Fortunate Sons: First Time in History Foreigners Barred U.S. Entry

In 1850, Yung Wing--who had been brought to the U.S with returning missionaries--entered Yale as a freshman.  (see post one.) 
Four years later, Yung Wing returned to China. His time in the U.S. had so affected him (including the football) that he called on the court, proposing that China should send students to America to learn. The court finally agreed, and in the summer of 1872, sent 30 young men to Connecticut.
"There would be 120 of them, shipped to America over the course of four years, with 30 boys arriving annually. They would remain stateside for fifteen years. If they came back proven leaders, the program would be expanded dramatically to include as the empire could afford to send." (pg. 85, Fortunate Sons)

If this program occurred in a vacuum, perhaps it might have flourished.  But the Qing government was corrupt, there were naysayers from the beginning, AND the U.S. started experiencing a wave of anti-Chinese sentiment.

"American politicians, eager to throw red meat at their constituents, were no longer bound by an international treaty (Burlingame) to allow the Chinese to settle in the United States, and the era of the Chinese Exclusion Act was not long in coming. In 1881, a bill was put forth in the U.S. Senate to ban all Chinese immigration for the next twenty years. Senator John F Miller of California who sponsored the proposed law, declared that the Chinese were 'inhabitants of another planet,' poisoning a country once 'resonant with the sweet voices of flaxen-haired children' with the 'gangrene of their oriental civilization.' His bill, enacted as law in 1882, marked the first ime in American history that people were forbidden from entering the country on the basis of their nationality." (pg. 157)

Fortunate Sons by Liel Lieibovitz and Matthew Miller

(To be continued.  Next:  Young men called back to China and Arrested.)

Fortunate Sons: Football Qing Style

When we think of football, we think of the Superbowl and half-time performances and million-dollar commercials. However, a hundred and fifty years ago the game was not seen as worthy of people's time...especially the time of young scholars. And concrete rules didn't exist.  At Yale, it was a bit of a school spirit ritual. And, in 1850, the intercollegiate game consisted of the freshman class (126 men) against the sophomores (123 men.) What's fascinating about this story---other than the image of 126 men facing off against 123 men--is that one of those freshmen was named Yung Wing who had been brought to the United States a few years earlier by returning missionaries.  He was dressed for the time--with long queue and long silk robes.

Explained authors Liel Liebovitz and Matthew Miller in their book Fortunate Sons, "(Yung) suddenly spotted the ball rolling his way. He picked up the odd object and tucked it under the long sleeve of his robe....He began to run as fast as he could... An observer wrote that Yung's queue, the braid that all Chinese subjects were required to grow as demonstration of loyalty to their emperor, went 'flying in the air like a pump handle.' Desperate to stop the runaway freshman, a sophomore reached for Yung's hair and tugged on his queue. Yung felt a sharp pain, dropped the ball to the ground, and kicked it as hard as he could.  It sailed over the goal line, giving the freshmen an upset victory."  (pg. 19)

(To be continued.  Next: Fortunate Sons: First Time In History Foreigners Barred Entry.)

Promoting Understanding

Silicon Valley Tech V.P. Dr. Tong Liu was born in 1961 in the countryside near Yangzhou, the southern part of China. (See post one.) He never expected to go to university--not because he didn't want to or because he wasn't intelligent enough--but, the politics of the country made it seem impossible. (See post two.) Liu graduated from Nanjing University, and then--thanks to Professor T. D. Lee of Columbia University--he was given chance to take a physics exam allowing him further study at the University of Virginia in the U.S. (See post three.) Liu was excited to explore the U.S., despite the sometimes hilarious hiccups he had with communication. (See post four.) Upon graduation, Liu took a four-month posting in Holland. (See post five.) Liu returned the U.S. planning only to stay for a few short years before returning to China. The Tiananmen massacre changed that. (post six.) In 1998, however, Dr. Liu and his wife took their children to Hong Kong for two years to show them the culture. (post seven.) They returned to Silicon Valley in 2000, and Liu became heavily involved in his son's favorite past-time: soccer.  Indeed, Liu was moved by the passion he saw from so many volunteering parents.( post eight.) Dr. Liu's familiarity with both cultures--and his ability to negotiate--were assets needed when his company's factory in Shenzhen held a major strike in 2012. (post nine and ten.)

“As leaders we need to think we have much more in common to win together. It would harm both sides if we could not treat the rivalry correctly. How can we create a win-win situation?

