China - The Leading Lady?

How should the US view China’s developing relations with her neighbors? Should the US modify its foreign policy toward these same nations in light of their changing relations with China? (Unit 3, Lesson 2)

China would like replace the US in being the leader of the modern world. By initiating economic, social, and diplomatic relations with her neighbors, China is developing a solid foundation similar to that of the European Union.

Currently the US has provided military assistance to some of China’s neighbors and therefore kept a foot in the Asian continent. This US action dilutes power from China and keeps the US hegemonic.

The US could partner with China in providing arbitration and security to Southeast Asia. This would reduce US military spending and provide relief to a US military that is already overstretched. The issue it raises is whether China is ready to be a mediator in light of its own human rights violations, or if the US is willing to give-up any power.

The US has not always been engaged in purely noble military causes. The “war on terror” has allowed the US to be present in Asia, and it will most likely take advantage of: “the region’s rich oil and gas reserves, as American companies eagerly wish to develop this energy wealth; second, it desires tactical ground to observe nearby political development, especially in South Asia.” (Sean L. Yom, Power Politics in Central Asia, p.6)

So should the US modify its foreign policy toward China’s neighbors? Not at the moment until the US witnesses a true commitment from China in human rights issues. One cannot be a leader and a diplomatic force if one is not good to their own people.

Robes and Arms!

(Unit 3 Lesson 1)

“Arms found in China monasteries”! Yes, you have read correctly…
This is the title of a BBC article published on Wednesday April 16, 2008.
As we have all been reading and closely following, there has been violence, rioting and fighting since March. Reports have stated that Tibetan rioters are targeting shops and vehicles owned by Han Chinese (CNN, BBC March 2008).
Not only are the monks behaving in unnatural violent behavior, they are targeting other ethnic groups.
The list of weapons include: 3 rifles, 571 bullets, 10kg of dynamite, five detonators and 38 satellite receivers. Anyone who thought globalization had not reached the peaks of this region is likely to think again!
I am truly speechless!
Here is the link to the full article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7351227.stm

(I found the image on google... Monks with guns!)

Real World Application...

(Unit 2, Lesson 5)

There are so many things I wanted to know about the real China. There are stories in the news about child labor, harsh work conditions, and lack of human rights, and I wanted to know the complete truth and have the facts in order to be able to do my share in helping those who can’t help themselves.

The article “China: End Child Labor in State Schools” (http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/12/03/china17461.htm) is just another example of how poor children are abused. It adds to the pile of all the other articles I have been searching out in writing my letter to the president of the company where I work. Per Shirk, Clinton tried to address human rights and “from now on, the extension of China’s trade status would be done not by congressional action, but by executive order, with human rights conditions clearly attached” (p. 255). Unfortunately, China could not meet even the minimal conditions and the US came to the sad realization that in order to continue doing business, it must detach the human rights condition.

Since US companies will continue to seek low-cost manufacturing countries, it was very important to me that the company I work for would do everything in their power to address and avoid human right abuses. I feel this class and the readings have provided a solid foundation to argue the case and convince the president to champion the cause.

I will keep everyone posted… Either I get fired for starting trouble – which I would consider a blessing since I would not want to work for a company that does not support human rights, or I have helped make a change for a better China.