wonder-if secretly so as to not seem arrogant-if China
threatens our economic hegemony. We wonder if it will
soon outpace us in science, military prowess and global
cultural influence. We grimace at the thought that a
pseudo-communist state, devoid of democratic
principles, might soon wield more power than us on the
world stage. (But let's be honest, the West hasn't only
spread love and acceptance and prosperity throughout
the world. Nevertheless... )
What makes it worse is that China is so mysterious. It
is so culturally, linguistically and historically
removed from what seems familiar to the West that China
might be our closest accessible example of an alien
culture. This may seem intolerant-we're all just people
after all, doing our best to get by in life, raise our
families, make a living and eek out some happiness-but
China hasn't helped this perception by being
particularly transparent or open to foreign prying
eyes.
The scariest part is the rumbling sub-text behind
Western rhetoric on China. There always seems to be an
implicit threat of violence, as if an eventual war is
inevitable. As China rises up economically, militarily
and culturally, it will have no choice but to trespass
into American and European economic and cultural
spheres. And these powers will have to protect what is
"rightfully" theirs.
Perhaps this is true, God forbid. But if one thing
drives a lead-up to violence, it's ignorance and vague,
generalized fears. And that's exactly what's going on.
Along this vein, we must do our part to learn about
China. We must understand her aspirations, her peoples,
her style of governance, her attitude toward other
nations and cultures and, really, what makes China
tick.
This is no small task. China is a teeming mass of
people-rounding out at 1.3 billion people. That's more
than three of the European Unions or four Americas. And
within this enormous amount of people exist upwards of
60 distinct, indigenous ethnic groups. It is absurd to
assume any sort of overall homogeneity within the
Chinese population.
But that doesn't mean it is impossible to get some
understanding of China. In fact, there are numerous
insights that could help us gain a more three
dimensional, nuanced view of this fascinating and
complex culture. And doing so, on an individual and
cultural level, can help mitigate any possible
animosity as China ultimately grows to become on par
with North America and Europe economically, militarily,
culturally and otherwise.
Let's see if we can dispel a few pervasive sentiments.
For example, there is a general sense that China just
blindly wants to expand itself and its area of
influence. This is untrue on two levels.
· China is simply trying to find a way to provide its
people and nation with the resources it needs to build
infrastructure, create energy and keep everyone working
and fed.
· China's resource acquisition is incredibly well
planned, intentional and shrewd. Commenting on China's
corporate/state fusion entities that are reaching their
tentacles out into the world, blogger Brent Pierce
pointed out:
"Utilizing its own brand of state-controlled
capitalism, a new facet of corporate market domination
has emerged - one that has enabled China to reap
enormous benefits from the robust activity of its
corporate vehicles."
Interestingly, China's economic excursions into foreign
territories could be argued to be vastly more peaceful
and beneficial to said foreign territories than similar
endeavors by Western powers. China is making enormous
inroads into Africa, cutting deals with African nations
that help finance infrastructure projects and provide
much-needed jobs to these impoverished nations in
exchange for raw materials. African peoples and leaders
are grateful for the help and China gets the resources
it needs.
All too often, paternalistic finger wagging at so-
called human rights violations or a need for democracy
thinly veils the West's resource-acquisition into
undeveloped nations. This breeds resentment and
ultimately fuels uprisings or civil wars. China makes
deals everyone can get behind.
China is similarly propping up central Asian nations in
exchange for rights to build natural gas and oil
pipelines across this massive continent.
In further attempts to attract resources with enticing
offers, China has begun to open the door to foreign
direct investment (FDI). This domain still leaves much
to be desired, but recent political developments
indicate that China is motivated to make concessions to
foreign investors. There is money to be made in China,
even if you're not Chinese it seems.
A more broad, informed view of China paints this
country not as a potential aggressor or threat, but
rather a nation just like any other. They have their
needs and they're doing what they can to fulfill them.
In many areas, they are doing incredibly well, and
without rocking the international boat. They deserve
our respect and admiration, not our fear.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?
expert=Grant_Atkins
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8369628
No comments:
Post a Comment