“I would think it would help if more people studied in China. China needs to open up to the world and make the system more easy (to navigate)—train systems, bus systems all (need to) have bilingual signs. The reason people can go to Japan and India is because of the English.”

Liu mentioned that the Hedge Fund Blackstone donated a couple billion dollars to send a thousand Americans to China to study.  

“To me that’s the most important way to promote understanding of one another.”

(This Concludes this Interview.  Next: Fortunate Sons)

Work for Win-Win Answers

Silicon Valley Tech V.P. Dr. Tong Liu was born in 1961 in the countryside near Yangzhou, the southern part of China. (See post one.) He never expected to go to university--not because he didn't want to or because he wasn't intelligent enough--but, the politics of the country made it seem impossible. (See post two.) Liu graduated from Nanjing University, and then--thanks to Professor T. D. Lee of Columbia University--he was given chance to take a physics exam allowing him further study at the University of Virginia in the U.S. (See post three.) Liu was excited to explore the U.S., despite the sometimes hilarious hiccups he had with communication. (See post four.) Upon graduation, Liu took a four-month posting in Holland. (See post five.) Liu returned the U.S. planning only to stay for a few short years before returning to China. The Tiananmen massacre changed that. (post six.) In 1998, however, Dr. Liu and his wife took their children to Hong Kong for two years to show them the culture. (post seven.) They returned to Silicon Valley in 2000, and Liu became heavily involved in his son's favorite past-time: soccer.  Indeed, Liu was moved by the passion he saw from so many volunteering parents.( post eight.) Dr. Liu's familiarity with both cultures--and his ability to negotiate--were assets needed when his company's factory in Shenzhen held a major strike in 2012. (post nine.)

Liu said that the American COO of the company first wanted to meet with Shenzhen’s city mayor to discuss the strike and what plans were being made to put an end to it. The city mayor did not want to meet with the COO.

“The (American) COO got upset, saying, ‘In Malaysia, I want to see the Prime Minister, he will see me.

“I explained, ‘Do you know why they cannot see you? Because this strike is beyond their control. They see you, they cannot do anything. They do not want to lose face in front of you.’

“I said, ‘You know, you deal with the Chinese government, you make sure you do not treat them the same as you treat Thailand or Malaysia government.’ What that means? 

"Thailand and Malaysia pretty much have got to meet the requests made by the U.S. companies. China doesn’t."

Malaysian P.M. Najib Razak meets with Facebook CEO Zuckerberg

"And why does China’s government not have to follow the requests of American companies?
“Did you know that the industry output of Shenzhen city alone is more than Malaysia? One city. China is one of the key supply chains. It’s very important."

Through Dr. Liu's brilliant negotiating, he was able to help foster an end to the chaos in Shenzhen. 

“When negotiating, it’s good to consider if it’s good for the U.S. company AND also if it’s good for the Chinese workers and the local government.“

While all worked out well in the end for workers, company, and government,  when Liu was ready to return home to California, the Chinese government did not wish for him to leave. 

“They needed somebody to make sure the factories are running well and not causing trouble.  When labor unrest happens it’s their headache, as well.  

"I said, ‘I have family, I have kids in the U.S.’ 

"They don’t think that’s important. They think that personal issues should give in to the good of the group.” 

Liu--who promised to maintain his role as a liaison between the factory and the government--managed to get on that plane home to the U.S.

(To be continued.  Final: Promoting Understanding.)

World Is Changing--Not Just China

Silicon Valley Tech V.P. Dr. Tong Liu was born in 1961 in the countryside near Yangzhou, the southern part of China. (See post one.) He never expected to go to university--not because he didn't want to or because he wasn't intelligent enough--but, the politics of the country made it seem impossible. (See post two.) Liu graduated from Nanjing University, and then--thanks to Professor T. D. Lee of Columbia University--he was given chance to take a physics exam allowing him further study at the University of Virginia in the U.S. (See post three.) Liu was excited to explore the U.S., despite the sometimes hilarious hiccups he had with communication. (See post four.) Upon graduation, Liu took a four-month posting in Holland. (See post five.) Liu returned the U.S. planning only to stay for a few short years before returning to China. The Tiananmen massacre changed that. (post six.) In 1998, however, Dr. Liu and his wife took their children to Hong Kong for two years to show them the culture. (post seven.) They returned to Silicon Valley in 2000, and Liu became heavily involved in his son's favorite past-time: soccer.  Indeed, Liu was moved by the passion he saw from so many volunteering parents.( post eight.)

