 months remaining; Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred; academic/professional background in international affairs, public policy, education preferred;outstanding communication skills in English; Mandarin proficiency preferred; ideal candidate must be comfortable with facilitating teaching in a professional setting, and be willing to work with both Chinese and American professionals; driver's license a must.

Please email your resume, available time frame, and current legal status to leibao.umd@gmail.com if interested. Make sure to mention that you are an AMS member. 
Support the American Mandarin Society!

If you appreciate the effort we put into organizing Chinese-language policy events, providing robust language and policy resources on our website, and the kind of content you see in this newsletter, please consider supporting us with a tax-deductible contribution--every bit helps!
The American Mandarin Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Join Our Mailing List
Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   LinkedIn

Copyright � 2014. All Rights Reserved.