Recent Headlines
Number of Foreign Students in U.S. Hit a New High Last Year
Chronicle of Higher Education 11/16/2009
The Chronicle of Higher Education highlighted USC in an article about how the number of foreign students attending U.S. colleges hit an all-time high in 2008. The story reported that at USC the number of Chinese students increased 61 percent this fall and that the university opened an office in Shanghai this spring, which will aid in recruiting and other international activities. "It's a critical area for us," said Jerry Lucido, USC vice provost for Enrollment Management and Policy. USC also topped a Chronicle list of U.S. colleges with the most international students. Inside Higher Ed, The Washington Post, Associated Press and The Hindu (India) also reported the story. Full Article.
Obama to discuss with China on three major issues: U.S. expert
Xinhua News Agency (China) 11/11/2009
Xinhua News Agency (China) quoted Clayton Dube, associate director of the USC U.S.-China Institute, about President Obama's upcoming meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao. Dube said that there will be three prominent issues during the meeting: the uncertain economic situation, worries over nuclear weapons proliferation, and the need to act to stem global warming. The task for each leader will be to determine whether the other is likely to move far enough to permit both to sign on a United Nations agreement in Copenhagen in December, Dube added. Full Article.
Beware labour shortages
Agence France-Presse 11/9/2009
Agence France-Presse featured a USC Marshall School study which found that economies in the Asia-Pacific region will face critical labor shortages if they don't allow easier movement of temporary workers. "Real shortages of skilled and lower skilled workers exist in many Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation economies, even during this recessionary period," the study stated. "And these labor shortages and imbalances of skills and jobs are predicted to become increasingly critical because of the changing demographics of aging populations. This gives business real concern as access to workers is directly correlated with business competitiveness and growth." Full Article. Sky News (here) and ABS-CBN News (here) also featured the research.
CASBAA wraps with pay - TV growth
The Hollywood Reporter 11/5/2009
The Hollywood Reporter highlighted the keynote speech Jeffrey Cole of the USC Annenberg School gave at the 2009 Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia convention. "Broadband unifies everything," Cole said. "TV is getting closer to the movie experience and HDTV increasing interest in television." He added that social networking is now the "real deal," and that the entertainment industry needs to start developing and tracking the Internet, just as it should have done with TV in the 1940s. Full Article. China Daily also featured Cole's speech here.
News Analysis: What the Shakeup in China's Education Ministry Could Mean for Reform
The Chronicle of Higher Education 11/4/2009
The Chronicle of Higher Education quoted Stanley Rosen of the USC College about the abrupt dismissal of Chinese education minister Zhou Ji. Rosen said that Zhou's new post of deputy party secretary at Beijing's Chinese Academy of Engineering, a less important but still significant post, doesn't suggest serious punishment. "It's a sign that he's a scapegoat, not that he's corrupt," Rosen said. "The shift reflects more the general problems that have plagued education for a long time rather than any particular corruption on Zhou Ji's part." Full Article.
American special effects masters join effort to reconstruct Hiroshima in CG
The Mainichi Daily News 11/3/2009
The Mainichi Daily News (Japan) highlighted USC's involvement in a film project to recreate the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall and much of surrounding Hiroshima as it looked before the atomic bombing. Seven professors and graduate students from USC and members of the computer graphics team behind the film "The Day After Tomorrow" are collaborating on the project, which will result in a documentary film about atomic bomb survivors, the story reported. Full Article.
China Trip Offers Wisdom on Aging
USC News 11/02/2009
Fifteen students from the USC School of Social Work traveled to China over the summer to learn how a nation that reveres its elders is taking care of its graying population. Full Article.
Gordon Berger Receives The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles 11/2/2009
The Government of Japan recently announced the recipients of its Fall 2009 Decorations, and Professor Gordon Berger, a Former Director of the USC East Asian Studies Center is going to receive The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. Full Article.
USC Office of Globalization opened in Shanghai
Xinhua News Agency (China) 10/27/2009
Xinhua News Agency (China) reported that USC's Office of Globalization opened a new office in Shanghai to serve as an academic and research hub for the university. USC Vice Provost for Globalization Adam Clayton Powell III, USC School of Architecture Dean Qingyun Ma and Barry Glassner of the USC College, executive vice provost, spoke at a press conference in Shanghai announcing the opening. Glassner said that USC will use the office to facilitate and expand relationships with more Chinese colleges and universities. The USC Marshall School currently offers a Global Executive M.B.A. program at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the story noted. USC currently has about 1,200 students from China and 700 from Shanghai alone, the article reported. Full Article (in Chinese). Global Entrepreneur also covered the news here (in Chinese).
China festival brings documentary to O.C.
