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The Rickshaw Report: The Best and Worst of 2015

For this week’s Rickshaw Report, we ask two Beijing Rickshaw drivers about their highs and lows of 2015. 1. What was the highlight of your year? A.I had a Japanese customer this year. We chatted a lot about Chinese and Japanese culture and history. I realized that both our countries actually have a lot in common. The experience really opened my eyes. B. A lot of my friends got married…and, of course, I had to spend a lot of money on their celebratory gifts. So much money down the drain! 2. What do you think of China’s role in the world during 2015? A.I think China needs to make a greater effort to show the world that it can handle its country’s affairs with confidence. B. During the 19th century, China was weak and was overpowered by Western nations as well as Japan. However, recently, we have seen China’s rise as it has developed into a more powerful world power. China calls itself a peaceful country, and its actions reflect this. 3. What was the best news story of 2015? A. Too many to chose from. I am just happy that the area that I work in has become more calm and less crowded. B. (In a grumpy voice) This year brought no good news. 4. And what was the […]

Uncategorized Dec 31, 2015

The Rickshaw Report: Xi speaks at World Conference on Women

The Rickshaw Report:Women’s Rights 1. Last Sunday, Xi Jinping co-hosted a summit at the UN headquarters in NY in order to promote women’s rights. China’s first lady, Peng Liyuan, also gave a speech at the event, calling for better education in order to improve the livelihoods of women. Do you think China serves as a fitting role model to other nations on this topic? Countries all over the world should respect women, and encourage girls to have better access to education. Xi has done a very good job. I heard that he has pledged, on behalf of China, to donate 10 billion Yuan to UN Women (Editor: the figure is actually 10 million US Dollars). I think China is the first country to do this, so this may encourage other countries to give financial aid as well to UN Women, and also lead the other nations to pay more attention to women’s rights ( Editor: In fact, several other countries have alsob donated to UN Women. Switzerland’s donation to the institution has actually exceeded China’s contribution.) 2. What can China teach other countries on this issue? Gender inequality is prevalent is several countries across the globe. China is setting a good example to such nations. At the summit, Xi highlighted China’s efforts to strengthen gender equality…but I cannot remember the […]

Uncategorized Dec 30, 2015

The Rickshaw Report: Xi's Visit to the USA

1. Xi Jinping is set to meet with Obama this week. How is the current relationship between the US and China? I think the relationship is very straightforward. They are both on friendly terms, but are also cautious of each other. There is no permanent friend or enemy, only a permanent interest. 2. Who is your favourite American person? As a child, I was really inspired by American action movie stars, like Alain Delon and Sylvester Stallone. ( Editor: Alain Delon is actually a French-Swiss national – not from the USA.) They were tough men! On another note, I really think former US President Bill Clinton played a major role in strengthening the US-China relationship. 3. How do the Chinese regard the USA? It’s hard to say. In regards to the government, two issues stand out. Firstly, their policies are all based on their own national interest – but every country is like that. Secondly, the American government does not always do what it says it will. But the Chinese government does what it says it will do. However, we see American people as nice and down-to-earth. When they say something, they will follow through with it as a result of their good education. I have met a lot of foreigners from the USA. 4. Which issues pose the biggest […]

Uncategorized Dec 23, 2015

The Rickshaw Report: China and the UK

1. What do Chinese people think of the UK? On the whole, we think Brits are polite and well-mannered. However, this is just a generalization – of course, there can be exceptions! 2. The UK and China have had their ups and downs. They fought each other during the Opium Wars, and the British – alongside the French – were even responsible for the burning down of the old Summer Palace. How is the relationship now? Look, people sometimes have disagreements with their colleagues, however, cooperation lies in everyone’s interests. Friendships can go up and down, but as long as their mutual interests will exist, so will the friendship. 3. One of the UK’s top politicians wants his homeland to become China’s best partner in the West. What are your thoughts? Both countries are trying to make use of each other, but doesn’t mean that they are also trying to help each other. As for the negative episodes of the past, like the Opium Wars, both UK and China have moved past these – its all water under the bridge now. 4. After the UK announced its membership of the China-led AIIB, the USA accused the UK of ‘constant accommodation’ to China. What do you make of this? The USA seriously accuses the UK of this? This reminds me of […]

Uncategorized Dec 22, 2015

Wanna escape the Airopocalypse? Head for Taipei!

