Chinese Painters at Portland Art Museum, January 9

Several accomplished artists from Mainland China took part in an informal lecture and painting demonstration at the Portland Art Museum. The group was led by Mr. Liu Dawei, Deputy Executive Chairman of the Chinese Artists' Association. Sponsored by the Northwest China Council and the Asian Art Council of the Portland Art Museum

Chinese Arts and Language Workshop for Children, weekly February 19-March 11

A four week painting and language workshop.

China Business Network, February 2

Joe Borich, executive director of the Washington State China Relations Council and former consul general of the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai, reported on China's WTO push and its implications for China and the US.

Tenth Annual Flying Horse Auction, February 12

Our 10th annual fundraiser and celebration for the Year of the Dragon, held at the Great China Seafood Restaurant.

China Business Network, March 1

Professor Alvin Tong, an expert in hi-tech industrial park development and a professor in the Department of Management in Science and Technology at the Oregon Graduate Institute of Science and Technology, talked about the Hsin-chu Science-Based Industrial Park (SBIP), and its impact on the economic development of Taiwan.

Jews of Kaifeng Exhibit, April 6

An exhibition documenting ten centuries of a Jewish community in central China, at the Oregon Jewish Museum, including hands on activities for children and a Chinese painting demonstration organized by the Northwest China Council.

Classical Chinese Garden "Raise the Roof" event, April 15

The China Council helped organize art activities at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association Hall for this fundraiser for the garden

Two Talks with Elizabeth W. Barber, April 19-20

Barber, the world's foremost authority on ancient textiles, talked about her visit to China where she researched the garments worn by 4000-year-old blond Caucasoid mummies. Her book, The Mummies of Urumchi, is based on that experience.

On April 20, Dr. Barber addressed the Portland Handweaving Guild's day meeting, with a talk entitled "The World's Oldest Textiles," concerning the fascinating story of ancient cloth and clothing and its importance to the development of ancient civilizations. Co-sponsored with the Portland Handweavers’ Guild

Silk Road Tour Preview, April 27

A preview of the Council's Silk Road Arts Tour with tour leaders Rosario Aglialoro and Willow Zheng.

China Business Network--Woven through the Generations, May 3

Tom & Leslie Atiyeh, President and Vice-president of Atiyeh International, Ltd. presented an historic overview of Atiyeh's original venture with Oriental rug production in Persia, and then explained how they shifted their operations to China.

Filmmaker Hou Hsiao-Hsien's Taiwan, with Wendy Larson, May 12

Wendy Larson, Professor Chinese Literature and Film at the University of Oregon, discussed Hou's representation of Taiwan society, the relationship of Taiwan history to Chinese history at large, and Chinese identity within Taiwan society.

All About Chinese Flower Painting, May 13

Artist Willow Zheng talked about both traditional and contemporary approaches for painting flowers in the Chinese gongbi style.

China Business Network, June 29

Joop Litmaath, a long time Hong Kong resident and exporter, talked about his favorite city, Hong Kong.

Noodle Night, the Sequel, July 20

The second Noodle Night at Mandarin House Restaurant, featuring a noodle making demonstration and lots of spicy pickled radishes!

Considering US-China Relations as China-US Relations, July 25

Jia Qingguo, Associate Dean and Professor, Beijing University School of International Studies, considered the relationship between the two countries as seen through the eyes of a Beijing-based American educated scholar.

Silk Road Arts Tour, August 20-September 12

A three week tour along the Chinese Silk Road from Xian to Kashgar, starting in Beijing, lead by Council Executive Director Rosario Aglialoro and artist Willow Zheng.

Covering China: Is the News Media Wrong all the Time? September 27

Seth Faison, The New York Times Shanghai Bureau Chief from 1993 to 1998, talked about the challenges of reporting on China in China.

Part of the series, Balancing Heaven and Earth: China's Quest for Stability, made possible with a grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust.

