Chinese Embassy supplment

CHINA Happy Spring Festival China’s enerGy Plan for 2020

strenGtheninG ties: sino-danish relations

disCover China: 10 top tourist attractions

2013

of the year the snake

How a Danish business is making it biG in China C o n ce rt r a e Y w e N e s e in h C

2013

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Happy Chinese New Year DK3623P_3b_Chinese New Year_A4 Press Ad_5-2.indd 1

05/02/2013 15:25

Happy

Chinese New Y ear

the Chinese new year or spring festival is the most important traditional holiday for the entire Chinese nation, and has become a well-known event more and more foreign friends. the “happy Chinese new year” Celebration has entered into denmark for twelve consecutive years. in just a few days, we will bid farewell to the Chinese lunar year of the dragon, and usher in the year of the snake. so once again, we will unveil the curtain of “happy Chinese new year”. i hope our celebration will attract more attention and have more people engaged, as i look forward to sharing this joyful time with all my friends here in denmark, when we will together wish for a brighter future.

l

ooking back, one may say that the Year of Dragon has been a year filled with challenges, not least because of the sluggish world economy. China and Denmark alike, both faced many challenges in their respective economic and social development. However I am quite certain that the past year was a fruitful year for ChinaDenmark relations, with quite a number of new achievements made through concerted efforts by both sides.

“China is a bright spot at a time when Danish exports are challenged by low growth in Europe”.

Danish Minister for Trade and Investment Pia Olsen Dyhr

The past year witnessed historic breakthroughs in our political relations. Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a state visit to Denmark in June, setting up an important milestone in the history of China-Denmark relations. This visit greatly promoted exchanges and cooperation between our two countries, and kicked off frequent high-level exchanges in particular. Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and 10 cabinet ministers also paid a visited to China, the Chinese government as well as the National People’s Congress sent out high-level delegations to Denmark. This further boosted China-Denmark relations at all fronts, and has become a political consensus between the two countries.

The past year witnessed the growth of our trade and economic cooperation in spite of this financially difficult time.

Due to the global financial crisis and European debt crisis, China-EU trade volume declined in 2012. However, trade between China and Denmark managed to maintain growth, although the growth rate was affected. According to statistics from the Chinese side, from January to November, ChinaDenmark trade volume reached 8.61 billion USD, with an increase of 3.7%. The growth rate of import from Denmark is higher than that of China’s total import. For quite a few years, China has kept the status as Denmark’s largest trade partner in Asia. As the Danish Minister for Trade and Investment Pia Olsen Dyhr put it, “China is a bright spot at a time when Danish exports are challenged by low growth in Europe”.

Interacted more frequently, Chinese and Danish enterprises are in active pursuit of opportunities for cooperation in areas

such as medicine, energy, green technology, water treatment, service for the aged and food security. Mengniu Dairy Company, one of China’s leading dairy product manufacturers, reached a strategic cooperation agreement with Danish dairy giant Arla Foods, which will help introduce into the Chinese market the well-established production concept of the Danish dairy industry.

The past year also witnessed our flourishing cultural and people-to-people exchanges. China and Denmark reached a number of agreements in this regard, including those on mutually setting up cultural centers, promoting cultural heritage protection and strengthening education cooperation. The world’s first Confucius Institute of Music was also established in Copenhagen. I am also told by Wonderful Copenhagen that the number of Chinese tourists to Denmark is increasing rapidly, and China is to become one of Denmark’s most important markets for tourism. Undoubtedly, the constant growth of cultural and people-to-people exchanges is conducive to enhancing mutual communication and understanding.

The Dragon and Snake symbolise the “extraordinary” in ancient Chinese culture. After a remarkable Year of the Dragon, I have full confidence in the prospects for the development of China-Denmark relations in the Year of the Snake.

The 18th National Congress of Communist Party of China has laid out a grand blueprint for China’s future development.

We will double our 2010 GDP and per capita income of urban and rural residents by 2020. We will accelerate the change of our growth model, make both active and prudent efforts to carry out the reform of the political structure, improve the people’s well-being, enhance cultural development and work hard to build a “beautiful China”. We will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development and pursue a win-win strategy of opening up. We are committed to growing friendship and cooperation in all fields with countries all over the world including Denmark, on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and we will push forward the building of a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.

China and Denmark are highly complementary in their economic and social development, and thus there is a huge potential for cooperation in areas such as technological innovation, environmental protection, urbanisation and agricultural modernisation. I believe that with our bilateral cooperation constantly expanding and deepening, our two countries can work together to cope with challenges ahead and bring tangible benefits to both our peoples.

The smooth development of our pragmatic cooperation cannot be realised without mutual understanding and trust.

This is also the reason why I am so delighted to see the Copenhagen Post has, for the third consecutive year, published a special supplement on the occasion of the Chinese New Year. I sincerely hope that with its rich content and beautiful illustrations, this special supplement can serve as a useful window for all communities in Denmark to know more about China.

Mr. Hans Christian Andersen once said that “Every man’s life is a fairy tale written by God’s fingers”, while I would prefer to make joint efforts with friends from all walks of life to write a beautiful fairy tale of China-Demark relations in the New Year.

Finally, on behalf of the Embassy of China in Denmark, I wish Danish people, overseas Chinese and other communities in Denmark a very happy and joyful Chinese New Year!

President and Publisher: Ejvind Sandal ● editor: David Nothling ● layout: Lyndsay Jensen ● sales director supplements: Hans Hermansen, hans@cphpost.dk, +45 2420 2411

China’s

development - the 18th CPC national Congress

the Communist Party of China (CPC) held its 18th national Congress in november 2012, which deliberated on the work of the past years; formulated important policies that accord with the times and answer to the aspirations of the people; and elected a new leadership of CPC.

summary rePort of the last five years’ Work and neW tarGet China’s overall national strength has grown considerably. the gross domestic product (GdP) reached 47.3 trillion yuan in 2011, and government revenue increased by a wide margin.

The economy has developed steadily and rapidly. The overall agricultural production capacity has increased and grain output has gone up year after year. Progress has been made in adjusting the industrial structure, and the infrastructure has been extensively upgraded. Urbanisation has been steadily advanced, and development between urban and rural areas, and between regions has become better balanced. notable progress has been made in making China an innovative country.

Major breakthroughs have been made in manned spaceflights, the lunar exploration program, and in the development of a manned deep-sea submersible, supercomputers and high-speed railways. Solid steps have been taken to promote ecological progress, and comprehensive progress has been made in resource conservation and environmental protection. new targets for economic growth.

One of the highlights of the Congress is the established goal to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and doubling China’s 2010 GDP and per capita income of urban and rural residents by 2020.

This is the first time that per capita income has been included in the country’s 2020 blueprint for a moderately prosperous society. Previous targets set at the 16th and 17th CPC National Congresses merely called for the growth of GDP, not of per capita income.

China’s main eConomiC develoPment tasks taking economic development as the central task is vital to national renewal, and development still holds the key to addressing all the problems we have in China.

Only by promoting sustained and sound economic development can we lay a solid material foundation for enhancing the country’s prosperity and strength, improving Chinese people’s wellbeing and ensuring social harmony and stability.

China’s economic development should be driven by: Domestic demand, especially consumer demand, by a modern service industry and strategic emerging industries, by scientific 4

and technological progress, by a workforce of higher quality and innovation in management, by resource conservation and a circular economy, and by coordinated and mutually reinforcing urban-rural development and development between regions. the underlying issue China faces in economic structural reform is how to strike a balance between the role of the government and that of the market, and China should follow more closely the rules of the market and better play the role of the government.

China should thus steadily enhance the vitality of the stateowned sector of the economy and its capacity to leverage and influence the economy. At the same time, we must unswervingly encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector, and ensure that economic entities under all forms of ownership have equal access to factors of production in accordance with the law, compete on a level playing field and are protected by law as equals. firmly maintain the strategic focus of boosting domestic demand, speed up the establishment of a long-term mechanism for increasing consumer demand, unleash the potential of individual consumption, increase investment at a proper pace, and expand the domestic market.

Develop next-generation information infrastructure and modern IT industry, better ensure information security, and promote the application of information network technologies. We should enhance the core competitiveness of large and medium-sized enterprises and support development of small and micro businesses, especially small and micro science and technology companies. We should continue to implement the master strategy for regional development and fully leverage the comparative advantages of different regions. to give high priority to rural areas in developing infrastructure and social programs in the country.

