Peking University
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Peking University
Peking University AUTU MN 2015 02 / Issue 32 We Are One Family Working for the Future AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 08 Tones or Words 15 Professor Jean C. Oi Your Chinese Learning Struggles Bridging Two Campuses Contents P E K I N G U N I VE R S I T Y Spotlight AUTUMN 2015 | Issue 32 We Are One Family: Working for the Future ............................................................................................................................... . . . ............ ..... ............ 02 Peking U niversit y AU T U M N 201 5 Column / Is sue 32 Being a Student Entrepreneur at PKU........................................................................................................................................... . .............................. ...... 06 Tones or Words: Your Chinese Learning Struggles........................................................................................................ . ......... . ............................. 08 What the Military Taught Me ........................................................................................................................................................... . . . . ........... . .. ............. .... ... . . . .. 1 0 People 02 We Are One Family Working for the Future 08 15 Let’s Hear What They Have to Say! Japanese Students at Peking University..................................................................................... 13 Professor Jean C. Oi: Bridging Two Campuses.............................................................................................................................................................. 15 Marina Pop Cenić and the “Far East Society”.................................................................................................................................................. . . ............ 17 Tones or Words Your Chinese Learning Struggles Professor Jean C. Oi Bridging Two Campuses Campus Editorial Board China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study - A Hug with China ................................................................. . . . . .......... . . . ........ 1 9 We Want You! Come and Join Us! Student Associations Recruitment ................................................................................................ 22 Introduction to Health Economics: A Course Worth Exploring ........................................................................ . . . .............................. . . ... 25 Hello! I’m Your Campus Companion ............ ................................................ ......................... ................................................................................................. ... . . . 27 Advisor: Li Yansong, Vice President for International Relations Chair: Xia Hongwei, Director, Office of International Relations Vice-Chair: Yan Jun, Zheng Ruqing, Wang Yong, Li Hongquan, Kang Tao Coordinator: Luo Ling, Eric Schafer Designer: Creativegg Int'l Collaboration The Opening Ceremony of Peking University’s Seventh Summer School International............................................. . ..30 Peking University and LSE Summer School Program.........................................................................................................................................3 1 Congress of the International Institute of Philosophy Held at PKU.......................................................................................... . . ........34 The 23rd Stanford Program in Beijing ...................................................................................................................................................................................35 Launch of the “One Belt and One Road” Public Course Series on Foreign Languages and Culture Project...............36 “CHINA-AFRICA: 500 Facts” Book Launching Ceremony at PKU............................................................................................... . . . .....37 Editorial Team Chief Editor: Liu Susu Deputy Chief Editors: Yue Xin, Wang Runjian Copy Editors: Li Chun Hei, Heng Kang Wei, Mary Ma, Darcy Moore, Voice Dominic Hall, Johana Yuanfeng Spotlight & Voice: Zheng Zihui, Huang Fangyuan, Xie Yuchengyang People & Column: Ami Higuchi, Andrew Mao Academic & Cover: Li Wei, Bai Luolan International Collaboration: Zhong Xue, Xin Yuan Campus & Giving: Zhang Rutian, Wei Wei The Verse Must Go On: Zhongkun International Poetry Prize Winner Adam Zagajewski............................................39 Wang Gungwu on Borderless Civilizations: Lessons from History............................................................................... . . .......................4 1 Academic PKU Makes Breakthrough in Biodegradable Alloys..............................................................................................................................................45 Correlation between Biodiversity & Ecosystem Functions Further Revealed on Tibetan Plateau ...... . ... . . . ............46 PKU Professors’ Research Featured on Cover of Cell Stem Cell.............................................................................. . . . . ................. . . ........4 8 Team Develops a New Method to Analyze 5-formylcytosine............... . . .............. . . .............. .............................................. . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . ..49 Connection between the Consumption of Spicy Foods and Reduced Mortality Rate Revealed........... . . . . . . .... . . ......5 1 PKU Team Makes Nanoscale Observation of PM2.5.........................................................................................................................................53 Peking University Newsletter is a publication for alumni and friends of Peking University and is produced by the Office of International Relations (OIR). Please feel free to send us suggestions or ideas so that we can improve this publication. Giving Contact Us Brilliant Alumni for Bright Chemical Building .......................................................................................................................................................55 Jinlianchu Financial Information Service to Support Startups and Innovation ......................................................................56 Donation from ENN Energy to Support Further Development in PKU..........................................................................................57 Address: Office of International Relations Phone: Fax: Email: Peking University, 100871 Beijing, P.R. China (+86) 10-6275-7453 (+86) 10-6275-1240 [email protected] Newsletter Online The Newsletter can be read online at: www.oir.pku.edu.cn The views expressed in this publication are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of International Relations or Peking University. NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 01 Spotlight prior to President Nixon’s historical body focuses on China studies and visit to the People’s Republic of uses an innovative interdisciplinary China, Professor Holden, 19-years- academic structure to help the old at the time, motivated by a scholars better understand China. strong belief that engaging China is necessary to realizing world peace and global prosperity, decided to A Link between the Past and Future learn Chinese. Professor Yuan Ming We Are One Family Working for the Future > Tang Yicun took notice of students’ interest in Great expectations are placed Chinese food, but “this might just be on Yenching Scholars shoulders, as a glimpse. You may not know there is they are expected to be cross-culture an ancient Chinese saying ‘food is the communicators and future leaders. paramount necessity of the people’,” The Academy places great emphasis and she mentioned the renowned on respecting the world’s diversity. A Bite of China documentary. From This emphasis is drawn from an past to present, interest in China undeniable fact that even in the age continues. of globalization, the transition from Yet times have changed, and the a fragmented past to an integrated world is different—China is widely future is a work in progress. Frictions recognized as a rising power, and arise from insecurity, prejudice, and a glimpse of the Middle Kingdom nationalism, leaving many parts of may be inadequate and misleading. the world in chaos and turbulence. China is also more than ever within As future leaders, Peking University’s reach. After 37 years of ‘reform Yenching Scholars are preparing and opening up’, China is closely themselves to deal with these connected with the world. In the late challenges. n S e p t e m b e r 1 3 th, t h e O and international perspectives delivered keynote speeches at the reflected the relative closure of 1990s, Professor Lin Jianhua hosted a “Think outside the box”, suggested opening cer emon y f o r and to cultivate leaders who will ceremony. Distinguished guests from Ancient China. Geographically Harvard Professor, who encountered Mr. Cao Qiyong, Donor of the Peking University’s advocate for global progress and embassies, government agencies, speaking, China was separated a vexing problem: He could not call Yenching Academy and Vice Yenching Academy was cultural understanding. The Academy and academic institutions also from other regions by the Pacific his wife in United States to report President of Hong Kong Yongxin, held. This autumn semester, the has already established partner or attended the ceremony, along with Ocean and the mountain ranges of his safe arrival. Today, this is no Limited. “Only through open debate inaugural class of the Yenching cooperative relations with over the inaugural group of Yenching Eurasia. Culturally speaking, China longer an issue as there are many and constructive engagement can Academy, 96 students from 32 80 universities around the world. Scholars. developed its civilization without telecommunication cables that span fresh alternatives and perspectives be countries and regions, started Students from these universities can major interference or interruption by the Pacific Ocean, connecting China developed. When you think outside their master’s degrees’ studies at either directly apply at their university external culture, which resulted in and the U.S. In 1962, when Professor the box, you will acquire new and Peking University. To many, this or online. China’s unique language, literature, Yuan Ming entered Peking University innovative views with different and history. The “Middle Kingdom” A Glimpse at the “Middle Kingdom” is a moment to embark on a new The opening ceremony was as a freshman, overseas students positions.” Mr. Cao also believes journey by discovering an ancient hosted by Professor John Holden, Daniel Khalessi, one student also has western implications, as only came from about 10 countries. future leaders must “not only work but dynamic civilization and to grow Associate Dean of the Yenching delegate speaking at the ceremony, China is a distant and fascinating Today, the number has increased to hard for their personal objectives, together. Academy. Peking University President referred to China as the “Middle nation awaiting exploration to many 3500 students from 114 countries. but also for the common good of the Officially announced a year ago, Lin Jianhua, Yenching Academy Kingdom”. Indeed, the Chinese word westerners. The Middle Kingdom is a leaf community” and they must “celebrate the Peking University Yenching Donor Mr. Cao Qiyong, Professor for China, “Zhongguo” ( 中 国 ) Of course, such exploration does that has been turned over, and the diversity and cooperation”. Apart Academy set its mission to equip Yuan Ming from PKU’s School of conveys the meaning of “middle not necessarily begin at Yenching Academy can help students get a from supporting the Academy, Mr. outstanding young scholars with a International Studies, Canadian country”. The ancient Chinese Academy. As Professor John Holden better glimpse of both the ancient Cao also funds many cross-cultural broad, interdisciplinary knowledge Ambassador Guy Saint-Jacques, and emperor once deemed China to put it, many generations of people Middle Kingdom and modern China. youth programs through the Baxian of China that reflects both Chinese Yenching Academy Dean Liuwei be the center of the world, which yearned for China. In 1971, a year The Academy’s international student Foundation. 02 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 03 Spotlight Seeing a bigger picture, Professor defining themselves, and despite mentioned that China is the largest Yuan Ming touched upon her the differences, great civilizations source of overseas students in comprehension of culture: “It is a do share something in common: Canada; over 1 million Chinese common phenomenon in the era visionary conceptions, innovative students are studying along with Canadian students from elementary “ school to postgraduate school. This autumn, the Peking University campus was infused with new talent and new opportunities, and their arrival will contribute to the development of Peking University, China, and the entire world. Furthermore, education leads to stronger people-to-people relations. With a better knowledge of other countries, the content and the network of bilateral relations will be broadened. Ambassador Guy SaintJacques explained his delight that the Yenching Academy has gathered “ students with interests in “having of globalization that people are id e a s , s pir i t u a l p u r s u i t s , a n d comprehensive knowledge of China”, inquiring about the ancient and communication.” and he hopes they will acquire skills important question: ‘Who I am?’ As a senior diplomat, Ambassador and ‘who are we?’ The world is no Guy Saint-Jacques holds the belief longer divided in a western and non- that education is a critical element At Peking University, courses western dichotomy. Civilizations in international relations. Speaking regarding Western history, art, and are inspecting, expressing, and of Canada-China relations, he literature have been accessible to all critical to their future goals and to serve society. students regardless of their majors for and cultural interactions. China is in enrolled in the Yenching Academy. a long time. Now, with the Yenching urgent need of talent with a global He looks forward to more education Academy, President Lin Jianhua vision as well as indigenous training. collaboration between Chile and explained that this is “a chance for Xiao Linlin, another student delegate, China in the future. Some students the world’s youth to learn more spoke at the ceremony on behalf have already begun to imagine about the origins of Chinese culture.” of the Academy’s many Chinese that someday in the future that Thus, the exchange of culture and students: “It is my dream to give the Yenching Academy and Peking education will happen on a more China a voice on the global stage.” University will host a world summit equal basis. A Step towards Boundless Possibilities 30 04 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY For non-Yenching-Scholar Peking to discuss global issues with an University students, the Yenching appreciation of China’s positions and Academy will also be hugely those of the developing world. beneficial, as Yenching Scholars Yenching Scholars, like other will become one with and augment new students at Peking University, In his address, Daniel Khalessi the Peking University family. The are just as eager as most freshmen quoted Laozi’s “the journey of one Yenching Academy Dean Liu Wei also to make new friends and make the thousand miles starts with a single announced that the Academy would university their new home, and as step”, which is a vivid description of organize various activities that are Dean Liu put it, “Autumn at Peking the remarkable meaning of Yenching open to the entire school, including University is a season of sowing Academy. Located in China’s top lectures, seminars, field trips, social hope.” This autumn, the Peking university, Peking University, and in practice programs, and many other University campus was infused with China’s capital, Beijing, the Yenching activities. new talent and new opportunities, Academy is launched against the Ambassador H.E. Luis Schmidt and their arrival will contribute to the backdrop that China plays a growing of Chile is proud that one Chilean development of Peking University, role globally in economic, political, student has applied for and been China, and the entire world. AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 05 Column Being a Student Entrepreneur at PKU > ers—I was wrong. Yedun accepted me as me; no difference from others. Many of my Chinese colleagues Ami Higuchi also accepted me. On the day when I brought my business idea up to him at a café still remember the day I walked I my own business We wow We with favorite players and play football into the west gate of Peking my Chinese friend at PK U with with them. Every person’sdreams University with the acceptance t he he lp of PK U ’s let ter in my hand. It was a incubators and feeling I cannot express with words. resources. What my I felt proud and blessed at the same company does is time as I was able to pursue my u nde r t he concept bachelor degree at one of the most of football fan- prestigious academic institutions in hosts-fan: We offer China. My dream finally came true. ver y unique wow But I didn’t want to stop dreaming experiences provided there, I wanted to keep moving by local football fans forward. to Chinese fans. As a crazy football and desires are different and each I’m from Israel, a sophomore at fan myself, I also have dreams to one of them is unique. Not only in the School of International Studies watch my favorite team play at their the football world but anywhere, at PKU. About a year ago, I started home stadium or even meet my just like how I wanted to get in “ near the school. At the moment I finished speaking, he said “Hao!” (W hic h mea ns ok or good in Chinese). Now we work together everyday, and I realize how nearly Fo r m e , b e i n g a n i nte rn a t i o n a l s tu d e nt a n d b e i n g a n entrepreneur are kind of the same thing— I ’m just doing what I love. impossible for the company to be able to stand where we are today “ without him. Needless to say, his devotion and commitment to the work and the resources that he has been accumulating over the past years at PKU are also helping our company in many ways. to PK U and study international and makes me want to create better relations; however, not everyone in things to make the world a bit more the world shares the same dreams exciting. I’m not majoring in busi- as me, and t hat’s why I wanted ness nor economics. I don’t know to make as many fans’ dreams as much about economic theories or possible come true. manual methods to start up com- For me, being an international panies, but what I do