July 14,
2015

ISSUE
No. 50

AMS Weekly Newsletter
Supporting the development of the future stewards of U.S.-China relations
And...we're back!
After a month of travels we are back in action. We will re-start up our events, podcasts, and related activities again and keep your Chinese from [further] atrophying. 
And make sure to check out the great job opportunity at the end of this newsletter!

Weekly Readings

Since our last newsletter the most positive developments in U.S.-China relations stemmed from the completion of the S&ED. The 127 (!) outcomes can be found here:

But the news this week is of a different tone.  Chinese authorities have detained roughly 100 lawyers who have acted as attorneys in rights defense cases. One particular target was the Fengrui law firm, whose principals, including Zhou Shifeng, repeatedly took on sensitive cases like defending human rights activists. As the news became public knowledge, the Xinhua and the People's Daily carried an article justifying the detention of the lawyers, who reportedly were causing distu rbances to the public order. The article's publication suggests a coordinated effort that consequently probably will impact U.S.-China relations.

Social Media Watch

As the stock market continues swing, individual investors are venting their anger and frustration online. Wouldn't it be nice if these virtual wails could be shown in real-time with the movements of the Shanghai stock exchange? He Dian in Shenzhen thought so. He is now hosting the website Tangu (弹股), which does just that. Follow the market and commentary at 

俗语 in Xi Jinping's  Speeches

 

三股势力 

sān gǔ  shì lì 

 

Xi Jinping gave a speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Ufa, Russia, where he used a phrase that is not really a chengyu, but more of a policy term, 三股势力. This refers to 3 threats to stability and development in the region: violent extremism, ethnic separatism, and religious fundamentalism. 

 

Original: 

同时,也要看到,受国际和地区形势动荡、"三股势力"沆瀣合流、地区国家经济下行压力加大等内外因素影响,本地区安全稳定和经济发展都遇到相当多的困难和挑战,上海合作组织发展面临的外部形势不容乐观。

Source:http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2015-07/10/c_1115889105.htm


Documentary of the Week

The huge drop on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and Beijing's massive intervention, have been watched intently across the globe. In one sense, this stock bubble bursting speaks to the nationalization of risk, because powerful interests are clamouring for succor. This week's documentary is a VOA broadcast on this week's events and Chinese responses. Events are still unfolding, but they are testing how far Chinese understanding of economics has come at the uppermost leve ls of policymaking beyond the specialists.

Job of the Week

The U.S-China Education Trust (USCET), a wonderful non-profit organization, is looking for a  Program Manager for it's DC headquarters. The position  "is USCET's lead manager for grants, programs and outreach, playing a central role in the organization's development, administration, and evaluation of its programming." Great opportunity for China hands in DC!
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