China
Anti-Asian racism harming US interests
Author: Zhiqun Zhu, Bucknell University
In June 1982, Vincent Chin was beaten by two white men in Detroit at a time when the Japanese auto industry was becoming highly competitive in the United States. Chin, a Chinese-American, was assumed Japanese and fatally attacked by the two laid-off autoworkers. Almost 40 years later on 27 September 2020, Tadataka Unno, a Japanese pianist in New York City, was chased and knocked to the ground by a group of teenagers shouting anti-Chinese slurs. He was hospitalised with a broken collarbone.
The United States has a history of anti-Asian racism. In the second half of the 19th century, the Chinese immigrants were the targets of racism, including the lynching of Chinese in Los Angeles in 1871 and mass killings of Chinese in Rock Springs, Wyoming by white mobs in 1885. In 1882, US Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, which prohibited the immigration of Chinese labourers to the United States. Chinese immigrants were blamed for depressed wages and rising unemployment and were considered carriers of disease. Following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, about 120,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated in concentration camps between 1942 and 1946 by President Franklin Roosevelt’s executive order.
Anti-Asian racism is once again on the rise in the United States. Since his election in 2016, President Donald Trump has repeatedly incited racism across the board, most infamously calling Mexican immigrants ‘drug dealers, criminals and rapists’.
The United States is now leading the world in both positive cases and deaths from COVID-19. Over 9 million Americans — including Trump himself — had been infected and over 230,000 had died by the end of October 2020. But instead of reflecting on his own policy failures, Trump is conveniently blaming China and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the country’s poor handling of the pandemic.
The Trump administration’s irresponsible and intentional use of the terms ‘Chinese virus’ and ‘kung flu’ is fuelling anti-Asian racism. Amid COVID-19, verbal and physical attacks on Asian Americans are rising. More than 2500 such attacks were reported between mid-March and early August 2020 according to Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition that tracks anti-Asian discrimination.
On 17 September 2020, the US House of Representatives voted to pass a bill condemning anti-Asian sentiment amid the pandemic, with all 164 votes against coming from Trump’s fellow Republicans. Following the legislation’s passing, Congresswoman Grace Meng — who introduced the bill — received racist abuse.
The toxic political climate is making it difficult for the United States to maintain normal educational and cultural exchanges with other countries. In August 2020, the University of North Texas (UNT) abruptly cancelled its visa program for 15 visiting Chinese scholars who receive funding from the Chinese government-supported Chinese Scholarship Council. These scholars must now return to China — a decision which sparked thousands from the UNT community to sign a petition to reverse the move to no avail.
As part of its ‘China Initiative’ to counter alleged Chinese espionage, the US Department of Justice stepped up efforts to screen Chinese scholars and students at airports for suspected spying. US border agents carried out 1147 searches of Chinese nationals’ electronic devices in 2019 — a 66 per cent increase from the previous year. The number of searches conducted on people of all nationalities rose by only 23 per cent over the same period.
Not all US schools have turned hostile to international students or academic exchanges — many maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward racism. A professor at the University of Missouri was relieved of teaching in August for making inappropriate remarks to a Chinese student. In response to finding out the student was from Wuhan, the professor said ‘let me get my mask on’. Despite his apology, many found the comment xenophobic.
A professor at Syracuse University and a professor at the University of Cincinnati were also placed on administrative leave for calling the coronavirus the ‘Chinese Communist Party virus’ or ‘Chinese virus’.
The Trump administration’s unfriendly approach toward international students is undermining US soft power and global leadership as many international students have become disillusioned and are looking for opportunities in other countries. Its sweeping ‘espionage’ claims against Chinese students and its decision to terminate the Fulbright programs in…
Business
Business Update: Southern Sun Reports Earnings Growth; China Stimulates Property Market – News24
Southern Sun reports increased earnings, attributed to growth in the hospitality sector, while China’s property market receives a boost, reflecting economic recovery and renewed investor confidence.
Southern Sun Earnings Surge
Southern Sun has reported a significant increase in its earnings, showcasing solid financial performance amid evolving market conditions. This growth highlights the company’s resilience and adaptability to changing consumer demands, positioning it well for future opportunities in the hospitality industry.
China’s Property Market Recovery
In a bid to rejuvenate its economy, China has introduced measures to boost its property market. These initiatives aim to stabilize real estate prices and encourage investment, which is crucial for maintaining economic momentum. The government’s commitment to supporting the sector reflects its understanding of the industry’s importance in overall economic health.
