Mar. 7,
2018
ISSUE
No. 124
AMS Weekly Newsletter
Dedicated to the development of the future stewards of U.S.-China relations
In this week's newsletter we focus on two recently released reports, a chengyu used by Xi Jinping during the 120th anniversary of the birth of Zhou Enlai, and Chinese netizen responses to the announced constitutional changes which will allow an extended stay in office for Xi Jinping.
Weekly Readings
 
In the last week, several big reports and documents were published in English and Chinese. For the annual two sessions, we have the Report on the Work of the Government delivered by Premier Li Keqiang to the National People's Congress. From the Japanese National Institute for Defense Studies, the annual China Security Report was issued. This year's report focuses on U.S.-China relations and the implications for Japan.


俗语 in Xi Jinping's Speeches

忍辱负重
rěn rǔ fù zhòng

Meaning: to suffer humiliation in order to carry out an important mission

On March 1, Xi Jinping gave a speech commemorating the 120th anniversary of the birth of Zhou Enlai. The Central Committee symposium, chaired by Li Keqiang, focused on drawing lessons from Zhou's life and character. This chengyu was used when talking about Zhou Enlai's experience during and after the Cultural Revolution.

Original:  在"文化大革命"极端复杂的特殊环境中，周恩来同志作出了常人难以想象的努力，忍辱负重，苦撑危局，维护党和国家正常工作运转，尽一切可能减少损失。

Job Opportunity 

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C.  is currently recruiting scientists and engineers (fluent in Chinese!) from industry and academia who are interested in pursuing a career in intellectual property law.  No experience in IP law is needed. Advanced degrees (master or doctorate) and/or industry experience required in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or an equivalent discipline. 

More details regarding this position are available here.

Social Media Watch

Much like their Western counterparts, Chinese netizens had mixed reactions to the announced PRC constitutional amendments that will allow Xi Jinping to extend his stay in office beyond two terms. 

In light of the announcement, past memes featuring fictional children's character  Winnie the Pooh (a reference to Xi's round visage) were repurposed on Weibo last week to include both crown and throne. Ever vigilant, Chinese censors took swift action to block the memes. 

Xi Jinping Can Now Stay in Office After Second Term - Weibo Responds

How China reacted to the idea of indefinite rule by Xi, in memes

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