Stories of Resilience

ASHLEY RIVENBARK details the experiences of Chinese migrant workers and highlights the possibilities for hukou system reform. I am sitting in a restaurant by the Beijing Zoo, staring in anticipation at the waitress seated across from me as I wait for her to answer my question. When she answers me, it is in heavily accented Mandarin. Her name is Min Guangdeng, and she is from the small … Continue reading Stories of Resilience

2015 25 Under 25: Leaders in US-China Relations

In 2013, China Hands became the first magazine to honor young individuals for their exceptional contributions to US-China relations. We are humbled and excited to present the third edition of “25 Under 25: Leaders in US-China Relations” featuring this year’s list of 25 honorees. We hope these 25 narratives will inspire our readers to think critically about the evolving relationship between the United States and China and to … Continue reading 2015 25 Under 25: Leaders in US-China Relations

The Battlefield of Ideology

JOYCELYN SU evaluates the Chinese Communist Party’s recent efforts to strengthen nationalism. This summer, the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress passed the sweeping National Security Law. The scope of the new legislation is broad, addressing not only traditional security concerns but also including threats to “cultural security.” According to the new law, the country must defend against malignant culture by “deepening the education of … Continue reading The Battlefield of Ideology

Marching On?

NATHAN WILLIAMS discusses China’s 2015 Military Day Parade and evaluates the strength of the People’s Liberation Army.   On September 3, 2015, tanks from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) rolled across Chang’an Avenue in the Forbidden City. Their purpose was to commemorate China’s victory over Japan during the Second World War. However, unlike the tanks used by China during its war against Japan, these new … Continue reading Marching On?

Preserving Culture

LILLIAN CHILDRESS explores the fading tradition of Chinese pickling. The pungent smell of pickles pervaded the air of the shop, piercing to the point of producing tears of the sort that chopping an onion might unleash. The customers seemed able to go about their business unhindered by the aromas, bustling from vat to vat of pickles of every type, occasionally turning to large urns with dried plants … Continue reading Preserving Culture

Violence Generated By Fear

APRIL DAN FENG studies the May Fourth Movement and the enduring concept of renzhi. “Petition is a common political behavior in any country. Normally, it should not cause death, but we all know that China is an exception… Social changes always include bloodshed, but bloodshed does not necessarily bring social changes…”  –Lu Xun, 1912 On the morning of May 8, 1919, four days after the May … Continue reading Violence Generated By Fear