China in Mexico

In the past years, there have been many considerable efforts from both governments in order to increase their presence in each country. There have been substantial achievements in many areas: economic, social, political, cultural, etc.

In the political area, in the year 2013 the president of the Republic, Enrique Peña Nieto, celebrated the third reunion in a time span of less than six months with China’s president, Xi Jinping, concerning free trade, the opening of the Office of Commercial Affairs Mexico-China established by the Ministry of Economy in the Embassy of Mexico in China. There was also talk of the importance of the successful dialogue, bilateral collaboration and disposition that has taken place in presidential meetings towards the improvement in economic and political relations between the two countries. A notable example of this, is the creation of an investment fund between China and Mexico, as well as a preliminary approval of the Export-Import Bank of China for a credit line 500 million dollars to the National Bank of Foreign Trade (Bancomext) of Mexico. The success of these objectives would lead to mutual benefits for both countries.

In the cultural area, as a result of the cultural exchange of both countries, the exposition “Presence of China in Mexico” was presented in the state of Veracruz in 2016. It involved 185 pieces realized by 60 Chinese contemporary artists which was enjoyed by many audiences including, students, families and tourists. As was said by Harry Grappa Guzmán, the head of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (SECTUR): “Culture is the universal language of understanding, friendship and fraternity between nations.”

In the social area, there is not a place in Mexico that is as representative of Chinese culture in Mexico as Chinatown and its yearly celebration of the Chinese New Year. Each year, this place is filled with colors, music and food, true to the ancient traditions of the Chinese culture. The celebration lasts for whole month where allegoric cars, flowers and red lanterns are seen everywhere and the whole Chinese and also non-Chinese community, get together and celebrate the coming of the new year.

These events, institutions and further efforts are all extremely important for the development and progress of Mexico-China relations, which may be coming at a slow but confident pace.


References

• Barrio Chino Cd. Mxico, edemx.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 03, 2016, from http://www.edemx.com/mas/B_chino.html
• Se reúnen los presidentes de México, Enrique Peña Nieto y de China, Xi Jinping, por tercera ocasión. Embajada de México en China. (n.d.). Retrieved May 03, 2016, from https://embamex2.sre.gob.mx/china/index.php/ver-mas/39- tercera-reunion- presidentes-enrique- pena-nieto- y-xi- jinping
• Inauguran exposición “Presencia de China en México, arte y tradición”. (n.d.). Retrieved May 03, 2016, from http://veracruz.mx/noticia-2379- inauguran-exposicin- presencia-de- china-en- mxico- arte-y- tradicin

Chinese Pagoda

In the Plaza Santos Degollados, just on the side of Chinatown, there is a symbol which unites both cultures under a single arc, the “pagoda”. This Chinese arc was inaugurated in the 16th of February by the Head of government in Mexico, Marcelo Ebrard and the Ambassador of China in Mexico, Yen Hengmin.

Its structure consists of reinforced concrete, columns and beams. There are two lion sculptures on the sides feigning as guards for anyone who enters. The materials with which it was made are of Chinese origin like granite, ceramic and marble. While the construction was done by Mexicans, the paintings and decorations were completed by Chinese specialists. A garden complements the pagoda, as is according to Chinese tradition.

This construction is a constant reminder of the union, friendship and respectable relations that China has maintained with Mexico throughout the years.


References

• Pagoda China, edemx.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 03, 2016, from http://www.edemx.com/citymex/monumentos/Pagoda.html

Chinatown in Mexico City

Located deep in Downtown Mexico, between the streets of Dolores and Articulo 123, Chinatown is a small neighborhood for the Chinese culture. As soon as you step near the perimeter of Chinatown, the view of colorful lanterns and the smell of freshly baked bread fills the air.

Chinatown has become the home of many Chinese whose families have lived in Mexico for several decades, many of these families escaped the Chinese persecution of the 1930's from Sonora and Sinaloa (Mexico) and have built their businesses inside Chinatown. Many of these Chinese people have been born and raised inside Mexico City; however, many of them do not even speak Spanish, barely speak English and are only fluent in Chinese.

