Yanwen’s blog

12/29/2024

I used to read widely on social media, immersing myself in current events and hot topics like Trump, American politics, policies on China, and cultural trends. However, much of the content about China today leans negative. Now, with a renewed sense of mission, I am focusing on different narratives—stories that highlight China’s progress and vision.  

Two days ago, I came across an article about the long-awaited "Construction of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway to begin on December 27."  

The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan (CKU) Railway (中吉乌铁路, Zhōng-Jí-Wū Tiělù) Project is a monumental infrastructure initiative in Central Asia that has been in the making since 1997.

This railway is a critical part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and represents a significant step forward in fostering connectivity between East Asia, Central Asia, and beyond.

The railway begins in China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, crosses into Kyrgyzstan’s mountainous terrain, and extends into Uzbekistan. Eventually, it will connect with existing rail corridors leading to Europe and the Middle East. Spanning approximately 310–373 miles, the railway will traverse some of the most challenging terrain in Central Asia, requiring sophisticated engineering to address high altitudes, seismic activity, and the construction of tunnels and bridges.

Why Is It a HUGE Deal?

1. Shorter Trade Routes:  The CKU Railway reduces the travel distance for goods moving between China and Europe by roughly 900 kilometers, offering a faster and more cost-effective alternative to routes through Kazakhstan and Russia.

2. Economic Opportunities for Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan:  For these Central Asian countries, particularly Kyrgyzstan, the railway promises significant economic benefits. It will create jobs, enhance trade, attract investment, and stimulate local industries, while also improving their infrastructure.

3. Strengthening Regional Connectivity:  The CKU Railway integrates Central Asia into the global trade network, fostering stronger ties between neighboring countries. For China, it aligns with efforts to diversify trade routes and reduce reliance on existing corridors.

4. Geopolitical Implications:  The railway shifts regional dynamics by offering alternatives to routes traditionally dominated by Russia. It reinforces China’s strategic presence in Central Asia, a region historically under Russian influence, enhancing its role as a major player in global trade and geopolitics.

A Vision Inspired by the Past and Aimed at the Future

While some countries are preoccupied with war and conflict, China’s focus on building infrastructure like the CKU Railway reflects a future-oriented, far-sighted and constructive approach.

This project not only represents an engineering marvel but also serves as a powerful symbol of collaboration and progress, contributing to regional stability, economic development, and a shared vision for the future. In many ways, it carries forward the legacy of the ancient Silk Road, which for centuries served as a bridge connecting civilizations, cultures, and economies from East to West.

Like the Silk Road, which Marco Polo famously chronicled, the CKU Railway rekindles the spirit of exploration, exchange, and connectivity that defined an earlier age. Through projects like this, China is not just reviving ancient pathways but creating new ones, reinforcing a global network of shared prosperity. It is realizing an ancient dream of connecting peoples, enhancing mutual understanding, and building a world where commerce, culture, and cooperation transcend borders. China is thus crafting a legacy of connectivity, exchange, cooperation, and prosperity.

Talk about legacy at the end of the year, ever think of what legacy are you creating now?

12/28/2024

Lately, I’ve found myself grappling with a challenge: sharing stories about China doesn’t seem as engaging to my readers as I had hoped—especially those in China. The famous words from Reagan during his 1980 debate with Carter, “There you go again,” keep echoing in my mind as I imagine readers skimming through yet another China-related piece.

Still, I feel a renewed sense of mission as we approach the new year. My plan is to focus on China stories, drawing from Western media sources whenever possible. Here in the U.S., most people, including my own children, get their "facts" almost exclusively from American mainstream media. If I don’t write, many may remain untold. Sometimes, it’s worth embracing a little self-assigned purpose, and this is mine.

Now, the real challenge is making these topics—often considered as dry or uninteresting—come alive. Here’s my latest attempt.

The Altash Water Conservancy Project: “Xinjiang’s Three Gorges Dam”

Today’s story is a big deal for local people in Xinjiang. It is the Altash Water Conservancy Project (阿尔塔什 Ā'ěr Tǎ Shí)—the largest water conservancy hub in Xinjiang. 

Location and Specifications.   The project is situated in the upper reaches of the Yarkant River, deep in the Kunlun Mountains, within the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It lies about 250 miles east of the China-Kyrgyzstan border. 

- Key Figures:

  - Dam height: 164.8 meters (540 feet)

  - Reservoir capacity: 2.249 billion cubic meters

  - Irrigation coverage: 420,000 hectares (about 6.3 million acres)

  - Annual power output: 2.26 billion kilowatt-hours

  - Installed hydropower capacity: 755 MW

This massive infrastructure project is a cornerstone of development for southern Xinjiang, with far-reaching multifaceted benefits.

Benefits of the Altash Project

1. Flood Control   Seasonal floods from the Yarkant River have historically devastated downstream communities, endangering lives, property, and farmland. The Altash Project provides critical flood regulation, safeguarding these regions and ensuring greater stability.

2. Irrigation for Agriculture   With water scarcity being a persistent challenge in this arid region, the dam supports irrigation for 6.3 million acres of farmland. This boosts agricultural productivity in southern Xinjiang, a key area for crops like cotton and fruit that are vital to both the local economy and China's supply chains.

