Yanwen’s blog

Recently, I came across news about the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) initiating an anti-dumping investigation focused on low-speed passenger vehicles imported from China. These vehicles, including sightseeing cars, electric golf carts, and other personal transportation options like electric tricycles, are under scrutiny due to allegations that they are being sold in the U.S. at prices that beat local manufacturers. The investigation will assess these claims, potentially leading to the imposition of tariffs.

This investigation is part of a broader U.S. effort to address Chinese imports across various sectors. The anti-dumping duties could be significant, with margins potentially exceeding 376%.

International observers have expressed concern, as Chinese tricycles are highly competitive in many markets. For instance, in the delivery industry, FedEx in the United States developed its own electric tricycle a few years ago, which was significantly more expensive and less efficient than Chinese alternatives.

The colloquial term for these three-wheeled vehicles is 三蹦子 (sān bēng zi), referring to motorized tricycles commonly used for transportation in both rural and urban areas. These vehicles are popular due to their affordability and practicality.

Delving into the origins of China's tricycle industry reveals that Yanshi District in Luoyang City, Henan, is known as "China’s Tricycle Capital," producing nearly 40% of the country's tricycles. This local manufacturing industry has successfully expanded internationally, with Yanshi exporting 58,000 tricycles and 540,000 related components last year.

Henan is also home to many other significant export industries. One such industry is lab-grown diamonds, which are nearly indistinguishable from natural diamonds in terms of chemical composition, physical properties, and appearance. However, lab-grown diamonds are priced at only about 10% of their natural counterparts, and last year, they captured over half of the market share. Henan produces 80% of China's lab-grown diamonds.

Another industry from Henan’s small towns that has seen international success is violin manufacturing. Globally, 90% of violins are made in China, and over 80% of China’s mid-to-high-end violins come from Henan. Each year, 400,000 mid-to-high-end violins are produced here, with annual exports exceeding $20 million.

Lastly, Xuchang's wig industry stands out, with its products sold worldwide. Last year, Xuchang's wig exports reached 16.85 billion yuan, making it the top global producer.

Considering the flourishing productivity from just one province in China, I’m reminded of many articles from prestigious publications like The Economist, which have long predicted a decline in China's economy. Yet, the resilience and resourcefulness of the Chinese people continue to generate surprise and immense productivity on the global stage, challenging these forecasts and demonstrating the enduring strength and the richness of Chinese culture and industry.

A Chinese saying goes, 卧虎藏龙 (Wò hǔ cáng lóng), meaning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." This phrase describes hidden talents or potential that aren’t immediately visible to outsiders. It reflects how some may underestimate or overlook China’s economic strength, only to be surprised by the immense potential and capabilities that are now emerging on the global stage. This unexpected rise like 三蹦子 has even drawn the attention of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The quarter-life crisis is not a financial crisis. The first time I heard of this was from my son, who mentioned it in relation to his then-girlfriend. She had chosen a college major mainly for practical reasons, even though her true passion lay in art and architecture. Despite having a well-paid job and excelling in her role, she found no joy in her work. Just before turning 30, she decided to quit and started searching for what truly interested her.

Recently, I’ve noticed another type of quarter-life crisis affecting people around 30. Again, it’s not about struggling to advance in their careers, but rather about those who have settled comfortably into their positions, becoming stagnant and complacent. They no longer have the drive to learn new skills. They lose the sharpness and sensitivity to things that once excited them. They become indifferent to beauty and novelty, reacting to new technologies like seniors, slow to adapt. Many of them even begin to accumulate fat around their waists. They rely entirely on their limited and outdated experiences, believing that the future will mirror the present, coasting through life till retirement.

A Chinese saying captures this mindset well: 当一天和尚撞一天钟 (Dāng yī tiān héshàng zhuàng yī tiān zhōng), which means "Live like a monk for a day, ring the bell for a day." This phrase implies a minimal, disengaged approach to life, akin to just going through the motions without deeper investment.