Up the Gorge--Early Chinese Settlers in Eastern Oregon, October 20 & 21

Presentations by Bill Otani of the USDA Forest Service and artist Horatio Law , on their interests in early Chinese settlements in Eastern Oregon. The following day a Forest Service contingent took several Council members on a field trip up the Columbia Gorge to visit old Chinese settlement sites.

Not Everyone is Taking Off: Chinese Peasants in the Era of Reform, October 26

Lu Xiaobo, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Barnard College, Columbia University focused on the situation in rural Central China where mostly impoverished farmers have found themselves in the middle of a tug-of war between central and local government interests.

Part of the series, Balancing Heaven and Earth: China's Quest for Stability, made possible with a grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust.

China's Economic Reforms, November 16

Barry Naughton, Professor, Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, University of California, San Diego, contrasted the styles of economic reform in China in the 1980's, the so-called "reform with no losers" era, and those engineered by Premier Zhu Rongji, beginning in 1993.

Part of the series, Balancing Heaven and Earth: China's Quest for Stability, made possible with a grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust.

Harvested Images-Farmers' Paintings from Pixian County, Nov. 2000-Jan. 2001

An exhibition of paintings by peasants from Pixian in rural China, at the Multnomah County Library, including several activities in conjunction with the exhibit.

With support from the Regional Arts and Culture Council

Children’s Arts and Craft Party, December 9

An all day event for children of all ages to explore Chinese arts and crafts, including Chinese painting, papermaking, paper cutting and folding, and shadow puppet making.

Cosponsored by the Presbyterian Church of Laurelhurst

A Forum on China's Water Crisis, January 13

Keynote address by Ma Jun a reporter and researcher for The South China Morning Post, and author of China's Water Crisis (Zhongguo shui weiji), talked about his groundbreaking study of China's struggle with diminishing water resources.

Presentations and discussions by

1. Hu Tao, China State Environmental Protection Administration: "Pollution Control in the Huaihe River: A Case Study of China's Water Quality Management."
2. Leonard Ortolano, UPS Foundation Professor of Civil Engineering, Stanford University: "Factors Influencing the Control of Industrial Water Pollution in China."
3. Harald Frederikson, independent consultant on water in developing countries, including China: "The Water Situation in China and the Role of the International Community."

Panel discussion moderated by Paul Thiers, Washington State University, Vancouver.

Part of the series, Balancing Heaven and Earth: China's Quest for Stability, made possible with a grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust.

The Year of the Snake Feast & Auction, February 10

11th Annual Chinese New Year's fundraiser at the Great China Seafood Restaurant.

China-Taiwan Nexus: Will Cooler Heads Prevail? A Forum on China-Taiwan Relations, March 3

1. Murray Rubinstein, Professor of History at Baruch College, City University of New York: "Taiwan as China's Contested Maritime Frontier: Han Socio-Cultural Expansionism and the Problem of National, Provincial and Local Identities."
2. Tun-Jen Cheng, Professor of Government and Chair East Asian Studies, College of William and Mary: "Permutations Across the Taiwan Straits."

Panel moderator and discussant, David Bachman, Chair of the Chinese Studies Program, University of Washington
Each presentation was commented on by Professor Bachman and the other presenter

Part of the series, Balancing Heaven and Earth: China's Quest for Stability, made possible with a grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust.

How China "Got Milk," March 21

Lewis & Clark College professor Susan Glosser on the marketing of milk products in an unlikely market: China.

China Business Network--Cross Strait Business Boom, March 29

Stanley Tsang, director of the Oregon Trade and Information Center based in Taipei, considered China-Taiwan relations from a business perspective.

Wendy Larson on Nobel Laureate Gao Xingjian, April 21

University of Oregon Literature and Film professor Wendy Larson explored the work of the Nobel Literature prize winner and the mixed emotions it raised among mainland Chinese (GAO resettled in Paris and became a French citizen after the Tiananmen Incident).