3. Hydropower Generation   The dam’s hydropower facilities generate 2.26 billion kWh of clean energy annually, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This reliable power supply fosters industrial growth, supports local communities, and improves living standards.

4. Ecological Conservation   By ensuring a sustainable water supply to the Tarim River, the project combats desertification and preserves the region’s fragile ecosystem. This is crucial for maintaining environmental balance in one of China’s most ecologically sensitive areas.

5. Strategic Development in Xinjiang    Dubbed “Xinjiang’s Three Gorges Dam,” the project represents China’s commitment to narrowing infrastructure and development gaps in its western frontier. Located in a geopolitically sensitive area near international borders, it plays a role in boosting regional stability and national security.

6. Poverty Alleviation and Economic Growth   The project creates jobs, supports local industries, and improves access to essential resources like water and electricity. These developments help lift communities out of poverty and contribute to the long-term prosperity of historically underdeveloped regions.

Overcoming Engineering Challenges

The Altash Water Conservancy Project is a testament to human ingenuity, determination and resilience, given the significant hurdles involved in its construction:

- Geographic and Climatic Challenges: The remote and rugged terrain, coupled with temperature extremes, required innovative logistical and engineering solutions.  

- Seismic Considerations: Located in a seismically active area, the dam was designed to withstand potential earthquakes, ensuring safety and durability.  

- Balancing Multiple Goals: The project had to reconcile its flood-control, irrigation, hydropower, and ecological objectives without compromising any of them.  

Despite these formidable challenges, the dam stands as a monumental achievement, comparable in its transformative potential to the iconic Three Gorges Dam. For the local people, it means far more than a feat of engineering—it represents hope, security, and opportunity for development. Its completion highlights not only the expertise and determination of those who built it but also a vision for a better future, bringing stability, opportunity, and improved livelihoods to communities in one of China’s most challenging and remote regions.

12/27/2024

We are staying at my son's place while he and his family are in Hong Kong. On Christmas Day, my daughter came over, and we spent the afternoon walking and chatting along the Brooklyn waterfront. During our conversation, she shared some reflections from her recent trip to China.

One aspect she found challenging was adapting to China’s internet firewall, which blocks access to many websites Americans use daily, like Google, Facebook, and Twitter. "It’s like creating two separate worlds—one inside China and one outside," she remarked.

This led us to discuss the concept of 话语权 (huà yǔ quán), a term she was unfamiliar with. It translates to "discourse power" or "the power to shape narratives." It refers to the authority or influence a person, organization, or country has in defining discussions, shaping opinions, or controlling narratives.

Drawing from Michel Foucault’s theories, "discourse power" describes how power operates through language, story creation and knowledge production. Those in control of discourse shape what is accepted as "truth" in a society, influencing how people think—not through direct force, but through the creation and dissemination of knowledge, "facts," and narratives.

First, China does not have discourse power on the global stage. In an international media landscape dominated by Western outlets and the English language, Western countries hold a disproportionate influence over global opinions, cultural narratives, explanations, and perceptions. This imbalance places China at a disadvantage, making it challenging for the nation to defend its cultural, social, and political reality effectively.

Secondly, from the Chinese government’s perspective, the firewall is a response to this global imbalance. It aims to shield domestic narratives from being overwhelmed or distorted by the dominant Western discourse. By controlling information flows, the firewall protects and promotes Chinese perspectives within its borders, preserving the country’s sovereignty over information and fostering a sense of national identity.

Third, this actually acts, reacts and reenforces a vicious cycle. The Chinese government views platforms like Google, Facebook, and Twitter as vehicles for Western narratives. The overwhelmingly negative portrayal of China confirms this view, reinforcing the belief that Western media is biased and that a firewall is necessary to safeguard China's narrative independence.

This separation of information ecosystems, as my daughter aptly put it, results in "two separate worlds"—one shaped by Western media and the other curated by Chinese government policies.

Rather than criticizing the firewall solely as censorship, I hope my children—and others—can understand it as a respond to the global imbalance of narrative power. The firewall reflects China’s effort to assert and maintain its voice on the world stage and reclaim its place in shaping global discourse.

12/26/2024

Recently, a friend of mine traveled to South America. While browsing Brazilian websites out of curiosity, I stumbled upon an article that immediately caught my attention. It connected two topics I’ve been exploring lately: desert management and poverty alleviation in China.

The article reported: "Discover how China used rabbits in the Chinese desert to reverse desertification and thrive. ... China surprised the world by transforming the Dalad Banner (达拉特旗, Dá Lā Tè Qí) desert into a lush green oasis. How? By releasing 1.2 million rabbits into the desert!"

At first, I could hardly believe it. I had never heard of this story before. Intrigued, I researched further and confirmed every detail. Surprisingly, while it isn’t widely known outside China, it’s far from new. Here’s the story:

Zhao Yongliang, a native of Dalad Banner in Inner Mongolia, had long dreamed of tackling the desertification that plagued his hometown. He initially experimented with planting sand willow trees but faced numerous challenges. Then, he stumbled upon a remarkable discovery.

