Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony was pretty quick but very nice.  We arrived about 10
a.m and Qiao Fei was there, happy as always ready to start the ceremony.
The first part, as she explained, was the handing out of the diplomas.  It
was pretty nice that each of us got personalized diplomas with our names

in them as well as a "grade" for the month based on attendance, participation, examination, individual efforts, etc.  I am proud to say I got an “A” because the material was truly insightful.  We all cheered each
other on as our names were called and then waited for the second part of the program, where one of the students from Pepperdine University, David,
created a DVD with all of our activities, academic lectures, discussions, free time, and expo experiences.  It truly was amazing to see what we did
within a month and the great treatment we got from Fudan University. After part 2, we had fruit and Chinese desserts . Delicious!
       What I remember most from the closing ceremony was a point in time when
research was brought up.  Of all the students, probably about four of us
were doing research and trying to conduct interviews while we were at
Fudan University.   That news did spread and we were all personally
encouraged to continue with our research and that the staff of Fudan
University would be their to help us even when we left.  In the closing
remarks, what I remember was what was said about research.  What they
really wanted was for us to go back and put everything we learned in our
research and even if they were no primary sources, use the information

that we were taught and the way it was taught and the interactions that
came with these discussions, to help create a method of what the Chinese
perspective on certain issues are .  One professor said, “ What I
remember most about studying and conducting research in America was the
emphasis to leave your values and judgments far from you research.  To
conduct research you must not criticize the minds of those at fault or in
question, but you must get into their minds.  But always be passionate
about your findings and your outcome will be grand.”  Everyone was
laughing as I scribbled this down so fast but it is truth.   Through much
of my research, the topic deals with many scholars criticizing the
Chinese government’s reaction and actions towards controlling the health
crisis and that will not change anything.  I feel as if I have a complete
new way of learning, a new insight on life!

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Posted By: Alicia Tambe, Shanghai, China

China’s Future

After having a lecture or the problems dealing with the urbanization and
modernization of Shanghai, we visited the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum.
It was four floors and what I found most interesting was the idea of
Shanghai Going Green.  What I have noticed is that the city of Shanghai is
remotely clean ( compared to NYC) but at the museum we had a debate about
how could Shanghai or other big cities in China truly go green if their
was such a high amount of air pollution from factories and overall
congestion.  Also, we got to know SO MUCH more about the one -child rule
in China and I must admit, I had believed so many stereotypes I heard in
the U.S.  Turns out that the there are so many provisions to it and
exceptions.  For instance, depending on if you are in the majority or
minority ethnic groups, you may be able to have more than one child.
Actually, we were asked to not say “allowed to” because it is not as if
the government will take the child and give it away but it is a matter of
the taxes being so high that one can not even take care of his or her
family.  What was most interesting was the emphasis on a spoiled child or
a child being driven to work because that is the hope to carry on the
legacy of the family.  It was too opposing viewpoints and both very
interesting.  I feel as if I am learning so much, going so many places!  I
do not even know what do write about!

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Posted By: Alicia Tambe, Shanghai, China

Exploration of Nanjing

We had a free day to travel so myself and four other students in the
program decided to go to Nanjing.  This is a city that is not too far from
Shanghai, only a two hour train ride, and holds much historical
significance. Particularly, it is the one city I wanted to visit in China
as a result of an experience I had in one of my classes.  Last semester, I
took an 8WK2 class with Professor Hargett called East Asian Cinema.  I was
doing it to fill one of the electives on my Chinese Studies minor but in
turned out to be really insightful on Asian culture, specifically Chinese
culture and the relationship that exists between Asian culture and western
culture, including stereotypes, roles, etc.  One movie we watched was The
Rape of Nanking, which was based on the attack of the Japanese on the
Chinese soldiers and their attack on the city of Nanjing, following World
War II.  Women and girls were raped and slaughtered, babies were murdered,
men and women were murdered. The elderly, the youth, everyone was
murdered.  The documentary really had an impact on me; I never really had
heard of the event and to me, it was just as bad as the Holocaust, if not
worse.  The discussion in class was a heated debate , but my professor
spoke about the memorial and museum that was dedicated to the what
happened in Nanjing.