We should work harder to build new rural areas, carry out programs of poverty alleviation through development and fully improve rural working and living conditions. We should establish a new type of system for intensive agricultural operations that are specialised, well organised and commercialised. We should reform the land expropriation system and increase the share of gain in land value to farmers.

Promote all-around improvements to China’s open economy In response to new developments in economic globalisation, we must implement a more proactive opening up strategy and improve the open economy so that it promotes mutual benefit and is diversified, balanced, secure and efficient.

Defensive in nature - China’s national defense policy

We should continue to attach equal importance to export and

facilitate free trade and investment, and oppose protectionism

import, better coordinate trade and industrial policies, and

in all its forms.

Goals and tasks of China’s national defense policy In line with the changes of international security and the national security environment, the main goals and tasks of China’s national defense policy in the new era are defined as follows: Safeguarding national sovereignty, security and interests of national development, maintaining social harmony and stability, accelerating the modernisation of national defense and the armed forces, and maintaining world peace and stability.

make China’s exports more competitive in terms of technology, brand, quality and service.

 China is committed to growing friendship and cooperation with other countries in all fields on the basis of the Five

We should make overall planning for bilateral, multilateral,

Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. We will improve and grow

regional and sub-regional opening up and cooperation, ac-

our relations with developed countries by expanding areas of

celerate implementation of the strategy of building free trade

cooperation and properly addressing differences with them.

areas, and promote infrastructure connectivity with our neigh-

We will actively participate in multilateral affairs, support the

bouring countries.

United Nations, G20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and other

Continue to Promote the Noble Cause of Peace and Development of Mankind  Mankind has only one earth to live on, and countries have only one world to share. History teaches us that the law of the jungle will not lead to the coexistence of human society and

multilateral organisations in playing an active role in international affairs, and work to make the international order and system more just and equitable.

Intention of China’s military development China develops its military forces purely to maintain national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as answer the need of national security and development. Targeting at no country or specific objective, China advocates the settlement of disputes through peaceful means and prudence on the issue of war.

With the development of the world military revolution and the advances of technologies, Chinese armed forces develop and update weaponry and equipment moderately to satisfy the reasonable need for maintaining national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as realizing a peaceful development. China consistently opposes arms race and will never enter into an arms race with any other country.

that the arbitrary use of force cannot make the world a better place. To pursue peace, development and cooperation and oppose war, eliminate poverty and avoid confrontation in order to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity - this is what the people of all countries long for.  China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development and firmly pursue an independent foreign policy of peace. We are firm in our resolve to uphold China’s sovereignty, security and development interests and will never yield to any outside pressure. We will decide our position and policy on an issue on its own merits and work to uphold fairness and justice.  China opposes hegemonism and power politics in all their forms, does not interfere in other countries’ internal affairs and will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion. China will continue to keep in mind both the interests of the Chinese people and the common interests of the people of all countries, get more actively involved in international affairs, play its due role of a major responsible country, and work jointly with other countries to meet global challenges.  China will unwaveringly follow a win-win strategy of open-

China’s nuclear policy and strategy China adheres to a self-defensive nuclear strategy. It has adhered to the policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons at any time and in any circumstances, and made the unequivocal commitment that under no circumstances will it use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. China is the only country among all nuclear countries which has made the above-mentioned commitment.

China has always exercised the utmost restraint in the development of nuclear weapons and will continue to limit its nuclear capabilities to the minimum level required for national security.

China’s national defense expenditure The Chinese government adheres to the principle of coordinated development of national defense and economy. In line with the demands of national defense and economic development, China decides on the size of defense expenditure in an appropriate way. China’s defense budget for 2012 is about RMB 670 billion. China’s defense expenditure mainly comprises expenses for personnel, training and maintenance, and equipment.

ing up and promoting robust, sustainable and balanced growth in the global economy through increased cooperation. China will strengthen coordination with other major economies on macroeconomic policy and resolve economic and trade frictions with other countries through consultation. China upholds the principle of balancing rights with obligations. We will take an active part in global economic governance, promote and

Since 1997, China has begun to report to the United Nations Standardised Instrument for Reporting Military Expenditures. China submits its national defense expenditure report to the United Nations annually, and introduces its defense expenditure’s usage and scale to the world by publicising national defense white papers.

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2013 Year of the Snake

an introduction...

2013 is the year of the black snake and begins on february 10th shortly after the new moon in aquarius, the humanitarian of the Zodiac. this 2013 year of the snake is meant for steady progress and attention to detail. focus and discipline will be necessary for you to achieve what you set out to create. the snake is the sixth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animal signs. it is the enigmatic, intuitive, introspective, refined and most collected of the animals signs. ancient Chinese wisdom says a snake in the house is a good omen because it means that your family will not starve.

the Common Character of People born in the year of the snake Snake Years are sixth in the cycle, following the Dragon Years, and recur every twelfth year.

The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Snake Year actually begins.

snake years: 1905-1917-1929-1941-1953-1965-1977-1989-2001-2013 People born in the Year of the Snake are reputed to be thoughtful and wise and to approach problems rationally and logically, seldom instinctively. Such people are complex beings, they are clever and men of few words from their birth. Their business is always going well, but they are often very stingy. However they can be very active in their friends’ lives. They are often too active, not believing other people and relying only on themselves. Snakes are also very insightful and naturally intuitive. If anyone has a sixth sense, it’s those born in the Snake Year. This is partly what makes them so mysterious. Snakes come in all varieties of colors and patterns. This is maybe why people born in the Snake Year appreciate beauty. People with this Chinese Zodiac snake sign are very stylish, fashionable and have exceptional taste. They also have a sure touch in money matters but are also inclined to be greedy and somewhat egoistical - the determined and ambitious character of Snakes take their failures hard. Snakes are usually very attractive on the outside and inwardly, however, taking into consideration their frivolity, may lead to family problems.

the Cosmic element and Colour of 2013 The 2013 Year of the Snake is the Water Snake. Water Snakes are lucky with finances, they always seem to have money flowing their way. They have adventurous spirits and love to take risks. They are also very intelligent and often a wellspring of creative ideas. Water Snakes love to socialise and meet new friends.They are proud of their achievements, and also very thoughtful and considerate of others. The colour of the 2013 Year of the Snake is Black. Black is the colour of Space, Arctic night, darkness on the Abyss, this is also a colour of deep waters. The Black Snake will bring people unexpected changes, instability, and changeability. That is why it is important in the Year of the Snake to plan everything beforehand, and evaluate adequately before taking any actions. You need to be more careful and cautious than ever.

spring festival in China The Spring Festival is the most important festival for the Chinese people. It is equal to Christmas of the West in significance, and may be the most significant vacation in China. Two functions distinguish it from any other festivals. One is seeing off the Old Year and greeting the New Year. The other is family member reunions.

For those who live or operate far from residence, several weeks’ leave is allowed at this time, and it becomes the busiest time for transportation systems for about half a month from the start of the Spring Festival. Airports, railway stations and long-distance bus stations are crowded with home returnees.

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the Chinese new year Celebration in Copenhagen This year’s grand gala will fall on February 9th, which is the Chinese New Year’s Eve according to its Lunar calendar. Taking place at KBH. Rådhusplads between 12:30 and 17:15, the annual celebration will mainly include stage artistic performances, Chinese traditional fair and open-air square show.

other details of 2013 year of the snake lucky colours for the snake: Yellow, Red lucky directions for the snake: Southwest, Northeast lucky numbers for the snake: 2, 4, 7, and 9. monday is the lucky day of the week for snakes

The Spring Festival falls on the 1 day of the 1 Lunar month, often one month later than the Gregorian calendar. It originated in the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600 BC-c. 1100 BC) from the people’s sacrifice to gods and ancestors at the end of an Old Year and the beginning of a new one. st

st

Strictly speaking, the Spring Festival starts every year in the early days of the 12th Lunar month and will last till the middle of the 1st Lunar month of the next year. Of them, the most important days are Spring Festival Eve and the first three days of the New Year.

The Chinese community in Denmark, joined by a group of professional artists from China, will put on a much-anticipated stage performance. The most fascinating and exotic element of this year’s celebration will be the Chinese traditional temple fair, in which the Danes will see things truly Chinese in Copenhagen, such as a Calligraphy show, facial makeup, Beijing opera and tea ceremony. Free food and beer samples are also on offer, and if lucky enough, one may get pocket money from the “Chinese God of Fortune”. The outdoor square show will present dragon and lion dance, and a Tai Chi performance.