Broader Economic Implications
The rise in Southern Sun’s earnings and China’s proactive approach to revitalizing its property market indicate broader economic trends. Investors and stakeholders are keenly observing these developments, as they may signal recovery and growth opportunities in both the hospitality and real estate sectors. The collaboration between local businesses and governmental actions will be pivotal in shaping future economic landscapes.
Source : Business brief | Southern Sun sees earnings rise; China boosts its property market – News24
China
Vietnam’s Approach to China: A Balance of Cooperation and Struggle
Vietnam’s diplomatic strategy seeks a balance of cooperation and struggle with China, focusing on strengthening ties while resisting encroachments in the South China Sea through military enhancements and regional partnerships.
Vietnam’s Diplomatic Strategy
Vietnam’s diplomatic approach seeks to maintain a delicate balance between cooperation and struggle with China. While concerned about China’s growing influence, particularly in the South China Sea, Hanoi focuses on strengthening its economic and political ties. This effort involves military enhancements, fostering relationships with regional powers, and engaging in frequent political dialogues. By skillfully navigating relations with major powers, Vietnam aims to protect its sovereignty and foster stability amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Recent Developments and Implications
Hanoi’s diplomatic maneuvering has drawn attention, particularly regarding key visits like Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam’s August 2024 trip to China. Although there are apprehensions about a potential shift in Vietnam’s alignment due to To Lam’s background in public security and his anti-corruption initiatives, it is premature to predict any significant changes in policy. Vietnam’s leaders must continuously seek a balance between peaceful coexistence with China and safeguarding national sovereignty.
Economic Interdependence and Military Modernization
Vietnam’s strategy involves fostering economic interdependence with China while simultaneously resisting encroachments. This paradigm of “cooperation and struggle” enables Hanoi to cultivate beneficial ties in economic, political, and security domains. By leveraging its geographical advantage and connections, Vietnam enhances its economic ties while countering threats through military modernization and cooperation with regional partners. This nuanced approach allows Vietnam to welcome trade, particularly amidst shifting dynamics from the US-China trade war, ensuring continued foreign direct investment and growth in key sectors.
Source : Cooperation and struggle define Vietnam’s approach to China
China
2025 Schedule of Public Holidays in China
China’s 2025 public holiday schedule increases holidays by two days, with an 8-day Spring Festival and a 5-day Labor Day. Adjustments address public frustration, though long work periods persist. Notably, weekends are often designated as workdays to balance extended breaks.
China has released its 2025 Public Holiday schedule. Compared to 2024, the number of public holidays for all citizens has increased by two days, specifically for Lunar New Year’s Eve and May 2nd.
The announcement also clarifies the adjusted holiday arrangements, stating that the continuous work period before and after statutory holidays generally should not exceed six days, except for certain special circumstances.
According to the notice, in 2025, the Spring Festival will have an 8-day holiday, the Labor Day holiday will last 5 days, and the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival will jointly have 8 days off.
China has long been considered one of the least generous countries in terms of public holidays. Additionally, people have expressed frustration over the complicated adjustments to holiday and working days that are meant to create longer breaks. The newly introduced changes are expected to address these concerns to some extent.
Beyond the newly introduced changes, China’s 2025 public holiday schedule still features two major week-long holidays: Spring Festival (also known as Chinese New Year) and the National Day holiday (often called ‘Golden Week’).
In 2025, the Spring Festival falls between January 28 and February 4, and the National Day holiday, together with the Mid-Autumn Festival, fall between October 1 and 8.
Foreign human resource managers should note that Saturdays and Sundays are often marked as additional official workdays in China to compensate for long holiday breaks. For example, January 26 (Sunday) and February 8 (Saturday) are designated as workdays to partially offset the eight days off for the Spring Festival.
| This article was first published by China Briefing , which is produced by Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm assists foreign investors throughout Asia from offices across the world, including in in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and India . Readers may write to info@dezshira.com for more support. |
Read the rest of the original article.
- Business Update: Southern Sun Reports Earnings Growth; China Stimulates Property Market – News24
- Vietnam’s Approach to China: A Balance of Cooperation and Struggle
- 2025 Schedule of Public Holidays in China
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- News Update: China’s Stimulus Falls Short; Sensex and Nifty Decline; Bitcoin Surges Over $82,000
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