know is if you student and being an entrepreneur are greedy enough in a good way to are kind of the same thing—I’m just make your dreams come, you have doing what I love. I love politics and what you need at PKU. it’s very interesting to learn about PKU Incubator Resources PK U has g reat resources and environment for entrepreneurship. My company was part of the PKU Incubation Camp, which operates international affairs especially from Working with Chinese Friends under the name of PK U Science 06 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY Being an International Student and Entrepreneur at PKU the Chinese perspective. I believe China is a growing country with a lot of potential and opportunities. Pa rk . In t he PK U Inc ubat ion Just few months before officially China-Israel economic ties are get- Camp, you get 6 months to “tr y becoming a freshman at PKU, one ting stronger. To learn about China out” your business while being of my acquaintances introduced and Chinese behavior and thoughts able to access PKU resources and me to a Chinese guy, Fang Yedun. in aspects of foreign affairs is key present yourself as a member of He already graduated undergrad to understanding the future world the PKU Incubation Camp. Also, from PKU and is now continuing order. t he PK U campus itself is locat- his study at the National School And of course I’m a football-lov- ed in a place where many star t- of Development at PK U. We got er and I am grateful to be able to up companies operate. There are along surprisingly well and quickly innovate in the football world. My innovations ever y where around became best friends. Before I came company has encountered many the area; new ideas are generated to PKU, I have never even dreamed hardships and challenges last year daily. Being immersed in this kind of it because I just thought Chinese and still does a lot, especially a for- of environment, it keeps me going students wouldn’t accept foreign- eigner doing business in China. But AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 07 Column I kept going because this is what as well. PKU is full of opportuni- portunities, and it’s my goal to help I tr uly love. Because I love it so ties; you can find yourself and find them see the oppor tunities that much, I am able to convince others what you love here. Unfortunately, PKU offers. to work with me for what they love some people do not see these op- How would you assess your Chinese literacy and oral/ listening skills? example, I would repeat the words that a native speaker says. Celline: From my perspective, the hardest aspect of learning Mandarin Baowei: I think my oral/listening Chinese is speaking and writing. is much better than my Chinese Speaking in Mandarin is demanding literacy—especially writing. for us as we have to articulate all the Ruizhi: I am able to watch Chinese TV dramas and shows. Tones or Words Your Chinese Learning Struggles tones correctly. If not, the meaning of what is said can be changed. Have you ever taken part in group activities in/out of PKU aiming to improve Chinese skills? What is it like and how do you feel? Baowei: None. Ruizhi: No. I want to take part, but I don’t know how to join. Celline: Getting better and better. Alice: I think my Chinese is pretty advanced, this semester I am attending graduate classes in Chinese, but it is still far from how good I wish it would be. Ben: I think that my Chinese > Baowei and Yue Xin skills are pretty good, especially because I’m taking classes in international relations with Chinese students. However, I feel like I still C hinese is considered one of the toughest languages to Alice: a girl from Israel Ben: a boy from the U.S. learn. Chinese is a language with varying tones, and the tones are essential in differentiating How many years have you been learning Chinese? meanings in Chinese characters. To sound in Chinese”. He said, “If you need to improve my listening and speak Inuit (a language spoken by writing skills. I find many times in Native American’s in Alaska)…”, I class when I seem to zone in and looked around and didn’t see any out, sometimes I would completely Inuits and thought to myself “why understand what the teacher or my would you mention this”. classmates are saying and sometimes someone whose mother tongue is a Baowei: I have been in China I’m completely lost. I hope someday language without tones, Chinese can for the past 10 years but I have not to be able to completely understand be very difficult. There are altogether learned Chinese all along. Only everything that’s said in class! But four tones in the language. For starting in my undergrad studies did then I also need to improve my essay Writing Chinese characters never Celline: Besides studying at example, if one is not cautious about I take Chinese seriously. writing, which will definitely be a fails to challenge me. There are many PKU, I have found a group to learn challenge. characters for us to memorize. Mandarin Chinese. In this group, we his or her pronunciation, when saying “May I ask ( 问 , wèn) you a question?”, it may sound like “May I kiss ( 吻 , wěn) you?” Below is a look into how international students at PKU feel about learning Chinese. Chinese Learning Q&A International students at PKU interviewed: Baowei: a girl from India Ruizhi: a girl from South Korea Celline: a girl from Indonesia 08 Ruizhi: Almost 5 years. Celline: For about six months. Alice: I’ve been studying Chinese Alice: The hardest part is Which part of Chinese learning do you find the most difficult? How do you attempt to overcome it? for 4.5 years: Three in Israel and 1.5 here. Ben: I have been learning Chinese for about 4 years now. I started pronouncing the different tones. I have actually given up on trying to get it right, and I just try to speak fast enough so people won’t notice. work together to help one another. I really love studying in this group. Alice: No, I never took part in such activities. Ben: My program, CIEE, has Ben: I find that Chinese can be many activities aimed at improving taking beginner Chinese in the fall of Baowei: I think writing, especially difficult because all of the cultural our Chinese skills. We have things 2012 and just kept going from there. formal writing for thesis purpose is words and local phrases that I find like Chinese target dinners where I remember taking my first class and very difficult. I intend to overcome so hard to learn. In learning Chinese, we are required to speak Chinese my professor tried to explain to us it by reading more and writing my I realize the best thing to do is to be during the whole dinner. I really like Chinese phonology by comparing feelings on topics. patient and try to understand the these activities because it combines it to other languages. “If you know Ruizhi: Chinese pronunciation. context of what’s said. Other than my two favorite things: studying such and such language” he would So, when I study Chinese, I would that, just asking Chinese friends is the language and food! My last meal was say, “then you can understand this concentrate on articulating words. For best way to fix this problem! at a vegetarian restaurant and it was NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 09 Column delicious! I tried many traditional Chinese dishes in vegetarian form. Do you have special methods of learning Chinese that fit you well? Baowei: Just blurt it out. Don’t hesitate. Ruizhi: Interacting with Chinese friends. It’s more interesting. Celline: In my free time, I usually How can our university and community help more in Chinese learning of international students? to better adapt to living and making friends in China. Conclusion Baowei: I think PKU is doing In order to improve your overall a wonderful job but I would like Chinese level, it is essential to more support such as a language master the tones. One method of partner to edit my thesis. practicing tones is having your Ruizhi: I want to have more teacher draw a tone map with opportunities to communicate with the four tones (plus the “neutral” Chinese friends. tone), which will allow the learner listen to songs and watch films in Celline: Because the majority of to clearly see the pitch value of Mandarin Chinese, and they are students at PKU and the community each tone. Then you can practice really useful in learning Mandarin where I live use Mandarin as the using hand gestures, moving (especially in the listening aspect). everyday language, it has become the hand according to the tone easier and faster for me to learn the changes. Another way to improve language. is obviously through imitation Alice: I have no special or even regular methods. I hardly do any homework or practice at home. Ben: In the past, I studied mainly Alice: I have no idea how the university can help more. of a native speaker. Observe your teachers’ mouth, including the by writing characters over and over Ben: It would be nice if the tension of the muscles and the again; however, now I find the best university provided workshops for way it opens, especially when way to study is to read and speak a students on things like writing and pronouncing words you find lot. I find the more I read and speak cultural exchanges. At my home difficult. Also, try recording yourself Chinese the more the words stick in university, we have a writing center speaking Chinese and compare it Length of service varies according the imposing grandeur of the univer- my head and the more I’m able to where students can learn how to to a native speaker’s pronunciation. to branch: twenty-one months for sity library, and the bustling student use them properly. I especially enjoy improve their essay writing skills. Wish you all the best in learning the Army and Marine Corps., twen- canteens once again strengthened my Needless to say, in the military, no reading articles for class because And a cultural workshop would Chinese! ty-three months for the Navy, and resolve to start fresh. However, upon man is his own island. We constant- they’re very interesting. definitely help students learn how twenty-four months for the Air Force. returning to campus life, Non-active duty, which includes civ- something felt different. il service, ranges from twenty-four No longer did I have sen- months to thirty-six months. try duties at three in the > Na Dohun T ships and memorable experiences. my life under constant I was deployed near the border be- threat. No longer was I tween South and North Korea, and under the constant super- because of the proximity to North vision of my superiors. Korea, we were always at heightened Nevertheless, being fresh alertness due to the constant need to out of the military, I be- be ready for battle. Life was this way lieve I still am, in essence, for the next twenty-one months. a soldier. The values he date was October 21, recruits, I was officially admitted to military service, is enshrined in the 2013. After taking two gap the Korean Army Training Center. constitution of the Republic of Ko- After completing my service last years off after my fresh- With a mix of fear, anxiety, and curi- rea. Every male citizen from the age July, I returned to PKU to resume my man year at Peking Uni- osity, my twenty-one-month journey of eighteen to thirty-five is required versity, I was ready to become a soldier. Along with a thousand of other 10 morning. No longer was began. Conscription, aka mandator y “ I was deployed near the border between South and North Korea, and because of the proximity to North Korea, we were always at heightened alertness due to the constant need to be ready for battle. “ What the Military Taught Me I have had my fair share of hard- Teamwork instilled into me by the military are still strong and resonat- ly move in groups, live in groups, undergraduate studies at the School ing. Here are the lessons that I learned and train in groups. I was in the ar- to serve in two tiers of military ser- of International Studies. Seeing the in the military and how I can apply tillery brigade, and the fundamen- vice: active duty and non-active duty. familiar and beautiful Weiming Lake, them in my new life back in PKU. tal mission of our squad was, in an NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 11 Column People event of an enemy provocation, we were to mobilize and to have our hardware fully operational in order to launch a counter-attack, all within five minutes. At first, this task seemed impossible. However, with teamwork, we made the impossible possible. Every member is allocated equally important roles. Moreover, we tr ust ever y member to effectively carry out their given roles in perfect coordination with each other. Therefore, what at first seemed Functionality under Stress navigating through my remaining years in college. infeasible turned into a breeze. The In an event of a prolonged enemy same can be said with campus life. provocation, and if the necessary Whether it’s a group project or or- command is given, our whole unit ganizing events, teamwork plays a would prepare for deployment from Loyalty is a core value in the central role in determining success the current location to another with- military. Having sworn loyalty to and failure. Furthermore, teamwork in twenty minutes. With the sheer my country, I have learned of the requires effective communication amount of militar y equipment, importance of loyalty. It is what and mutual understanding within documents, and soldiers, this was keeps soldiers going during harsh its members; thus, not only can we definitely not easy. College life is military exercises; it is what keeps get the job done, but we can also similar in that sense. Never-ending them steadfast in the face of enemy make a few friends along the way. deadlines, frequent all-nighters, and threats; it is what unites every sol- Learning the crucial importance successive exams all put students dier for a common cause. Loyalty is of teamwork in everyday life is one under immense pressure. Learning a value that has to be worked upon of the most valuable lessons I’ve to keep cool and not crack under through commitment and sacrifice. versity. Though Japanese students are learned. pressure will undoubtedly aid me in Without it, we would undoubtedly not the largest group among foreign fail in carrying out our duties. Loy- students, they always participate in Nowadays, Japanese students are their ideas in class, and that the Chi- alty is capable of getting tasks done various activities, including the In- increasingly likely to choose China nese students were also more likely quickly and efficiently through its ternational Culture Festival, PKUTV, as their destination to study-abroad to have discussions with professors: uniting force and teamwork. In a PKU Cup, and the PKU Freshman so to learn some Chinese language, “Chinese students’ ethics in studying campus setting, once I commit to an Cup. As many of our readers know, culture,and history, and Peking Uni- really impressed me. They are more organization, I would do my utmost the issue of Sino-Japan relations versity is usually on the top of their likely to interact with professors and to carry out every task requested by receives a lot of attention due to its wish list. After graduating from Wase- other students in class compared to my superior. I would remain faithful intensity. For the Chinese, it is neces- da University with a bachelor degree students in Japanese colleges” said to the organization, rain or shine. sary to understand what the Japanese in Political Science, Fujita Rise, now a Fujita. 12 Loyalty Let’s Hear What They Have to Say Japanese Students at Peking University > Yu Wufei J apanese students, significant home countries. So let us hear what in numbers, are a splendid our Japanese students have to say! Regarding Chinese students at Peking University, their Japanese class- and charming presence on the campus of Peking Uni- dents. Living and Studying in Peking University mates had high praise. The Japanese students commented that the Chinese students are more willing to express A lthough I had the choice of people think about the bilateral graduate student at the Department Curiosity of China is ever-rising postponing my mandatory service relation in order to have a better un- of Sociology, said “Peking University among Japanese people. Some pay to a later date, I am glad I enlisted derstanding on the issues. Luckily, meets my academic needs better than attention to its long history, as Japan as soon as possible. Now that this Peking University is able to provide any other colleges both in Japan and has been greatly influenced by Chi- huge weight has been lifted off my such opportunities. PKU welcomes China. The teachers’ researches seem nese culture since the 7th century shoulders, I can finally focus on my outstanding international students to be much more interesting.” She or even earlier. All of the Japanese studies. I believe I will be able to ap- from all over the globe; needless to also stated that she is “overwhelmed” students interviewed agreed that they ply what I learned in the military to say, it also includes students who will in a good way by the rich resources are interested in China and wanted to further enrich my campus life. be future leaders and elites in their and academically active Chinese stu- learn more about its culture. They are NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 13 People all satisfied with the friendly atmo- to know more about local Beijing from both countries are talking about student form Osaka University and University. They are aware of the ment in the bilateral relationship. sphere and supportive environment culture. “Take a turn on the right history, and they are having a lot of is now studying in the School of In- past and are trying their utmost to The new generations in both coun- and you can see a totally peace and war discussions, which are ternational Studies, has emphasized better understand the unique cul- tries should have better communica- different looking hutong practically led by their media. When that due to China’s booming econ- ture of China. As members of the tions with and better understandings alley”, she said, “You can it comes to the past, present, and omy, the two countries should seize global village, all students should of each other. While bearing the past find cafés and bars run by future of Sino-Japan relations, the opportunities to attain a win-win put in the effort to make our world deep in our minds, both Japanese young people.” “It’s not Japanese students in PKU also have a paradigm in economics. Yamamoto a better place. We have to care about and Chinese people should be opti- uncommon to see stylish lot of opinions about it. Seita, also an exchange student from voices from different backgrounds mistic and embrace a brighter future “ It is such a perfect combination of traditional and modern culture and lifestyle here in Beijing “ bars under traditional All of the Japanese students inter- Osaka University, explained that “the and