From: jxg601@huxley.anu.edu.au (J. Gao)
Newsgroups: aus.culture.china
Subject: China News Digest (U.S.), Thu, 10/8/1992
Date: 9 Oct 92 06:41:42 GMT
Organization: Australian National University
NNTP-Posting-Host: huxley.anu.edu.au
Summary: CND
Keywords: CND

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+   C h i n a   N e w s   D i g e s t  +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

			       (US Regional)
			  Thursday, October 8, 1992

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| CND-US, normally 1 or 2 issues a week, is a supplement to CND-Global and |
| has  basically no overlap with the daily news.  CND-US provides in-depth |
| information concerning Chinese students/scholars in the United States.   |
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Table of Contents                                                 # of Lines
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1. IFCSS HQ Calls for Sustained Campaign Efforts on Protection Bill ..... 72
2. APS Committee Issues Statement on Chinese Political Prisoners ........ 39
3. Zhengzhou University Revisited ...................................... 192
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1. IFCSS HQ Calls for Sustained Campaign Efforts on Protection Bill ..... 72
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>From: IFCSS HQ, <ifcss@WAM.UMD.EDU>
Source: IFCSS HQ NR-4053, Oct. 8, 1992

Up to 2 pm. Oct. 8 (Thursday), S1216 is still sitting on the President's
desk. Although both congressional and White House sources have indicated
that the President is likely to sign the bill, no definite response has ever
been given. Meanwhile, a variety of sources, including some congressional
offices, have advised for further lobbying efforts. As the deadline is
drawing nearer and nearer, we can in no way take it for granted that the
President is going to sign it. The risk is simply too great for us to take.
(Congress will adjourn either today or tomorrow morning.)

However, as we have repeatedly pointed out, the pressure that can be
generated by the HQ, including its Student Affairs Committee, is limited. We
need tens of thousands of students to work with their professors and other
American friends to promote this cause. Senators and governors are much more
likely to listen to their constituents than to a national Chinese student
organization. Throughout the past week, the HQ has called for local
organizations to work on their senators and governors and ask them to urge
President Bush to sign the bill. Students in several states, including
California, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, and Massachusetts, have done a great
job. However, due to some messages from the Student Affairs Committee, many
schools have been looking on with folded arms. Specifically, the "low key"
strategy has been interpreted as "no local action is needed." Based on
discussions with the Student Affairs Committee, the HQ concludes that this
is a misinterpretation. In fact, the question confronting us is not "low
key" or "high key," but whether or not our local organizations should be
involved in the lobbying efforts, because the opportunity to generate
pressure may be lost forever while we are arguing about which "key" to tune
in to. As long as we are well organized and our message is positive, no harm
will be done; whereas if we just sit and wait, it might be too late for us
to act. We have only four more days and we do NOT know why so far the
President has not signed it.

Therefore, the HQ hereby calls on all the local organization to act
immediately to generate more pressure. Here are some guidelines:

1. to seek support from professors, university presidents, Asian American
organizations, and other American friends to lobby their Republican senators
and governors and urge them to call, fax, or write to the White House; the
message should be: we are deeply concerned over the safety of these Chinese
students, please sign the bill;

2. to call the White House directly, thank the President for his protection
and express the hope that he will continue to shield us from possible
reprisal and persecution;

3. to generate favorable public opinion by voicing our concern to the news
media; this will help convince senators and governors that it is worth their
effort to speak for Chinese students.

Yesterday, the HQ tried to find a well-known American (or Chinese American)
who can get through the pre-screening of the Larry King Life show and talk
to President Bush about the protection bill. That idea was supported by
Senator Kennedy's office, our legal advisers, the HQ and IFCSS Student
Affairs Committee Chairman Zhao Haiqing. However, we did not find the proper
candidate.