However, unlike monks who embrace detachment from worldly concerns, regular people are not bound by such ascetic ideals. We are meant to engage fully with our passions and aspirations. 

Ultimately, keep in mind that the richness of human life lies above mere material comfort and financial stability. It comes from striving to grow, continuously learning and finding meanings, and contributing to the world. It’s about constantly seeking with renewal purpose and energy. By embracing curiosity, pursuing passions, and striving to make a difference, we engage with life’s deeper and broader dimensions that make us worthy being called Human beings.

Happy birthday to my youngest sister's son!

There are three things on my mind today.

First, our internet service was down since last Saturday. Both our internet and cell phone services are provided by Verizon. Yesterday, I nearly exhausted my cell phone data without realizing it and couldn’t get online to buy more. For a while, I felt very disconnected from the outside world, especially from my family in Beijing.

This took me back to when I first came to the U.S. in 1984. Back then, my family had to go to a distant telegraph office to make a long-distance call to me. It was very expensive at the time, and we were truly living in a disconnected age, separated by the vast Pacific.

Now, I find myself in a similar situation as my parents were when they sent me off to a faraway and unknown world. However, today’s mode of communication is far more advanced, and people are supposed to be more connected than they were 40 years ago. Yet, despite being physically closer to my children, with the internet being down, the feeling of disconnect persists.

By the way, a Verizon technician fixed the internet on Monday afternoon. He checked both the outside box and the inside equipment without finding the problem. After climbing up to inspect the high-hung wire, he left to investigate further. Eventually, he found the issue in our neighbor’s backyard—the low-hanging wire had become tangled with plant vines and was cut down by their trimmer.

Second thing, on the train to Manhattan, a young man who seemed like a recent migrant sat across from me. He was wearing a winter coat and carrying a bag, possibly his only possession. I took out a soft cloth to wipe my eyeglasses. He looked at me, and perhaps I reminded him of his distant family—his mother possibly struggling and hoping he could make a living in America and send money back home. I tried to recall if I was like this when I first came to the United States, but I couldn’t remember. At least, my family was better off than I was at that time.

Third thing, there’s Salem, my son’s cat. Salem has a weight problem, so they bought him diet food, a healthy choice. However, it’s not as tasty as the unhealthy treats he’s used to, so he absolutely refuses it, meowing loudly and angrily in protest. We also need to alternate between different flavors of canned food for him.

The issue is that the old Salem has been indulging in unhealthy food for so long that he’s grown accustomed to it. The switch to something healthier, though necessary, is hard for him to accept. Life would have been easier if he had been fed a healthy diet from a young age.

A Chinese saying goes, 习惯成自然 (xí guàn chéng zì rán), meaning "Habit becomes second nature." The saying emphasizes that habits, once formed, can become so ingrained that they feel like an inherent part of someone’s behavior. It captures how habits can shape actions and responses over time. In Salem's case, his reluctance to change his diet reflects a learned behavior rather than an unchangeable nature.

Raising pets shares some similarities with raising children, in that guardians need to instill good habits and behaviors early on. Old bad habits are difficult to break and often set the stage for big challenges later in life.

Our internet service was down when we returned home. After calling Verizon, I learned that the earliest a technician could come was Monday, meaning we’d be without internet for two full days. I’m currently dictating and editing on my phone.

On Saturday morning, my daughter came over, and we spent some time together shopping and having breakfast.

During our time together, we discussed the importance of dedicating more time to creating art and visiting museums to draw inspiration and nurture creativity. Like writing, the time invested in art creation is one of the best investments you can make in your future self.

She shared the joy of selling her artwork, which led us to talk about the added value that comes with creating art.

First, art serves as a powerful form of self-expression and can be deeply therapeutic. Engaging in creative activities can reduce stress, cheer you up, and provide a profound sense of accomplishment. These emotional benefits can have long-lasting positive effects on your overall well-being.