respect views and feelings of of Sino-Japan relations and encour- roofs and elder people viewed positively agreed that they are communication between students people from other countries. The de- age more cultural exchanges. For enjoying their free time willing to make animosity of yester- yield twice the result with half the velopment of NGOs and the rise of that, international students,like Fuji- of Peking University. One of the Jap- and young people working on their day into partnership for tomorrow. effort”. grassroots level of communication ta Rise, are good examples of how to anese students commented,“When businesses. It is such a perfect combi- Fujita said that she appreciates the All in all, the Japanese students among people is more productive promote positive exchanges between I was still in Japan, I wouldn’t have nation of traditional and modern cul- reasonable views of some Chinese are enjoying their time in Peking and effective in promoting improve- China and Japan. dreamt of studying with local Chi- ture and lifestyle here in Beijing”she students on the history and politics nese students in China. Well, the commented. of Sino-Japan relations. She mentioned that some of her Chinese dream really did come true.” To my amazement, some of the students have already experienced a Keep the Past in Mind and Hope for a Brighter Future friends told her that the “Past is past. Our new generation should get along and interact with each oth- traditional Beijing life. Fujita lived in her friend’s Chinese style house (Si In terms of international politics, it er,” and that “Politics is politics— He Yuan) in a narrow hutong alley is nearly impossible for two countries it shouldn’t affect our friendship.” in order to take care of the friend’s to have the exact same views, espe- Some Chinese students also com- cat while her friend traveled abroad cially on topics such as history. But by mented that “Since our background during the National Day holiday. having a frank discussion on the so- is so different, it’s better not to argue Along both sides of the road were called “sensitive” topics, there is the over politics or history. We shouldn’t towering old trees and the residences possibility that the two countries may go too deep into politics. I see my of older residents. She chatted with share some common views and that Japanese friend as a friend no differ- the local residents almost everyday, the misunderstandings could be over- ent than any other Chinese friends.” and through these chats she came come in a constructive way. People Also, Okajima Daigo, an exchange Professor Jean C. Oi Bridging Two Campuses > Andrew Mao W ith an exterior appearance well-blended with the local atmos p h e r e, i n c l u d i n g hand-painted scenery and humble traditional Chinese architecture, it is difficult to imagine the expansiveness and elaborateness of the Stanford Center’s underground depths, which boast three levels of state-of-the-art facilities. Yet the same probably goes to the awe-striking woman who runs the place, Professor Jean C. Oi. For it took me, with an incredible chance of luck, to actually take part in one of her courses before I was able to have a grasp of the charismatic individual that she is. 14 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY Professor Jean C. Oi is the William is also senior fellow of the Institute Oi helped establish Stanford’s Cen- Haas Professor in Chinese Politics for International Studies, where she ter at Peking University (SCPKU) in in the Department of Political Sci- directs the China Program. Leading the year 2012, and she remains the ence at Stanford University, but she Stanford’s China Initiative, Professor founding director up to this day. AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 15 People “ What distinguishes Professor Oi as an instru cto r, b e s i d e s h e r in c re d ib le s u bject p rofi ciency, of course, is how she constantly draws upon personal anecdotes to help students better contextualize issues. one table to deliberate!” As we break sor Oi an assertive and probing edge to spice things up, Professor Oi pro- for both Stanford University and out laughing, we better appreciate the in her teaching styles. This challenges vided a pizza lunch while the class Peking University students alike. For notion of electoral democracy as a students to be critical, meticulous, enjoyed a lively discussion that went California natives, ”It’s difficult to gradual learning process. and constantly on their toes. way past the period and extended convey the different world [the Chi- Professor Oi also stands out in What’s more, there are other perks well into noon. Indeed, there come nese] are living in,” without actually her assertiveness and her candidness. of being in charge of the place. For a certain privileges that amount to even being in the heart of things. Whereas Whenever a great idea is thrown out, class packed in an undersized room, greater appreciation of being able to for Chinese students, the center nes- you can count on her unreserved it only took one simple phone call work with Professor Oi, and being tled in the serene and scenic northern approval, but whenever something from Professor Oi to instantly re- constantly challenged academically. end of campus is an independent “ questionable is voiced over the dis- locate the entire class to a spacious Professor Oi has been director of ecosystem in the middle of a bustling Yet Professor Oi’s involvement an instructor, besides her incredible cussion table, she will not hesitate to lecture hall, one floor above. Besides the Stanford Center for three years intellectual hub, where one can take with Peking University far predates subject proficiency, of course, is how point out its insufficiency, unlike your the obvious convenience, it also al- and counting, and under her effort the first step towards the outside the construction of the Stanford Cen- she constantly draws upon personal typical instructor who might hint lows Professor Oi maneuvering space the center has become a venue for world. ter infrastructure itself. In fact, back anecdotes helping students to better elusively. If you respond to Professor to tailor her courses. For example, mutual learning and understanding in 2002, Professor Oi had spent two contextualize issues. For example, Oi with a problematic answer, expect weeks on campus teaching China’s amidst a discussion over village elec- to face a pummeling, interrogating political situation to students from tions, Professor Oi proudly recalls her exchange, “Really? I don’t think so. the United States, who were part of rural surveying experiences, where she Explain to me how that would be the an Overseas Seminar Program. “Ev- was lucky to witness firsthand an at- case?” Yet at the same time, Professor eryone realizes China will be a major tempt to implement secret ballots in Oi applies these standards to herself player—economically, politically, in a local school house. She recreates for as well. She makes sure to avoid log- Marina Pop Cenić and the “Far East Society” all the realms,” explains Professor Oi, us the scene where seven villagers are ical leaps in explanations and to al- > Han Yihua and the campus of Peking University allowed into a classroom with seven ways take the time to raise questions is literally at the heart of the Chinese individual voting tables in place, “But regarding her own lecture, “But is academic sphere. She added that, guess what happens?” she asks the vote-buying really bad?” “Are protests Stanford graduates, from engineers to class.“Rather than filling ballots indi- really bad?” Perhaps it is part of her humanities majors, will increasingly vidually, the villagers gather around identity as director that gives Profes- need to interact with Chinese busi- M arina Pop Cenić grad- her memories with her classmates “Far East Society”, which carries her uated from Peking and her host family. The unforgetta- beautiful vision and wishes. University (PKU) in ble experience of studying at PKU is Founded in 1989, the “Far East So- 1986. She is the vice the main reason why she founded the ciety” has developed from a club into president of “Far East Society”, a non- nesses and colleagues in China. “So they need to have hands-on under- governmental organization between standing of what China is—the kind China and the Republic of Serbia. of training you can’t get from reading Marina has contributed the past 26 a book,” Professor Oi said. Perhaps years of her life to Sino-Serbia cultur- that is an apt summary of not only al exchanges and communication, the mission of the center, but also and she received Li Keqiang when he Professor Oi’s dual role as director visited Serbia in 2014. Marina visited PKU and met with and instructor. Speaking of Professor Oi at the her old friends here at Beijing and seminar table, I was incredibly lucky was surprised to find out that her best to have her as a substitute teacher friend back in college is now a pro- for the first two sessions of Chinese fessor at PKU, and the little boy she Society in the Post-Mao Era, a course knew from her host family while she exploring major social trends in Post- was studying in Beijing had already Mao China, hosted weekly at the had his own little boy. She walked Stanford Center. around the campus accompanied with the school directors and recalled What distinguishes Professor Oi as 16 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 17 People Campus China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study A Hug with China > He Yuchen an association that contains many Spring Festival Gala. tion and communication between aspects of Chinese culture, including The Spring Festival Gala is one of China and Serbia, especially by en- economics, politics, arts, and history. the most indispensable elements for hancing relationships between PKU, While aiming to introduce China to Chinese to celebrate the Spring Fes- the best University in China, and the more and more Serbian people, it tival—the biggest festival in China— best universities in Serbia. also works to share Serbian culture by sitting around the TV watching to Chinese people. Year after year, the show while eating dumplings the “Far East Society” has established and chatting boisterously with family Background Information members. Every year, Ma- “ Founded in 1989, the “ Fa r Ea st So c i et y ” h a s developed from a club into an association that contains many aspects of Chinese culture, including eco no m i c s , p o liti c s , a r ts , and history. rina and her husband pre- Marina Pop Cenić studied at the pare for a Serbian version School of Foreign Languages at PKU of the Spring Festival Gala from 1982 till 1986, and she is one to celebrate Chinese New of the co-founders and vice presi- year with her students. All dents of the “Far East Society”, and the performances are in she is also member of the reception Chinese, so the students team for Premier Li Keqiang when can learn while having he visited Serbia in 2014. “ fun. After the Spring Fes- T h e “Fa r Ea s t Soc ie t y” w a s tival, they will also cele- co-founded in 1989 by scholars, brate the Lantern Festival diplomats, and entrepreneurs from together, which comes the former Yugoslavia who were cooperative relationships with many shortly after the Spring Festival. They interested in East Asian issues. The Serbian and Chinese organizations, will use chopsticks to enjoy delicious main work of the “Far East Society” and now she is hoping to build a Chinese cuisine and go to sing Chi- is to share East Asian culture, such as long-term cooperation relationship nese songs at KTV. Chinese culture, history, and arts to with PKU to accelerate the academ- Though Marina has to teach from Serbians and to hold large exchanges ic exchanges and communications Monday to Friday, she enjoys it a lot,- and communication activities with between teenagers among the two because everything related to China the assistance from the Serbian gov- countries. Currently, there are over can remind her of those wonderful ernment. They invite important peo- 400 college students who are study- days she had at PKU. She also wishes ple, including government officials, ing Chinese characters and Chinese her alma mater a happy 120th anni- ambassadors, and overseas Chinese culture at the “Far East Society”. They versary and promised to continuing to their local Spring Festival Gala. study Chinese songs, poems, and the her efforts to enhance the coopera- 18 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY ow was your summer va- H about the living conditions of Chi- the aging studies in the United States cation? Did you hang out nese residents aged 45 or older to (HRS), the United Kingdom (ELSA) with your friends, take a serve the need for scientific research and Europe (SHARE) to guide its summer course abroad, or on aging. The sample is comprised of program. Some original methods of just join in a social event to explore about 10,000 households and 17,500 statistics are also introduced. Ques- the unknown world? What about individuals in 150 counties/districts tionnaires cover demographics, fami- going for a one-month field survey to and 450 villages/resident commit- ly structure, health status, health care “really see China”? The China Health tees, all of which are randomly se- and insurance, work, retirement and and Retirement Longitudinal Study lected. The baseline national wave pension, income and consumption, (CHARLS) Team, consisting of over of CHARLS was fielded in 2011 and assets, and community level infor- 800 undergraduate and graduate stu- runs every two years, and follow-up mation. As of September 2015, the dents from Peking University (PKU) research is conducted on all these number of people in the CHARLS offers a unique summer plan. baseline samples. The data collected database approached 12,000, with CHARLS is a program led by the is published one year after each wave approximately 13% of them being National School of Development, to support global studies on aging foreign individuals or institutes. With PKU, since 2007 for the purpose and other social issues in China. the follow-up study carried out step- of building a high quality database AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 CHARLS used experience from by-step, the value of the database will Campus continuously increase and so will universities. They received profes- Team 2, the uncovering of the ‘real What Fu Zhiyu learned from his the hopes that the society has for us,” his wife was so overwhelmed by grief its influence. “We are trying to prove sional training on social investigation China’ is the main attraction of the CHARLS experience was the meaning she continued, “Besides surveys and that she passed away shortly after. But that China can make the world’s top methods for seven days before setting project. His curiosity on this topic of ‘leadership’. At the beginning of the questionnaires, we should give the he was not the sad and downtrodden database in academic areas”, said out for their destinations throughout was first piqued when he came across survey he tried to arrange everything elderly our love and care.” person as we thought he would be.” China. What’s more, a Q&A on the Internet. Zhiyu found for the team to ensure efficiency, but Interviewing people with different Chang told us the story slowly and in health examination that in Shanghai, the threshold of the every day his plan would be inter- backgrounds was another kind of detail: “He had no access to adequate and blood sample top 20% household annual income rupted by unexpected occurrences. “I experience. “We’ve visited nearly 200 education in his early years, but he collecting were also was 174,000RMB, which was “quite was depressed for a while. I thought families, experienced their lives, and insisted taking correspondence cours- added to this year’s high, but much different from what that I was doing well by CHARLS survey, so I expected”. He found that none of the team, but I was proven it required students his friends could guess the true dis- wrong,” he explained. Lat- to have basic nurs- posable income per capita of China. er, he learned to allocate ing skills as well. “Usually, we think we are living a tasks to team members and “This is a relatively very common life, but actually our allow them freedom to ar- Professor Zhao Yaohui, the leader of mature project with rigorous meth- life is of extremely high quality when range their own work. The CHARLS program at the Commenda- odology and comprehensive research compared to the whole Chinese pop- running of the team soon tion Conference of this year’s nation- plans, and the topic is of great aca- ulation,” and he continued, “It seems became more coherent. al wave. “ We’ve v i s ite d n e a rly 20 0 families , experienced their lives, and listened to their stories. “ demic value”, said Darcy Chang, who that we are far away from China.” Fu “After all, coordination is The 2015 CHARLS Team started had been a student of the course “So- has been devoted to social investiga- the foremost task of a lead- its recruitment in late March. The cial Investigation and Research Meth- tions related to this topic ever since. er,” he concluded. selection process was rather tough ods” before later joining CHARLS. During the 30 days spent in towns As the investigation since the number of applicants was “We could get the chance to commu- and villages, 76 survey teams finished continued, the treasure of data collecting of a sample compris- CHARLS went far beyond ing over 20,000 residents of China. data and questionnaires. For most of the student investigators, Meeting people became this was the longest trip they had ever one of the most valuable taken, and of course, the toughest as experiences students had well. Misunderstanding, rejection, during the project. Nan and even scolding were so common Mengzhe, an undergraduate from listened to their stories,” said Tang es and attending night schools. Now that students got used to them. Be- the Central University of Finance Yushi. He and his friends were some- he’s got three full bookcases in his cause of the high altitude, the Longq- and Economics, was the leader for times employed as a mediator in fam- rooms, with many calligraphy works ing (Gansu & Qinghai) Team had the Longqing (Gansu & Qinghai) ily conflict. “Despite the many years of his own on his table.” Chang was trouble collecting blood samples. Team, and she said what impressed of education I have received, I found deeply touched by the sharp contrast The assistant collector let the nurse her most was the warmth she felt myself being of no help to the ordi- between the man’s misfortune and take her own blood in order to test from strangers along her journey. The nary problems of an ordinary family. his earnest love for life. “I came to the device. Tang Yushi, the leader of train attendant gave his seat to team The only thing we could do was to be reflect on the so-called sympathy that