The HQ staff have been working hard to limit the chances for President Bush
to veto the bill. Today, the protection bill has obtained the support of
three powerful American organizations. The HQ contacted the REPUBLICAN
NATIONAL COMMITTEE. Mr. Chen, Director of the Committee's Asian American
Division has agreed to call the White House to convey our concern.

Another organization which has agreed to call and send a petition to the
White House is the ORGANIZATION OF CHINESE AMERICANS, the most influential
Chinese American organization in this country. The HQ has provided sample
letters and supporting documents to the office of OCA.

In addition, the GREATER WASHINGTON NETWORK FOR DEMOCRACY IN CHINA, an
organization composed of government employees, lawyers and business people,
has also sent letters to the White House asking the President to sign the
bill.

If you are still confused as to "act" or "not act" after reading this
message, please call either the HQ or the Student Affairs Committee.

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2. APS Committee Issues Statement on Chinese Political Prisoners ........ 39
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>From: Chen Jian
Date: Thursday, Oct. 8, 1992

[Editor's Note: The following is the text of a statement prepared by The
American Physical Society Committee on the International Freedom of
Scientists. In its opening remarks, the authors stated that "Individuals
wishing to sign the following statement should communicate their names and
institutional affiliations to Amy Halsted at APS Headquarters via fax to
(212) 687-2532, or email to APSAP@cunyvm. Questions may be addressed to her
at (212) 682-7341 or to Richard Dicker at the Committee to End the Chinese
Gulag (212) 972-8400, fax (212) 972-0905, email PN!HRWATCH@IGC.ORG.  Please
see attached supporting materials. The statement will be delivered to the
Chinese Ambassador and the Ministry of Justice in Beijing. Please respond
before October 12."  Please do NOT reply to CND]

           STATEMENT TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT FROM U.S. PHYSICISTS

We, U.S.-based physicists are writing to express our grave concern for the
well-being of Liu Gang, a leading pro-democracy activist, and former physics
graduate student. Liu was sentenced to six years imprisonment on February 6,
1991. He is incarcerated at Lingyuan Prison.

We have recently read a shocking report on the treatment of political
prisoners at Lingyuan. The routine torture and humiliation of prisoners
violate internationally recognized human rights standards.

As scientists, we are committed to the principles of free expression and
free inquiry, two fundamental values essential to our pursuit of knowledge.
We cannot accept the persecution of individuals, like Liu Gang, who remain
imprisoned for the non-violent expression of their belief in democratic
reform.  An atmosphere promoting free exchange and open discussion of ideas
will benefit China.

We respectfully urge that the Chinese government implement the basic
principles set forth in the white paper, "Criminal Reform in China" and
release Liu Gang and the others imprisoned because of their belief in
democracy.  Prolonged incarceration of students, intellectuals and workers
who advocate democratic reform has only tarnished China's public image.
Respect for internationally recognized human rights standards will enhance
China's standing in the community of nations.

[List of signatures omitted by CND - Editor]

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3. Zhengzhou University Revisited ..................................... 192
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>From: BingLin Young <YOUNG%ISUHEP@vaxld.ameslab.gov>
Translated by: Jun Li, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 10/6/92

Thanks to "the First Conference of Overseas Young Scholars from Zhengzhou
University (Zhengda)," I had an opportunity to go back to Zhengda for a
couple of weeks this past June.  This was my first visit to my Alma Mater
since I came to the United States in 1987.

The Conference lasted for a week (June 8--June 15) and was packed with
activities.  Most of the first two days of the week were occupied with paper
presentations.  Since all the presenters (those of us who were able to
accept the invitation and finally make this trip) were either from the field
of Physics (5 persons), or Chemistry (1 person), or Foreign Languages (1
person). An eighth participant is a physicist who has his BS from Henan
Normal Univ. The audience were faculty members and students from those
departments. We spent the remaining four days primarily meeting with the
Party and government officials from various branches (the provincial
Education Commission, the provincial Commission of Science and Technology,
etc.), the University Administration, students and faculty from our
respective departments, and touring Zhengda's newest research and
instructional facilities.  Arrangements were also made for us to visit the
"Developmental/Exploratory Zone for High- and New Technology" located in
West Zhengzhou (the Xiliu Lake area for those of you who are familiar with
Zhengzhou's geography) and the "Central China Chemical Fertilizer Company"
located in Puyang City.