The theme of this year’s celebration is to “Promote the Chinese culture, and enhance SinoDenmark relations.” The Chinese community would like to take this opportunity to show their traditional culture, and also wish all the Danes and foreign communities a happy Chinese New Year in Denmark. advertisement

The Chinese government now stipulates people have seven days off work for the Chinese Lunar New Year. The Spring Festival is among the longest public holidays in China, one of the Golden Weeks. Also Chinese New Year is an annual official public holiday for many countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Certain countries refer to the Lunar New Year by their own local name, such as Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year) in Vietnam, Korean New Year in South Korea, or Setsubun in Japan.

This year, the first day of Chinese New Year (Chun Jie) will be celebrated on Sunday, 10 February 2013, and the festival will last for as long as 15 days, until Sunday, 24 February 2013.

Many customs accompany the Spring Festival. Some are still followed today, but others have weakened. On the 8th day of the 12th Lunar month, many families make laba porridge, a delicious kind of porridge made with glutinous rice, millet, seeds of Job’s tears, jujube berries, lotus seeds, beans, longan and gingko. The 23rd day of the 12th Lunar month is called Preliminary Eve. At this time, people offer a sacrifice to the kitchen god. Now however, most families make delicious food to enjoy themselves.

After the Preliminary Eve, people begin preparing for the coming New Year. This is called “Seeing the New Year in”. Store owners are at their busiest, as everybody goes out to purchase necessities for the New Year. Materials not only include edible oil, rice, flour, chicken, duck, fish and meat, but also fruit, candies and all kinds of nuts. What’s more, various decorations, new clothes and shoes for the children, as well as gifts for the elderly, friends and relatives, are all on the shopping list. Before the New Year comes, people completely clean the indoors and outdoors of their homes as well as their clothes, bedclothes and all their utensils.

They begin decorating their clean rooms, creating an atmosphere for rejoicing and festivity. All the door panels are pasted with Spring Festival couplets, highlighting Chinese calligraphy with black characters on red paper. The content varies depending on the house owners’ wishes for a bright future to good luck for the New Year. Pictures of the god of doors and wealth will also be posted on front doors to ward off evil spirits and welcome peace and abundance.

The Chinese character “fu” (meaning blessing or happiness) is a must. The character put on paper can be pasted normally or upside down, for in Chinese the “reversed fu” is homophonic with “fu comes”, both being pronounced as “fudaole.” What‘s more, two big red lanterns can be raised on both sides of the front door. Red paper-cuttings can be seen on window glass and brightly colored New Year paintings with auspicious meanings may be put on the walls.

Wi s hi n g a ll ou r C hi n e s e rea d e rs a H a ppy N e w Y ea r!

7

Chinese economic development

China has enjoyed fast economic development for over 30 years. during the past decade in particular, China has firmly seized the strategic opportunities for development, made hard and pioneering efforts, and scored new historic achievements in economic development.

F

rom 2002 to 2011, China’s GDP grew at an average annual rate of 10.7%, and moved up from the sixth to the second place in the world, as its per capita GDP rose from 1,000-plus U.S. dollars to 5,432 U.S. dollars. China’s foreign trade volume stood at 3.64 trillion U.S. dollars in 2011, nearly four times more than that of 2002. With an average annual growth of 21.7%, China now ranks number two in terms of total foreign trade volume in the world and number one when it comes to exports. China’s foreign exchange reserves exceeded three trillion U.S. dollars in 2011, 10 times that of 2002, and has topped the world for six consecutive years. China’s industrial structure has been upgraded, its agricultural foundation consolidated, regional development has became much more balanced, and its people’s livelihood significantly improved.

In the past five years, China effectively tackled the huge impact of the international financial crisis and sustained steady - even fast economic growth. After the international financial crisis broke out, China fully implemented a package plan, making parallel efforts in expanding domestic demand and stabilising external demand, increasing investment and stimulating consumption. Thus reinvigorating industries and promoting technological innovation, boosting economic growth and improving people’s livelihood, and overcoming the global financial difficulties whilst pursuing long-term development. Thanks to these efforts, China was able to avoid factory closures, job losses and return of migrant workers to their home villages, and was among the first to achieve an economic upturn.

China also has its fiscal and financial risks under control.

Its budget deficit and outstanding government debt in 2011 were 1.8% and 15.28% of the GDP respectively, both lower than their 2002 levels of 2.57% and 16.07%. The ratio of non-performing loans in the banking sector went down from 15.2% at the end of 2003 to 1.8% in 2011. Even as the crisis prolonged and external demands remained weak in 2012, China’s GDP grew by 7.8%. Employment is stable, as 8.12 million new urban jobs were created in the first seven months, up by 5% year-on-year. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in July rose 1.8% over the same period of last year and inflationary pressure has notably eased. Macroeconomic indicators show that China’s economic development is in good shape. The speed of growth is within the target range set at the start of 2012.

Given the economic achievements, the Chinese government is fully aware of the challenges ahead and has made great efforts to improve the economic structure to raise the quality and efficiency of economic development. In fact, a shift

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from fast growth to sound growth has been a fundamental change in the priorities of China’s economic development in the past decade. To balance the development of domestic and external demand, the Chinese government has rolled out a number of policies and measures to boost domestic demand. As a result, the current account surplus as a percentage of GDP came down to 2.8%, the contribution of final consumption to economic growth rose from 43.9% to 50.8%, and a pattern in which economic growth is jointly driven by consumption, investment and export is taking shape.

China pursued economic growth by relying on the coordinated development of primary, secondary and tertiary industries. Overall agricultural productivity was enhanced, grain output grew for eight consecutive years, as grain reserves reached a historic high of over 250 million tons. The manufacturing sector became the largest in the world. High-tech manufacturing expanded at an average rate of 22% annually and became a leading pillar industry in the economy.

Value-add of the service sector as a share of GDP increased by 1.6 percentage points and modern service industries such as finance, insurance, logistics, software and information enjoyed rapid development. China also promoted parallel development of industrialisation, urbanisation and agricultural modernisation. The urbanisation rate rose from 39.1% to 51.3%, bringing a historic change in China’s urban-rural structure.

Enjoying the fruits from the fast and sound economic growth, Chinese people are becoming better-off. The per capita urban disposable income and per capita rural net income increased at an average annual rate of 9.2% and 8.1% respectively in real terms, making the past decade one of the fastest-growing periods in its history. Significantly, China became the only country in the world to meet the UN Millennium Development Goal of cutting its poor population by half ahead of schedule. Moreover, at the end of 2011, every 100 urban households in China own 18.6 private cars, 17.7 units more than 2002; 205.3 mobile phones, 3.3 times more than a decade ago; 81.9 personal computers, a 300% increase since 2002. In rural areas, every 100 households now have 61.5 refrigerators, 22.6 air-conditioners, and 179.7 mobile phones, which are 3.1, 8.9 and 12.1 times more than a decade ago respectively.

Over the last decade, China has elevated its economic and social development to a new level and laid a more solid material, technological and institutional foundation for future development. In today’s China, new growth areas keep emerging and strengthening. Science, technology and edu-

cation are playing a bigger role in driving economic development. There are ample supply of social funds, a better educated labor force, improved infrastructural facilities and a sound institutional framework. There are booming businesses, improved macro-regulation by the government and a stable social and political environment. All these are important factors that will make a difference for a long time to come.

The advance in industrialisation, urbanisation, information technology and agricultural modernisation will continue to unleash huge development potential and the giant ship that is Chinese economy will sail ahead fast yet steadily.

Advertorial interview

Catering for a global

market Hemming Van, Group Managing Director of Daloon A/S is very proud to be half Danish, half Chinese. Born and raised in Denmark, after his father Sai-chiu came to the country in the 1930s, Hemming is now in charge of a successful food manufacturing company in Europe.

T

he first Danish made spring rolls were manufactured in Sai-chiu Van’s cellar in his private home near Copenhagen. “My father left China in 1935 to study agriculture in Denmark, although he did not originally intend to spend the rest of his life in Denmark. Various circumstances prevented him from returning to China including, having started a family with his Danish wife,” explains Van. With the prospect of remaining in Denmark, Van Senior started his own business venture in the 1950s by making soy sauce on a small scale. “He took up the challenge of producing spring rolls in the 1960s and thus created a business, which is still successful in Europe more than 50 years later.”