the Dianchuan (Yunnan & Sichuan) members and helped them buy berth a listener, carrying their stories with we often place on people like him.” Team recalled the days when he and tickets once aboard the train. The us on our way to the accomplishing his team members were stuck on a man sitting next to them on the train our dreams.” mountain road because of a land- told his own story as an entrepreneur, Darcy Chang shared his most spent together. It seems that all the slide. “When waiting, we each held a which was both encouraging and unforgettable memory during his investigators were trying to retell their Word turns pale when describing those splendid days and nights they far larger than expected. Finally, 806 nicate with interviewees face to face, potato in hand, eating and enjoying thought provoking. An old Buddhist fieldwork conducted in Jilin Province stories as completely as possible, but college students were enrolled and which is a precious chance for us to the beautiful sunset,” said Tang, “it living in the mountains gave her a with us. One of his interviewees was there were just too many memories. divided into 76 teams, including 185 feel the charm of this discipline from is CHARLS that taught us to be calm copy of Di Zi Gui (Standard of Stu- a solitary old man who had lost his Friendship, skills, perseverance, hori- PKU students (accounting for about another side.” and steady when faced with difficul- dents) which his grandfather made wife and son. “His son died in a traf- zons... For them, CHARLS is a once- ties.” by hand. “I can feel the sincerity of fic accident at a very young age, and in-a-lifetime gift. 23%) and 3 students from foreign 20 For Fu Zhiyu, the leader of Jiangsu NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 21 Campus against Japanese invasion. much attention and won enthusiastic At this time every year, crowds of applause. The Chinese Music Institute students flow into the Triangle and and other music associations offered are filled with excitement and curi- their audiences fantastic performanc- osity, while the club members stand es. Impressed by the wonderful per- beside their booths and extend warm formance of the Drum Circle, some welcomes to all. The Triangle is full of newcomers couldn’t help having a laughter, music, and boisterous voic- try at playing the drums! Another es, as well as the bright colors of vari- club, which couldn’t be missed, was ous posters. A freshman who went to the Marxist Association. Its members the Triangle said excitedly, “Wow, the paraded along the street, waving flags recruitment is spectacular!” and singing “The Internationale” in unison. Some students were touched Various and Original Ways of Recruiting by the emotion they displayed, reflecting their firm faith and unity. There were also some students who We Want You! Come and Join Us! Student Associations Recruitment > Zhou Huiying Associations use various ways to preferred the soft and melodious har- attract more attention. Many students monies produced by the members of were attracted by the cosplay from the Peking University Student Choir, the Original Fire Comic Club. The who warmly invited students to join croblog, and the PKU BBS. As more members, who wore colorful cos- them. and more college students are using tumes depicting characters from Jap- Technologically, one of the main these social media forums, we think anese anime, stood in front of their characteristics of this year’s recruit- it would be more convenient for booth passing out their club’s leaflets. ment was that most associations them to register online.” Similarly, the Jingwu Association were not confined to in-person had their members wear Taekwondo registration but also adopted on- dobok to attract greater attention line enrollment. A girl who was in and publicity. Eye-catching costumes charge of the recruitment of the As a Chinese saying goes; “Splen- were not the only feature. The Hip Mountaineering Association said, did stage performances requires ten Hop Society organized a dynamic “We had already put our recruitment years of hard training.” Members of hip-hop performance in front of the advertisement and registration form some students’ associations spent Nongyuan cafeteria, which attracted on our official WeChat channel, mi- several weeks preparing for this re- Busy Preparation cruitment drive. Their posters were fascinating and well organized with O (PKU) student associations PKU is known for its academic recruitment ceremony in “the Trian- ration from the beginning of this kicked off. By the end of the third achievements, as well as its spirit of gle”. Due to the number of participat- semester. We designed posters, post- day, 262 student associations cover- democracy and freedom, and the ing associations and the sheer num- cards, registration forms, and book- ing political theory, academic innova- blossoming of various student as- ber of students bustling to sign up for lets for the newcomers, and then we tion, culture and art, physical fitness, sociations is one of the most telling their favorite clubs, the PKU student contacted the printing shops to print volunteer programs, cooperation and reflections of this tradition. PKU has associations’ recruitment is common- them. Additionally, we bought some exchange, as well as regional culture an established tradition of encourag- ly called “The Great Campaign with display racks and gifts. Key members had recruited hundreds of students ing each student to develop his or her One Hundred Regiments”, in refer- are divided into several groups for for their respective clubs. own interests. Therefore, more than ence to the famous historical battle preparation, and we take turns to n September 25, 2015, the three-day autumn recruit- “The great campaign with one hundred regiments” ment by Peking University 22 200 clubs have been established to colorful pictures and photos of their satisfy students’ interests. Every year, daily activities and eye-catching wel- PKU student associations hold a big come slogans. “We started our prepa- NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 23 Campus I took the subway here to help.” her English. “Interest is my Motivation.” the participation in student clubs as a What’s more, some students regard social experience. The social activities Introduction to Health Economics A Course Worth Exploring “I’m interested in kendo, so I’m of some clubs are attractive to many going to join the Kendo Society,” students. Ellie, a visiting scholar from Wang Hao, an international student England, told me that she had just told us. Like Wang Hao, most stu- arrived at PKU, and in order to be- dents join clubs out of interest. They come more familiar with the campus want to find a platform to develop and to practice Chinese, she joined their interests and to make friends several associations which require a with people who share common great deal of social interaction, such goals and interests. But there are also as the Peking University News and many students who simply want to the Model United Nations Club. Ellie I explore and try new things. Zheng also joined the Tennis Association ics course might be for you. Jiarui, a student from the College of and Skiing Association so as to be Urban and Environmental Sciences, able to exercise more and keep fit. > Wei Wei f you are interested in China’s healthcare system reform, or if you are curious to know more about how to run a hospital, Professor Li Ling’s Health EconomAs a devoted and renowned expert in health economics, health hesitated about whether to join the This semester’s recruitment of service management, mature eco- PKU:OIR Student Press Corps before student associations has ended, but nomics, and economic growth come to the site. All of us are eager to she came to the recruitment site. She it is the beginning of more colorful meet more newcomers and to intro- theory, along with the experience of was not confident that her English activities to be held by different as- duce our club to them,” one of the being a doctoral supervisor at the ability would satisfy the club’s entry sociations. We wish each student the members of the Original Fire Comic National School of Development requirements. However, in the end, very best, hope they accomplish their Club said, “and as soon as I finished she persuaded herself to join because goals, further develop their interests, my class at the Health Science Center, she wanted to have a try and improve and continue to chase their dreams. NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY of Peking University. Prof. Li is well known as a chief advisor on China’s health care reform and chief com- As a leading scholar in healthcare burgh, she studied macroeconomics mittee member of Policy and Man- with an abundant experience and and grew interested in the elderly agement Research of the Ministry of knowledge, Prof Li has great insights population. This population’s con- Health of the People’s Republic of into the healthcare area in and out- sumption and expenditures have China. Her main research interests side of China. For instance, in 2006, significant impact on national and teaching fields are health eco- she made a spot investigation in economy. For the elderly, they have nomics and economics of aging. Suqian, a city in Jiangsu Province, limited need for things such as food In 1978, Li Ling was admitted to and the rural areas around Suqian and clothing, but almost unlimited the physics department at Wuhan to discover if the local trial of over- demand for healthcare. Since then University as an undergraduate. all marketization of healthcare was she began to pay attention to health After graduation, she enrolled in successful, but unfortunately, the economics, and she found this field the graduate program at the physics trial turned out to be a failure. to be very interesting: it involved department and then transferred In Prof. Li’s own words, having almost all the difficult questions to the economics department. In studied physics and social science, in modern economics, such as 1987, she went abroad to study at she felt that what China needed the asymmetrical information, risk the University of Pittsburgh and re- most was social management, espe- aversion, adverse selection, moral ceived her Ph.D. in economics. She cially the effective allocation of re- hazard, and so on. was a faculty member at Towson sources for the entire society. So she When it comes to health eco- University for 10 years before she transferred from the physics depart- nomics, it is a branch of econom- came back to China to work at the ment to the department of econom- ics with regard to issues concern- National School of Development. ics. Later at the University of Pitts- ing efficiency, effectiveness, value, AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 25 Campus and behavior in the production unsolved at this stage of China’s anymore. It is critical to break the the lowest cost possible. Medica- of healthcare, is “health”, which healthcare system. I hope you will and consumption of health and healthcare system reform, which corrupted connection between tion should not become a tool of has to be realized by prevention be inspired and motivated by the healthcare, broadly including the she asks students to think about hospitals and medicine sales; profiting off of patients. instead of medication. The course course and that we can work to- study of the functioning of health critically. Students involved in the their budget should be provided The reforms still have a long encourages students to be social- gether to make healthcare better by the government. To maintain way to go. According to Prof. Li, ly responsible and to strive for for all Chinese people and all hu- quality and efficiency, the person- the next step, as the ultimate goal improving China’s nationwide man beings. “ In Prof. Li’s own words, having studied physics and social science, she felt that what China needed the most was social management, especially the effective allocation of resources for the entire society. nel system should also be more competitive. Employees for rural health care providers should compete for positions based on their qualification and performance incentive system should also be Hello! I’m Your Campus Companion based on performance evaluation > Han Yihua evaluation and the new salary and “ more than the traditional “fee for care systems and health-affecting course are also encouraged to carry behaviors. In Prof. Li’s course, you out their own research into Chi- Public hospitals are also anoth- will get to learn the basic theories na’s healthcare system reforms and er significant part of reforms. Prof. of health economics, and import- to present the results to the whole Li thinks the reform of workforce ant issues ranging from China to class. Some of the shared research system plays significant role. An the entire world will be taken into results turned out to be unexpect- appropriate incentive system has H serious discussion, such as the edly fruitful and inspiring. After careful analysis of China’s internal healthcare system reform and a broad spectrum of healthcare system models of other countries. service” payment model. ello! I’m your campus Divided into Weiming, Boya, even shared their own experience companion. On Sep- Langrun, Changchun, all of which one or two years ago when they tember 6thand 7th, were the names of landmarks in started as freshmen at PKU, which freshmen flooded into PKU, the 4 groups wore green, instilled sympathy among the Peking University(PKU), and to yellow, blue, and orange clothes newcomers. to be established. She also indi- help them get used to their new while accompanying the fresh- The trip began early in the class, Prof. Li also interacted a lot cated that the reform of public university life, senior students men for a two-day experience trip morning after a sound sleep at with students to exchange their hospitals should still be mainly were there and ready to help. on campus. night. To help freshmen get used ideas freely. led by government, rather than PKU holds freshman training After a meeting on the night of to the quick tempo of the univer- Some of the stirring perspec- overwhelmingly market-oriented. sessions as a routine every year the 5th, each “Baymax”met their sity and to figure out their own vision in four years, there was the As is designed to be relevant to tives of Prof. Li may appeal to Healthcare services are not meant when the most talented students little “Hioros”for the first time. China’s healthcare system reform, you. In terms of the healthcare to be provided for profit and from everywhere in China come With funny the course itself is one of its own. reform in rural areas, the govern- should come back to public ser- to PKU to start one of the most but also trust- You can hardly find similar classes ment should take responsibility vices—aiming to provide the best fabulous and unforgettable jour- worthy intro- at other China’s universities. Al- in two aspects—providing health quality of care to the public with ney in their lives. We made some ductions, our though recent changes have been insurance and increasing the lev- changes this year: Instead of te- little “Hiros”- implemented in an effort to ensure el of coverage for the New Rural dious lectures and lengthy talks seemed to feel healthcare for all of China, China’s Cooperation Medical Insurance from the deans, warm-hearted up- much more healthcare system is facing many and rebuilding rural primary care per grade students chose to devote comfortable challenges, which requires further system. Currently, the primary themselves to guiding newcomers and started cu- studies, research, and experiments. healthcare system funding level into the completely new environ- riously asking Interestingly, the course is not is still low, but it did allow the ment. many ques- just about theoretical research and re-establishment of the three-level In small groups (less than 25 tions. Knowing case studies. Nevertheless, there health services network: village students), each student could that, for most are much more than basic con- doctors, township-village hospi- feel touched and cared for and of them,it will be the first time to first session “Wenweiming”. With cepts and mechanisms in health tals, and county hospitals. The the training sessions could be an live alone at school far away from a broad range and vivid descrip- economics. Prof Li raises a lot of township-village hospitals should exclusive experience for them to their parents and friends. The tion of different university life- practical problems that remain not survive by selling medicines kick-off their new life in PKU. “Baymaxes”tried their best and styles and activities, the purpose NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 “ 30 26 “ U n i ve r s i t y l i fe i s n ’ t o n l y about learning your major, it’s also about learning and experiencing new things and opening up different possibilities that you might not even thought of before—it’s all about an overall development. 