In one area, the survival rate of trees soared to 95%, sharply contrasting with the barren sands nearby. Zhao investigated and found that otter rabbits were unusually active in this patch of land.

After further observation, Zhao uncovered an incredible phenomenon. Otter rabbits dig for grass roots and feed on dry grass. In the process, they naturally loosen and aerate the sandy soil, revitalizing its structure. A natural soil-loosening machine! This activity, combined with the rabbits’ droppings and urine, enriches the soil with organic matter, transforming it from barren sand into fertile ground.

Traditional desert management methods couldn’t achieve this kind of soil improvement. Inspired, Zhao and his team developed the idea of raising otter rabbits on a large scale. The sand willows provided food for the rabbits, and the rabbits, in turn, helped improve the soil. This led to the establishment of China’s largest otter rabbit breeding facility in the Kubuqi Desert.

The Unique Value of Otter Rabbits

Otter rabbits, also known as rex rabbits, are exceptionally versatile and highly fertile. The arid climate of the desert is ideal for their growth, and those raised in the Kubuqi Desert produce even higher-quality fur. Beyond their ecological contributions, the rabbits offer significant economic benefits:

1.  Luxury Fur: Their fur is used to make high-end garments.  

2. Food Products: Their meat is processed into premium food items.  

3. Biological Products: Their blood is used in creating biomedicine.  

4. Surgical Sutures: Their intestines are turned into surgical threads.  

5. Pharmaceuticals: Their organs are utilized in drug production.  

6. Fertilizer: Their manure serves as an organic fertilizer, ideal for turning deserts into fertile land and cultivating mushrooms.  

Impact on Desertification and Poverty

To date, over 8 million rex rabbits have been introduced into the heart of the Kubuqi Desert, significantly enhancing reforestation efforts. The initiative achieved a tree survival rate of 95%, a staggering success in such an arid environment.

This project has had a dual impact:  

1. Poverty Elimination: It has lifted 20,000 farmers out of poverty.

2. Environmental Restoration: It has transformed vast desert expanses into fertile oases.

By February 26, 2013, the story had been featured in major Chinese media, highlighting the striking contrast created by this initiative. On one side of the desert lies a sea of sand dunes; on the other, a lush oasis spanning tens of thousands of hectares.

China’s innovative use of otter rabbits demonstrates how ecological restoration and poverty alleviation can go hand in hand, offering valuable lessons for combating poverty and desertification worldwide.

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas! Today, I’m stepping away from my usual coverage of China’s deserts to share two related stories in my life recently.  

First, The Puppy Challenge

During my last meeting with my Korean student, she seemed overwhelmed by her new 8-week-old puppy. The little one wakes up every two hours at night, barking and demanding attention. If she ignores him, he just keeps barking. Her husband uses earbuds, her daughter isn’t bothered—but for her, the relentless barking is a major headache!

She told me she’d only slept two hours the previous night and was utterly exhausted. We even had to cut our meeting short because she was so drained.  

Afterward, I reached out to a friend who had faced similar challenges with their own puppy. I picked up a few helpful tips and shared them with my student the next morning. In many ways, raising a puppy is like raising a baby. Here’s what I learned:

1. Tire Him Out   A tired puppy is more likely to sleep longer. Engage him in plenty of physical activities, especially in the evening.  

2. Create a Calm Environment   Set up a quiet, relaxing space for him to sleep.

3. Introduce a Playpen or Crate   Train him to feel comfortable in a playpen or crate during the day. This way, he’ll see it as a safe and familiar space to sleep at night.

4. Ignore Attention-Seeking Barking   Like babies, puppies often bark to get attention. If you respond to it, you reinforce the behavior. Ignore the barking to teach him that it won’t get results. However, if he seems genuinely distressed, comfort him gently—but don’t take him out of the pen or hold him unless he needs a nighttime potty break.

5. Time Your Discipline   There’s a crucial time window for effective discipline: it’s best to establish good habits before your puppy turns 8 months old and enters adolescence. After that, it may become harder to correct unwanted behaviors.  

Finally, remember: your puppy isn’t human. Crate training goes against his natural instincts as a free-roaming animal. Be patient, stay consistent, and prepare for the process to take time.

Second, The Language Learning Window

This brings me to my second story. A young relative of mine plans to send his two sons to a summer camp in America next year to learn English. Naturally, I was wondering: how much English can they learn in a single summer?  

I remember advising him back in 2015 to expose his new-born baby to American cartoons and simple English stories, much like how my own children learned Chinese here in America. Recently, I suggested that the boys can learn English by watching American soap operas. His response? “They don’t understand a word and won’t watch.”

I see a missed window here. If the kids had been exposed to American cartoons from their infant days, they might have absorbed the language effortlessly. 

Much like training a puppy, learning a language also has a time window. When we start young, the process is natural and almost effortless.

Both stories highlight the importance of timing in development—whether for a puppy or a human baby. Start early, and the process becomes easier and smoother; wait too long, and it gets exponentially harder.

Finally, in both puppy training and language learning, the owner and parents play a crucial role because puppies and babies are too young to know what’s good for them—they rely entirely on guidance and consistency from their owner and parents.