China Business Network--Adidas's Business Growth in China, May 2

Bob Shorrock, Senior Vice President of Footwear Operations with Adidas Inc., talked about the company's business growth in China within the last 5 years, and considered Adidas's view of the future in China politically and economically.

Henan Traditional Chinese Music Ensemble, June 1

Six musicians from Henan province performed several pieces from the traditional repertoire on erhu, pipa, suona, gu zheng and dizi.
Sponsored by the Northwest China Council and The Portland Chinese Times

China Business Network--Mercy Corps in China, June 6

Senior Vice President of International Relations, Ellsworth Culver talked about several Mercy Corps programs. Earlier this year, Culver and Mercy Corps Chief Executive officer Neal Keny-Guyer with officials from Northwest companies participated in the unveiling of China's first non-governmental institute specializing in the development of small and mid-sized businesses. They also took part in a seminar for entrepreneurs, cosponsored by the city of Dalian, Mercy Corps, and the Silicon Valley Chinese-American Business Association.

Muslims, Missionaries and Warlords along the Silk Road , June 27

Linda Benson, professor of History and International Studies at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, gave a lecture with slides about the role of the "mission to the Muslims", 1912-1949. At this time intensifying nationalism fueled resentment of foreigners' presence and privileges in Northwestern China.. The writings of these itinerant evangelists remain an important resource for understanding the modern history of the Silk Road. She focused on three women.

Lunch with Congressman David Wu , July 5

He talked about his recent experience at the D.O.E., reported on his trip to Taiwan last April, and shared his thoughts on the entry of China and Taiwan into the World Trade Organization.

Beijing 2008 Olympic Bid, July 11

The China Council sponsored an open forum to discuss this issue. Representatives of local organizations who both support and oppose Beijing were invited. Rosario Aglialoro, executive director of the Council made some opening remarks and served as moderator for the discussion.

China Business Network--Euro-China Trade, with Eric Benjaminson, August 1

During the late 1980's and early 1990's Benjaminson served in the US Embassy in Beijing as the economic officer responsible for financial and development issues. Benjaminson talked about Euro-China Trade and his experiences as an economic officer in Beijing.

Noodle Night III , August 16

The third Noodle Night at Mandarin House Restaurant, featuring a noodle making demonstration and lots of delicious food.

China in New York City Tour preview, August 23

Council director, Rosario Aglialoro (who will lead the tour with assistance from former Council director Jane Larson) went over the itinerary and answered questions. Followed by a no host dinner at Seven Stars Restaurant in Chinatown.

China and the New World Crisis, October 25

Jonathan Adelman, a former liaison for the American Embassy to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and an honorary professor at both Beijing University and People's University spoke on China's perception of the crisis and its impact on US China relations to audiences in Portland and at Willamette University in Salem.

The Media as Messenger, November 8

Journalist William Wong spoke to the annual meeting about his experiences as a pioneering Chinese-American journalist and about the role of the media in shaping the average American's perception of Asian Americans.

Challenges Facing Chinese Women, November 27-28

Beijing Foreign Studies University professor Wang Jiaxiang lectured at Linfield College and Portland State University the challenges facing women since China opened to the outside world in 1979.

CBN with Todd Larime McKean from Nike, December 5

He talked about his experiences living and working in China during the 80s and 90s, a time of significant growth and change. Todd is the third generation of his family to live and work in China.

China's WTO Agreement: What Does It Mean For Pacific Northwest Exporters and Importers?, December 18, 2001

Paul Thiers, Professor, Washington State University, and Scott Goddin, Director, US Department of Commerce talked about China's WTO accession package and what it means for Pacific Northwest companies. Sponsored by PNITA and the Northwest China Council.

