East meets West at Bryant University

Discussions on environmental concerns in China and the Silk Road Project featured in China Seminar Series.

Traveling the Silk Road

Studying the culture and understanding the issues that affect the world’s most populous country are key to learning the Chinese language. To help Bryant students immerse themselves in different aspects of Chinese culture, the U.S.-China Institute at Bryant sponsors monthly seminars.

To commemorate Earth Day in April, the Institute sponsored a half-day conference that focused on the environmental challenges facing the world with a particular focus on China.

The economic giant’s extraordinary growth in recent years has placed considerable strain on natural resources and caused a dramatic increase in pollution worldwide.

“China is facing perhaps the most massive and complex challenges on the environment and sustainability in the world,” said Hongjun Zhang, a partner at Washington, D.C.-based law firm Holland & Knight, who previously drafted environmental laws as the legislative director of China’s National People’s Congress.

While the United States Clean Air Act meticulously spells out pollution laws that companies must follow, the Chinese equivalent has far fewer restrictions, says Hongjun. “Government enforcement of environmental laws is insufficient,” he says.

(Photo on the left) Hongjun Zhang, a partner at Washington, D.C.-based law firm Holland & Knight, who previously drafted environmental laws as the legislative director of China’s National People’s Congress and (photo on the right) Guangli Xu, professor and chair of the civil engineering department at the China University of Geosciences.

The path to creating new environmental standards in China is made more difficult because tradition dictates that hierarchy and authority take precedent over written laws. “The traditional Chinese culture does not support new regulations,” says Hongjun.

Still, he predicts, there could be light at the end of the tunnel. The new Ministry of Environmental Protection created earlier this year will result in significant reform and more stringent regulations, he says.

In the conference’s second keynote address, Guangli Xu, professor and chair of the civil engineering department at the China University of Geosciences, focused on the implications of the Three Gorges Dam. Measuring more than 7,660 feet long and 330 feet high, the largest dam in the world is credited with controlling devastating flooding in the region, generating electricity, and improving river transportation. Construction on the $25 billion project, which began in 1994, will officially be completed in 2011.

While there are clear benefits to the projects, the Chinese government has had to address issues dealing with increased sedimentation, endangered species, and relocation of people. Still, Guangli is optimistic that measures are in place to ensure the project is a success.

(L-R) Hong Yang, associate professor of science and technology and director of Bryant's U.S.-China Institute's Director; Hongjun Zhang, a partner at Washington, D.C.-based law firm Holland & Knight, who previously drafted environmental laws as the legislative director of China’s National People’s Congress; Guangli Xu, professor and chair of the civil engineering department at the China University of Geosciences, and Gaytha Langlois, professor of science and technology, take part in a panel discussion as part of an Earth Day conference sponsored by Bryant's U.S.-China Institute.

“As time passes, the benefits of the Three Gorges Dam will far outweigh the costs,” he said Guangli.

Traveling the Silk Road

The final China Seminar Series event during the spring semester explored the history of the Silk Road, a 4,000-mile route of trade networks between East and West Asia that has origins as far back as ancient Chinese civilizations.

Laura Freid, CEO and executive director of the Silk Road Project, a nonprofit organization that promotes cross-cultural exchanges through the arts, says the project – a metaphor for current-day cultural exchange – is an appropriate topic for a college campus.

Laura Freid, CEO and executive director of the Silk Road Project

“Universities are like little silk roads … people from all over the world make up a college community,” she said.

It is important for students studying international business to appreciate the traditions and customs of those with different backgrounds. “If you don’t understand the culture of the people you are trying to do business with, it can be a real obstacle,” says Freid.

The Silk Road Project, which was initiated by acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma in 1998, represents 60 musicians from a variety of cultures. Started in New York, the organization relocated to Providence after forming a partnership with the Rhode Island School of Design. Its vision is to connect the world’s neighborhoods by bringing together audiences and artists around the globe.

Hu Jianbing, a recognized Chinese musician, showed his talents on a variety of instruments.

“We think that when we enlarge our view of the world, we deepen the understanding of our own lives,” said Freid. “If your world view gets bigger, your personal view gets bigger – and you understand yourself in a different way.”

Hu Jianbing, a recognized Chinese musician, performed as part of that event.

To learn more, visit Silk Road Project.

7/24/08