Prior to taking this course, I was under the impression that China was in the midst of an economic miracle. However, the more and more I read about China in the news and the more 'behind the scenes' information I learn about China from this course, I realize that this economic miracle may not be with out some serious costs! And unfortunately, the people expected to the foot the bill for this so-called 'miracle' are the lowest on the socio-economic totem pole...the farmers.
In an attempt to build more highways, more strip malls, more high end apartments, the government is literally taking the land out from under the peasants. When the government takes the land away from the farmers, they not only take their homes and property, but as one of the reporters mentioned in the NYT segment, since there is no social security or pension for old age, the government has deprived them of their ability to feed themselves.
As I read this article China Looks Set for Telecom Restructuring Industry, I couldn't help but wonder who was going to really benefit from this? Should the world be rejoicing? Should the people of China be rejoicing that China is almost ready to launch one of the biggest mobile mergers in China's history? Granted, it would provide great telecommunications for an already expanding group of costumers...but, come on now.
How about investing all of that time, energy, and brain power...and lets fix some really serious problems. Lets fix the sewage leaking into the rivers that are running through the provinces and irrigating the fields and causing high percentages of men and women to die of cancer! I feel was China begins to tackle those issues...environmental, social, political...then China would truly be in the midst of an 'economic miracle.'
Friday, April 4, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
China's New Radicals (Blog #6)
First of all, I have to say that I found the TimeAsia article, China's New Radicals, extremely interesting!!! To briefly summarize the article, it discussed the growing linglei subculture within China. The linglei are young, middle to upper class Chinese that choose to become the outcasts of society; they live the alternative lifestyle. They are typically high school drop outs, listen to punk rock, and dress in flashy clothes.
It appears that recently, the linglei lifestyle has grown in popularity. Advertisers use this lifestyle as a marketing ploy to entice the younger generation. It is becoming cool and hip to be a linglei. The linglei do not get hassled from the government because they know where their bread is buttered! They know that if they go too far...than all their freedom will be gone in moments. Although many of them lack formal schooling...they are not stupid.
It was very interesting because Alex provided a very different prospective towards Chinese youth. He praised the importance of an education. I could tell that he really valued his schooling and that the people he probably associated with would, as well.
Here is my take on the situation (and I could be completely off!)
It reminds me of Hollywood and all those gossip magazines and stuff...
If you come from a working class background, you are more likely to value your education. The kids that are part of the linglei class obviously have the luxury of opting out and still making it. If that makes any sense. Obviously, if they didn't have some financial security (a mom and dad that could be their safety net) then it wouldn't be cool. No one thinks being a hobo is cool. So, of course when they drop out of school and decide to live the life of a writer in the big city...they have to know in the back of their minds that they are not going to starve to death.
It appears that recently, the linglei lifestyle has grown in popularity. Advertisers use this lifestyle as a marketing ploy to entice the younger generation. It is becoming cool and hip to be a linglei. The linglei do not get hassled from the government because they know where their bread is buttered! They know that if they go too far...than all their freedom will be gone in moments. Although many of them lack formal schooling...they are not stupid.
It was very interesting because Alex provided a very different prospective towards Chinese youth. He praised the importance of an education. I could tell that he really valued his schooling and that the people he probably associated with would, as well.
Here is my take on the situation (and I could be completely off!)
It reminds me of Hollywood and all those gossip magazines and stuff...
If you come from a working class background, you are more likely to value your education. The kids that are part of the linglei class obviously have the luxury of opting out and still making it. If that makes any sense. Obviously, if they didn't have some financial security (a mom and dad that could be their safety net) then it wouldn't be cool. No one thinks being a hobo is cool. So, of course when they drop out of school and decide to live the life of a writer in the big city...they have to know in the back of their minds that they are not going to starve to death.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Should China's Status Be Reconsidered? (Blog #5)
I have given the following question some thought:
With all that you have learned from these recent reports about China's current internal problems, do you think that its world power status should be reconsidered?
My answer to the above question is...NO! I think power is about perception. How does the world perceive China? And in what respects does one consider China powerful? Economically, socially, militarily, politically? Obviously, I think its a pretty safe bet to say that politically speaking, China is not a political power house. In my opinion, its only a matter of time before the CCP crumbles and democracy reigns.
In todays day and age, diplomacy is always of utmost concern. I think everyone would agree that its better to have China as a friend than a foe. I think a nation like China becomes more 'powerful' once they become your enemy.
With all that you have learned from these recent reports about China's current internal problems, do you think that its world power status should be reconsidered?
My answer to the above question is...NO! I think power is about perception. How does the world perceive China? And in what respects does one consider China powerful? Economically, socially, militarily, politically? Obviously, I think its a pretty safe bet to say that politically speaking, China is not a political power house. In my opinion, its only a matter of time before the CCP crumbles and democracy reigns.
In todays day and age, diplomacy is always of utmost concern. I think everyone would agree that its better to have China as a friend than a foe. I think a nation like China becomes more 'powerful' once they become your enemy.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
China to Log its Worst Polluters (Blog #4)
"On the pollution situation, we have seen improvements, but we haven't got to the turning point yet." This is a quote from Ma Jun, who works for the Beijing-based Institute of Public and Environment Affairs. It was made in reference to China's new project that will survey the nations leading industrial polluters. Wang Yuqing, who is heading up the China Pollution Source Census, hopes to have this information available as early as next year. According to Wang, the goal of the project is not to directly penalize the polluters, through oppressive fines and taxes, but is simply a research finding mission. Once all the data is compiled, the government will then be able to make better, forward thinking policies. At least that is the idea.