Having been away from home (Henan and Zhengda) for five years, I found
Zhengzhou to be a bigger city with wider streets, taller buildings, and more
cars.  Although construction is still seen everywhere, the overall outlook
of the city is more enjoyable.  I believe such a description applies to
almost every place in China.

What I want to share with you most, however, are a few personal observations
of Zhengda and of what I perceive as positive changes in its guiding policy
as was reflected in the words of its top administrators.  To a certain
degree, these changes mirror a bigger and improving environment for us who
are currently studying/working outside China.

I.   Today's Zhengda

Currently, Zhengda has altogether 21 departments and 5,700 full time
undergraduate students.  It also has a number of research centers and a
growing number of graduate students in various fields.  With a new addition
of College of Engineering (due to the acquisition of Huanghe University),
Zhengda is striving to become THE lead post-secondary institute (in Henan)
characterized by its excellence in teaching, research, and service to the
public and local industry.  An immediate result of Zhengda's current
endeavor, it seems, is that the University is very likely to be elevated to
"key" university status by the State Education Commission effective in the
fall of 1993. Still growing in size (the goal for enrollment is 8,000 to
10,000), the University is directing more resources to enhancing the quality
in all three areas: teaching, research, and service.  A tangible sign of
this effort is a 120 million (Renminbi) project currently underway, the
center piece of which is a new library which would accommodate 4,000 persons
(4,000 seats, in other words).  The library is scheduled to be put in use in
1996.

President Che and his cabinet (and certainly the Party) seem to have a very
clear idea about the kinds of graduates Zhengda should turn out.  "Zhengda's
top concern," according to the President, "is to graduate students with
knowledge and skills readily applicable to their perspective work
situations." "But we do not discourage those who are interested in basic
research," President Che added.

To further enhance the quality of its graduates, Zhengda has refined its
"three-semester" system which was first adopted by the University in 1987.
During the four years at Zhengda, a student has three "short semesters"
(i.e. three summer semesters. Freshmen come in at the end of August and,
therefore, do not have a short semester).  Instead of filling up the three
short semesters with any courses in any areas or fields, students now must
concentrate their three short semesters' time on a single subject area
outside the area of their major study.  Three summer semesters' concentrated
study of a subject area would accumulate enough credits to earn them a minor
on a particular subject of their choice.

A slight change as it might appear, the practice of marrying
"three-semester" with "major-minor" systems, a top administrator told me,
had put Zhengda on the forefront of educational reform in the country.
"Zhengda was the first to have pioneered this practice in the country,"
acclaimed the administrator with all duly pride.

Facing the dwindling funding from the government, the University
administration finds itself more and more business- minded.  The faculty has
to be grouped into three categories by their own choice and/or by their
demonstrable expertise: some whose top priority is to teach, others to
conduct research, and still others to provide services to the community
and/or local businesses ("making profit" is the word for word translation
for what is known as "services" on American campuses.)

As the University has to depend increasingly more on self- generated funds
for its survival and bettering the employees' fringe benefits, conducting
applied research and rendering technical/educational services to the local
community seem to be occupying much more important places on the
administration's priority list than do other functions of a university.
President Che's words may shed some light on the situation.

"Entrepreneurship in our faculty must be encouraged and awarded.  Without
resourceful financial support, we cannot even keep from loosing many of our
own quality faculty members, not to say attracting more such personnel."

II.  Some Positive Changes in Policy

Many changes are noticeable in the policy arena.  But I want to focus on
only one aspect which will be of most interest to us.  That is, the
University administration's expressed attitude toward those currently
studying/working outside China.  If there is ONE message that the
administration wants to get across to these people, it would have to be the
principle of "unrestricted pass into and out of China."