Van attributes this company’s success to his father’s philosophy, “To make the best product in the market place and people will queue up to buy your product”. He does however admit that his father was not a man for business plans. He goes on to say, “Many Chinese, I have observed, generally throw themselves at a challenge more readily than Danes and make up for the relative lack of a plan by working long hours. It seems that the combination of the two could achieve startling results.”

“Delicacies such as Æbleskiver and Kålrouletter (stuffed cabbage leaves) have become a regular part of the range,” he says.

Changing tastes At present, the company operates two factories in Europe, one in Denmark and one in the UK. Daloon’s annual turnover is approximately DKK 280 million. To this Van says that the main markets for their food products are Scandinavia, Germany and the United Kingdom. Although in its early days the company’s focus was on Asian food, its current global market has seen a shift to offering consumers in different markets, more specialised products. “The main challenge is to read the market trends and respond to consumer needs. Most European consumers claim to be health conscious but fat- and salt-reduced products have still not been the success Daloon had hoped for,” explains Van. Van says that Daloon has largely kept its Asian image in Scandinavia whereas in the UK market, the Daloon range has a far more Indian influence, with Samosas and Onion Bhajis outselling spring rolls. Daloon also produces many Danish dishes, which are in demand from the local customers.

Nordic-Chinese Chamber of Commerce “The lure of the high growth rates not only in the People’s Republic of China but also in many other South East Asian countries, have attracted many Nordic companies to the region,” says Van. To this he says that Danish businesses should thoroughly prepare themselves for the difference between the Chinese and the Nordic way of thinking. “You should consult people with experience of the Chinese mentality and try to gain an understanding of their approach to doing business, their decision making process, and determining the hierarchy in Chinese organisations.” he explains.

As current Chairman of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Nordic, Vans says this organisation is the best gateway for Nordic business communities to access Chinese speaking countries and regions, and for Chinese business communities to access the Nordic countries. “The Chamber assists its members in their dealings with Nordic and Chinese governments and agencies and provides up-to-date knowledge exchange to the numerous businesses that wish to increase their business volume in the Nordic and Chinese speaking regions,” he says. Van believes that the Chamber can facilitate, prepare and service companies in order that they achieve better results more quickly and with better understanding of the respective cultures. advertisement

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10e iSITES n

to se

CHINA

Pudong Skyline

On your next trip to China make sure to visit some of the following breathtaking sites. From World Heritage Sites and natural wonders to man-made marvels, China has it all!

Citydor

Sp l e n

For those travelers seeking to explore modern China, in addition to the nation’s capital, Beijing and its fa mous ‘birds nest’ Olympic Stadiu m – there are two other world class cities to take note of.

 Pudong skyline

Victoria Harbour

Not to be mistaken for a space station, Shanghai is a real city!

China’s biggest and most advanced city, was said to be one of the most modern cities at the turn of the 20th century. Shanghai is a showcase of modern architecture and is quickly amassing a collection of sky reaching buildings decked along the edges of the semi-circular shoreline in Pudong district. In Shanghai you’ll find 35 structures that are over 200 metres tall and two over 400 metres including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (468m) and the Shanghai World Financial Center (492m).

Forbidden City

 victoria harbour

A nracicetinotn s att

Mogao Caves

Wo rld UNES C O e Sit e s g a t H e ri

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The energetic Victoria Harbour is truly Hong Kong’s lifeline, and with its constant parade of vessels and breathtaking surrounding scenery, a harbour cruise is a must-do on any trip to Hong Kong. There are early morning, afternoon and nighttime cruises on offer to showcase the beautiful city against different backdrops. Step aboard for a journey into the true heart of ‘Asia’s world city’. The harbour district offers many other attractions including world class restaurants, shopping facilities and much more.

ruled China, before it expanded its power to the centre of the country and moved the capital to Beijing. This remarkable architectural edifice offers important historical testimony to the history of the Qing Dynasty and to the cultural traditions of the Manchu and other tribes in the North of China.

 mogao Caves The Mogao Caves, a shrine of Buddhist art treasures, including caves, wall paintings, painted sculptures, ancient architecture and movable cultural relics, is located 25km from downtown Dunhuang on the Eastern slope of Mingsha Shan (Mount Echoing Sand). A network of plank reinforced roads plying North to South, 1600 meters long, lead to the cave openings which are stacked five stories high, some reaching up to 50 meters.

Mogao translated means high up in the desert  leshan Giant buddha

China has several spectacular World Heritage sites, including both natural wonders and architectural marvels such as the Forbidden City in Beijing.

The first Buddhist temple in China was built in Sichuan Province in the 1st century A.D. in the beautiful surroundings of the summit Mount Emei. The addition of other temples turned the site into one of Buddhism’s holiest sites. Over the centuries, the cultural treasures grew in number. The most remarkable is the Giant Buddha of Leshan, carved out of a hillside in the 8th century and looking down over three rivers. At 71 meters high, it is the largest Buddha in the world. Mount Emei is also notable for its exceptionally diverse vegetation, ranging from subtropical to subalpine pine forests. Some of the trees there are more than 1000 years old.

 forbidden City

 mount huang

Seat of supreme power for over five centuries (1416-1911), the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its landscaped gardens and many buildings (whose nearly 10 000 rooms contain furniture and works of art), constitutes a priceless testimony to Chinese civilization during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Amongst its many rooms and relics the city is also home to an important library that testifies to the foundation of the last dynasty that

Huangshan, known as “The loveliest mountain of China”, was much acclaimed through art and literature for a good part of Chinese history. Today it holds the same fascination for visitors, poets, painters and photographers who come on pilgrimage to the site, which is renowned for its magnificent scenery made up of many granite peaks and rocks emerging out of a sea of clouds.

Below Clockwise: Great Wall of China, Leshan Giant Buddha, Terracotta Army, Giant Pandas and Chengdu, Mount Huang

 terracotta army Life-sized terracotta warriors guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, where a huge palace complex was unearthed in late-2012. Archaeologists have found the remains of an ancient imperial palace near the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. There are thousands of warriors at the centre of a complex designed to mirror the urban plan of the capital, Xianyan. The small figures are all different; with their horses, chariots and weapons, all masterpieces of realism and also of great historical interest. The Terracotta Warriors are part of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor at Xi’an, which is about a one-and-a-half hour flight West of Beijing.

 Great Wall of China The Great Wall of China is a series of stone and earthen fortifications, built, rebuilt, and maintained between the 5th century BC and the 16th century to protect the Northern borders of the Chinese Empire during the rule of successive dynasties. The Great Wall is the world’s longest human-made structure, stretching over approximately 6400km from Shanhaiguan in the East to Lop Nur in the West, along an arc that roughly delineates the Southern edge of inner Mongolia. It is also the largest human-made structure ever built in terms of surface area and mass. At its peak the Wall was guarded by more than one million men. It has been estimated that somewhere in the range of two to three million Chinese died as part of the centuries-long project of building the Wall.

Li River

 li river

N aotnudrearsl W

“The river winds like a green silk ribbon, while the hills are like jade hairpins” - HanY u (768-824), a fa mous Chinese poet of Tang Dynasty (618-907)

Described as one of the most beautiful rivers of China, the Li River rises in the Mao’er Mountain or Cat Mountain (Xing’an County, northern border of Guilin), passes southward through Guilin, Yangshuo, Pingle, Zhaoping and many villages to open out to the Xijiang River of Wuzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Its total length is 437 kilometres, with the 83-kilometer-long section between Guilin and Yangshuo as the highlight. There are several cruises that operate all year long, as the scenery is always impressive no matter what the weather is like. It is the most famous and important natural attraction that should be visited when in Guangxi Province. Endowed with amazing hills, mountains, caves and little streams, the Li River is a perfect place to admire rice paddies, bamboo groves and forests, waterfalls, water buffalos, ancient villages and the symbol of the area: Fishermen and their cormorants floating by on bamboo rafts. Dotted with eye-feasting scenery, the river is always pristine with its surrounding lush landscape, fauna and peaks reflecting on the clear green and mirror-like water under the blue sky.

 Giant Pandas and Chengdu Heading out to Chengdu is a great way to get a taste of Sichuan province as well as an opportunity to see the famous Giant Pandas.