Second, consider the broader impact and legacy you leave behind. This is something people need to start thinking about earlier. Art has the unique power to inspire others and become part of your enduring legacy. The work you create today can influence and contribute to society, making your investment in art creation not only personally fulfilling but also socially significant.

Third, the time spent creating art also hones your skills that are transferable to other areas of life. Whether it’s problem-solving, attention to detail, or abstract thinking, these skills will benefit you in various future endeavors. A Chinese saying, 艺不压身 (yì bù yā shēn), meaning: Skill you possess is always useful. It suggests that the more skills or knowledge you accumulate, the better prepared you are for future challenges.

Finally, creating art demands focus and presence, which promotes mindfulness. This practice enhances your ability to stay present in other aspects of life, improving your future interactions and experiences.

In essence, engaging in art creation offers profound and multifaceted benefits. It’s not just about immediate satisfaction or monetary gain but about making a long-term investment in your future self. 

We are concluding our stay at my son's home in Brooklyn today, having enjoyed a wonderful time since August 2nd.

A friend recently asked me about the perceived double standards in Western media regarding anti-doping practices during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Criticism of double standards in Olympic anti-doping policies has been a recurring topic, particularly when controversies arise involving doping allegations. These debates often extend into broader discussions about fairness, transparency, power struggle and the sheer integrity of international sports competitions.

A significant focus of this criticism is on the United States, which some accuse of applying stricter anti-doping rules to athletes from other countries while being more lenient or protective toward its own athletes. This perceived inconsistency is often seen as a form of hypocrisy, undermining fairness in global sports.

For instance, consider the Sha'Carri Richardson case. The U.S. sprinter was suspended from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for marijuana, a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Some American critics argued that the punishment was disproportionate, given that marijuana is legal in many parts of the U.S. The question is whether the response would have been the same if the athlete were from another country.

Another example is the infamous Carl Lewis vs. Ben Johnson case. During the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson was stripped of his gold medal after testing positive for steroids. Later, it was revealed that American sprinter Carl Lewis, who inherited the gold after Johnson's disqualification, had also failed drug tests in the lead-up to the Olympics. Yet, Lewis was not disqualified, a glaring example of double standards in the enforcement of doping rules.

The 2024 Paris Olympics have sparked further controversy surrounding the U.S. and its alleged double standards, particularly in anti-doping measures. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has faced criticism for its handling of cases involving American athletes, with some believing it reveals a bias compared to the treatment of international athletes, especially those from China.

For example, U.S. sprinter Erriyon Knighton was cleared by USADA after testing positive for a banned substance, with the explanation that it was due to contaminated meat. This decision surprised many, especially when contrasted with the stringent testing and accusations faced by Chinese athletes. The Chinese swimming team, for instance, underwent more anti-doping tests than any other nation, fueling discussions about fairness and double standards in the enforcement of these regulations.

Double standards are not confined to sports; they are often practiced at both individual and governmental levels. Individuals may tolerate behavior in themselves that they condemn in others, driven by a desire to protect their own interests. Similarly, governments may apply different standards to maintain power, control, or influence, tolerating violence from their allies while condemning similar actions by their adversaries.

A Chinese saying encapsulates this concept well: 只许州官放火，不许百姓点灯 (zhǐ xǔ zhōu guān fàng huǒ, bù xǔ bǎi xìng diǎn dēng), which translates to "Only the official is allowed to set fires, but the common people are not allowed to light lamps." This vividly illustrates the hypocrisy and inequality inherent in double standards, where those in power impose strict rules on others while exempting themselves. It's akin to saying, "There are some things that only I can do, but not you."

Addressing double standards is challenging, as they are often rooted in biases and power struggles. However, certain mechanisms can help mitigate their impact. The media, for instance, can play a crucial role by raising public awareness about the unfairness and hypocrisy of double standards, contributing to a more equitable and just environment.