Why I have not come here sooner!? During a recent trip to Taipei, it was impossible to stop repeatedly posing myself this question. Having lived in Beijing for four years, I strongly regretted waiting so long before finally discovering the charming capital of Taiwan. After all, the two cities are only a mere three and half hour flight apart. It’s that easy to swap the hazy, bitter Beijing winter for the crystal-clear skies of exotic Taipei. However, when learning from the Wechat updates of Beijing friends that it had snowed in the northern Chinese city on the very same morning of my visit to Taipei, a little confidence in my sense of timing was regained. After all, exploring the calm, sun-kissed streets of Taipei whilst clad in just shorts and a t-shirt sure does beat trudging through Beijing’s grey, slushy snow to the subway station and then fighting your way through the masses for a space on the train during the city’s notorious rush hour. And it’s not just the lack of crowds, clean air and warm weather that make Taipei attractive, but the Taiwanese culture that is also very alluring. Very likely due to the city’s miniscule crime rates, the locals are incredibly friendly and approachable. Smiling faces greet you in the streets. It’s very easy to strike up […]

Uncategorized Dec 16, 2015

Man’s Best Friend or Dinner?

As a result of its majestic, emerald hills and peaceful, turquoise rivers, swarms of tourists flock to the idyllic province of Guangxi, eager to discover the glorious Southern Chinese landscape. However, it appears that the province may be in risk of becoming less well-known for its natural beauty, and instead gain a dire reputation as a result of a gruesome annual event held in the city of Yulin.  Although, in Mandarin, Yulin – 玉林- literally translates into ‘jade forest’, its most well-known festival is not anywhere near as pretty as the city’s name would suggest. Since 1995, the Yulin Dog Meat Festival sees an estimated 10,000 dogs bludgeoned to death and eaten. Cats are also on the menu. The event is held on summer solstice as the locals claim that consuming dog meat can ward off disease and cool the body. It has also been reported that the animals are burnt, boiled and skinned whilst still alive as the torture supposedly ‘improves’ the taste of their flesh. Even more worrying are the claims by animal activists that pet dogs are actually stolen and butchered at the festival, as well as those that the meat is unhygienic and breaches food safety regulations. Over the recent years, the festival has sparked off growing global controversy.  A change.org online petition, protesting against this […]

Uncategorized Dec 14, 2015

The Rickshaw Report: November 11 – Both China’s Singles Day & The World’s Biggest Online Shopping Event

1. On November 11, China celebrates Singles Day. What is the point of the holiday? It used to be about single people celebrating their singlehood. However, now the day seems to have totally changed into a shopping festival. 2. How is China’s dating culture different to that of your parent’s generation? When my mother and father were young, it seemed like marriages were usually arranged by the couple’s families, who were almost always of equal social rank. But now everyone seems free to choose their spouse. Today, the most important factor is not the couple’s social status or the connection between both families, but that the two get along well. 3. China is now experiencing a phenomenon with “left over men” and “left over women”. What’s the solution to this problem? I know a lot of people who fall into that category. I think that such circumstances are caused by the individual’s lifestyle. These people are content living alone. They do not need to worry about someone else, not suffer the strains of married life. But at the same time, this phenomenon of leftover men / women is a serious social issue. Its probably a consequence of China’s family planning policy. I have heard that some men have tried to cure their loneliness by moving abroad in order to find […]

Uncategorized Dec 11, 2015

The Rickshaw Report: November 11 – Both China's Singles Day & The World's Biggest Online Shopping Event