To experience an authentic taste of the Chinese cuisine inside Mexico City, the only option is to visit Chinatown, where despite the influence of the Mexican flavor, the oriental taste is as authentic and true as it gets.

Apart from the culinary experience, during the months of January or February, the celebration of the Chinese New Year fills the streets of Dolores and Marroquí where red lanterns, flowers, and an unusual parade takes place to celebrate Chinese culture.

Despite the small size of Chinatown, compared to the ones inside other metropolis, it is a very culturally rich zone. Perfect for submerging the one place where Chinese business is clearly mixed with pride and preservation.

References

• Barrio Chino. (n.d.). Retrieved May 03, 2016, from http://www.guiadelcentrohistorico.mx/sitios-de-interes/plazas/regi-n-7-san-juan-y-sus-alrededores/205
• El Centro Histórico. (n.d.). Retrieved May 03, 2016, from http://www.elcentrohistorico.com.mx/lugares-barrio-chino.html

What do the Chinese youth think of Mexico?

We contacted three young Chinese people to find out what is the perception they have of Mexico as Chinese youth. We made very simple questions to find out what is the image of Mexico inside the Chinese culture.

1.- Jung Fen, 24 years old from Hangzhou, China.
     What is your perception of Mexico? Did you like it? Would you come back?

Mexico is beautiful country. I worked in Guadalajara for Tec de Monterrey for some weeks and found it is a very interesting country. I also found that Mexicans find Chinese very strange and you find people staring at you very often. I also found is very similar to China, very disorganized sometimes and informal, but with very rich history. I like Mexico and I want to go back, but I have other countries I want to travel before going back.

2.- Victoria, 26 years old from Hangzhou, China.
     What is your perception of Mexico? Would you like to go?

I have never been outside of China, but I met many Mexican friends lately while teaching them the Chinese language. They have been very nice to me and friendly, I like them a lot. They are very welcoming and I like that they are so interested in the Chinese language and Chinese culture. Mexico and China are very old cultures and I want to go to Mexico sometime in the future to know more about it.

3.- Summer, 28 years old from Shanghai, China.
     What is your perception of Mexico? Would you like to go?

I don’t know a lot of Mexico. Other countries are more famous in China. People usually want to go to the USA and France, but I have not heard much about Mexico. I am sure is very beautiful country but I don’t plan to go in the future. Mexico is not very popular in China.

Mexico inside China

Mexico and China have a long standing relationship, as stated in the first post about the Chinese clock. Both countries have been doing an effort to increase diplomatic relations, trade, investment and tourism between them. Unfortunately, this effort to become closer is accompanied by a low awareness by the people of both countries and few awareness of the culture of each country.

Due to this situation, Mexico has been doing an effort to increase the country’s presence in China, using art as the medium to achieve this goal. Art is a growing industry in China, with more museums opening, and more Chinese artists coming into the spotlight; Mexico seeks to use this growing demand for art as an effort to reach the Chinese people and show them a bit of Mexico.

In 2008, during the Beijing olympics, Mexico sent a replica of the Independence Angel in Mexico City to Beijing; this was one of the first efforts to increase Mexican presence in China; however, the Angel didn’t stay long in Beijing, it visited Hong Kong SAR afterwards before returning to Mexico.

Some years after, during 2014, as part of the Mexican government program of cultural promotion in China, more than 3 Mexican art exhibitions took place in Shanghai and Beijing.

The 3 exhibitions represented different aspects of Mexican history. “Mayans, The Language of Beauty” was inaugurated by both the Mexican and Chinese presidents in November 2014 in China’s National Museum. This exhibition was a challenge due to the nature of the pieces involved and their preservation.

That same year, in October, it was also inaugurated the “Diego Rivera: Pride of Mexico” exhibit with 34 pieces in the China’s National Museum of Art in Beijing. This exhibition represents a recent past of Mexican history and art. Afterwards, in November, also inaugurated by president Enrique Peña Nieto in the Long Museum in Shanghai, the “Mexican Silver: History and Future” exhibition was expected to last for 3 months; however due to the success of the exhibition it was extended for 2 more months and was then sent to Beijing.