27 Campus of the session was to provide into different teams. By playing about how he became a consci- our freshmen with abundant op- games,they got to know about entious leader from a procras- portunities and possibilities to others’ hometowns, dreams, and tinating boy. He hoped that all do whatever they wanted to do. lives before they became a PKU the freshmen can make good use Finally, after a Q&A session,the student. University life isn’t only of these precious 4 years and the freshman wrote down their own about learning your major, it’s abundant recourses that PKU of- ideal outlook for the next in also about learning and experi- fers. four years. encing new things and opening The second day was arranged It didn’t have to be exact, yet up different possibilities that as a campus tour and value dis- it doesn't even have to be great. you might not even thought of cussing to help freshmen study The point is that by planning before—it’s all about an overall the broad and profound history your own university life, you are development. of PKU. The “Baymaxes”guided already making big progress by The day was finished with a the freshmen through both the marching into a more autono- PKU student and now teacher campus and it’s rich history, and mous stage in your life. sharing his stories. He explained explained how PKU’s history is The afternoon kicked off with how his time at PKU were the intertwined so tightly with the a gaming session but it was more most fabulous 4 years of his country’s history. Every univer- than just games. Students from life,and now he is an assistant sity has their own tradition, and different majors were divided t e a c h e r. H e s h a r e d h i s s t o r y so does Peking University: PKU students not only care about collecting documents and creat- was impressed by the talent of their personal success and hap- ing interesting and meaningful the young freshmen, even though piness but also the well-being of events to fulfill the expectations they are just a year younger than their country, its people, and all from the freshmen and our pas- me. I can see they are very in- of humanity. sionate and caring upper grade novative and eager to learn and Starting from the perfect match volunteers, for without them, the explore. Secondly, when prepar- of Weiming Lake and the Boya whole thing couldn’t have been a ing for the activity, I had a good Tower, which was always philo- success.” opportunity to look back on my sophical and thought-provoking, Chen Jinyi was one of this own freshman year. It definitely to the one of the Libraries which year’s freshmen to the School of was not an easy year and it abso- has the greatest collection in Foreign Language,and she really lutely had an impact on me, and Asian world, it could be said “Yi enjoyed her trip:“It was an un- the most important thing is that Ta Hu Tu”(standing for one tower forgettable experience, we met there was always warm-hearted one lake and one library, which students from different depart- people helping me, teaching me, make landmarks of PKU)to be- ments and became friends just and that is also the main reason come immortal in the myth of in two days. College life is totally I want to help the freshmen get scenery, and the soul of the peo- different from high school life. used to their new life here in this ple of hundreds and thousands Its much more free and colorful, big and warm family. from PKU. which requires more autonomy, PKU is approaching its 120th but I’m pretty sure I can handle anniversary now, and after 120 it.” years, generations after genera- “It was exhausting, but worthwhile”, said the person in charge NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY of this year’s companion program, I, as one of the volunteer com- tions have come and gone from Li Jinsha:“We started preparing panions, also learned a lot within PKU. They came with awe and even before the final exam of last these two days and during the veneration and left with responsi- semester, we spent days after days preparation work. First of all, I bilities and dreams. AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 29 Int'l Collaboration gradually become an essential edu- countries and regions worldwide en- dents participate in the same courses cational and cultural exchange plat- rolled in the program. Students came and learn from each other in the form for international and Chinese from many prestigious institutions, summer school. In addition to reg- students at Peking University. This including Yale University, the Univer- ular courses, the Summer School year, the program has opened 25 En- sity of California, Oxford University, International program also provides glish-instructed courses in many dif- Cambridge University, University of elective Chinese Language courses to ferent disciplines, including Chinese Copenhagen, Berlin's Free University, help international students improve culture, history, philosophy, econom- the University of Amsterdam, Nation- their Chinese. Students can also expe- ics, politics, international relations, al University of Singapore, and doz- rience Chinese society and culture in environment, sports, and others. This ens of other well-known universities. person through the various cultural year, there are 212 students from 25 The Opening Ceremony of Peking University’s Seventh Summer School International > Wang Shan O “ tours hosted by SSI. Peking University and LSE Summer School Program > Zhang Rutian uring the past summer, stu- D ing different areas like politics, gov- two weeks. The professors were from dents from different parts ernment, social policy, international both LSE and PKU. Courses such of the world came to join relations, international development, as,“The Global Economy: Rethink- the Peking University and economics, statistics, finance, n July8, 2015, the opening of Education Administration of PKU sors from home and abroad. More- ceremony and student-fac- attended the opening ceremony. over, he indicated that the PKU:SSI ulty mixer of the 7th More than 200students and profes- was a valuable opportunity for inter- the London School of Economics management, law, media,and national students to explore Chinese and Political Science (PKU-LSE) Sum- geography and the environ- E a s t , ” t a u g h t by culture, and he explained that it was mer School. During the program, ment for students to select. Professor Danny a good platform for cross-cultural students learned new perspectives on What excited students most Quah, “The Rise exchanges, ever important amid the global issues and got to know one were the professors who internalization of higher education. another’s cultures as well. The fruitful were going to teach Afterwards, Vice President Gao class content, colorful extra-curricular and guide Song, Director Xia Hongwei, Deputy activities, and the foreign cultural them over Director Liu Jianbo issued Summer immersion left the participants with the next School International visiting scholar unforgettable memories. annual Peking University Summer School International(PKU:S- sors also attended. Mr. Gao started off the event with Dating back to 2009, the Summer School International program has gradually become an essential educational and cultural exchange platform for international and Chinese students at Peking University. appointment certificates to Professor On August 9, students arrived at Roger Thomas Ames from the Univer- the New Sun Student Centre, col- sity of Hawaii, Professor Xu Xin from lected learning materials and looked Cornell University, and Professor forward to their two-week long “ SI) was held at Huxin Island, Peking his opening remarks and a welcom- Zhou Yu from Vassar College. Then studying experience at University (PKU). Gao Song, Vice ing address. He spoke highly of the he expressed his gratitude to the pro- Peking University (PKU). President and Provost of PKU, Xia academic strictness as well as the fessors for their contributions to the ing World Leadership and the Great Shift of an Empire? Unraveling Chinese There were integrated courses concerning PKU:SSI. Hongwei, Director of the Office of wide range of the courses opened International Relations of PKU, Liu by PKU:SSI and complimented the Dating back to 2009, the Summer Jianbo, Deputy Director of the Office high-quality teaching of the profes- School International program has 30 International and Chinese stu- NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY China’s current national situation cover- AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 31 Int'l Collaboration Domestic Politics and Policy,” taught opinions, and raise doubts, and a In Professor Danny Quah’s class this cultural and academic program. with their special collections. Stu- outstanding fellows and distin- by Dr. Zhang Jian, “Management, heated discussion normally followed “The Global Economy: Rethinking On the day that students arrived dents also arranged dinners with guished professors. This two-week Entrepreneurship, and Global Lead- presentations. After a whole morning World Leadership and the Great they were given a handbook with professors, during which they got experience was a gift and will be ership,” taught by Dr. Fei Qin, and“- of teaching, a one-and-a-half-hour Shift East,” he first gave students details on Beijing and PKU. With to know each other more and spent cherished for the rest of their lives. From NGOs to social Enterprises: seminar awaited the students in the an overview of global economic the assistance of a tour guide and quality time together. At the farewell party, students chat- Chinese Social Organizations in Local afternoon. During the seminar, apart growth and development. Professor local students’ help, international Near the end of the two-week ted and laughed, took photos, and Quah then introduced and ana- students took a tour, experienced session,the Right Honorable Philip exchanged contact information to lyzed the middle-income trap, the meals of different cuisines and tried Hammond MP, Secretary of State ensure future communication. rise of China, global trade, inter- the facilities of PKU. for Foreign and Commonwealth Teachers also treasured the “ The learning method employed in class was a t wo -way p roces s : Stu dents were free to as k questions, give opinions, and raise doubts, and a heated discussion normally followed presentations. national financial architecture and Additionally, students also made Affairs paid a visit to PKU, giving a experience. Professor Danny Quah coordination as well as global hege- the most of their spare time, vis- speech entitled “UK-China: A Glob- said, “Engaging with students from mony. This overview complement- iting tourists’ attractions like the al Partnership for the 21stCentury”. China and the rest of the world is ed the reading list, and students Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, During the speech, he expressed an opportunity to see things from gained a better understanding of and the Great Wall. International the willingness of both nations to the inside and to listen to debate familiar concepts and built the log- students noted that observing how cooperate in the field of education. from people with fresh, open ical links between different parts of minds who want to understand. It “ and Global Governance,” taught by from refining and reinforcing what the subject. In the seminar, students is critical to see this kind of intel- Dr. Timothy Hildebrandt were most they had learned in the morning, stu- debated on subjects like whether lectual exchange that is happening popular among students. dents turned to subjects more related China would be the next global when I participate in the LSE-PKU For those students with no back- to life around them. In particular, hegemonic power, and discussed Summer School.”Dr. Zhang Jian ground in the content of the subjects, students showed deep concern and whether China’s economy would said, “Summer school is a great professors offered a simple,yet pro- great enthusiasm on China’s current continue to grow while mitigating platform for students from a wide found way to understand new con- issues. International students raised the middle-income trap and uncov- set of backgrounds… It is import- cepts. For the students whose major questions and made comments that ering the next incentive of global ant to have a multi-dimensional areas of study centered on the subject Chinese students had never consid- economic growth. The professors understanding of China and to get matter, professors provided new ered before. Chinese students also were happy to hear the numerous to know this country through first- perspectives to delve further into the surprised international students brilliant ideas that were generated hand information.” important questions of that area of with “what’s really happening in through the seminar. study. The learning method employed China presently”. Both groups of Besides class sessions and semi- tracted about 300 participants from in class was a two-way process: Stu- students gained useful knowledge nars, the LSE-PKU Summer School over 40 countries and brought dents were free to ask questions, give through such discussions. also held a round table meeting together a diverse mix of students and professionals from industry, in the first week on current issues. Chinese traditional architecture was After the presentation,a few stu- Four professors from different disci- different from Western architecture dents from the LSE-PKU Summer government, and international and plines were present at the meeting. was a unique experience for them School were able to speak with the non-governmental organizations. They shared their opinions and and helped them understand more MP. The LSE-PKU Summer School pro- research on how China’s econom- about Chinese culture. What they The enjoyable learning journey vides a unique opportunity to learn ics and politics interacted with the loved most however, was Chinese came to an end all too quickly. Af- about China from within China, world. The meeting was dynamic, food. Peking Duck was absolutely ter two weeks of intensive learning, but with a truly international per- with students also joining the dis- the first choice when trying local the LSE-PKU Summer School threw spective. Students who attended the cussion. The round table meeting dishes. International students a farewell party for all the students, program all had a fruitful experi- lasted about three hours and every- also went to Nanluoguxiang for professors, and crew members. A ence and made a difference in their one felt highly satisfied at its con- snacks and “funny food” which video made by students was played future academic life and career. The clusion. they thought was both bizarre and at the farewell party, in which they most dynamic and diverse city in The LSE-PKU Summer School fantastic. They bought souvenirs expressed their enthusiasm and China – Beijing– also fascinated was not just limited to study. Life in Panjiayuan, bargaining with gratitude for the course. They were students with its economics, poli- after class also played a key role in vendors and returning back to PKU thankful for running into so many tics, and culture. NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY 32 The 2015 Summer school at- AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 33 Int'l Collaboration Congress of the International Institute of Philosophy Held at PKU > Zhong Xue T is the first meeting International Institute held in China. The of Philosophy (IIP) was topic of the 2015 successfully held at the congress is Dimen- Institute for Advanced Humanistic sions of Human, Studies (IAHS) of Peking University proposed by Du (PKU) from September 16 to 19, Weiming, acade- 2015. mician of IIP and IIP, founded in Paris in 1937, is now the most renowned academic “ Twenty-three international academicians of IIP as well as 40 philosophy professors from key universities in China attended the congress. “ he 2015 Congress of the Dean of IAHS. Twenty-three institutions in the field of philoso- international academicians of IIP more about Chinese philosophy. The phy around the world. Academicians as well as 40 philosophy profes- focus of the philosophical field has of IIP meet annually and the World sors from key universities in China been shifting from the west to the Congress of Philosophy is held by IIP attended the congress. During the east, and the issues that international philosophers now discuss demonstrate this shift. Currently, Chinese philosophical studies are surging and Chinese philosophers are working to improve traditional theories in the context of the modern era so that the The 23rd Stanford Program in Beijing > Sohn Mina n September 21, 2015, the O and also offers Chinese language the successful launch of the 23rd- opening ceremony of the courses through the School of Chi- program and encouraged the partici- 23rd Stanford Program nese as a Second Language of PKU. pants. in Beijing was held at the During the opening ceremony, Li Jia Lu, a student represen- Chaitai International Center. Wang Wang Yong expressed heartfelt wel- tative of PKU, shared her feelings Yong, Vice Director of the Office of come to all the participants. He said about the United States, Cambodia, International Relations of Peking that globalization was particularly Hong Kong and the places she has University (PKU), Zhao Yang, Dean significant trend in the 21 century. been to. She said that cross-cultural of the School of Chinese as a Second As is expected, the program had communication is to share stories Language of PKU, Andy Andreasen, become an important platform and to communicate with other Executive Director of the Stanford for American students to study in countries. Then, Priyanka, a student Center at Peking University (SCP- China. In his speech, he conveyed representative of Stanford, made a KU), and David Boyer,Associate his sincere wishes that the students speech about how she feels about Director of the Bing Overseas Stud- could gain a lot from the program. China and shared her experience of ies Program of Stanford University Zhao Yang hoped that the partici- learning “hello” and “thank you” attended the welcome reception. pants could experience real Chinese in Chinese. She looked back at the The Stanford Program at PKU is society and fully understand Chinese help that she received since she ar- the only branch school of Stanford language and culture. Then, Andy rived in China, and she was moved in China. The program offers English Andreasen expressed his gratitude by all these experiences and looked courses related to Chinese Studies to PKU. David Boyer congratulated forward to studying at PKU. ancient theories can be more easily accepted by western traditions. Professor Du Weiming was appointed Vice President of IIP during the congress. He is one of the two Chinese IIP academicians and is the key figure for China’s successful bidding for the next World Congress of Philosophy. Turkish philosopher Ioanna Kuçuradi congratulated him and said that he is highly capable of the new position. His appointment and FISP (International Federation congress, 14 speeches were deliv- marked the progress of Chinese phi- of Philosophical Studies) every five ered, which were open to the public. losophy in the world. Professor Du years. The 24th World Congress of Special conferences about Chinese is now busy preparing for the 24th Philosophy will be held in Beijing in philosophy were held for the first World Congress of Philosophy with 2018 with the topic of Learning to be time, indicating the eagerness of phi- his team. He sincerely hopes the Human. The 2015 annual meeting losophers around the world to know event will be a great success. 