In the past decade, Liu’s work has taken him to China dozens of times, including two stints living there as an expatriate. I asked him what changes he’d seen over the years.

“That part is very interesting part. In a way, there are two parts. One part is China is changing. The other part is the way we see the world is changing.”

In 2012, Liu was called to China. The company’s factory in Shenzhen had declared a strike, and the Chinese government—as well as the American company—were hoping Liu could negotiate an end to it. 

Dr. Liu said that in early years, there was no such thing as ‘striking.’  Chinese workers just accepted conditions and did as they were told.

 “In 2008 (Chinese) people don’t accept that. ‘You need to respect my opinions. I completed as much as you do. Why am I paid much less?’ Then a dispute arises. If the dispute is not resolved, then they (the workers) leave the companies.

“But in 2012, it wasn’t just disputes. This time, there was not only a strike but it was out of the government’s control. That really shows the change in China. It’s the one child policy—it’s the only child of the family. ‘If I’m not happy, I’ll just do something else.’  Those (one-child) people are more educated, labor market is more tight, third thing is they don’t treat work as a necessity; they treat it as an experience, because they don’t need to support the family. The family supports them. Therefore if they don’t like, they organize. They stop work.”

(To be continued. Next: To Solve Crisis? Work for Win-Win Answers.)

Impressed By Americans Volunteer Spirit

Silicon Valley Tech V.P. Dr. Tong Liu was born in 1961 in the countryside near Yangzhou, the southern part of China. (See post one.) He never expected to go to university--not because he didn't want to or because he wasn't intelligent enough--but, the politics of the country made it seem impossible. (See post two.) Liu graduated from Nanjing University, and then--thanks to Professor T. D. Lee of Columbia University--he was given chance to take a physics exam allowing him further study at the University of Virginia in the U.S. (See post three.) Liu was excited to explore the U.S., despite the sometimes hilarious hiccups he had with communication. (See post four.) Upon graduation, Liu took a four-month posting in Holland. (See post five.) Liu returned the U.S. planning only to stay for a few short years before returning to China. The Tiananmen massacre changed that. (post six.) In 1998, however, Dr. Liu and his wife took their children to Hong Kong for two years to show them the culture. (post seven.)

Dr. Liu and family returned to the Bay Area in 2000, and became once again immersed in American life. “Our kids became a true window for us to see the culture, really look at the joy of American society.”

Dr. Liu’s son played soccer, and Liu volunteered for AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization.) Although Liu had barely played soccer in his life, he joined in to help out—slowly at first (“Initially to just pick up a ball.”), but later working as a referee and then—even after his kids were no longer playing--as a trainer of referees. The organization affected him deeply.

“This is one thing that struck me very hard about the volunteer organization: people are willing to give, people are willing to think and have a common purpose to do something together, even though it does not directly benefit them.  That is one of the big differences between U.S. and China. In China you do not see this type of volunteer organizations. In China side, one thing is we are mission-driven not passion-driven. In China, I feel, ‘This is my responsibility. I must do it.’ Not, ‘Oh, I like this. We can bring the people who also like it together to benefit the society.’”

(To Be Continued.  Next: World Is Changing--Not Just China.)

Showing Children a Different Culture

Silicon Valley Tech V.P. Dr. Tong Liu was born in 1961 in the countryside near Yangzhou, the southern part of China. (See post one.) He never expected to go to university--not because he didn't want to or because he wasn't intelligent enough--but, the politics of the country made it seem impossible. (See post two.) Liu graduated from Nanjing University, and then--thanks to Professor T. D. Lee of Columbia University--he was given chance to take a physics exam allowing him further study at the University of Virginia in the U.S. (See post three.) Liu was excited to explore the U.S., despite the sometimes hilarious hiccups he had with communication. (See post four.) Upon graduation, Liu took a four-month posting in Holland. (See post five.) Liu returned the U.S. planning only to stay for a few short years before returning to China. The Tiananmen massacre changed that. (post six.)

Still, the pull to return to China was always there. 

So, in 1998, both  Liu and his wife quit their jobs, and moved to Hong Kong for two years to work at TDK-SAE. (Hong Kong had just been returned to China the previous year.) They wanted their children—aged 8 and 4-- to experience life in China. For, while Liu’s parents had come to the U.S. and stayed with them, helping them to take care of the children, their children were not very appreciative.

“Sometimes the kids think grandfather or grandmother behave a bit strange.  Sometimes my daughter would ask them to buy something, and they would say, ‘It’s too expensive.’”