Orange County Register 10/26/2009
The Orange County Register reported that "Documenting the Global City: Beijing," a film project involving students at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and the Communication University of China, was part of the Chinese festival "Ancient Paths, Modern Voices." The event included screenings of seven short films from the project, which explores Beijing and Los Angeles as global cities. Mark Jonathan Harris of the School of Cinematic Arts was in attendance and the student filmmakers participated in a Q&A session, the story stated. Full Article.
Notable & Quotable: Daniel Lynch on China's Economy
Wall Street Journal 10/23/2009
The Wall Street Journal ran an excerpt of an op-ed by Daniel Lynch of the USC College about China's economy. "China's wealthy have easy access to all the new credit, and some of them use the money to speculate on stocks and property," Lynch wrote. "The middle classes and the poor can't play this game because they cannot get credit. The very poor are barely treading water, given that 20 million to 40 million migrant workers (and surely many others) lost their jobs last winter. These people are unavoidably spending far less this year than last, while the well-off can only consume so much additional food and clothing. Consequently, prices stay steady or decline, and Chinese retailers report consistently disappointing revenues and profits." Full Article.
Chinese Investment in Foreign Operations
Voice of America 10/18/2009
Voice of America quoted Clayton Dube, associate director of the USC U.S.-China Institute, in an article about Chinese investment in foreign operations. Dube said that while most Chinese firms are not ready to manage large foreign operations involving foreign workers, eventually Chinese firms will engage in the same localization strategies that serve Toyota and other Japanese automobile makers. Full Article (In Chinese).
U.S.-China Legal Exchange
Voice of America 10/11/2009
Voice of America featured a USC U.S.-China Institute event, the U.S.-China Legal Exchange. Simon Wilkie of the USC College discussed China's new patent law and changes in the country's telecommunications industry. Wilkie said that China's challenges differ in important ways from those of the U.S., where myriad local governments regulate the cable industry. Full Article (In Chinese).
USC hosts Chinese delegation
The Daily Trojan 10/11/2009
The USC US-China Institute is set to contribute to the bilateral discourse between the United States and China by hosting a delegation of high-level Chinese government officials for a daylong Legal Exchange focusing on Chinese telecommunications and patent law, on campus Monday. Full Article.
Rise of NGOs in China
Voice of America 10/10/2009
Voice of America featured two USC events, one from the USC U.S.-China Institute and one from the USC School of Social Work, about the rise of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in China, their use of new technologies, and the services they provide. Stanley Rosen of the USC College said that NGOs should have no problem being effective, as long as they focus on local concerns and steer clear of politics. Full Article (In Chinese).
China's 60th Anniversary of Communist Rule
The World Journal 10/7/2009
World Journal featured Clayton Dube, associate director of the USC U.S.-China Institute, and Stanley Rosen of the USC College in a special section on China celebrating the 60th anniversary of communist rule. Rosen said that the big issues for China are pollution, income inequality and lack of transparency, though the Chinese have greater access to information than in the past and are primarily focused on improvements in everyday life. Dube said that reducing infant mortality is one of the most important achievements in the regime's history, adding that this has fueled China's rapid population increase from 583 million in 1953 to 1.3 million today. These numbers, combined with China's one-child policy, mean that China confronts many demographic challenges, including caring for a large number of elderly, Dube noted. Full Article (In Chinese).
Latest all-English Web radio station to come
The China Post 10/6/2009
The China Post (Taiwan) reported that USC and other universities will provide content for a new all-English Internet radio station that will launch this week in Taiwan. Taipei Times (Taiwan) also covered the story. Full Article.
Will Wen's visit bring North Korea back to the table?
CNN 10/5/2009
CNN interviewed Mike Chinoy of the USC Annenberg School on whether Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao can persuade North Korea to return to the six-party talks on its nuclear weapons program. Chinoy, author of the book "Meltdown: The Inside Story of the North Korean Nuclear Crisis," said that North Korea's internal problems are compounded by its diplomatic and economic isolation. But the situation has changed, he explained. "The North Koreans are in an engagement mode. They sorted out their internal circumstances, Kim is basically recovered from health problems and is very much in charge, and I think the North is seeking to reach out diplomatically across the board, including the Chinese." Full Article.
The Next Chinese Revolution
Far Eastern Economic Review 10/1/2009
Far Eastern Economic Review ran an op-ed by Daniel Lynch of the USC College on how the recession has affected China. While China stated that it suffered only a mild economic downturn, its government launched a massive stimulus program, which could cause inflation and ultimately an unstable recovery, Lynch wrote. He also discussed how China's elites, accustomed to rapid economic gains and a rising position for China, will respond to tougher times. Turbulence could result, and "China's leaders might have to make concessions of a kind that they never would have imagined, let alone wished to see," Lynch wrote. "They might have to contemplate liberalization." Full Article.