After the Revolution: The Music of Zhou Long and Chen Yi, January 10 and 11

On January 10 the Council hosted dinner for visiting composers Chen and Zhou and virtuoso pipa player Min Xiaofen. Members had a chance to meet informally and dine with the guests. One January 11 the Council cosponsored the Third Angle concert of Chen and Zhou's music with Min as pipa soloist held at Kaul Auditorium

China and the Changing Identities of the Chinese in the Diaspora, January 17

Professor L. Ling-chi Wang Director of Asian American Studies at the University of California, Berkeley spoke about the development of the Chinese diaspora as part of the series The Chinese American Experience: Old and New Voices

CBN American NGOs in Greater Tibet February 6

US consul general in Chengdu, David Bleyle spoke about the work of a number of American organizations engaged in poverty alleviation, health care, educational assistance and restoration of monasteries in the Tibetan Autonomous Region and ethnically Tibetan regions of Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai and Gansu, areas covered by the US Consulate in Chengdu.

Unbound Feet, Unbound Voices: A Slide Talk on the History of Chinese American Women, March 5

Professor Judy Yung, Chair of the American Studies Department, UC Santa Cruz. used personal stories and photographs to document the lives, thoughts, and feelings of Chinese women as they made a place for themselves and their families in San Francisco from the Gold Rush years through War II.

American History and Demographics: Lessons for Asian American Scientists and Engineers, April 27

Nelson Dong Secretary and General Counsel for the Committee of 100 reviewed historical and demographic trends in the changing composition of the US technology workforce, especially among Chinese American, Indian American and Pakistani American scientists and engineers, and discussed implications of those changes for US national security.

CBN: Business As Usual? US-China Security after the Shanghai Summit, May 1

PSU Political Science professor Mel Gurtov and US Foreign Service veteran Dave Reuther discussed whether there is another rough or dangerous patch ahead for US-China relations in light of China's sale of arms tp Pakistan and Iran , US military cooperation with Taiwan and China's unprecedented arms build-up.

Polly Bemis: Myth vs. Reality a slide lecture, May 29

Dr. Priscilla Wegars spoke about Idaho's most famous Chinese woman resident, Polly Bemis,

Popular Protest and Political Stability in China, May 30

Professor Elizabeth Perry, director of the Harvard University Fairbank Center lectured about what protest is allowed or encouraged (local, one social group, student) and what is suppressed (crossing class or geographical lines). Thus student anti-US protest was allowed after the US bombing of the Chinese embassy, but peaceful Falun Gong protest is suppressed. She pointed out the lessons of earlier Chinese history and the Chinese view--"winners are kings and losers are outlaws" in dynasty changes. Part of Admiral David E. and Mrs. Connie Jeremiah Lecture Cosponsored by the UO's Center for Asian and Pacific Studies and PSU's Institute for Asian Studies.

International Children's Day, June 1

Special events to introduce children and others to the history and culture of Portland's Chinatown. Events included a lion dance workshop, a kid's-sized exhibit about Portland Chinatown, arts and crafts (all materials supplied) and performances by students from the International School and the Woodstock Chinese Language Immersion School.

China's Future: Global Menace or Train Wreck Unto Itself, September 26

LA TImes columnist and UCLA professor, Tom Plate, spoke at the Annual Meeting and Dinner. He criticized the coverage of China and Singapore by the US media and took many questions in a lively interchange.

Kam Wah Chung & Co.Museum 25th Anniversary, October 19

A group of NWCC members and staff traveled to John Day, Oregon to help the community celebration of the Museum and its curator by teaching various crafts including calligraphy, painting and rubbings.

CBN November 6

Greg Hatton, president if KIC Group, talked about his companies operations in Suzhou, China.

CBN, December 4

Dave Sharp, vice-president of Columbia Machine in Vancouver, Washington shared information regarding his professional career in international sales and business development, and on Columbiaís experience in entering and establishing operations in its most important developing market: China.

"When Strangers Meet: Food and Culture Along the Silk Road," December 4 and 6

Interaction of Civilizations in Eurasia Across the Centuries, December 4

A slide presentation at the Whitsell Auditorium in the Portland Art Museum by University of Washington Professor Daniel Waugh on the geographic and cultural landscapes of Central Asia.