34 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY st AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 Int'l Collaboration Launch of the “One Belt and One Road” Public Course Series on Foreign Languages and Culture Project > ZhongXue T “ and Persian will be opened later. western cultures, intercommunica- as ambassadors’ speeches. Foreign Cultural courses offered in this tion between Sino-Russian cultures, experts and ambassadors will be in- semester include courses covering introduction to Spanish culture volved in the project, so the project the Arabic world, Southeast Asia, and history, and cultural exchanges not only offers academic training but Israel, modern Middle East studies, between China and Japan. The pro- also provides a platform for Chinese eastern literature, western culture, a gram also includes several academic university students to communicate comparative study of Chinese and lectures and Culture Days as well with people around the world. “CHINA-AFRICA 500: Facts About China, Africa and Relations Between the Two” Book Launching Ceremony at PKU > Ge Nan O n September 10, 2015, the at the Yingjie Overseas Exchange bassador of Madagascar to China;- launching ceremony of Centre of Peking University (PKU). Professor Li Qiang, Deputy Director “500 Facts about China Li Zhaoxing, President of China of Peking University Board; H.E. and Africa, and Sino-Afri- Public Diplomacy Association and Dolana Msimang,Ambassador of can Relationship” and the Chinese former Chinese Foreign Minister; South Africa to China;and Mr. Xia he “One Belt and One open to all students regardless of and One Road” strategy. Currently, Road” Public Course Se- major. It was initiated in response the demand for students with com- Bridge—Sino-African Friendship H.E. Sikonina Victor, head of the Jianhui, Deputy Director General ries on Foreign Languages to President Xi Jinping’s proposal prehensive skills is increasing. Thus, Knowledge Competition was held African Diplomatic Corps and Am- of Hanban attended and presented and Culture Project was to build a “new silk road economic the School of Foreign Languages of launched on September 15, 2015 belt” and a “maritime silk road in PKU took up the responsibility of The event was co-hosted by the educating students non-common Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up language skills and giving them Committee of Forum on China-Af- an international perspective. The rica Cooperation (FOCAC) and the project corresponds to the trend of Confucius Institute Headquarters increasing international commu- (Hanban),and co-sponsored by the nication between China and other China Public Diplomacy Associ- countries. ation and Peking University. The The project, held by PKU, is open to all students regardless of major. It was initiated in response to President Xi Jinping’s proposal to build a “new silk road economic belt” and a “maritime silk road in the 21st century”. speeches at the ceremony. A main part of the project is the event was attended by over 300 language course series, taught by people, including African diplomats native speakers. Currently the cours- to China, former Chinese ambas- es include French, Russian, Spanish, sadors to African countries, repre- “ at the School of Foreign Languages, the 21st century” (“One Belt and Korean, German, Japanese, Por- sentatives of the Secretariat of the Peking University(PKU). Professors, One Road” for short). There are tuguese, Hebrew, Arabic, Turkish, Chinese Follow-up Committee of ambassadors, and students attended language and culture courses as Filipino, Vietnamese, Bengali, Cyril FOCAC, experts from Chinese Re- the launching ceremony. well as cultural activities covering Mongolian, Ibo, and Swahili. Am- search Institutes on Africa, teachers the region concerning the “One Belt haric, Burmese, Thai, Hindi, Urdu, and students from PKU and Beijing The project, held by PKU, is 36 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 41 37 Int'l Collaboration Voice The Verse Must Go On Zhongkun International Poetry Prize Winner Adam Zagajewski > Xu Rui Foreign Studies University, along made in promoting Sino-African enhance mutual understanding and with representatives of African stu- communication, including the friendship between Chinese and dents in China. establishment of the Center for African people, and that the Com- The Secretariat of the Chinese African Studies, launching a series petition would promote friendly Follow-up Committee of FOCAC of courses and research projects communications between the two had compiled the book "CHI- concerning Africa, and cooperating countries. NA-AFRICA 500: Facts About Chi- with African educational institu- Later on, the ceremony’s guests na, Africa, and Relations Between tions. He called upon Chinese and unveiled the book "CHINA-AFRICA the Two", which summarizes the African youth to take an active part 500", and Li Zhaoxing bestowed a rebellious, “reevaluationary” self. natural, historical, cultural, political in enhancing Sino-African cultural new copy to Li Qiang as a gift. Zagajewski in his early years “got and economic situation, and the de- integration. Mr. Xia Jianhui, H.E. Sikonina on the stage of poetry with a poetic velopments and achievements of Si- Li Zhaoxing attached great im- Victor, and H.E. Dolana Msimang rebellious manner” at the heart of no-African relations. This book will portance to the activity, and he gave closing remarks and congrat- Poland’s "New Wave" poetry move- serve as an important carrier and recalled his ten years of working in ulated the event’s success. They ment in 1960s.Through parody of channel for Chinese and African Africa and his vivid memories there, expressed warm praise to the book’s old literature and critique of mod- communication and interaction. calling himself typical of those editors, and encouraged young ern social phenomenon, he and his The Chinese Bridge—Sino-African who had been to Africa: he had people of China and Africa to par- modernist peers attempted to inspire Friendship Knowledge Compe- fallen in love with the country and ticipate in the competition and to people to speak truth to power and tition is jointly organized by the missed it after leaving. Li said that contribute more to promoting mu- think independently. It is also why, Confucius Institute Headquarters 2015 marks the 15th anniversary tual understanding and friendship as Li Yiliang puts it, his poems in this (Hanban) and the Secretariat of the of FOCAC. The South Africa Sum- between the two countries. period "are typical Eastern European Chinese Follow-up Committee of mit, which comes after the 2006 Lin Songtian thanked those who poems, typical fine poems" which FOCAC. The winners will conduct Beijing Peak, will be the first time it were involved in and supported the "express directly with few polishing," bilateral exchanges,and the Chinese has come to the African continent. activity. He introduced the back- "although wonderful," but inevitably, winners will have opportunities to Therefore, it is of great significance ground and main ideas of the book. "abstract and boring." visit African countries like South for China and Africa to co-host the It would be a great honor if “CHI- The rebellious Adam Zagajewski Africa, Kenya or Egypt,while African Summit successfully and to make NA-AFRICA: 500 Facts” could play moved to Paris in 1982 and after ac- winners will be able to visit China. it a new milestone in the history a role in bridging the mutual un- cepting the invitation of the Univer- As September 10th is Teacher’s of Sino-African friendship. He be- derstanding and friendship between sity of Houston in the United States, Day, the ceremony began with all lieved that the book would further Chinese and African people. and at that time he began his twenty its attendees giving a years of Franco-American wandering. sincere applause to n Olympic runner, encour- received later on, and finally, to his Li Yiliang regards this period as Za- aged by enthusiasts all final presentation of self, the portrait gajewski’s twenty years of "self-exile". over the stadium, stormed of Milosz’s life that Zagajewski paints Afterwards, his poems become"spe- over a hundred miles; at is one that is of close reflection to his cific, multi-spaced, loose, and light" own. and, for the first time, include "imag- A their teachers. Professor Li Qiang delivered the first speech, stating that this activity the starting line, he leaned forward, would deepen Si- during the race he kept his upper no-African friendship body straight like Mont Blanc, and by offering Chinese when approaching the finish line, he and African youth a bent down not only because of ex- golden opportunity haustion, but to bow to the mysteri- to communicate with ous equilibrium of the universe,writes It is said that “poems grow old power of poetry to aid in deep in- and learn from each Adam Zagajewski of his spiritual along with the poet.” Yet, this old trospection. He says, "Poetry is not other. Professor Li mentor, Chomsky Milosz. From the truism is difficult to apply in the case only used to express some specific also recounted the exploration and discovery of his early of Adam Zagajewski, whose current moments in life, but it should also efforts that PKU has years to the praise and criticism he poems leave little trace of his old respond to deeper things or atti- 38 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 es". From intense comments to light “Poetry is greater than anything we can comprehend.” demonstrations, from the need of an era to the need of individual, his poems age with him. Adam Zagajewski believes in the 39 Voice tudes." In his view, creating poetry is as the Zhongkun International Poetry become an integral part of Chinese and the falling gray feathers of a and the verse must go on. "Poetry between poetry and life, which has not only a skill and a way to reveal Prize explains, "Adam Zagajewski's contemporary poetry.” thrush, and that free, disappearing calls us to life," he states, "Happiness given him the prudent vision not only personal feelings, but it is also a way poetry reflected the great tradition of and appearing soft glow." Zagajewski are not too far away from those tragic to escape life’s pessimisms, but also to to contemplate a complicated reality. Polish modern poetry inherited from explains that time changes a man, moments.” Zagajewski sees a joint bring the taste of life into his poems. The duty of poets and philosophers Milosz and Herbert,yet displays his both is to contemplate the unsolved unique individual pursuit and charm problems of the human race; howev- of his discovery."Through poetry, Za- er, poets’ work is more of a "presen- gajewski has given us the opportunity "One week consists of only one tation". Zagajewki states that, "Poetry to look back and see what Poland Sabbath and the other six days—this is a tunnel, suspicion is a spiral." For was like then. is proportion” For Zagajewski, poetry “One week consists of only one Sabbath and the other six days—this is proportion” him, the beauty of poetry consists in By writing only in his mother is not all of what his life is about. In its casted doubts—behind which lies tongue, Adam Zagajewski has given addition to being a poet, he is a visit- the great skepticism of everything in Looking for ‘who we are’ in Poland In the article "Polish Writing", Zagajewski wrote, "Polish writers have a different kind of gene, the collapse of the society system in the 18th century, the divided misfortune, the “ As with many Poli s h memoirs set in World War II and its post-war years, Zagajewski in his writing sought to find what had been obscured behind German ravages of World War II, tough Soviet reforms, and a history of wrestling with Russia and Western Europe—the Polish identity. “ this world. failure of the uprising, and the vul- Wang Gungwu on Borderless Civilizations Lessons from History > Dong Rong O n October 7th, 2014, more than 300 experts and scholars from all over the world gathered at the Beijing Fo- nerability of our country’s long and rum sponsored by Peking University. dramatic existence; in a crooked and up a lot. Many people upon read- ing professor at several universities in violent way, that gene transformed ing the poet’s work will deduce his the United States. Since 1983, he has Distinguished professor and 84-year- into a fantasized monster, become personality, referring to him as "na- been traveling between France and old Chairman of the National Uni- an object of worship and contempt. tionalist." However, he rejects this the US, lecturing on creative writing versity of Singapore’s East Asia Insti- " As with many Polish memoirs conflated interpretation, stating that, and on courses related to his spiritual tution, Wang Gungwu; 1995 Nobel set in World War II and its post- "I do not want to be thought as an mentor, Milosz. Zagajewski’s value of laureate in economics from the Uni- war years, Zagajewski in his writing exclusive Polish poet, but me and my his spiritual world did not interfere versity of Chicago, Professor Robert E. sought to find what had been ob- language are bonded closely, but in with his attention to everyday life. He Lucas; Principal Nicholas B. Dirks of scured behind German ravages of a sense of pleasant and temporary states that"I was a happily married the University of California-Berkeley; World War II, tough Soviet reforms, understanding, I am willing to accept husband. Instead of thinking myself and other top scholars gave keynote and a history of wrestling with Rus- all things in the world.” In Zagajews- as a poet, I think of myself as a good speeches at the opening ceremony of sia and Western Europe—the Polish ki’s opinion, Polish writing gives him husband." While he is not writing the Forum. identity. power and does not shackle him. poetry, Zagajewski attends lectures, In his speech "Borderless Civiliza- "Polish literature born in Paris, Zagajewski’s opinion was af- speaks to friends about his idol Mi- tions: Lessons from history", Profes- Argentina, or California must be firmed by the following lines at the losz, lives with his wife in Paris, and sor Wang Gungwu pointed out that as much as that born in Poland.” Zhongkun International Poetry Prize strives to be a good husband. Huntington, the American scholar If Literature and ethnicities are the award ceremony: "For contemporary When confronted with the world, who raised the theory of "Clash of roots of history,then literature in this Chinese poetry, his poems are the Zagajewski in his early days wrote Civilizations" as the representative West. In his opinion, unlike the other importance to other beliefs, namely case must be a premature child. The most revealing, is that wonderful bal- that "The world is cruel, greedy, of modern Western academic circles, two civilizations, the Chinese culture Zhuzi, in addition to Confucianism. didn’t persist in the “one-god-belief”, The structure of Chinese belief and and on the contrary it attached much knowledge is open and inclusive, and search for self-identity was central to ance between aesthetic pleasure and meat-eating, cruel". Now, Zagajewski unfairly deemed Chinese and Islamic the theme of the “New Wave”, and historical morality; his poetry has writes: "Praise this crippled world civilizations to be the opposite of the 40 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 41 Voice therefore Westerners should not try side, how to deal with it? The prob- "sovereignty" and "national bound- problems and they should be lem in South China Sea is such a history. The emergence of national aries" were used. Nowadays, many solved. Each nation-state should try case. boundaries and the birth of the borders in Asia are set by the west- to set the boundaries of the border is for everyone’s convenience to "nation-state" also had influences erners—their division of colonies first. For example, China, which Q: Although we are not able to replicate the period before the na- use, indicating which is yours and on the whole political system, for were very clear. now almost has all the boundaries tion-state, are we still able to get which is mine, it’s not a problem. the "nation-state" is in contrast to set down, still faces problems with some inspiration from the history, But if it becomes a strict line, which the “empire”. same. Some of the "borders" are the boundary dispute with India. when facing the South China Sea means if you dare to come and I’ll Q: Can we get some inspiration for the concepts of "borders" and straight lines—they are entirely ar- Of course, another problem in tificial. There is no reason to take a Southeast Asia is the problem of A: On the one hand, the South Europe, and then the concept of A “Border” is also a recent concept rooted in the history of other nation-states were empires in During his visit to Beijing, we Western Europe. If this concept had the honor of conducting an interview with Professor Wang. to understand it with one particular paradigm. Borders and the Nationstates A: Asia is now facing a lot of we call French, Spain and many you think of the concept of “border”? A: shoot you, it is very dangerous. Africa is now in a mess. It’s the issue? Q: In your speech named Borderless Civilizations: Lessons from His- However, "National boundaries" "nation-states" to understand the nation or a family and split them the maritime border. On the main- China Sea issue is related to the are like the latter. At first, Western current disputes in the international in two. However, no one dares to land, everyone can see the line emergence of the concept of "bor- tory, you firstly raised basic premise Europe did not have a strict con- society? For example, many of the change it for fear that they will face drawn. Relatively simple. But how der". And on the other hand, with of the discussion, namely the term cept of national boundaries. It was boundaries of the African region are a lot of trouble. to solve (the boundary problem the rise of China today, Southeast “civilization” is actually a relatively after the 17th century when the in accordance with the latitude and Of course, if everyone can peace- on) the sea—this is a great prob- Asian countries will have to recon- recent concept, which was born in war of religion was very fierce that longitude lines. So although it is fully accept the existing boundaries, lem. At first, the voyage is without sider how to establish a new rela- the 17th century in Western Europe. "national boundaries" had a more easy to make a mark on the map, the that would be OK. And Africa is limitation. After the nation-state tionship with China. For thousands This allows us to refer to a concept of stringent definition in order to re- actual life of the local residents is now applying this method. They emerges, the resources in the sea, of years, China is the only super- “border”, which you often mention solve the contradiction between the not taken into account, which causes held a conference in Addis Ababa coastal, and seabed are also con- power in Asia. But from the end of as well. And this is also a concept religious sects. many tragedies. (Edit: Addis Ababa, the capital of sidered theirs (by the relative coun- eighteenth century to the end of the appears late, with the rise The term "nation-state" is a A: Right. Many of the problems Ethiopia, an East African country, tries), so the boundaries in the sea of the nation-state. In relatively recent concept. To today are related to these concepts. and also the location of the general have a variety of different views. our study of history and form a nation-state, it must For example, regions like Yugoslavia headquarters of the African Union). Of course, if everyone makes culture, is a “border” have the same language, suffer most. All kinds of forces are During the conference, it is pointed sense, maritime boundary problem a concept that cannot the same religion, and the competing to carve up the territory. out that the aftermath of imperial- can be solved. For example, in the be ignored as well? As same history. Once the That is based on the logic of the ism is not easy to solve. If they kept Malacca Strait, the line between a historian, what