1. On November 11, China celebrates Singles Day. What is the point of the holiday? It used to be about single people celebrating their singlehood. However, now the day seems to have totally changed into a shopping festival. 2. How is China’s dating culture different to that of your parent’s generation? When my mother and father were young, it seemed like marriages were usually arranged by the couple’s families, who were almost always of equal social rank. But now everyone seems free to choose their spouse. Today, the most important factor is not the couple’s social status or the connection between both families, but that the two get along well. 3. China is now experiencing a phenomenon with “left over men” and “left over women”. What’s the solution to this problem? I know a lot of people who fall into that category. I think that such circumstances are caused by the individual’s lifestyle. These people are content living alone. They do not need to worry about someone else, not suffer the strains of married life. But at the same time, this phenomenon of leftover men / women is a serious social issue. Its probably a consequence of China’s family planning policy. I have heard that some men have tried to cure their loneliness by moving abroad in order to find […]

Uncategorized Dec 11, 2015

The Rickshaw Report: Food For Thought

1． Do both Chinese men and women women  both cook for the family? I think in China, women tend to cook more. ( Smiles) But men, like me, also know how to cook. 2. Oh really? What is your signature dish? I like making sauteed cabbage with vinegar , and a garlicky stew of pork and liver. 3. How is vegetarianism regarded by the Chinese? I have some vegetarian friends, and they have different reasons for this choice. However, I think vegetarians do not have as much energy as meat-eaters. Eating meat brings me so much joy! 4. Can you see any advantages to going veggie? Maybe, there are health advantages – especially if you have a heart condition. But, I could never go veggie! 5. Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary general argued maintaining meat consumption to a level recommended by health authorities would lower emissions and reduce various health problems. Instead, he suggests, more people should eat insects, which he claims to be a good source of nutrition. Your thoughts? Insects? Is he joking? I don’t think Chinese people will get used to that. They will vomit if you try to serve them this! Well, I guess in some parts of Southern China, insects are eaten, but the thought of it makes me want to throw up! 6．Food […]

Uncategorized Dec 4, 2015

The Rickshaw Report: China and Smoking

1.A study has shown that two-thirds of young Chinese men are smokers. Why do you think Chinese people start this dangerous habit? It think its down to their lifestyle. 2. Do you think smoking tobacco has become a part of Chinese culture? What? Culture? I do not think so. It depends on your individual habits. However, it is true that when Chinese people want to give gifts, a box of cigarettes is regarded as a good choice. But only if your intended recipient is a smoker! 3. Are you a smoker? No, I do not smoke. In elementary school, my friends would offer me cigarettes. It seemed impolite to decline, so I smoked the cigarettes. However, after a while, my throat began to hurt and I got a cough. Since that point, I never smoked. 4. According to a medical journal, Lancet, tobacco will be responsible for the deaths of two million Chinese people by 2030. If things continue at this rate, the number of deaths will reach three million by 2050. Do you think the public is aware of the health risks caused by smoking tobacco? No, I still see many people smoking in public places. 5. Can you name some health risks? If you smoke for a very long time, your lungs will become dark, and your throat […]

Uncategorized Dec 2, 2015

Can China Eliminate Its Poverty?

While many in the media have rightly concerned themselves with reporting China’s recent moves to end the one-child policy, there are other aspects of the recently-released 13th Five-Year Plan worthy of close attention. One noticeable inclusion is the ongoing pledge to end poverty in China. According to a communique release from the Central Committee of the CPC that outlines the as-yet published plan, China pledges to lift 12 million people out of poverty every year from 2016 to 2020. But who exactly constitutes China’s impoverished? The current standard to gauge the country’s poverty line is any who earn an annual income of 2,300 ($376) or less, the measure set in 2011 by the central government. As of the end of 2014, China had 70.2 million people living below the poverty line. In other words, these people can barely afford a Big Mac hamburger with their income per day. The goal of lifting 12 million people out of poverty each year, a number that exceeds the entire population of New York City (8.49 million in 2014), means that 1 million people will be uplifted each month, equivalent to the population of Dallas. Is the promise too good to be true? From 2011 to 2014, China lifted 43 million, 23 million, 16 million, and 12 million people respectively out of poverty each […]

China & The World Nov 10, 2015