The Breeding Research Base will give you an in-depth understanding of these gentle giants of China. Its population is small and isolated to the forest habitat in Southwest China’s mountainous areas. The Chinese government has set up more than 30 reserves, but habitat destruction and poaching continues to pose a threat to pandas living outside of them. With rapid economic development, it is more important than ever to ensure the giant panda’s survival. sources: www.touropia.com; www.travelchinaguide.com; www.whc.unesco.org; www.visitourchina.com; www.discoverhongkong.com; www.greatwall-of-china.com; www.imperialtours.net; www.china.org.cn

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Developing new and renewable energy

China is now the world’s largest energy producer. it has built up a comprehensive energy supply system comprising coal, electricity, petroleum, natural gas, and new and renewable energy resources.

I

t is stipulated in the Outline of the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) for National Economic and Social Development, that by 2015 non-fossil energy will rise to 11.4% in the national total primary energy consumption, energy consumption per unit of GDP will drop by 16% from 2010, and CO2 emission per unit of GDP will decrease by 17% from 2010. The Chinese government has made the commitment that by 2020 non-fossil energy will account for 15% of its total primary energy consumption, and CO2 emission per unit of GDP will be 40-45% lower than in 2005.

Vigorously developing new and renewable energy is a key strategic measure for promoting the multiple and clean development of energy, and fostering emerging industries of strategic importance. In order to fulfill its commitment, China will endeavor to develop new and renewable energy, especially in the following areas:

the Chinese Government has made the Commitment that by 2020 non-fossil enerGy Will aCCount for 15% of its total Primary enerGy ConsumPtion. vest more in nuclear power technological innovations, promote the application of advanced technology, improve the equipment level, enhance personal training, and attach great importance to safety control. China’s installed capacity of nuclear power is expected to reach 40 million kW by 2015.

1. actively developing hydropower: China boasts abundant hydropower resources. Its technically exploitable hydropower resources are equal to 542 million kW, putting the country first in the world.

the three Gorges dam project Calculated according to power generation, less than 30 percent of China’s hydropower resources are currently utilised, leaving plenty of room for development in this regard. In order to attain the goal of increasing non-fossil energy consumption to 15 percent of the total energy consumption by 2020, more than half must come from hydropower development. On the condition that the ecological environment is protected and resettlements of local people affected is properly handled, China will energetically develop hydropower. By integrating hydropower development with promotion of local employment and economic development, the Chinese government aims to “Develop local resources, stimulate local economic development, improve the local environment and benefit local people.” The country’s installed hydropower generating capacity is expected to reach 290 million kW by 2015.

2. developing nuclear power in a safe and highly efficient way: dayawan nuclear power plant in Canton Province As nuclear power is a high-quality, clean and efficient modern energy source, its development is of great significance for optimizsing the nation’s energy structure and ensuring national energy security. At present, nuclear power only accounts for 1.8 percent of China’s total power output, far below the world average, which is 14 percent. China will in12

3. effectively developing wind power: Wind farm in inner mongolia As a non-water renewable energy, wind power is currently the most appropriated energy source for large-scale development and market-driven utilizsation. China’s wind power industry is the fastest-growing in the world. During the 12th Five-Year Plan period, China will stress both intensive and distributed exploitation, and optimizse the development layout of wind power. It will push forward wind power construction in an orderly way in the Northwestern, Northern and Northeastern regions, which boast abundant wind energy, and speed up the development and utilizsation of distributed resources. It will steadily develop offshore wind farms, and

improve the standards for wind-power equipment and the supervision system of this industry. By means of speeding up grid construction, increasing the grid’s dispatch level, improving the performance of wind-power equipment, and strengthening wind-power prediction and forecast, China aims to improve its power grids’ wind-power integration ability. The installed generating capacity of wind power is expected to reach 100 million kwkW by the end of 2015, with 500 kwW of generating capacity coming from offshore wind farms.

4. developing and utilising biomass energy, solar energy and other types of renewable energy: China will develop biomass energy and other renewable energy resources under the principle of “oOrderly development based on local conditions and comprehensive utilizsation with all factors taken into consideration.” It will promote power generation using crop stalks, grain-processing residues and bagasse as fuels in the major producing areas of grain and cotton; and carefully develop woody biomass power generation in forest-covered areas. Attention will be given to the promotion of electricity generation by means of waste incineration and landfill gas in urban areas. The country will also speed up the construction of biomass gas, including methane, supply systems in eligible regions, and build production bases of biomass molding fuel in accordance with local conditions.

China is rich in solar energy. Its installed generating capacity of soarsolar energy is expected to exceed 21 million kwkW by 2015, with a total solar heat collection area of 400 million sqsq. meters. Efforts will also be made to develop biodiesel and industrial cellulosic ethanol. China will spread the technology of efficiently using geothermal energy, on the condition that underground water is protected.

5. Promoting distributed utilisation of clean energy: China will energetically develop distributed energy resources on the principle of “gGiving priority to local supply, feeding the surplus into the grid, development based on local conditions, and advancing in an orderly way.” It will accelerate the construction of distributed energy systems (DES) for natural gas at energy load centers. It will energetically spread the technology of distributed renewable energy, especially in high energy-consumption centers, including cities and industrial parks. It will carry out distributed renewable energy construction in rural areas, forest regions and islands in accordance with local conditions. Efforts will be made to set standards for distributed energy, and improve the formation mechanism and polices for on-grid price. Hard work will be done to realizse direct supply, and non-discriminatory and barrier-free connection to the grid of power generated in the distributed manner. During the 12th Five-Year Plan period, China will construct about 1000 projects of natural gas DES, and ten distributed energy demonstration areas with various typical characteristics.

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Clockwise: Li Na; Ken Hom; Zhang Ziyi; Jackie Chan and Yao Ming

Z hang Ziy i is best known for her roll in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”

sources: www.jackiechan.com; www.espn.go.com; www.theyaomingfoundation.org; www.china.org.cn; www.biography.com; www.wtatennis.com

Famous Chinese faces from a humorous kung fu movie star to a giant-size sports star, China has many influential and popular personalities recognisable the world over. We showcase a few famous faces and their many achievements whilst spreading the China brand globally.

★ Jackie Chan – K ung fu star

former professional basketball players in China, and as such

There are few Chinese personalities that have made the

he was playing with the junior team of the Shanghai Sharks

cross-over to Western popular culture like Jackie Chan. His

of the Chinese Basketball Association. His initial exposure to

unique action-comedy style of acting, incorporating kung fu

the world and NBA decision makers came during the 2000

and daring stunt moves has earned him a place on Holly-

Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Although China lost to

wood’s A-list. rumble in the bronx, was the movie that intro-

the United States, 119-72, he had certainly arrived on the radar

duced Jackie to American audiences and secured him a place

of American scouts. Ming decided to enter the NBA Draft in

in their hearts (and their box office). rumble in the bronx was

2002 and became the first international player ever to be

followed by the rush hour and shanghai noon series.

selected first overall without having previously played U.S.

he inherited their height and then some! By the age of 13

college basketball.

Jackie Chan was born in Hong Kong in 1954. His parents, Charles and Lee-lee Chan named him Chan Kong-sang which means “Born in Hong Kong”. His farther believed that learning kung fu would help build Jackie’s character, teaching him patience, strength, and courage. His father enrolled him in the China Drama Academy where Jackie would live for the next 10 years of his life. During Jackie’s time at the school, he learned martial arts, acrobatics, singing, and acting.

He also takes his work as Ambassador for UNICEF/UNAIDS very seriously and spends his spare time working tirelessly for children, the elderly, and those in need.

He has used his celebrity status to carry out extensive humanitarian work; The Yao Ming Foundation was established in June of 2008 in response to the devastating 8.0 earthquake in Sichuan Province, China on May 12, 2008. More than 8,000 schoolrooms and 185 schools were destroyed during the earthquake. The Foundation has so far committed to rebuilding five schools in the earthquake region. The new earthquake resistant schools will provide top level education for more than 1000 students, many of whom will also board at the schools. The Yao Ming Foundation is partnering with The China Youth Development Fund (CYDF) to distribute the

★ Yao Ming – NBA Basketball player

funds and provide day-to-day oversight for the rebuilding

Yao Ming born in Shanghai, China is a retired professional

ential 100 People by time magazine. After retiring in 2011

basketball player who spent his entire NBA career with the

due to a stress fracture in his left foot, he is continuing his

Houston Rockets. At 7-feet, 6-inches tall, he was the third-

basketball career as the boss of the Shanghai Sharks Bas-

tallest player in NBA history. Both of Ming’s parents are

ketball Club.