These efforts by the Mexican government represent a commitment to increase the ties with China, both culturally and economically. It is important to increase awareness of both cultures in both countries to reduce stigma and fear. Culture showcase is a great way to increase understanding of cultures and with this understanding friendship may follow. China and Mexico are closer than ever and it is of great importance to remind people that both countries have been friendly for a long time, that they’ve had a longstanding relationship that is becoming even closer.

Using these exhibitions is evidence of how history can help us reach people, showing China who Mexico is and showing a willingness to share our history is a good way to increase interest and awareness of our country. Due to the moment both of our countries are in, where our ties are becoming tighter, it’s important to understand each other to be able to work together and create solutions that favor both the people in china and Mexico in the future and history has served as a great ambassador for this issue.

References

• México exhibe arte Maya, obras de Diego Rivera y artesanía en plata en museos de China. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02, 2016, from http://www.travelbymexico.com/blog/16933-mexico-exhibe-arte-maya-obras-de-diego-rivera-y-artesania-en-plata-en-museos-de-china/
• Replica of Mexico's Angel of Independence to fly to Beijing_English_Xinhua. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02, 2016, from http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/29/content_8832690.htm

Chinese Clock in Bucareli

People tend to use it as a meeting point and more often than not they just pass it through without any acknowledgement. The Chinese clock in Bucareli Avenue in Mexico City has a special significance due to the historical moment it was given in. The clock was a gift from the last emperor of China, Puyi to Mexico and it was meant to celebrate the 100 years of Mexican Independence. It is curious how the clock was given in a time when both countries were about to suffer great changes in their government.

It was 1910; Mexico was still under the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz and China was still under control of the Qing dynasty, but both governments were coming to an end. In 1910 the Mexican Revolution overthrew Porfirio Diaz, establishing a new government. In 1911 the Chinese revolution, led by Sun Yat Sen overthrew the empire and created a republic; however, the clock has been a sign of friendship and unity between the two countries, regardless of who gave it and who received it; the clock has transcended governments and has become a beacon of unity between two millenary cultures. Originally, the gift was just the bronze clock; but the Chinese community in Mexico united and built the tower it sits on to give the clock a dignified place to stay.

It is often ignored by most Mexicans the importance that China has in our country, ignoring the fact that a Chinese community has been established in Mexico for quite a long time, or the fact that so many things that we pass by or consume come from the asian dragon. It is necessary to recognize the friendship between these two countries to start seeing other aspects of the country, to be more in touch with it and to try to eliminate the stigma and stereotype that both countries have of each other.

Mexico has recently signed a strategic partnership agreement with China, Aeromexico has been flying to Shanghai for nearly a decade, and Hainan Airlines has filed for Beijing-Mexico City flights and not to mention all the Chinese companies that are established in the country. The Chinese are here, they have been a long time and both countries are more close than ever, yet, most people ignore the fact that there has been a friendly relationship with China since diplomatic relations were established more than a century ago.

In a time of globalization, stigma and stereotypes have no place to be, and the renovated relationship between Mexico and China requires a representation that people can look upon. The Chinese Clock in Bucareli should and could serve as a beacon of trust between two countries that have shared more than 100 years of friendly relations, a friendship that is constantly becoming closer and that requires awareness and goodwill. The clock should recover its rightful place as a representation of the Chinese-Mexican friendship, that has transcended different regimes and crises and that is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Bibliography

• Arregui, B. D. (n.d.). LA ÉPICA HISTORIA DEL RELOJ CHINO DE BUCARELI. Retrieved April 30, 2016, from http://mxcity.mx/2016/04/reloj-chino-bucareli/
• SECTURDF | RELOJ CHINO. (n.d.). Retrieved April 30, 2016, from http://www.mexicocity.gob.mx/detalle.php?id_pat=5794

Welcome!

Welcome to Mexi-China Relations. A blog in which you will be able to learn a few things about the relationship between Mexico and China regarding the presence, heritage, and interaction between these nations and the perception the people of both places has about each other.

Hope you enjoy it!


-Karina, Verónica and José Manuel