The pitfalls of the project, of course, is that one has to rely on the integrity of those providing the answers. In an attempt to deter major pollution producers from being deceitful, the project managers have issued a 1-800 number of sorts for people to use if they suspect someone of being untruthful.
What are my thoughts on this issue? What, if anything would I do differently?
Well, first of all...I am a firm believer that you have to practice what you preach. I'm not sure how a government that isn't 100% honest (and I know the US government isn't perfect either...but, that's not what I'm addressing at the moment) with its citizens can expect that in return. I'm not sure how a government that allows hundreds of thousands of people to go without clean drinking water can really do to gain the respect of people. I don't know if anyone will take them seriously enough to be honest.
The pitfalls of the project, of course, is that one has to rely on the integrity of those providing the answers. In an attempt to deter major pollution producers from being deceitful, the project managers have issued a 1-800 number of sorts for people to use if they suspect someone of being untruthful.
What are my thoughts on this issue? What, if anything would I do differently?
Well, first of all...I am a firm believer that you have to practice what you preach. I'm not sure how a government that isn't 100% honest (and I know the US government isn't perfect either...but, that's not what I'm addressing at the moment) with its citizens can expect that in return. I'm not sure how a government that allows hundreds of thousands of people to go without clean drinking water can really do to gain the respect of people. I don't know if anyone will take them seriously enough to be honest.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Bush The Latest To Challenge China's Role in Darfur (Blog #2)
During his recent visit through five African nations, President Bush put continued pressure on China to stop trade with the Sudanese. While in Africa, Bush agreed to finance a 100 million dollar peacekeeping mission in Darfur. Bush was adament that "human suffering ought to preempt commercial interests." This statement was viewed by many to be a direct jab at the Chinese Government for their continued business with the Sudanese even in the midst of extreme human rights violations.
Since China is looking to 'diversify' their exports and build facilities near the raw materials, it seems only natural that they would begin courting African nations. (Shirk, 134) The African courtship by the Chinese government went into overdrive in 2005 and 2006 was coined the "Year of Africa" amongst Beijing officials. (Shirk, 134) Chinese officials seeking to secure their global position as a 'responsible power' claim to be well aware of the human rights violations in the Sudan. According to officials, they are 'working behind the scenes' with the Sudanese Government to make improvements. China frowns on the US for being so quick to pass judgment on the nations they choose to do business with. According to many Chinese officials, the US already has a monopoly on the regions that are rich with resources and deemed 'acceptable' to the rest of the world. Therefore, China has no other choice but to look to regions like the Sudan to meet their growing oil needs.
Since China is looking to 'diversify' their exports and build facilities near the raw materials, it seems only natural that they would begin courting African nations. (Shirk, 134) The African courtship by the Chinese government went into overdrive in 2005 and 2006 was coined the "Year of Africa" amongst Beijing officials. (Shirk, 134) Chinese officials seeking to secure their global position as a 'responsible power' claim to be well aware of the human rights violations in the Sudan. According to officials, they are 'working behind the scenes' with the Sudanese Government to make improvements. China frowns on the US for being so quick to pass judgment on the nations they choose to do business with. According to many Chinese officials, the US already has a monopoly on the regions that are rich with resources and deemed 'acceptable' to the rest of the world. Therefore, China has no other choice but to look to regions like the Sudan to meet their growing oil needs.
Bush The Latest To Challenge China's Role in Darfur (Blog #3)
During his recent visit through five African nations, President Bush put continued pressure on China to stop trade with the Sudanese. While in Africa, Bush agreed to finance a 100 million dollar peacekeeping mission in Darfur. Bush was adament that "human suffering ought to preempt commercial interests." This statement was viewed by many to be a direct jab at the Chinese Government for their continued business with the Sudanese even in the midst of extreme human rights violations.
Since China is looking to 'diversify' their exports and build facilities near the raw materials, it seems only natural that they would begin courting African nations. (Shirk, 134) The African courtship by the Chinese government went into overdrive in 2005 and 2006 was coined the "Year of Africa' amongst Beijing officials. Chinese officials seeking to secure their global position as a 'responsible power' claim to be well aware of the human rights violations in the Sudan. According to officials, they are 'working behind the scenes' with the Sudanese Government to make improvements. China frowns on the US for being so quick to pass judgment on the nations they choose to do business with. According to many Chinese officials, the US already has a monopoly on the regions that are rich with resources and deemed 'acceptable' to the rest of the world. Therefore, China has no other choice but to look to regions like the Sudan to meet their growing oil needs.
Since China is looking to 'diversify' their exports and build facilities near the raw materials, it seems only natural that they would begin courting African nations. (Shirk, 134) The African courtship by the Chinese government went into overdrive in 2005 and 2006 was coined the "Year of Africa' amongst Beijing officials. Chinese officials seeking to secure their global position as a 'responsible power' claim to be well aware of the human rights violations in the Sudan. According to officials, they are 'working behind the scenes' with the Sudanese Government to make improvements. China frowns on the US for being so quick to pass judgment on the nations they choose to do business with. According to many Chinese officials, the US already has a monopoly on the regions that are rich with resources and deemed 'acceptable' to the rest of the world. Therefore, China has no other choice but to look to regions like the Sudan to meet their growing oil needs.
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