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projects. He was listed as one of the World’s most influ-

★ Ken Hom – Culinary expert Top celebrity chef Ken Hom, 60, is a household name in Britain. His BBC TV shows and books have inspired millions of aspiring cooks to get out a wok and cook up his tantalising Chinese culinary delights. Irrepressible and relentlessly positive, Ken is a happy man, and believes Chinese cuisine to be one of the world’s healthiest. He is currently a spokesman for the UK’s Health Education Authority, promoting healthy Chinese recipes for Britain’s youth. He says that it is never too late to change your eating habits.

★ Z hang Ziy i – Fa mous actress Zhang Ziyi is one of the most famous Chinese actresses in the world, especially in the United States. She trained as a dancer but opted to become an actress instead at age 15. She was discovered by China’s renowned director Zhang Yimou who started her successful career, and today is recognised internationally through the movie Crouching tiger, hidden dragon. Her first appearance in an American movie was in 2001’s rush hour 2, starring fellow countryman Jackie Chan.

Because she didn’t speak English at the time, Zheng had to receive translations from Jackie. Her outstanding performances have received much international applause.

★ Li Na – Ace tennis star Li Na is a Chinese professional tennis player. In 2011, she defeated top-seeded Italian Francesca Schiavone, who won the French Open singles the year before, winning the Grand Slam championship and becoming the first Chinese player to grab the title. She turned pro in 1999 after being introduced to tennis at age nine, after first playing badminton. After winning the French Open title in 2011, she starred in many sponsorship advertisements for countless big brands, including Nike, Samsung, Rolex and Mercedes-Benz. Li Na is currently ranked number six on the World Tennis Associations list of tops singles players.

Advertorial interview

Long-haul

trade

Danish businessman, and CEO of Prime Cargo A/S, Morten Nielsen talks doing business in China; including the challenges and possibilities.

P

rime Cargo A/S was established in 1998 with offices in Denmark and China (Shanghai/Beijing). The company’s core competences are within the areas of seafreight and airfreight, particular in the part-load business. CEO Morten Nielsen says that his company has an edge over some of its big name competitors, who primarily work with full containers, by also offering part-load containers. Today they have seven offices in China (Qingdao, Ningbo, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong), and employ approximately 400 personal across the two countries.

When asked about the climate for doing business in China, Nielsen compares it to adjusting to any customer requirements. “China is a melting pot of ever changing requirements, basically the world want to do business with China.

Businessmen in Western markets talk about how flexible and adjustable they need to be towards their ever changing customers’ requirements, but the fact is that if we need to be variable in Denmark we need to be even more so in China,” he says. The competition in China is much bigger, he explains, and to a certain point loyalty is lower, so again it proves you need to be close to the market at all times.

In the financial year 2011/12 Prime Cargo A/S made a Gross Profit of DKK 33million in China - Morten Nielsen

Cultural shift However, Nielsen says that the decision makers, in founding Prime Cargo A/S knew that the majority of their customers in China would be Chinese customers, so decided on a business model that would suit this market. “Instead of, in typical Danish style, to send over a whole management team of foreigners, the company searched the market for some highly educated Chinese staff within our area of business. So today we only have one Danish employee and the rest of our team, including management, is Chinese,” he says. Nielsen says that this has given his company a major advantage as from day one they have understood, accepted and implemented the Chinese business mentality into the organisation.

Although the company has retained a majority of Chinese employees, unusual for a foreign company, they do recognise that the market is changing, as the requirements of their employees and the general Chinese citizen are changing, this as the country becomes more globally integrated. “We have a clear focus in offering our employees the best work environment and basic culture within our organisation, so to respect the work-life balance in China. Further to this we are introducing our ‘Prime Academy’ later in 2013, where young talents will be skilled in cultures, business and social changes, in order to prepare them to become global leaders within the organisation,” explains Nielsen.

Dare to risk When asked what business principals Danish companies can learn from doing business in China, he says, “Dare to take risks and think forward – The Chinese are masters in seeing opportunities where we see challenges, often you only achieve success if you dare to take a risk. Often the Western world thinks about yesterday, tomorrow and the day after, but the Chinese think more ahead than we do, and this combined with their dare to risk attitude often makes us feel that they are one step ahead.” He does however offer advice for companies exploring the Asian market; “Be prepared, we have seen many companies enter China like they would enter any other European country, but it is different and you need to be aware off the challenges that lie ahead.” advertisement 13020

China Practice – invest in a strong partnership

kpmg.dk

A13020-CphPost-chi_02.indd 1

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31/01/13 15.11

Chinese

cuisine

Since ancient times there have been many factors that have influenced the development of cooking in China. An old Chinese saying goes: “Eating is the utmost important thing in life.”

Cooking Chinese food requires more time and effort, and is considered a very sophisticated art.

As a result, many travelers who have visited China consider Chinese cuisines one of the best.

Chinese food styles As China is a geographically huge country, it is diverse in climate, ethnicity and subcultures. Not surprisingly therefore, there are many distinctive styles of cuisine. Traditionally there have been eight main families of dishes, namely: Hui (Anhui); Yue (Canton); Min (Fujian); Xiang (Hunan); Yang (Jiangsu); Lu (Shandong); Chuan (Szechuan); Zhe (Zhejiang).

These families of dishes are differentiated by the area of origin. However, today there are four main styles of food in China, recognised internationally, namely the Beijing Style, the Shanghai Style, the Sichuan/Szechuan Style and the Cantonese Style.

The Cantonese style is the most popular style in overseas restaurants. Cantonese style cuisine is varied and cosmopolitan. It is characterised by gentle spices, fresh ingredients and slow, careful preparation – stir-frying is a popular technique.

Ginger, spring onion and sesame oil are ever present in much of Chinese cooking, and five-spice powder is essential in any Cantonese kitchen. This spice is a blend of the traditional five Chinese flavours - sweet, sour, bitter, savoury and salty.

When you are traveling in China, you would find it extremely hard to resist the Peking duck, the Shanghai pork bun, or the Cantonese dim sum – just a few of the diverse variety of dishes on offer. A typical banquet consists of four appetiser dishes, such as cold cut platters or hot hors d’oeuvres; six to eight main courses; then one savory snack-type fish and a dessert. The methods of preparation include stir-frying, stewing, steaming, deep-frying, flash-frying, pan-frying, and so forth. A dish may be savory, sweet, tart, or piquant. The main colours of a dish may include red, yellow, green, white and caramel colour. Food garnishes, such as cut or sculptured tomatoes, Chinese white radishes and cucumbers may be used to add to the visual appeal of a dish. All of these elements contribute to making Chinese food a true feast for the eyes and nostrils as well as the taste buds.

Chinese tea China is also known for its teas, and is often considered the origin of tea. It was in the South-West part of China that Chinese tea was first found. South-Western China falls in a tropical and sub-tropical climate zone; the famous Kung Fu Cha (or Kung Fu Tea) is one of the landmark developments of Chinese tea brewing. The Chinese generally do not drink black tea, but prefer to savour the aromas, floral palate and natural sweetness of green and Oolong teas. If you are new to drinking premium Chinese tea, it is suggested that you start with a fine Oolong tea and then, over time, explore the more subtle, green teas.

Eating etiquette As a visitor or guest in either a Chinese home or restaurant you will find that table manners are essential and the distinctive courtesies displayed will invariably add to the enjoyment of your meals and keep you in high spirits! Chinese culture 16

has a number of rules and customs associated with eating.

For example, meals must be taken while seated; there is a set order of who may be seated first among men, women, old and young; and the main courses must be eaten arranged on a per table basis, with each table usually seating ten to twelve persons. China is also the hometown of chopsticks.

The culture of chopsticks has a long history in China, and

the tradition of using chopsticks as tableware has since been introduced to many other countries around the world such as Vietnam, North Korea and South Korea. The invention of chopsticks reflects the wisdom of Chinese ancient people. A pair of chopsticks, although they may look simple, can nip, pick, rip and stir food. Nowadays, chopsticks are considered to be lucky gifts for marriage and other important ceremonies.

Fa mous Chinese recipe Chinese food is considered to be the biggest cultural exchange between China and other countries around the globe. Its food is famous for the colours, aromatic flavours and the vast variety of its regional cuisines and ingredients. Here is one such famous Chinese dish enjoyed the world over;

Eating with chopsticks 101

C h ow M e in ingredients: 160g egg noodles, raw weight

1. Pick up the first chopstick with the middle finger and thumb.

¼ tsp ginger

2. Grip the second chopstick with your index finger: Place your thumb

½ tsp garlic

over the second chopstick.