Hail the next global leader
South China Morning Post 9/30/2009
South China Morning Post (China) quoted Stanley Rosen of the USC College in an article on China's future as a global leader. China will most likely exercise power differently than the United States has, according to Rosen. "If the American 'national interest' implies not just economic prosperity and civil liberties at home, but a world where others also enjoy a variety of political freedoms, the Chinese national interest is far more limited and domestically defined," Rosen said. In the future, China is likely to exercise its influence subtly, without the military adventures that have marked the American model, he added. Full Article.
'A City of Sadness' film screens in U.S. cities
The China Post 9/28/2009
The China Post (Taiwan) quoted David James of the USC School of Cinematic Arts in a story about the 20th anniversary of the Taiwanese historical film "A City of Sadness," which screened recently at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. James praised director Hou Hsiao-hsien as one of the world's most outstanding directors and acclaimed his special filming technique, the story stated. Full Article.
Japan's new government: Poodle or Pekinese?
The Economist 9/17/2009
Economist cited an article by Leif-Eric Easley of the USC Korean Studies Institute and two colleagues. In an upcoming article in the journal Asia Policy, the three scholars wrote: "Under the cover that Obama is not Bush, the [Democratic Party of Japan] could express a greater desire to work with the Obama administration and essentially declare a 'more equal partnership' with little substantial adjustment or cost." Full Article.
BOOKS: 'Engagement with North Korea'
The Washington Times 9/15/2009
The Washington Times reviewed a book edited by David Kang of the USC College and a colleague from the Hiroshima Peace Institute. "Engagement With Korea: A Viable Alternative" explores the option of working with North Korea diplomatically rather than coercively. Kang and colleague wrote that "there has been little sustained effort either to explore the theoretical logic of engagement or to assess whether or not -- and if so in what ways -- engagement has worked on the Korean Peninsula," concluding that "engagement in general is a viable alternative to coercive strategies for inducing North Korean cooperation." Kang's concluding essay presents the lack of a viable alternative as the most fundamental argument for engagement, the review stated. Full Article.
U.S. expert impressed by changes in China
Xinhua News Agency 9/15/2009
Xinhua News Agency (China) featured Clayton Dube, associate director of the USC U.S.-China Institute, in an article on physical and cultural changes in China over the last 60 years. Dube, who has visited China frequently since the early 1980s, said that China is completely different in the way its cities look and the way people dress than when he first traveled to the country. He said that there is now more freedom for individuals to choose the way they live, work and travel. Dube added that the Communist Party of China has "both driven change and needed to respond to change." "China's achievements over the entire 60 years, especially in the last three decades are stunning," Dube said. Full Article.
Chinese market's influence on the world financial system
O Globo 9/15/2009
O Globo (Brazil) quoted Clayton Dube, associate director of the USC U.S.-China Institute, and Baizhu Chen of the USC Marshall School about whether the dramatic increases in China's markets represent a threat to the world financial system. Dube said that the Chinese government's $586 billion economic stimulus program has driven big infrastructure projects and that the government's loosening of credit has produced a real estate bubble. He noted that the effort followed massive layoffs in China's export sector. Chen said that the government was investing and seeking to create jobs to avoid social instability. Full Article.
American scholar praises China's population policy, warns of challenges
China View 9/11/2009
Xinhua News Agency (China) mentioned a speech made at USC by anthropologist Barbara Pillsbury about the impact China's population control policy may have on the country's future. The USC U.S.-China Institute sponsored the event. Full Article.
U.S. may profit from better Japan-Asia ties
Reuters 9/3/2009
Reuters quoted Leif-Eric Easley of the USC Korean Studies Institute in a story on the United States' relationships in Asia. The U.S. should do more than just approve of deeper Japanese engagement with its neighbors, Easley said. "Washington should encourage this on top of close coordination with Tokyo," he added. "If Japan is more trusted and active in Asia, that will be an asset to the U.S.-Japan alliance." Full Article.
Korean Woman to Head East Asian Libraries Council in U.S.
Chosun Ilbo (South Korea)8/27/2009
Chosun Ilbo (South Korea) reported that Joy Kim of the USC Libraries, curator of USC's Korean Heritage Library, will become the first ethnic Korean to head the Council on East Asian Libraries in North America. In her 24 years at USC, Kim has helped the Korean Heritage Library collection grow from only about 1,000 volumes to the current 80,000, the story noted. Kim also encouraged the library to acquire a collection of 134 Korean maps dating from the 17th century through the 19th century. Full Article.
Overseas Universities
Sing Tao (China) 8/27/2009
Sing Tao (China) cited USC as one of America's elite schools in a story on overseas universities that are well suited to Hong Kong students. Full Article (in Chinese).