do concept appears, the former “nation-state”. Just to see who has on fighting, the civil wars wouldn’t Malaysia and Indonesia is not set. “empire” was defeated. What the qualification to set the bound- stop, so they decided to reach a It was set by two imperialist coun- aries. common view to accept the current tries—the U.K. and the Nether- boundaries and to develop their na- lands—in order to avoid conflicts. tion-state based on them. In 1824, London signed the Anglo The concept of sovereignty is also new, especially in Asia. New nation-states were founded in the dissolution of the colonial empire in Western But there are still a lot of prob- Dutch Treaty, which approximately lems. The whole of West Africa is set the boundaries between Malay- still fighting fiercely. Several coun- sia and Indonesia. As far as I know, tries are no exception, and now re- this is the first time both of the two ligious issues are involved, such as sides made an agreement, drawn a between Christianity and Islam. It’s line, and has lasted until now. Until horrible. By contrast, East Africa is the founding of both of the coun- fairing a little better. tries, the line was still accepted. Q: Specific 42 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY to Asia, especially in Because there is land on both sides, the Southeast Asian, in fact, there and a line in the middle, so it was are a lot of boundaries that are set easier to resolve territorial disputes. by the colonists. What do you think But if there is land on neither side, about the current situation in Asia? or if there is no land on the other AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 43 Voice Academic Second World War, China became now it's different. Among the ten China and ASEAN. Therefore, the a weaker country. At that time, Eu- emerging countries in South East relationship between China and rope, the U.S., and Southeast Asian Asia, two or three of them are quite ASEAN is now becoming more and countries have been accustomed to strong. Indonesia and Vietnam have more complex. China's weakness. However, nowa- considerable strength and Thailand days, with the rapid rise of China, is not a small country, either. The South China Sea is actually just an excuse, but it is not a serious its relationship with Southeast Asia Now the ten Southeast Asian problem itself. There is a dispute is becoming more and more signifi- countries have different views on over sovereignty, so the outside can cant. China. Now they have a new sense use it to ruin the relationship be- China's 30 years of economic of contract and the establishment of tween China and ASEAN. development is deeply rooted in the ASEAN is the result. The ASEAN its globalization. China was once a story is interesting: at first, ASEAN eign trade. However, in the past 30 years, China’s development mainly relied on foreign trade and exports. Besides markets, a lot of resources need to be shipped from foreign countries, and as a result, China will have to take the ocean into ac- “ was established by five anti-com- group from the State Key Laboratory for Turbulence a n d C o m p l e x S ys t e m , College of Engineering, Peking University, recently published a research Southeast Asia, name- detailing Zn-1X (Mg, Ca, and Sr) ly the U.S.’s return alloys’ potential for use in a new gen- to Asia. According to eration of biodegradable implants. your observation, if we This may open up a new avenue in take Southeast Asian the area of biodegradable metals. The countries as a whole, research paper was published in the will they support the Nature Scientific Reports on May 29, U.S. or China? In this 2015, and was titled “Development regard, how will China of biodegradable Zn-1X binary alloys issues of the past have now become very important. P rofessor Zheng Yufeng’s for the development of In today’s global economy, ocean transportation is very important, and protecting our maritime areas has become increasingly difficult. count. So the dispensable maritime > Li Wei the last four or five years, there is an important background “ self-sufficient country without for- Q: In PKU Makes Breakthrough in Biodegradable Alloys actively respond to this? A: Two-thirds of the Chinese border munist countries, and now the asso- is on the mainland, and one-third is ciation of Southeast Asian Nations A s f a r a s I k n ow, S o u t h East Asian countries are neither coastal. In today's global economy, (ASEAN) is to establish a common pro-America nor pro-China; they ocean transportation is very import- contract—in this complex global want ASEAN to be completely in- ant, and protecting our maritime economy, each country is unable to dependent, treating all countries as areas has become increasingly diffi- survive alone, so they should form equals in order to get the biggest cult. The issue of the East China Sea a common voice. In this case, it is benefits. In the future of the world, is relatively simple. It basically only very important for China to estab- ASEAN will have a very important involves the relationship between lish a new relationship with ASEAN role. The main reason is that it is China and Japan, but the South members. located between the Pacific and with nutrient alloying elements Mg, Ca, and Sr”. As the biomaterials with the longest history of discovery, metallic materials have been widely used in the field of orthopedics, mouth rehabilitation, cardiovascular stents intervention, and other implants, due to its patients' fear and suffering. biosafety concerns. good mechanical properties. The clin- Biodegradable metals have at- Professor Zheng Yufeng’s group ical application of biomedical metal tracted considerable attention in has found out a way to profoundly materials including pure metal, stain- recent years, with two major alloying modify the mechanical properties less steel, cobalt-chromium alloy, and systems: magnesium alloys, and iron and biocompatibility of pure zinc. titanium alloy, are due to its excellent alloys. Zinc, an essential element with They chose the three important essen- corrosion resistance. These metals can osteogenic potential in the human tial nutrient elements: Mg, Ca, and retain their structural stability over a body, has recently begun to be stud- Sr, which are well known for playing long period of time within the hu- ied as a kind of potential biodegrad- an irreplaceable role in bone forma- man body, even though our needs for able metal. Unfortunately, pure zinc tion and determining bone mineral implants or stents are just temporari- is soft, brittle, and has low mechan- density and bone strength as alloy- ly under most situations. Remaining ical strength in practice, which re- ing elements to fabricate the Zn-1X in our body, these metallic implants quires further improvement in order binary alloy casting ingots. Different or stents may bring about unexpected to meet clinical requirements. On the hot working conditions (rolling and extrusion) were employed on the Zn- China Sea is more complex, involv- In 2002, Prime Minister Zhu Indian oceans and to the south ing many Southeast Asian countries. Rongji advocated and signed the of China and Japan. Because of First of all, the nature of the C h i n a - A S E A N C o m p r e h e n s i ve its position, there may be a lot of South East Asia itself is completely Economic Cooperation Framework benefits. Therefore, ASEAN member different. Once there were different Agreement, planning to create a countries basically want to have an countries, different regimes, and China-ASEAN free trade area by independent and unified ASEAN different religions in the region, 2010, which proved to be very ef- bloc. almost all of which are different. fective. It has brought great impact, (This interview was given by Mr. And they are completely not coop- but has also attracted the attention Wang Gungwu and published on erative, especially in politics. There’s of some foreign powers. So they December 15, 2014, in the Econom- no such thing as forming a group took some methods in an attempt negative complications, thus they other hand, the widely used industri- ic Observer newspaper. This version have to be removed through a second al zinc-based alloys usually contain 1X (Mg, Ca, and Sr) alloys in order to to fight against foreign forces. But to curb the special relationship of has been translated and edited.) surgery, which will certainly add to bio-toxic elements, which brings up further improve their mechanical per- 44 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 45 Academic formance. The degradation and in vi- Program), the National Science Fund tro and in vivo biocompatibility test for Distinguished Young Scholars, The researchers’ results indicate demonstrated that the Zn-1X alloys the Research Fund for the Doctoral that biodiversity, both aboveground have enhanced mechanical properties, Program of Higher Education, the Na- (plant species richness) and below corrosion-resistant behaviors, and bio- tional Natural Science Foundation of ground, was positively correlated compatibilities of pure Zn by adding China, the NSFC/RGC Joint Research with ecosystem multi-functionality the alloying elements of Mg, Ca, and Plan under Grant No. 51361165101 in (EMF), but that the below ground Sr. Mainland China and N_CUHK449/13 effects were also analyzed. effect varied among components; Ph.D. student Li Huafang from in Hong Kong. It was also part of the Professor Zheng Yufeng’s group is the Beijing Municipal Science and Tech- first author of this research. Profes- nology Project, the Project for Supervi- sor Qin Ling from Musculoskeletal sor of Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Research Laboratory, Department of of Beijing, the China Postdoctoral Sci- shaft from Zn-1Mg, Zn-1Ca, Zn-1Sr Orthopaedics & Traumatology, The ence Foundation, and the Joint Fund implanted pins groups and the sham Chinese University of Hong Kong, for Science and Technology Agency of control group observed under fluores- also contributed to this research. This Guizhou Province. cent microscopy at week 8. The green work was supported by the National Representative histology of the Basic Research Program of China (973 cross-sections of mouse distal femoral some groups were positively related (bacteria and fauna), while others were not related (archaea and AM fungi) to EMF. Aboveground biodiversity explained more of the variation in EMF (42%) than did soil biodiversity (32%). Overall, plant fluorescence indicates the new bone species richness alone was the best formation. single predictor of EMF, consistent with previous studies. The team Correlation between Biodiversity & Ecosystem Functions Further Revealed on Tibetan Plateau > Bai Luolan A tiple ecosystem functions and how of Sciences and Chinese Academy of researchers established a model climate might mediate those rela- of Forestry. where a suite of biotic and abiotic tionships on the Tibetan Plateau. Researchers sampled plant and variables (including soil pH, biodi- The article titled “The Links Between soil communities over an exten- versity, temperature, etc.) accounted Ecosystem Multi-functionality and sive area (>1,000,000 km2) in the for up to 86% of the variation in How Above and Below Ground Bio- northeastern and central Tibetan EMF, with the combined effects of diversity are Mediated by Climate” Plateau in China’s Qinghai Prov- above and below ground biodiversi- was published in Nature Commu- ince and the Tibetan Autonomous ty accounting for 45% of the varia- nications on September 2, 2015. Region during the peak growing tion in EMF. Jing Xin, currently a post-doctoral season, July to August of 2011. Their The results mentioned above student at the College of Urban and survey captured a substantial range have two important implications: Environmental Sciences, Peking of the vegetation types, soil classes, first, including below ground biodi- University, headed the research. The and climatic conditions found in versity in models can improve the work was done in collaboration the alpine grasslands on the Tibetan ability to explain and predict EMF. with scholars from the University of Plateau. In order to examine the Second, regional-scale variation Copenhagen, the Chinese Academy biodiversity below ground, they in climate, and perhaps climate used molecular techniques to assess change, can determine, or at least s climates change and various functions simultaneously, ever, it remains unclear how climate diversity of soil bacteria, arbuscu- modify, the effects of biodiversity species are lost and re- which is referred to as ecosystem mediates ecosystem functioning. lar mycorrhiza (AM) fungi, and on EMF in natural ecosystems. covered from ecosystems, multi-functionality (EMF). Ecolo- A research team led by Professor archaea. DNA was extracted from This research was funded by the it would seem that to gists have been exploring the links He Jinsheng, College of Urban and soil samples and gene fragments National Basic Research Program of be able to predict how ecosystems between biodiversity and ecosystem Environmental Sciences of Peking encoding RNA were amplified and China, Strategic Priority Research will function in the future in face functioning for more than two de- University, has explored the relative sequenced. Since the 60 selected Program of the Chinese Academy of of these changes is of great impor- cades, yet research was mostly con- and combined effects of above and sites were spread along an extensive Sciences and the National Natural tance. Clearly, ecosystems perform fined to aboveground studies. How- below ground biodiversity on mul- climatic gradient, environmental Science Foundation of China. 46 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 47 Academic PKU Professors’ Research Featured on Cover of Cell Stem Cell > Bai Luolan O markers. It turned out that their identity using chemical agents in gene expression profile resembled regenerative medicine. The possibil- that of functional neurons and ity to employ this type of chemical that both excitatory and inhibitory reprogramming strategy for manip- subtypes of single CiNs were de- ulating human somatic cell fates tected. Other functional hallmarks can be anticipated with promising of neurons were also confirmed for therapeutic prospects. The findings CiNs, including extensive neurite also suggest an unanticipated level n August 6, 2015, the reproduce. Unlike transcription, the outgrowth and branching, volt- of somatic cell plasticity and in- journal Cell Stem Cell re- application of small molecules is age-dependent ion channels, the dicate that somatic cell identity is ported recent advances on also reversible. ability to fire action potentials and much more flexible than previously appreciated. direct lineage reprogram- In 2013, Deng’s team developed respond to glutamate and GABA, ming from Professor Deng Hongkui a small-molecule approach to in- and the capacity to form afferent Li Xiang, Zuo Xiaohan, and Jing and Chai Zhen’s labs as its cover duce pluripotency (the ability of synapses with primary neurons. It Junzhan were the co-first authors of story. a cell to differentiate into another was also shown that CiN generation the article. The project was super- China, the National Natural Sci- Direct lineage reprogramming cell) from mouse somatic cells. This was direct without an intermediary vised by Prof. Deng Hongkui, Prof. ence Foundation of China, the Min- refers to the conversion between experiment demonstrated the feasi- stage, indicating the success of di- Chai Zhen and Dr. Zhao Yang, who istry of Science and Technology, the differing cell types without stem bility of chemically reprogramming rect reprogramming. were co-corresponding authors of Key New Drug Creation and Manu- cell-like middle stages. As research mouse cells toward pluripotency. Overall, their study suggests this article. The work was supported facturing Program, and the Ministry of the subject continues to occur, They identified a chemical cocktail a blueprint for engineering cell by the National Basic Research Pro- of Education of China. direct lineage reprogramming has which was capable of reprogram- emerged as a promising, fast, and ming fibroblasts into induced plu- direct approach for manipulating ripotent stem cells (iPSC). generation from fibroblasts; of cell fate. It provides a new potential This time, they confirmed the these, Ascl1 is the master gene de- route to regenerate functional cells possibility of direct cell conversion termining neuronal fate. According- for therapeutic purposes. between two differentiated cell ly, the team screened for small mol- types by pure chemicals. ecules that promoted Ascl1-based P r e v i o u s l y, s c i e n t i s t s h a v e demonstrated that fibroblasts can In a previous study, the team conversion. Excitingly, they found be directly converted into diverse found that three transcription fac- that simultaneous administration functional cell types by the viral tors (Ascl1, Brn2, and Myt1l) are of four chemicals identified as in- introduction of known cell-fate-de- responsible for inducing neuron dividual promoters of Ascl1-based termining transcription factors reprogramming converted mouse or micro RNAs. However, the low fibroblasts into immature neu- efficiency of the method and the rons. After further screening, an reliance on the success of the viral optimal combination of Forskolin, vectors have prompted scientists ISX9, CHIR99021, and I-BET151 to seek alternate means of cell (FICB) was determined to gener- conversion. Thusly, an alternate ate functional chemically induced strategy has emerged that utilizes neurons (CiNs) from fibroblasts at small molecules to induce cell re- an extremely high efficiency (nine programming. The small molecules neurons for every ten starting fibro- in question are cell-permeable, cost gram of blasts). Team Develops a New Method to Analyze 5-formylcytosine > Lin Zixi A team led by Researcher Yi Active DNA demethylation in through base-excision repair by Chengqi from the School mammals involves oxidation of mammalian thymine DNA glycosy- of Life Sciences at Peking 5-methylcytosine (5mC) which lase (TDG). However, genome-wide University recently pub- can be oxidized by the ten-eleven detection of 5fC at single-base res- lished an article titled “Bisulfite-free, translocation (TET)-dependent gen- olution remains challenging. 5fC effective, and non-immunogenic. Gene expression profiling was base-resolution analysis of 5-formyl- eration to 5- hydroxymethylcytosine is found in many cell types and Furthermore, the composition of performed on the generated CiNs cytosine at the genome scale” in the (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), all major organs, but it is present the small molecules would be easy to verify the co-expression of neuro- journal Nature Methods on Septem- and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC). at a level of 0.02% to 0.002% of nal and functional subtype-specific ber 7, 2015. 