400g chicken, light meat, raw weight 4 spring onions, sliced

3. hold it steady: The top chopstick remains pressed to the index

3 tbsp soy sauce

finger from the tip through the first joint. The movement comes from flexing the joint closest to the knuckle. Straightening your index finger opens the chopsticks and bending it closes them, with perhaps a slight flexing of the thumb to keep the chop sticks lined up with each other.

150ml chicken stock

serves 4

method: Boil noodles in a pot of salted boiling water for five minutes. Heat oil in a large pot until smoking point. Add ginger and garlic and fry for one minute. Add the chicken strips and fry for a further five minutes, stirring often. Add spring onions and cook for a further three minutes. Mix together the stock and soy sauce and add to the pan. Add the noodles and season, mix and serve.

4. Practice opening and closing the chopsticks.

5. Pick up food at a good angle (try roughly 45 degrees from the plate); slightly lift it up. If it feels unstable, put it down and try again. sources: www.travelchinaguide.com; www.shanghaifinance.com; www.wikihow.com; www.chinatownconnection.com; www.world-food-and-wine.com; www.china-tea.co.uk

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Niels Steensens Gymnasium Chinese classes for all students in the primary school and a Chinese study program in the high school Niels Steensens Gymnasium (NSG) is a private school with a primary and a high school section. Students are admitted from the 6th. class.

NSG is part of a worldwide network of Jesuit-schools with more than 1 million students from universities, high schools and primary schools in more than 69 countries. All are characterized by catholic values, a high professional standard and the development of students to become reflecting individuals that take care of their fellow human beings.

International activities The international dimension is an important part of the NSG profile. The students are exposed to the international dimension during education, but also by interacting with teachers and staff from many different countries. In addition, the students have diverse national, religious and cultural backgrounds.

andard

ssional st High profe

Reflection al profile Internation

The students take part in study tours and are invited across classes to visit some of NSG’s partner schools in Germany and France. In addition, they can participate in two-week exchange programs at schools in Kentucky and Ohio during the 2nd year in high school.

ChINeSe AT NSG

Chinese culture is of special importance for NSG as a Jesuit school. The Jesuits were present early in China and made significant contributions to the exchange of science and culture between east and west.

Inspired by this work, and in order to provide the students with optimal qualifications, everybody in primary school attend Chinese classes. We are proud to say, that our school is among the most experienced in Denmark in providing Chinese and that we are the Danish school with the highest number of students attending Chinese.

The NSG high school section offers Chinese both at the basic and at the advanced level and additionally, in cooperation with the Confucius Institute at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) a course that includes Chinese A, social science A and mathematics B and an exchange program with The High School Affiliated with Renmin University in Beijing.

Training and education take place in Danish. However, NSG has considerable experience in teaching students of non-Danish origin.

During the summer vacation preceding the 3rd year in high school, students are selected for participation in Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington and New York where students selected around the world receive training for some weeks to develop leadership and management skills based on dialogue and international understanding.

Access a Free Info Workshop, a Free Video series, and Free Webinar to learn more. We start our Quan-

Niels Steensens Gymnasium · Sankt Kjelds Gade 3 · 2100 København Ø · Telefon: 16 23 • More information can be found at www.nsg.dk tum39Leap on 40 January 9, 2012 • www.globalgoddessschool.com

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Educating China’s youth

China’s education system is the largest in the world, and in June 2012 over nine million students took the national higher education entrance examination over. the high national investment in educating China’s youth is indication that China places great importance in up-skilling its people, as about 4% of GdP is invested each year.

toP Chinese university

A

s far back as the Shang Dynasty (16th century BC - 11th century BC), inscriptions on bones or tortoise shells were the simple records of teaching and learning in China. Three-Character Classic scripture, passed down from ancient times says, “If no proper education is given to children, their nature will go bad”.

China’s school education includes pre-school, primary school, secondary school, high school, university and college, as well as graduate school education.

an overview of schooling in China Pre-school education is for three to five year olds and takes place in kindergartens. Preschools and kindergartens put a lot of emphasis on training young children, since the Chinese believe that this time is crucial to personality development. Students are taught to play games, dance, sing, act and uphold the values of Truth, Kindness and Beauty. Primary education is from six to 11, and is compulsory. These schools are usually run by local educational authorities and are free, although there are some private schools owned by enterprises and individuals.

Secondary schooling is for children from 12-17 years of age.

Education of this kind is run by local governments and vari-

ous business authorities. State-run secondary schools include junior middle schools and senior middle schools, both with three grades or years. The first three years of secondary school are compulsory and free. Senior middle school is not compulsory and students must pay minimal schooling fees.

The Ministry of Education currently estimates 99.7 percent of the population area has achieved universal nine-year basic education – China Education Centre.

Private secondary schools often offer specialised education and have a more vocational orientation, but the qualifications they offer are considered to be on the same level as those of state-run middle schools. However, graduates from secondary professional schools are seen to have achieved a higher level in some ways akin to a university education. Students graduating from junior middle schools usually go on to senior middle schools, although some move to vocational high schools or secondary professional schools for three to five

higher education For higher education there are vocational courses as well as

some eduCation faCts!

education is offered in universities, colleges, institutes, and

before 1949, 80% of the Chinese population was illiter-

scientific research and provide social services as well as of-

nearly 80% of the 500 million people living in China were illiterate. during mao Zedong’s rule, education became one of the government’s chief priorities and experienced great change during the Cultural revolution.

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Criticisms of the education system The negative effects of an exam-based education system are evident in everyday life in China. Although significant resources and importance is placed on learning by the Chinese government, an educational system that requires students to memorise, regurgitate information and follow instruction to please teachers is not without its drawbacks. The long-term effects of never questioning authority and cramming for tests have created a society sometimes described as absent of free thought.

This coupled with education in the service of socialist modernisation has limited the exposure students get to other more diverse ideologies and ways of thinking.

years of study.

undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees. Higher

ate: before the People’s republic of China was founded,

Peking university: China’s most comprehensive and top ranked university. It is the first national university with a high reputation in and outside of China, owing to the abundant teaching resources and outstanding research level. It has been ranked number one for both economics and medicine.

vocational colleges. These institutions conduct academic and fer courses to students. To enter a university or college, students have to take the National Higher Education Entrance Examination, which takes place every June and is now open to people of all ages – selection is based on each student’s marks in this exam. Due to the number of people sitting the exam, getting into a Chinese university is highly competitive.

However, China’s 10-year plan for education reform introduced in 2010 acknowledges the above problems, and has highlighted the obstacles in implementing education reform. When it comes to education, Chinese law is quite liberal, in that it makes provision for universal compulsory education regardless of race, religion or economic standing. The current Chinese government has placed priority on developing education, putting forward the strategy of revitalising the country through science and education, making constant efforts to deepen the reform of the educational system, and implementing the nineyear compulsory education rule. sources: www.china.org.cn; www.ebeijing.gov.cn; www.chinaeducenter. com; www.cucas.edu.cn; www.beijingtoday.com.cn

Telling the stories

of China

Mo is the 109th recipient of the prestigious Nobel Prize in literature

Mo Yan (a pseudonym for Guan Moye) in 2012 became the first Chinese citizen to win the Nobel Prize in literature. He is praised by the Swedish Academy for merging “Folk tales, history and the contemporary” with “Hallucinatory realism”. He has published over 50 titles (including translations) in six languages including Chinese, English, French, Swedish, German and Spanish.

From humble beginnings Yan was born in 1955 and grew up in Gaomi, in North-eastern China. His parents were farmers, and as such left school for a life working the fields at the age of 12. In 1976 he joined the People’s Liberation Army and during this time began to study literature and write. His breakthrough came a decade later with the novella Touming de hong luobo (1986, published

Well-known book Hong gaoliang jiazu (1987, in English Red Sorghum 1993)

in French as Le radis de cristal 1993). Today, Yan, more than any other Chinese author, is well represented in foreign languages around the world, and has been described as a great novelistic master of modern Chinese literature.

Writing style His writing has been labeled as powerful, visual, and broad, dipping into history, fantasy and absurdity to tell stories of China and its people. Most of his literature is inspired by his hometown of Gaomi, Shandong province and is set in past decades. Peter Englund, head of the Nobel Academy has said of Yan’s writing: “He has such a unique way of writing. If you read half a page of Mo Yan you immediately recognise it as him.” He is often regarded as the Chinese writer with the most potential to appeal to an international audience.