Korean Air upgrades service, image
USA Today 8/23/2009
USA Today quoted USC Executive Vice President and Provost C.L. Max Nikias in a profile of USC Trustee and USC Marshall School alumnus Yang Ho Cho, chairman of Korean Air. Cho has been influential in finding funding for a new multimedia center and endowments at USC, the story reported. "Even in big USC alumni events, I can see that our alums really show great respect for [Cho] and who he is," Nikias said. Full Article.
Kim Sought to Defend His Political Legacy
The Korea Times 8/20/2009
The Korea Times (South Korea) noted that "Three-Stage Approach to Korean Reunification: Focusing on the South-North Confederal Stage," a book by former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, was published by USC in 1997. Full Article.
Clinton in North Korea: Stealth Diplomacy
USC Politics and Society 8/14/2009
The ties between the United States and North Korea have always been complex. The North Koreans have always wanted direct negotiations with the U.S., and the U.S. has preferred to involve others- the South Koreans, the Chinese, the Japanese and the Russians. Years ago, the North Koreans described the South Koreans as American puppets and refused to directly deal with them, insisting that they wanted to talk with the decision-makers. This changed with the 1997 South Korean election of Kim Dae-jung, who initiated the cooperation-focused Sunshine Policy and ultimately met with Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang. A few years before, the Clinton administration had managed to forge better - but still not good - ties with North Korea. Former President Jimmy Carter, then Representative Bill Richardson, and then Secretary of State Madeleine Albright all visited North Korea during the Clinton years. Full Article.
An International LINC to Global Commerce
USC News 8/10/2009
A unique program at the USC Marshall School of Business prepares students for an era of shrinking international borders, giving them hands-on experience to develop the tools for business success. The only program of its kind in the country, LINC pairs a two-unit course on international business with a 10-day trip to meet executives and political leaders abroad. It's a rare opportunity for students to learn about global business "early in their academic career," said Guillermina Molina-Sabatini, director of undergraduate student services. Full Article.
USC to Open Office in Shanghai
USC News 8/4/2009
Taking the next step toward doubling its office presence in Asia, USC's Office of Globalization announced the opening of a new international office in Shanghai, China. This brings the number of USC offices in Asia to four. Two more - in Seoul (South Korea) and India - are scheduled to open later this year. Full Article.
Learning from 'On Top of the World'
USC College summer study abroad program takes undergrads to China.
USC College News 7/30/2009
Gillman, a political science major, and Jason, a double major in Chinese and business administration at USC Marshall School of Business, are in Shanghai for a study abroad course offered by the College's East Asian Studies Center (EASC). The course is made possible through a Freeman Foundation grant. Based in Vermont, the foundation is dedicated to enhancing understanding between the United States and East Asia. Full Article.
Uighur vs. Han: China's Ethnic Violence
USC Politics and Society 7/17/2009
In early July, Uighurs and Han Chinese clashed in China's Xinjiang region, and the violence and crackdown that followed left more than 180 dead. Two USC experts examine the simmering tensions that led to the unrest, the strategic importance of the region, and the Chinese government's efforts to quell the riots with measures that included suspending cell phone and Internet access. Full Article.
Four Big Worries in Asia
USC Politcs and Society 6/19/2009
Amid new aggressive posturing by Kim Jong II, USC's David Kang looks at the major unresolved security concerns that could destabilize the region. North Korea's nuclear aspirations are a longstanding and seemingly intractable issue, made even more vital by the uncertainty of Kim Jong Il's succession, says Kang, director of the Korean Studies Institute at USC. Full Article.
Stanley Rosen on China's Youth
USC US-China Intitute News 6/10/2009
The Brookings Institution held its discussion of "Understanding China's Angry Youth" in Washington, DC on April 29, 2009. It featured presentations by Kai-fu Lee of Google, Evan Osnos of the New Yorker, Professor Rosen (who is also director of the USC East Asian Studies Center), Teresa Wright of California State University Long Beach, and Xu Wu of Arizona State University. Cheng Li and Ken Lieberthal served as hosts and moderators for the event. The following transcript was prepared by Anderson Court Reporting. Click here to read the full transcript of the event. Full Article.
May You Stay Forever Young
USC News 6/5/2009
Before plastic surgery and Botox, an ancient culture had a different way of dealing with the quest for eternal youth. Why not simply live forever? In medieval China, circa third century B.C., people believed it possible to be 800 years old, only without the pesky wrinkles and liver spots. Transcendents were deathless, godlike beings with supernormal powers. They not only had eternal life, people believed they could fly, heal the sick, be in several places at once, predict the future, read thoughts, disappear - and do it all with a youthful glow . Full Article.
USC Viterbi and Tsinghua U. Deepen Relationship
USC News 6/3/2009
The ongoing cooperation between the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and Tsinghua University's School of Information Science and Technology rose a level during the recent visit of dean Yannis C. Yortsos and a large USC delegation to Beijing. Full Article.
