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My name is Mary Z. Phillips, Dr. Jordan M. Phillips was my husband.I am very honored to have him profiled in your magazine.It brings back much joy as well as great memories of the 80 trips we took to China.I consider China my second home.

Mary Z. Phillips

CA, USA

In the early 1980s the only people doing private business in my town were from the south. From time to time a man with a southern accent would appear in the neighborhood, repairing cooking pots or umbrellas. We also had a tailor from the south who ran the business with his wife. Being away from their hometown was the last thing most Chinese would want in those days, and these self-employed folks were viewed with suspicion and largely discriminated against. But when we look back today, we admire the courage and savvy of our southern compatriots, who are ready to start low and use their sharp eye for business opportunities. No wonder the south does “the heavy lifting” of the Chinese economy, and its people are better off. Some friend told me jokingly that the favorite pastime of Wenzhou housewives is to purchase real estate as investment. Everyone in the nation knows Wenzhou people have amassed fortunes, but every cent is hard earned. We could learn something from the success of Wenzhounese, particularly in a time when the economy is languishing and unemployment is on the rise.

Sun Li

Beijing, China

During its 2,000 years in China, Buddhism has adapted to the Chinese culture and permeated Chinese life. Today this religion from another land is a constituent of our own traditional culture as well as our lifestyle. Buddhism helps people maintain psychological balance when meeting setbacks. In fact, according to Buddhism, experiencing hardship is the only way to achieve a fulfilling life.

I think it is in this same way that China has integrated Western concepts about human rights into its ancient philosophical wisdom. On April 13, 2009 the State Council issued the National Human Rights Action Plan, reiterating protection of peoples economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights as well as the rights and interests of different distinct populations such as children, women, elders and ethnic minorities. We should work hard to ensure this plan is well implemented, and while we are at it, press on with the campaign to fight corruption and clean up government.

Wang Guofan

Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China

A private car brings yet one more freedom and comfort to our lives, but given the population density in Chinas big cities, the gotta-have-it private vehicle is causing big problems on our roads and for the environment in general. Pedestrian and bike lanes are shrinking and disappearing, community lawns are being encroached upon and the air fouled with exhaust. It is time we took another look at our cycling days and rethought the value of the bike in boosting clean transport and regular exercise.

Zhang Ning

Beijing, China

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