#AP Chinese Exam Study Guide: Global Tensions & Human Rights in China

Hey there! Let's get you prepped for the AP Chinese exam. This guide is designed to help you quickly review key concepts, make connections, and feel confident. Think of it as your friendly sidekick for exam day! 💪

#1. Global Tensions with China

#1.1 Trade Disputes

What's the deal? 🤝 The US and China have been butting heads over trade practices.
US claims: China steals intellectual property and forces tech transfers. 😠
US actions: Tariffs on Chinese goods. 💰
China claims: US is being protectionist. 🛡️
China actions: Tariffs on US goods. 💸
Impact: Strained relations and global economic concerns. 😟
Key Event: Phase One trade deal (Jan 2020) - but tensions remain! 😬

Exam Tip

Remember the back-and-forth nature of trade disputes; both sides have claims and actions. This is a common theme in FRQs.

#1.2 Cutting Investments with China

Why are companies leaving? 🤔
- Trade tensions: Tariffs make business expensive. 📈
- Labor costs: Rising costs in China. 💸
- IP theft: Concerns about intellectual property. 🔒
- Political unrest: Instability makes things risky. ⚠️
Where are they going? Vietnam, Indonesia, etc. 🌏

#1.3 Territorial Disputes

East China Sea: China vs. Japan over Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. 🗾
- Resource-rich area. 💰
South China Sea: China vs. several Southeast Asian countries. 🌏
- China building artificial islands. 🏝️
- Militarization = 😠
Impact: Increased military activity and strained relations. ⚔️

Key Concept

Territorial disputes are a recurring theme in AP exams. Understand the specific regions and the countries involved.

#1.4 Cyber Espionage

The issue: Cyber attacks and espionage allegedly from China. 💻
What's at stake? Sensitive information and trade advantages. 🕵️‍♀️
Impact: Increased tension, international agreements to address it. 🤝

#1.5 Influence and Political Interference

How? Economic influence (Belt and Road Initiative), propaganda, disinformation. 📢
Concerns: Debt vulnerabilities and shaping public opinion. 😟
Result: Increased scrutiny and strained relations. 👀

Practice Question

Which of the following is NOT a reason for US companies to reduce investments in China? A) Trade tensions B) Rising labor costs C) Intellectual property concerns D) Increased political stability

The territorial disputes in the South China Sea involve China and which of the following groups of countries?
    A) North American countries
    B) European countries
    C) Southeast Asian countries
    D) South American countries

Analyze how trade disputes and territorial conflicts contribute to global tensions involving China. Discuss specific examples and their impact on international relations.

1 point for identifying specific trade disputes (e.g., tariffs, intellectual property theft)
  1 point for explaining how these disputes strain international relations
  1 point for identifying specific territorial disputes (e.g., South China Sea, East China Sea)
  1 point for explaining how these disputes lead to military activity and regional tension
  1 point for a clear and concise analysis of the overall impact on global stability

#2. Human Rights in China

#2.1 General Concerns

What's the issue? Human rights abuses, treatment of minorities, suppression of dissent. 😟
Criticism: China faces backlash from other countries and international organizations. 🗣️
Key areas: Xinjiang province, political dissent. 📍

#2.2 Uighurs and Re-education Camps

Who are the Uighurs? A Muslim ethnic group in Xinjiang. ☪️
What are the camps? "Re-education" camps where Uighurs are detained. 🏕️
What happens there? Reports of torture, abuse, and forced political indoctrination. 😥
Chinese justification: Counter-terrorism and extremism. 🛡️
International view: Mass detention and political repression. 😠

Memory Aid

Remember Uighurs in Unfair camps. Both start with "U" to help you remember the connection.

#2.2.1 Mulan (2020)

Controversy: Filmed in Xinjiang, where human rights abuses occur. 🎬
Boycott: Calls to boycott the film due to human rights concerns. 🚫
Other issues: Cultural accuracy and representation. 🎭

#2.3 Chinese Human Rights Activists

Who are they? Individuals speaking out against the Chinese government. 🗣️
Examples:
- Liu Xiaobo: Nobel Peace Prize winner, imprisoned, died in custody. 🕊️
- Chen Guangcheng: Lawyer, activist, fled to the US. 🏃
- Ai Weiwei: Artist, activist, critical of the government. 🎨
- Gao Zhisheng: Lawyer, activist, faced torture. 🤕

Human rights issues in China, particularly the situation in Xinjiang, are high-value topics. Be prepared to discuss the Uighurs, re-education camps, and the controversy surrounding Mulan.

Practice Question

What is the primary concern regarding the 're-education camps' in Xinjiang? A) Providing vocational training B) Combating terrorism C) Forcibly indoctrinating ethnic minorities D) Improving regional stability

Which of the following is a Chinese human rights activist known for his artistic expression and criticism of the government?
    A) Liu Xiaobo
    B) Chen Guangcheng
    C) Ai Weiwei
    D) Gao Zhisheng

Discuss the human rights concerns in Xinjiang province, focusing on the treatment of Uighurs and the use of 're-education camps.' What are the international responses to these issues?

 1 point for identifying the Uighur population as a significant ethnic minority in Xinjiang
  1 point for describing the 're-education camps' and their purpose according to the Chinese government
  1 point for explaining the human rights concerns associated with these camps (e.g., forced labor, torture)
  1 point for outlining the international responses (e.g., condemnation, sanctions)
  1 point for a clear and concise analysis of the human rights situation in Xinjiang

#Final Exam Focus 🎯

#High-Priority Topics:

Trade Disputes: Understand the claims and counterclaims, tariffs, and the impact on global relations. 💰
Territorial Disputes: Know the specific regions and countries involved, especially in the East and South China Seas. 🗾
Human Rights: Be familiar with the situation in Xinjiang, the Uighurs, and the re-education camps. 😥
Chinese Activists: Recognize key figures like Liu Xiaobo, Ai Weiwei, and their contributions. 🗣️

#Common Question Types:

Multiple Choice: Expect questions that test your knowledge of specific events, figures, and locations. 🤔
Short Answer: Be ready to explain the causes and effects of various issues, such as trade disputes and human rights concerns. ✍️
Free Response: Practice analyzing the complex relationships between China and other countries, and the impact of China's actions on the global stage. 🌍

#Last-Minute Tips:

Time Management: Don't get bogged down on one question. Move on and come back if you have time. ⏰
Common Pitfalls: Avoid making generalizations. Use specific examples to support your answers. ⚠️
Strategies: Focus on key terms and concepts. Use your knowledge of one area to make connections in another. 💡

You've got this! Stay calm, review your notes, and go ace that exam! 🎉