In addition to his novels, Mo Yan has published many short stories and essays on various topics, and despite his social criticism, is seen in his homeland as one of the foremost contemporary authors.

One of Yan’s earlier works, and possibly one of the most popular, this book consists of five stories that unfold and interweave in Gaomi during several turbulent decades in the 20th century, with depictions of bandit culture, the Japanese occupation and the harsh conditions endured by poor farm workers. Red Sorghum inspired an Oscar-nominated film in 1987, directed by Zhang Yimou. selection of works in english 1. Explosions and Other Stories / edited by Janice Wickeri. – Hong Kong: Research Centre for Translations, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1991 2. Red Sorghum: a Novel of China / translated from the Chinese by Howard Goldblatt. – New York: Viking, 1993. – Translation of Hong gaoliang jiazu 3. The Republic of Wine / translated from the Chinese by Howard Goldblatt. – New York: Arcade Pub., 2000. – Translation of Jiuguo 4. Sandalwood Death / translated by Howard Goldblatt. – Norman: Univ. of Oklahoma Press, 2013.

– Translation of Tanxiangxing sources: www.bbc.co.uk; www.nobelprize.org; www.guardian.co.uk

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29.2 per thousand in 2002 to 12.1 per thousand in 2011, and the latter, from 34.9 per thousand to 15.6 per thousand. Attaining this ahead of the UN Millennium Development Goal schedule.

Medical reform is a social program that covers a wide range and involves difficult tasks. It is a hard and complicated task to deepen this reform in China, a developing country with a large population, low per-capita income and a wide gap between urban and rural areas. For over three years, the Chinese government has worked hard to strike a balance between improving medical and health services on the one hand and economic and social development on the other, trying to find a solution to this worldwide problem. Thanks to the persistent efforts made, China has made positive progress in this new round of medical reform and has built up a basic medical care system, which covers both urban and rural residents. By 2011, more than 1.3 billion people had joined the three basic medical insurance schemes, i.e., the basic medical insurance for working

The Development of Medical and Health Services in China

urban residents, the basic medical insurance for non-working urban residents, and the new type of rural cooperative medical care, with their total coverage being extended from 87% in 2008 to 95% in 2011. The basic medical care system benefited 1.315 billion person/times in 2011 as against 585 million person/times in 2008. This signals that China has built the world’s largest network of basic medical security.

G

ood health is a prerequisite for promoting allround development of the person. And it is a common pursuit of human societies to improve people’s health and ensure their right to medical care. For China, a large developing country, medical and healthcare is of vital importance to its population of over 1.3 billion, and is a major issue concerning its people’s well being.

Over the years, China has worked hard to develop its medical and health services with Chinese characteristics. Thanks to unremitting efforts that have been made, medical and healthcare systems covering both urban and rural residents have taken shape, the capabilities of disease prevention and control have been enhanced, the coverage of medical insurance has expanded, continuous progress has been made in medical science and technology, and the people’s health has been remarkably improved.

Judging from important indicators that give expression to national health, the health of the Chinese people is now among

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With the quickened pace of the country’s industrialisation and urbanisation, as well as its increasingly aging population, the Chinese people are facing the dual health threats of infectious and chronic diseases, and the publics needs for better medical and health services. In the meantime, problems still exist regarding China’s health resources, especially the shortage of high-quality resources and the unbalanced distribution of those resources. China has arduous tasks ahead for reforming and developing its medical and health services.

The Chinese government has announced that it will establish a sound basic medical and health system covering both urban the best in developing countries. In 2010, the life expectancy was 74.8 years, an increase of nearly 40 years since 1949, when the People’s Republic of China was founded. The maternal mortality rate went down from 51.3 per 100,000 in 2002 to 26.1 per 100,000 in 2011; the infant mortality rate and the mortality rate of children under the age of five have both seen steady decline, with the former going down from

and rural residents by 2020, so as to ensure that everyone enjoys access to basic medical and health services. For this goal, China will continue to reform and develop its medical and health services, and better maintain, ensure and enhance the health of its people. China will also continue its active role in international health affairs and work together with different parties to make greater effort to improve the health of mankind.

Sino-Danish

bilateral relations: a view from China

bilateral relations between denmark and China date back as far as the 1970s, when the first maritime agreement between the two countries was signed by deng Xiaoping and Poul hartling. Current danish ambassador to China, friis arne Petersen, explains how sino-danish relations have gone from strength-to-strength since this historic partnership began.

and environment, education and science and agriculture. In

his deployment to China. “I am especially encouraged by the

September 2012 The Danish Prime Minister visited China and

dynamism and optimism that seems to prevail among the

met with Premier Wen Jiabao, Vice-Premier Wang Qishan as

Chinese citizens. China is a country that has made remarkable

well as Party Secretary of Tianjin, Mr. Zhang Gaoli.

economic and social progress during the last 30 years. At the same time it is clear to everyone that China has some of the

Petersen expects to continue this high political momentum

biggest challenges in the world. It is striking how ambitiously

in 2013, and says that his embassy is already planning for

and decisively China tries to address these challenges,” he

seven Danish ministers’ to visit China, but does admit that

says.

Photo: Zhang Peng / Danish Foreign Ministry

there are challenges in maintaining this good momentum.

“The new Sino-Danish University Centre and the Centre for

Chinese civil society has been energised by social media has

Renewable Energy are going to play an increasingly impor-

in recent years, and to this Petersen says that there is increas-

tant role during this year. Our trade ties with China continue

ing transparency in the Chinese society, and that he thinks

to grow especially because the 12th Five Year Plan prioritises

that this will continue as one of the most significant features

technologies and competencies that match those of Danish

of modern China. “Public opinion is gradually becoming more

companies.” Peterson says that this means the sectors of en-

visible than ever before.”

ergy and environment, industry, agriculture, maritime transport and pharmaceuticals can be expected to grow in 2013, the Year of the Snake.

expanding business opportunities

The Ambassadors favourite Chinese dish is Peking duck.

As for the extent to which this political understanding translates into commercial and business cooperation, Petersen says that both countries have always had a good mutual un-

Growing bilateral ties

derstanding when it comes to doing business together. “I am

The Ambassador says that Danish ties with China go back

impressed by the efficiency and quality of Danish businesses

to the 17th century when the first commercial ship from Den-

working in China. I meet Danish businesspeople throughout

mark arrived in Fuzhou with a letter written by Danish King

China, and it is a special quality for Danish companies to ad-

Christian V in 1674. In more recent times Denmark has been a

here to the local society with its culture and laws. We clearly

visionary country in its relationship with China, explains Am-

strike a common cord with the Chinese business culture in

bassador Petersen. “In 1972, when Denmark, at a referendum,

having confidence and wanting to know each other before we

decided to join the European Union, we also had the foresight

make important deals,” he explains.

to build the new Danish Embassy in the centre of Beijing. So at the same time that Denmark committed to Europe, we

Going forward, Petersen’s hope is that China will start invest-

also built and reinforced our ties with China,” he says.

ing more in Europe and especially Denmark, in the coming years. “Denmark often gets ranked as having one of the best

Since then the relationship between the two countries has

business environments in the world, and given the potential

matured, and in 2008 the Danish Prime Minister signed a

win-win opportunities I think the next important phase for the

strategic cooperation and partnership agreement with his

Sino-Danish relationship is one where we see more Chinese

Chinese counterpart Premier Wen Jiabao. “This continuing

investment and activities in Denmark.”

deepening and improvement of the bilateral relationship peaked with the state visit of President Hu Jintao to Denmark

Chinese development

in June 2012,” says Peterson. In addition 17 government-to-

Getting to meet Chinese citizens and get a first-hand impres-

government agreements as well as business contracts worth

sion of their views on their society’s development and chal-

more than 3.3 billion USD were signed in the fields of energy

lenges, is one of the things Petersen has enjoyed most about 21

Chinese

NEW YEAR CONCERT

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Since its establishment in 1965, the Troupe has created more than 1,100 Mongolian music and dance works and won over 240 prizes in competitions and art festivals at home and abroad. Its representative works include dances such as “The Rainbow”, “A Girl from Grassland”, “Romance of the Shepherd”, “Camel Bell” and “Sweet Smell of Fried Rice”, and songs such as “The Fertile and Beautiful Grassland” and “Playing My Beloved Instrument of Haobisi”.

This Art Troupe has so far given over 6,000 performances all over China, including 4,000 performances in pasture areas, for audiences of more than five million people. The Troupe has also visited 24 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America.

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