Some readers may question the government's sincerity in carrying out this
promise and use Dai Qing's recent personal experience as a case in point.  I
believe that Zhengda (and some top officials in the provincial government
for this matter) administration would like to enforce this principle to the
extent that its authority and influence could afford.  The following words
from some of Zhengda's top administrators might offer some evidence for my
above observation:

President Che:  You (referring to any overseas student/scholar) will
certainly be welcomed if you want to return to Zhengda upon the completion
of your study.  But you are also welcomed to come back as a (short-term)
visiting lecturer, researcher, or simply as a visitor.  The bottom line is
that we want you to be life-long Zhengda associates wherever you are now and
wherever you will be in the future.

Mr. Wang (the Party Secretary):  ...I hope that you will visit Zhengda more
often from now on; that you will supply Zhengda with new ideas and
information to help facilitate our reform.

Vice-president Cao (Cewen):  Your whereabouts is for you to decide; what we
hope is that you'll do your part to make Zhengda one of the best
universities.  But please do not interpret the University's interest in
seeking your support as dragging you to come back to Zhengda.  No!  That
would be too narrow a vision for the administration to have.  Why would we
want to drag you back at a time when we are trying very hard to send more
people out to advance themselves in knowledge and skills?

In our effort to make Zhengda a "key" university, we must have access to
cutting-edge knowledge, information, and skills in advanced world.  We would
like for you to be our ambassadors.

President Che:  There are things one CANNOT claim to have the ownership even
if he/she had them in his/her pocket.  Then there are things one CAN claim
the ownership even when he/she does not have them in the pocket.

The above paragraphs are just some statement made by the top administrators
of the University.  They suggest a big step forward in the right direction
in the University's attitude toward the issue of the future whereabouts of
overseas students/scholars.  Rosy as the picture might appear to those who
still second guess the government's sincerity, it is nevertheless the
picture that the University administration would like to present to its
overseas "associates."  It is my belief that the provincial government
shares the same view. And together, they have begun to back up their words
with action--the quite successful completion of this "First Conference of
Overseas Young Scholars from Zhengzhou University."  I have already got
words that "the Second Conference of Overseas Young Scholars from Zhengzhou
University" will be held in the summer of 1993 and on a larger scale.

In addition to the provincial Commission of Science & Technology and the
Education Commission which funded the Conference, and Zhengda where the
Conference was hosted and the "guests" entertained, there is another
"invisible" person who was responsible for planting the seeds and ensuring
the success of the Conference.  That person is Dr. Bing-Lin Young, a Physics
professor of Iowa State University at Ames and a long time supporter (since
early 1980s) of Zhengda.

SOME PERSONAL THOUGHTS:

Throughout our stay at Zhengda, I was excited about some of what I heard
and/or saw, puzzled by others, concerned with still others.  I was even
frustrated at times.  As I am able to distance myself emotionally away from
all I have heard, seen and experienced while visiting home (China), a
bigger, more positive picture began to emerge.  In the picture, I see
Zhengda become one of the best universities in the country; I see Henan move
steadily to the top in the nation's educational and economic and other
indexes; and I see China with more vitality and, possibly, a much brighter
future.

Certainly, bureaucracy still plagues the effective functioning of many parts
of the social mechanism; corruption makes the situation even worse; and the
public morale often times demonstrates itself in rather undesirable ways.
Much remains to be done in order to revitalize the nation.  Then, I hear
Professor Young's words echo in my ear: "if one intends to do a few things
for China, he/she must have the capacity to put up with the many
inconveniences and frustrations.  He/She then will be able to focus on the
bigger picture and accomplish the most which his/her ability and skills
allow him/her to accomplish."

[Note: All personal remarks cited in this article are translated by Li Jun
and used without prior consent of the speakers.  Consequently, Li Jun is
solely responsible for the content and the accuracy of the translations.]

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