The day was extremely hot,  it definitely hit 100 degrees and the city of
Nanjing was pretty quiet.  I thought it was going to be just as busy and
have a metropolitan atmosphere like Shanghai, but it did not.  It took
forever to find the museum and memorial and took five buses back and forth
because we somehow missed the stop each time!  When we finally got to the
Memorial site, there was just this huge emotional feeling that set over
me.  I don’t quite know if I was sad or mad or scared or anxious; I just
know it was a feeling that I don’t feel often.  Kind of like at the
cemetery, walking amongst the dead.  Anyway, on the outside there are
beautiful sculptures and when I say beautiful , I mean beautifully carved,
but there was nothing beautiful about the images.  Each huge sculpture was
a sculpture of pain. I remember one was a baby being torn from his mother
and another was an elderly woman being slaughtered.  As I approached
inside, the feeling got more eerie. I am not really an emotional type who
cries when I hear heartbreaking stories, but it really did impact me.  I
got my camera out, and of course, as I walk inside there is no camera
usage.  Usually I try to sneak a picture or two in the “No Camera” zones
but I just felt I owed the respect to follow the rules to those who rest
in peace.  The museum was really amazing.  I have been to museums in
Paris, London, NYC, U.S., and Africa , and I could not tell you what I saw
in any of those but I feel as if I will remember this museum like it was
yesterday.  There were stories and accounts from the survivors, including
video footage as well as the stories of the victims.  So much happened
that day that I really will never forget. It truly was a great experience!
Much needed rest as well as a great shower.  Zaijian!

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Posted By: Alicia Tambe, Shanghai, China

Bumpy Roads to My Discoveries.

Qiao Fei, the coordinator who took her time to keep searching for
professors that I could interview, came to class today to tell me she
found a Professor for me to interview.  She teaches History of Medicine in
the School of Medicine and did not specialize in public health but was
kind of familiar with the topic.  The problem with me only being in
Shanghai for a short time and the time that I was there, was that
Professors were extremely busy.  The Spring semester was just ending at
Fudan so professors were very busy grading papers that many simply did not
have the time to do it.

So meeting with the first professor was definitely an experience.  We met
in her private office and immediately she had many questions for me ( All
of which I expected) such as where I go to school, what I study, my
research, and much more.  I tried to ask the questions in an open way that
would not feel like I am attacking or blaming China.

Regardless of how I posed the questions,  her responses that followed made
me feel really uncomfortable.  First off, she asked me “Where did you even
here something like HIV in China? Who told you that?”  Immediately, I
sensed I was offending her but regardless the issue couldn’t be avoided.
I told her about my research and my sources and she said they weren’t good
sources unless they were from the Chinese government explaining the
situation.  Then, she said the government actually handled the situation
quite fast by distributing condoms .  I was really annoyed and frustrated
because it wasn’t an open discussion.  She was really irritated with me
unless I agreed with her and I was not going to agree with someone just
for courtesy, so I stayed quiet.

Perhaps what frustrated me most is that she has not heard of a case in
Shanghai or any big cities and she is sure that I am wrong about it
spreading from the rural to urban areas.  I feel like I was taught how to
deal with these situations but at the moment I was having a brain freeze (
really, I was!)

Instead of using this as a wasted interview, I realized it was my
opportunity to change my thought process.  I asked her why she thought
what she thought and how Americans , foreigners and NGOs help the “small”
problem that they may have ( do have).  That is when the interview really
got interesting and I understand a different angle to approach my
research.  This interview confirmed my original thought process that
blaming China is not the way to go.  Qiao Fei agreed that many professors
that do not specifically have knowledge on the topic will defend the
government and be apprehensive to answer questions  or feel that my
research is attacking China as a whole.  She apologized , which really was
not necessary because I loved being introduced to a different angle in
research, and promised that she would find another person to interview.

The next few days have been me just taking in what she said and relaxing
with new friends.  The lecture topics really have varied and now we are
being asked to record journal entries for Fudan University.  I do not mind
but I am writing two different blog/journal entries.  The University has
been GREAT to us and the professors are amazing, but I am writing to two
different places and two different cultures.  I just do not want anyone
getting offended by my work or misunderstand my intentions!  Until next
time, Zaijian!

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Posted By: Alicia Tambe, Shanghai, China

Doors Have Opened

I would be a fool to not try to conduct research while here on China for
my thesis yet pretty much everyone said it  would be difficult about
approaching such a sensitive topic such as HIV in a developing country.
After a year of research, I have come to conclusion that this is such a
difficult topic needs more than just a political science journal
explanation; it needs real interviews as primary sources.  One student who
is here, Oliver, who attends Princeton University , said  “ you should
definitely take the opportunity to conduct research , IF, it is not a
sensitive subject or has to do with the government.”  Too bad my research
was all of the above.