So, Liu and his wife wanted their children to see a different kind of culture.

“At that time a lot of people don’t use refrigerators in China, and they don’t buy a large amount of food. For many people life is not as abundant as the U.S.”

During their time in Hong Kong, Liu's daughter, especially, started to realize that –with this cultural background—her grandparents were normal.  

(To be continued. Next: Impressed By Americans Volunteer Spirit)

Tiananmen Massacre Puts a Halt To Plans

Silicon Valley Tech V.P. Dr. Tong Liu was born in 1961 in the countryside near Yangzhou, the southern part of China. (See post one.) He never expected to go to university--not because he didn't want to or because he wasn't intelligent enough--but, the politics of the country made it seem impossible. (See post two.) Liu graduated from Nanjing University, and then--thanks to Professor T. D. Lee of Columbia University--he was given chance to take a physics exam allowing him further study at the University of Virginia in the U.S. (See post three.) Liu was excited to explore the U.S., despite the sometimes hilarious hiccups he had with communication. (See post four.) Upon graduation, Liu took a four-month posting in Holland. (See post five.)

Liu returned to the U.S. to take a position at Carnegie-Melon University. But he still had no real plans to stay in the U.S. He figured he'd go back to China after the Univ. position ended. 

“The Tiananmen event changed the way we were thinking.”

One of Liu’s friends ,who had gone back to China, quickly returned to the U.S. after Tiananmen. One of his wife’s cousins who was in China warned them to, “Think very carefully” before deciding to return. Liu’s own father-in-law said it might be much better to wait because of the situation. So, they decided to stay.
At the same time of the Tiananmen massacre upheaval was also occurring at Liu’s lab. His professor had lost his funding.

So, Liu went to work for Argonne National lab in Chicago, which was the beginning of his work in corporate America. He then moved to the Bay Area and joined a high-tech company. He started as an engineer and became the 2^nd line manager within five years.  

(To be continued. Next: Showing Children A Different Culture.)

Valuable Lessons from Another Socialist Country

Silicon Valley Tech V.P. Dr. Tong Liu was born in 1961 in the countryside near Yangzhou, the southern part of China. (See post one.) He never expected to go to university--not because he didn't want to or because he wasn't intelligent enough--but, the politics of the country made it seem impossible. (See post two.) Liu graduated from Nanjing University, and then--thanks to Professor T. D. Lee of Columbia University--he was given chance to take a physics exam allowing him further study at the University of Virginia in the U.S. (See post three.) Liu was excited to explore the U.S., despite the sometimes hilarious hiccups he had with communication. (See post four.)

While Liu came to the U.S. to study, he had no intention of staying. “We always thought we would come back to China.” Liu had married his high school sweetheart who also came to the U.S. to get her doctoral degree, and they had their whole future carefully mapped out.

“Our plan was very simple: she’d get her Ph.D., (we’d) have kids, travel in Europe, go back.”

But then after Liu got his Ph.D., he was offered a position at Carnegie-Melon University. There was a gap of four months before that job began, so he and his wife managed to travel and work in Holland for that period, and check one item off their future plans’ list. 

Liu learned a great deal in Holland, but two points in particular.

“When I was in Holland, one thing that really surprised me is that their social welfare system is a lot better than both U.S. and China.

“I said (to my professor), ‘It doesn’t make sense. People get laid off and receive more than the minimum wage. In this case, many people would rather stay home and receive benefits.’  He made a comment which surprised me and which I always remember: ‘Part of human nature is that they want to work. They want to feel they are contributing to society. They want to be respected. They’re out of a job not because they don’t want to work, but because there isn’t an opportunity that matches their skill.’ That is a positive way of seeing people that really shaped me to see things.”

Liu also noted that people took a lot of breaks—morning tea break, lunch break, afternoon tea. As someone concerned about efficiency, this worried him.  

“I always worried if they would get my job done. After two days, I’d ask, ‘What is the progress?’

“They’d say, ‘Don’t worry about it.’

“But I’d still worry. Then another two days, I went back. The man really get unhappy.

“He says, ‘You know since I commit to you, you’ve got to trust me.’

“This is one thing I learned: how to respect the people, particularly for the people who are capable, you’ve got to leave them alone. The life would be better for both parts.

“These are the two big events that helped me to see. These are things I wouldn’t see in China.”

(To Be Continued. Next: Tiananmen Massacre Puts A Halt to Plans.)