Silk Road Foods: Unity & Diversity, December 6

Food historian and chef Najmieh Bamanglij talked about her most recent book, Silk Road Cooking, A Vegetarian Journey, compiled after several years research, and extensive travel, in Central Asia and China. Hoffman Hall, Portland State University.

 

Sponsored by the Northwest China Council, Persia House at Portland State University, Andisheh, and the Asian Art Council of the Portland Art Museum, with generous support from the Oregon Council for the Humanities.

2003

CBN, May 7

John Noordwijk, president of Atlas Copco Wagner, talked about his company's experience developing, executing, and managing its entry into the China market over the past 20 years.

CBN, June 7

Carl Davis, Vice-president and General Counsel of Columbia Sportswear. Davis considered the implications of China's transition to a market economy on business operations.

Polly Bemis: A Chinese American Pioneer, June 14 and 15

University of Idaho anthropologist Priscilla Wegars returned to Portland to introduce young people to her recently published biography , Polly Bemis A Chinese American Pioneer .

Author Lisa See, June 20

Lisa See talked about her latest novel, Dragon Bones, set in the area around the Three Gorges Dam construction site. She described the challenges she faced researching the book and also spoke about what motivated her to write it.

Printing Workshop with artist Shu-Ju Wang, June 28

Workshop participants designed and printed the backs of a deck of cards created by Shu-ju. Each card front had the traditional playing card marking with a Chinese character included.

CBN, July 2

James Jarrett, president of Intel China from 1996 reviewed Intel's approach to establishing and expanding its presence on the Chinese mainland.

CBN, August 6

Robert Lum, a Hong Kong-based consultant for US and European companies developing operations in the greater China market, discussed Hong Kong's past, present and future role as a gateway for conducting trade in China.

Over 50 people gathered at Mandarin House Restaurant for Noodle Night V on August 22. Like the earlier feasts, the dishes were just right and the noodle making demonstration by Mr. Li was as captivating as ever.

CBN, September 3

Dave Coreson, Senior Vice President of Central Operations at Tektronix, talked about Tektronix's approach for establishing production operations in China.

Life as a "Model Painter," September 18

Artist Willow Zheng and China Council executive director Rosario Aglialoro gave a talk and slide presentation on what is was like to be an art student when China's art schools opened after the Cultural Revolution.

CBN, October 1

Mr. Guillermo Estébanez, Principal and Senior Currency Strategist, Bank of America, reviewed the issues surrounding the Chinese government's monetary policies.

NWCC Annual Meeting, October 9

First Lady of Oregon Mary Oberst and architect Alfred Staehli teamed up to help raise awareness of the Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum in John Day, Oregon, an important Chinese American historical site.

The Life & Times of Princess Der Ling, October 21

Author Grant Menzies introduced his latest project, a biography of Princess Der Ling, favorite lady-in-waiting to the Empress Dowager Cixi. Menzies showed rare images of Der Ling and Cixi at the Chinese court and the Summer Palace.

CBN, November 5

Youqing Ma, the China Trade Manager for the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department. Youqing provided an introduction to the State's newly named Oregon China Trade Advisory Office partner, APCO Asia Limited.

The Monkey King & Beijing Opera, November 11 &12

A lecture and demonstration on "Beijing Opera: Tradition, Techniques & Characters," and a performance featuring the Monkey King, who journeys to the Eastern Ocean and encounters Turtle, Dragon Princess and the Heavenly Maiden. With performers Ghaffar Pourazar, Zhang Shaohua, and Morimura Chie, at Linfield College and Reed College.

Great Wall Across the Yangtze, December 10

A viewing the documentary film, "Great Wall Across the Yangtze, about "the profound changes that the Three Gorges Dam will bring to China's people, environment, and history."

CBN, December 17

Dr. Christian Murck, Chairman of the American Chamber in China, and Managing Director of APCO Worldwide, provided an overview of developments in the Mainland China marketplace and the impact of WTO on China Trade. He also spoke about the considerable challenges that the State of Oregon and Oregon businesses face in this very competitive and complex arena.

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