After speaking with one of the coordinators of the program, she urged that
we make sure to take advantage of our opportunities here and even if the
research topic was sensitive, she would rather a Chinese perspective to be
included in my research along with American and other international
scholars.  Many of my resources from my prospective were from Chinese
articles,  but I was not going  to let this opportunity pass.  The program
with most of the faculty who really knew about the HIV situation was that
they did not speak English.  Despite this, my new friends were willing to
translate the research for me.

Later , I went bargaining at the different markets but ALL I could think
about was my research opportunities.  I used to think about students
saying they are doing research on their thesis such as one girl who was in
my 496z Great Ideas in Political Science, she went to Dubai , and is
conducting her research there.  To have such a global opportunity is
amazing, and I am glad for it.

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Posted By: Alicia Tambe, Shanghai, China

China Cannot Be Ignored!

The next day, we had another lecture with Professor Wu Xinbo on the New
Landscape in Sino-US Relations.  I really began to realize the
relationship that China and the United States have with one another.
First off, they are the 2nd largest trading partner with each other and
also the 2nd largest export market to each other.  Although China and the
U.S. have this relationship, there is so much complexity between their
security relations.  Since the late 1990s, the United States has really
been watching Cihna's military power ( IT KEEPS GROWING!) and China even
plays a large role in the US defense planning. What I found really
interesting was the fact that the Sino-US trade relationship has been
refererred to as the "ballast for huge ship in the sometimes stormy seas."
 What I took from that is that even though there are so many political
differences and military worries, the trade between the two countries is
too profitable to each side; their would be absolutey no benefit to stop
trade.  This relationship is said to be believed to maintain peace and
stability in the Asian-Pacific region and even in the World.  I always
wondered WHY China was so economically and politically beneficial for the
United States. Once again, my questions have been answered.  The first
reason was obvious, their is more resources for both sides.  The second
reason was more interesting; the Chinese economy is rapidly developing and
if the U.S. had the 2nd leading trade relationship with CHina then the US
businesses get to be a part of the expanding market and can expand
internationally, which will lead to trade with even MORE countries. The
third reason was most interesting to me because it gave an economic
solution for a political problem.  By allowing trade with China to
develop, the United States is trying to gain economic, diplomatic,
informational, and military interchanges.  By doing so, this will help the
United States to achieve national security.  Honestly, China cannot be
ignored like other developing countries. During a personal conversation
with the professor, I asked him, "Do you feel as if the United States
trading with China is the best investment for America? Are their other
developing countries that have more similar political views that are just
as beneficial?" As soon as I asked this, I felt as if it was a stupid
question and I could tell he knew I wanted to take it back.  He just
laughed ( not in a rude way, more to let me know it is okay to ask
questions) and said, " No other developing country accounts for 1/4th of
the entire world's population.  And if there is a country that does,is
that country armed with nuclear weapons and is a member of the United
Nations Security Council?"   The last thing I remember him saying was "
China cannot be ignored."  When I tell you that quote is sticking to me,
that quote is sticking to me!

What I found absolutely crazy is the rapid growth that China made within
thirty years. How does it go from being one of the most isolated economies
in the world to one of the major players in the global economy? In fact,
we learned by 2005, China became the third largest in foreign trade after
the United States and Germany and just last year, it became the second.
If China can rise so rapidly , how will the other developing countries
grow within thirty years?

Bottom line : CHINA CANNOT BE IGNORED!  Think about that until next time!
Zaijian!

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Posted By: Alicia Tambe, Shanghai, China

A New Thought Process.