5fC and 5caC can also be removed cytosines. Therefore, highly sensi- to standardize, manipulate, and 48 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 49 Academic tive and selective methods are re- C-to-T transition of 5fC (fC-CET) sites and fC-CET–detected 5fC is bisulfite-free and yet base-resolu- ment of Chemistry and Institute for sponding authors. Undergraduate quired for genome-wide detection was used from the sequencing reads sites. They found that abundance tion; thus I think this is a good step Biophysical Dynamics, the Univer- student Xia Bo, Ph.D. student from of this derivative. Scientists have to obtain genome-wide maps of 5fC of 5mC in the 5fC-occupied sites towards alternative and better epig- sity of Chicago also supervised the the University of Chicago Han Dali developed chemical-, enzyme- or at single-base resolution. is markedly lower. In addition, the enome sequencing technologies.” project. Researcher Yi Chengqi and and Lu Xingyu are the co-first au- Professor He Bo are the joint-corre- thors for the article. antibody-based methods for enrich- They used several spike-in DNA chromatin-immunoprecipitation se- ment of 5fC in genomic DNA, but sequences to confirm the spec- quencing (ChIP-Seq) signals of both such affinity-based approaches have ificity and sensitivity of fC-CET active histone-modification markers only limited resolution. More recent by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The H3K4me1 and H3K27ac were much base-resolution methods all rely on results proved that AI showed no higher for 5fC than for 5hmC. harsh bisulfite treatment for effec- cross-reactivity to C, 5mC, 5hmC or Moreover, compared with the 5hmC tive deamination of 5fC, which can 5caC. Moreover, chemical-assisted regions, 5fC-marked regions were result in further DNA degradation. pulldown demonstrated efficient more enriched for the transcription- Whole-genome mapping of 5fC us- enrichment for 5fC-containing al coactivator. Taken together, their ing bisulfite-based methods requires DNAs; even for sequences with only results suggests that 5fC-marked an unusually high sequencing depth a single 5fC, fC-CET enriched the genomic regions may be more active and thus is cost-prohibitive. sequence by ~100-fold, with little of than 5hmC-marked regions. Yi’s team now developed fC-CET, a bisulfite-free method that detects the density bias commonly associated with antibody-based strategies. According to Yi, “Bisulfite-based epigenome sequencing tools have whole-genome 5fC signals at sin- Then, they applied fC-CET to been the ‘gold standards’ of the field gle-base resolution. They screened wild-type (Tdgfl/fl) and Tdg-null for a long time. Yet bisulfite treat- for chemicals that could form in- (Tdg−/−) mESCs and readily iden- ment causes significant degradation, tramolecular cyclization with 5fC tified 29,501 and 77,750 5fC-en- which significantly limits the use in and successfully identified several riched regions, respectively. These analyzing precious samples. fC-CET chemicals that reacted readily with regions detected by fC-CET were in 5fC. One adduct between 5fC and good agreement with those detected 1,3-indandione (5fC-I) is read as a T by fC-Seal. Professor He Bo from Depart- Connection between the Consumption of Spicy Foods and Reduced Mortality Rate Revealed > Han Jingtao I t is common belief that the tion of spicy foods may actually Peking University Health Science over consumption of spicy contribute to reduced mortality Center, enrolled participants from food is bad for people’s health rate. The research was published in 10 geographically diverse areas because of the potent chemical the online British Medical Journal across China between 2004 and (BMJ) on July 8, 2015. 2008 in China Kadoorie Biobank it naturally contains –– capsaicin. instead of a C during PCR. Although Next, they created a base-reso- the mechanism of the C-to-T tran- lution map of 5fC in the whole ge- According to New York City gas- For some time now, scientists (CKB). One of the main aims of sition awaits future investigation, nome of mESCs. Previous base-res- troenterologist Dr. Prem Chattoo, have been aware of the advanta- this study was to assess reliably they proposed that such a transition olution maps of 5fC were obtained “Capsaicin is a very potent irritant. geous role spices and their bioactive the effects of both established and could be used as a direct readout either by reduced-representation It can cause damage to the lining chemicals play in a of 5fC. To enrich 5fC-containing bisulfite sequencing from wild-type in the stomach, which in turn can variety of chronic dis- genomic DNA, they synthesized an mESCs or by whole-genome bisul- cause gastritis, stomach ulcers and orders. Whether spicy azido derivative of 1,3-indandione fite sequencing from Tdg−/− mESCs. even intestinal disease such as foods do more harm (AI). AI completely converted 5fC to In comparison, fC-CET readily iden- colitis.” However, in a recent study or good is still contro- the 5fC-AI adduct under very mild tified a comprehensive view of 5fC titled “Consumption of Spicy Foods versial, and empirical in the whole genome of mESCs. and Cause of Specific Mortality; evidence linking daily “ conditions, without causing detect- “ H o w e v e r, i n a r e c e n t study, it was found that regular consumption of spicy foods may actually contribute to reduced mortality rate. able DNA degradation, and hence With base-resolution maps of Population-based Cohort Study,” consumption of spicy allowing high DNA recovery. The 5fC and TET-assisted bisulfite se- carried out by Professor Lv Jun’s foods to reduced mor- reaction was also highly selective for quencing (TAB-Seq)-detected 5hmC, group from the Department of Ep- tality rates is still lack- 5fC among all modified cytosines. they next sought to investigate their idemiology and Biostatistics at the ing. They then coupled a cleavable bi- spatial relationship by calculating School of Public Health, Peking In the population-based pro- emerging risk factors for a range of otin to the AI-labeled 5fC via click the abundance of 5hmC and 5mC University Health Science Center, spective cohort study, a team co-led diseases. Participants were asked chemistry. Such cyclization-enabled at the TAB-Seq–detected 5hmC it was found that regular consump- by Jun Lv, assistant professor from to fill in a questionnaire requiring 50 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 51 Academic information about the frequency participants who ate spicy foods ev- that these features are related to the of their personal consumption of ery day reduced their risk of prema- bioactive ingredients chili peppers spicy foods and the main source of ture death by 14% when compared contain. the spice, listed as “fresh chili pep- to people who ate chili peppers In the sub-group analyses, re- per, dried chili pepper, chili sauce, less than once a week. However, we searchers found that fresh chili is chili oil, and other or don’t know.” should also note that eating spicy more favorable when it comes to Variables such as sociodemographic foods for 1 to 5 days a week instead preventing death due to cancer, characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, of every day greatly assists the reduc- ischemic heart disease, and diabetes. personal health and medical history, tion of mortality rate. What’s more, significant differences and information on family members were also taken into consideration. Apart from its relationship with were observed for alcohol con- PKU Team makes Nanoscale Observation of PM2.5 > Han Jingtao P rofessor Duan Huiling The chemical and Professor Wang Ji- properties alone, anxiang from the State which are major mortality, spicy food consumption sumption, with a stronger inverse Thorough statistical analysis re- was also specifically inversely asso- association among participants who veals some telling results. According ciated with the risks of death due to did not consume alcohol than those Key Laboratory for Tur- factors affecting to spicy food consumption catego- cancer, ischemic heart disease, and who did, which indicates that alco- bulence and Complex Systems from the noxiousness of ries (less than once a week and 1 or respiratory disease. In addition, in- hol consumption may counteract the College of Engineering, Peking the particles, does 2, 3 to 5, and 6 or 7 days), absolute creased consumption of spicy foods the health effect brought by eating University, along with other re- not determine mortality rates were 6.1, 4.4, 4.3, in women was also significantly foods containing chili pepper. searchers from Soochow University, dynamic behavior and 5.8 deaths per 1000 people ev- associated with a reduced risk of The research received a great deal the State University of New Jersey, and thermody- ery year. The results suggested that death due to infections. It is believed of media attention upon publica- and the Chinese Center for Disease namic properties. tion. Famous online news journals Control and Prevention recently The shape and sur- such as The Guardian, the New York published a research that provides face properties of Times and The Times all reported a different perspective to study particles also have the findings the same day the article the properties of a particular air notable impact on went online. 52 pollutant. It was titled “Nanoscale h ow t h e y a f f e c t Professor Lv Jun from Peking Uni- characterization of PM2.5 airborne our health. How- versity Health Science Center headed pollutants reveals high adhesiveness e v e r, t h o r o u g h the study. The study was supported and aggregation capability of soot nano-mechanical by grants from the National Natural particles”. The research paper was particle analyses Science Foundation of China, the published online in the Nature Sci- have never been National Key Technology Research entific Reports on July 16, 2015. performed be- and Development Program in the Affecting billions of people f o r e. P r o f e s s o r 12th five-year plan, the Chinese Min- around the globe, air pollution Duan Huiling and istry of Science and Technology, the has become the major concern of Professor Wang Jianxiang’s group and 7, 2013, with different tools, Welcome Trust in the UK, as well as modern cities. PM2.5, which are carried out varied approaches such the results were quite revealing. the Kadoorie Charitable Foundation fine particles with an aerodynamic as atomic force microscopy (AFM), According to the shape and chem- in Hong Kong. LQ is supported by diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, scanning electron microscope im- ical compositions of the particles, National Institutes of Health grants are the most noxious among all air ages (SEM) and energy dispersive they were classified into three main from the National Heart, Lung, and pollutants for their ability to invade X-ray spectroscopy surveys (EDAX) groups: fluffy soot aggregates, elon- Blood Institute, the National Insti- even the smallest airways in the re- to obtain the essential information gated minerals with high content tute of Diabetes and Digestive and spiratory system of human beings. about these particles which have of metals, and spherical fly ashes Kidney Diseases, the Boston Obesity Beijing, for example, suffered PM2.5 never been reported before. made of metal-silicates. The rough Nutrition Research Center, and the concentrations exceeding the limit After thoroughly investigating particles seem to adapt to the shape United States-Israel Binational Sci- recommended by the World Health more than 500 fine particles collect- of the fibrous network in the fil- ence Foundation. Organization for 219 days in 2013. ed in Beijing between December 2 ter, suggesting that it could easily NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 53 Academic Giving Brilliant Alumni for Bright Chemical Building change its shape to adapt to the gate other with typical shapes and contour of the surface. The contact chemical compositions, such as Iron Shi Yuanyuan is the first author area between them therefore in- and Oxygen-rich fly ashes and elon- of this research. Mario Lanza from creases, which magnifies their adhe- gated minerals. Their experiments Institute of Functional Nano & Soft demonstrated that Materials, Soochow University, Wu fluffy soot shows Yaxi from the Chinese Center for strong adhesiveness Disease Control and Prevention, the and aggregation, Institute of Environmental Health leading to a more and Related Product Safety, and Dr. diverse composition Lin Hao from Department of Me- and compilation chanical and Aerospace Engineer- of all possible toxic ing, Rutgers, the State University chemicals. of New Jersey also contributed to O this research. This work has been the amount of parti- lutants. > Ge Nan n July 6, 2015, the dona- alumni and those corporations that this great opportunity to make a tion ceremony for Peking contributed to the donation for the donation. University’s New Chem- university. Mr. Li Wei, Chairman of After the ceremony, Professor ical Building was held at IER Venture Capital Co., during his Gao Yiqin, Dean of the College Linhuxuan. Lin Jianhua, President remarks looked back on his com- of Chemistry and Molecular Engi- of Peking University, Mr. Li Wei, mitment to the project and how the neering, signed pacts with Zhu Bo supported by the Major State Basic Honorable Member of the School plan was finally implemented. He Design Group Co., Ltd., LKK Design cles of each type, the Research Development Program of Council, along with other profes- said that the alumni were together Co., Ltd., Landray Software Co., researchers conclud- the National Natural Science Foun- sors and alumni attended the cere- making contributions to the devel- Ltd., Zhu Ge Financial Co., V&P dation of China (NSFC). mony. opment of PKU. At the end of his Media Co., Ltd., and President Lin After examining ed that, in the more than 500 particles Aggregate of PM2.5 particles. In his speech, President Lin Jian- speech, he also expressed his thanks Jianhua also issued certificates of analyzed: 49% are (a) and (b) SEM and EDAX analy- hua expressed his gratitude to the to the university for offering them gratitude to all the donors. rich in Carbon, and ses of a PM2.5 particles aggregate are sticky, deform- on clean Silicon; the rough Car- able and unstable. bon-rich soot particle shows to be The other 26% very sticky and can attach Iron-rich sion force (improve their ability to showed larger stability and were spherical fly ash, elongated miner- adhere to each other). The adhesion composed of metallic oxides. While als and even rip off filter filaments forces measured on flat particles are the remaining 25% showed an in- during the transfer. (c) TEM analysis close to the values of non-sticky flat termediate behavior. This provided of an organic particle displaying surfaces such as Silicon, glass and further support to the findings. hierarchical structure and proving Aluminum; on the contrary, rough The new method of transferring the aggregation of small flakes and particles showed adhesion force particles is by using sonic waves nanoparticles. The scale bars are comparable to that of scotch tape to separate them from the filters 2μm for (a) and 100 nm for (c). or laboratory Carbon tape. together with a The team avoided the problem target substrate in of conventional AFM, where it may the absence of sol- move the particles on the surface vent, through the of the substrate in contact mode, use of low power, by using AFM tips with a very long f r e q u e n c y, a n d cantilever and low spring constant short durations. from Bruker. With that, the re- This method pro- searchers made an unprecedented vides possibilities observation. In the observation, the for future in depth researchers found that the rough nanoscale obser- particle made of Carbon can aggre- vation of air pol- 54 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 55 Giving Donation from ENN Energy to Support Further Development in PKU > Liu Meina O n July 8, 2015, a donation of ENN, and Han Ruigai, Chairman agreement was signed of the Public Welfare Charitable During the ceremony, it was an- at Tan Siu Lin Center to Foundation of ENN attended the nounced that the funds would be mark ENN Energy’s dona- ceremony. used for improving infrastructure environment technology. tion to Peking University. Lin Jian- President Lin spoke highly of construction, sponsoring scholar- hua, President of Peking University, ENN’s contribution to the energy ships, and supporting the study of Wu Zhipan, PKU Executive Vice and chemical industry, solar tech- new engineering technology in uni- President, Wang Yusuo, Chairman nology, power conservation, and versities. Jinlianchu Financial Information Service to Support Startups and Innovation > Liu Meina O n J u l y 1 7 , 2 01 5 , t h e in support of innovation practice creating more talented people. On be- launching ceremony for base and business startups. PKU Ex- half of the faculty and students, Chen the Global Youth Innova- ecutive Vice President Wu Zhipan and Mo from School of Journalism and tion Festival was held at PKU Vice President Gao Song attend- Communication expressed her heart- ed the ceremony. felt gratitude to Mr. Wang’s generosity Tan Siu Lin Center for International Studies. During the ceremony, Wang During the ceremony, Mr. Wang for supporting the platform on inno- Yuhong, 1987 graduate and the spoke highly of the innovative spirit vation practice. She also hoped that founder of Jinlianchu Financial and independent thinking of PKU the fund could help her start up her Information Service Co. Ltd. (Bei- students, and he said that he hopes own business so that she can sup- jing), signed a donation agreement that the funds would be helpful for port PKU in return like Mr. Wang. How to Give Peking Universit y Education Foundation 56 NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY AUTUMN 2015| Issue 32 Tel: Fax: Email: Website: (+86) 10-6276-7821 (+86) 10-6275-5998 [email protected] www.pkuef.org 57 Administrative Building Completed in 1926, the Administrative Building was originally named the “Shide Building”. In 1931, it was renamed as the “Beigong Building”. In fact, “Shide” and “Beigong” refer to the same person, James White Bashford, whose name was first translated as Shide and later as Beigong. Bashford was the second president of the Hui Wen School, which later developed into Yenching University. The designer of the Administrative Building paid special attention to every detail of the structure. The symmetrical sides make the middle part stand out; the gray roofs, the red pillars, the white walls and the vivid paintings form a simple, elegant style and create a stately and quiet atmosphere. Some say it looks like an imperial palace, a holy temple, or an ancient Chinese academy. Large in size, the Administrative Building presents an aura of magnificence and leadership. Photo: Huang Jianfeng Copyright © 2015 Peking University. All rights reserved. NEWSLETTER | PEKING UNIVERSITY