The most recent lectures have been VERY helpful for me because they deal
with Chinese diplomacy and relations with other countries, especially the
major powers.  This is really important to both my academic experience at
SUNY Albany and my future career aspirations.  Back at SUNY, I am in the
honors college and Political Science honors program, therefore, I must
conduct a senior thesis.  I really had not the slightest clue what to
write about but because I did a teaching internship last summer in a more
rural area of China and had declared my minor Chinese, I decided to focus
on Chinese relations.  In Professor Asal's 496z Great Ideas in Political
Science, we learned the different types of research and had to conduct a
prospectus.  After MUCH research, the PATIENCE and guidance from Professor
Asal and Professor Weiss, I decided to take a challenge and focus my
thesis on the HIV Crisis in China, trying to prove that the structure of
the Chinese government has limited the role that nongovernmental
organizations can play in China, therefore, not allowing China to handle
the crisis effectively. I planned to use a case study between China's
handling of the crisis and Thailand in the same situation to show the
major differencs, especially since Thailand controlled the crisis  with
help from nongovermental organizations.  Thailand was a key comparative
choice because the HIV crisis in Thailand was so much worse then China so
if Thailand can get help, so can China.   By proving this or acknowledging
this, we can figure out the factors of why HIV continues to spread and why
the policies have been ineffective, and how to change it.  It is probably
the most challenging assignment of my college career besides the Chinese
language course, but it is what I get most excited about and what I put
the most work into.  After successfully finishing my prospectus, I  did an
independent study with Professor Asal on the role of nongovermental
organizations in China and I am working independently with Professor Weiss
in the fall to finish research for my thesis.

The point of that background is to show that these lectures, notes,
slides, professors, and sites in China are CRUCIAL to my research and
undersanding of what I am researching.  It gives me a better understanding
of the structure of China in a way that many top journals and books cannot
do.  In order to understand an environment, you must first put yourself in
that environment. I almost lost the book of lecture notes they gave us and
I was going crazy looking for it.  No one understood why I was acting like
that but to me these notes are KEY to my understanding and progression of
my thesis.  Also, I knew I wanted to go to law school with international
relations but with more exposure to a particular country such as China and
more actual research, I am pretty sure I want to work with China ( let's
keep our fingers crossed).

With that background, back to these seminars.  We had Professor Wu Xinbo
back to back.  On the first day, we discussed Chinese Diplomacy in the
21st Century.  While he spoke for two hours, I understood it perfectly and
can summarize it clearly.  China basically has four goals in their
diplomatic relations.  1. Economic Development ( which I believe they are
doing quite well at, dont you?) 2. Security and Stability 3. National
reunification and 4. International status.  Number  3 was most interesting
to me becase Professor Wu Xinbo put heavy emphasis on the need for
urbanization and modernization because there is a huge split and uneasy
transition from the rural areas to the more modernized areas such as
Pudong, Shanghai.  What has helped to modernize China is worldeEvents such
as the Olympics and the World Expo.

What gets complicated or more detailed is the four dimensions by which
these goals are reached, especially International Status.  The first
dimension is relations with the major powers and the key relations in
Chinese diplomacy are Sino- US relations, Sino-Russian relations, Sino-EU
relations, Sino-Japanese relations and Sino- Indian relations.  I was only
surprised to hear Sino-Indian relations but that is because I do not know
much about India at all.  The next dimension dealt with relations with the
neighboring countries which was really important for security and economic
cooperation ( exports and imports from different ports and travel
connections). Relations with developing countries was probably the most
emphasized dimension and I was really surprised by that until Professor Wu
XInbo explained his reasoning.  These countries are going to be most
imporant in the years to come especially with their natural resources and
market access.  A particular focus was on China- African economic and
political ties and throughout his whole lecture , he really supported
African relations. I now understand why so many Africans, specifically
Nigerians, are migrating to China. Lastily, he talked about relations with
multilateral insitutions such as Chinese participation in the United
Nations, World Bank, CRIT ( China-Russian-Indian Trilateral), etc.  He
believes these  institutions lead to addressing common challengings facing
the world and promote a "healthy" globalization.  My IMMEDIATE thought or
criticism was, "then why is China so hesistant to let in nongovermental
organizations and the United Nations to solve problems?"  Before I could
really ask the question, the first criticism or hint of fear/distrust in
U.S. actions was brought up and that took up ALL my attention.  Our
professor said that Xiao Bush ( "Little Bush" as in our last President)
was famous for unilateralism, which made China very concerned about the
United States because they thought it would damage international
cooperation and the U.S. would be to blame because it was a leading
support for this belief in unilateralim.  With thoughts like that, I began
to understand the thought process of the Chinese government or Chinese
people.  If another country has such a strong difference in relations to
institutions, why would you then let them in to help fix your own
country's problem of an HIV Crisis?  Both countries must be on the same
page, especially on political issues.

This lecture was CRUCIAL to my thought process of my thesis.  The next one
is specifically on New Landscape in Sino-US Relations  I could not be more
excited! Hope this did not sound like a lecture and you undersand the
importance of these seminars to me ! ( I hope you did because I felt like
I learned a whole course!)  Stayed tuned! Zaijian!

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Posted By: Alicia Tambe, Shanghai, China