China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

john doe — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:40:26 GMT

16th-century Rome?

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Edward, New York, NY — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:46:16 GMT

I lived in China for 6 years. I will be quite happy when people respect China and it's people. Our nationalism has kept us from appreciating the great strides made around the world in the past 20 years. We need to get out of our collective bubble and start engaging these people as equals. The era of American arrogance is over. We are all people, and all capable of great progress. If we don't learn to respect other countries, they will simply grow without us and form strong alliances and relationships amongst themselves as they have already begun to do.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Craig — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:01:58 GMT

"Stand up, those of you who will not work as slaves. Together we will build a new Great Wall", from the Chinese National Anthem.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Roger, Toronto, ON — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:06:15 GMT

It is like China has hit the puberty. All of a sudden there is a growth spurt, and we see the fascinating transformation of a third world country into a first world one. The Chinese need to be proud of this phase. While the physical development is quite impressive and is to be lauded, the accompanying behavioural change (as with any teenage at puberty) deserves equal consideration. What we see is that China is getting more assertive, confident and may be little less accomodating. US has been a super power for way too long that has misused power a few too many times. But to some extend it is restrained in the use of power by interlacing it with other ideals like democracy, liberty and freedom. On the other hand, it seems that China is asseting its power in a very brazen and unbridled fashion, with ends justifying any damn means. I would ask the chinese to be careful - they might not like the kind of "man" that they are growing into.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

a chinese — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:07:15 GMT

The West Media always use words/expression in their writing to indirectly harming China.
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The Chinese built everything (infrastructure) bigger because they are bigger (population). This has nothing to do with 'Symbols of political power'.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Charlie, Charlottesville, VA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:16:35 GMT

The Chinese mentality of building the biggest and grandest infrastructure goes back to at least since the Great Wall was built. That structure's symbolism and history continues to serve as a guiding light to all it's citizens today.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

cdugga — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:42:54 GMT

What are some recent examples of american ingenuity? Submarines?, Aircraft carriers?, cruise missiles?, RPV's? Whether you agree with them or not, the priorities of this country are as easy to see as the infrastructure engineering in china.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Ed Ding, Arlington, Texas — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:19:52 GMT

I grew up in China and moved to the US twenty years ago. I am totally opposed the Beijing Olympics for very different reasons. In my Guangxi province, population 50 million (the same as France), 700 millions still live around poverty line, and in remote areas, people still do not have clean drinking water, still rely on bare-footed doctors.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Rich, Denver, CO — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:28:56 GMT

We (Americans) are frightened by their communist government. That's ultimately what it boils down to; they may be, for all intents and purposes, capitalistic, but their extremely powerful government, along with their combined 5 billion people and increasing wealth, makes us lazy-***, obese Americans nervous.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Clifford, San Diego, CA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:30:39 GMT

China is not alone in the quest for the biggest and greatest. Dubai,
Abu Dhabi, the whole World is blossoming with ideas.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Jim S — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:40:07 GMT

Communism DOES work! With a little help from your friends..

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Kate Charlotte NC — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:44:30 GMT

I agree with the post by Edward earlier today. The age of American Arrogance is over. To take it further - the last century started with the UK as the dominant superpower. All that started to unravel after two world wars. The last century became the American Century. Let's face it folks, this century is becomming "the Asian Century" as China and India see huge growth. Another area of growth not mentioned is it's military. As the US is bogged down in Iraq, China is building it's army and navy. We can't ignore 1 billion people.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Graham, Toronto, Ontario — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:46:16 GMT

I think that some of this has to do with the political will (read "force") that the Communist government has.

To build a bridge in a "developed" country takes a 3 year impact study, 2 years of political squabbling over the budget, then a new government comes in and want to make it more car friendly, etc, etc.

The Communists just say "We need a bridge, make it big" - and they built it! (Also, they can just evict a couple million people that are in the way).

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

su, erie, colorado — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:48:12 GMT

the chinese are arrogant, discriminating, all for themselves nation. they do not conribute to other nations that are suffering and they think by building the biggest, tallest, longest structure they will be respected, please!!!!!
we need to stop contributing to their arrogance and greed.
by the way i am a chinese woman so there goes!!

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

chinese — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:00:08 GMT

Doesn't matter how's great the country growth. The communist alway a jungle rule can't live with them

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Istvan Tamas, Wichita, KS — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:01:55 GMT

All this is achieved on the backs of oppressed and underpaid workers. China once again is achieving its accomplishments through oppression and tyranny the same way as they did a thousand years ago. As a former refugee from a communist country I will never admire a country that flaunts its achievements under the disguise of terror and oppression.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Biman , Pune, India — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:08:16 GMT

I am surprised at why the world/US is so wary. Communism apart...

Every country/civilization in the world has been doing this in the name of development. America did this by building the world's tallest building in NY or the Golden Gate bridge etc....And calling MLB series as "World Series" when only US teams play in the series..:D

So let others also build what they want....[OK lets not discuss the environmental impact or human impact to all this...since US/other develped nations have plundered the earth already for 100 years....]

Disclaimenr: I am neither a US or Chinese citizen. I am third party (of Indian decent) who is voicing his opinion....

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

linh, SF, CA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:39:13 GMT

Our arrogance has kept us from progressing when the rest of the world has moved on. I travel overseas every year and see progress, and come home to see us standing still and even regress. But our people live in a bubble and blind faith in our illusion of superiority.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Armando, Miami, FL — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:48:29 GMT

Are you all insane? China is what it is because of the US: Nixon's opening up, American corporate-led investments, American consumers buying their products, American technology being taught to or ripped off by Chinese, American protection of international commerce, American enforcement of world order, American containment of China's historic enemies (Japan, Russia, etc.).

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Chris Philadelphia — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:50:34 GMT

I've livedin CHina and see the present generation as a group of self-unsure, jingoistic and racist people who see every comment as a deep criticism. This may be a result of the fact that many of the forebearers were murdered by the Red Guards for being "different" and this collective over-reaction to honest questions about the direction China is going bodes ill for the future. At its heart, China is a country that is bent on wrenching power away from the existing system, without the benefit (so far) of a major world war in which it is triumphant. No other major power has ascended to world prominence with out. On the other hand,. the rampant corruption and abuse of workers in China will ensure that it will undoubtedly in the future implode.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Armando, Miami, FL — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:58:49 GMT

cdugga:

You are obviously trying to cover the sun with two fingers.
How about the internet? Or just about every single internet or computer related technology. How about almost every single advancement in cleantech? How about the fact that the most technologically capital equipment in the world is produced in America or by American firms? How about all the new medicines and treatments that are developed in the US by American companies? The vast majority of technological innovation the world benefits from is conceived and developed in the US.

So perhaps you have an agenda or ideology that is inconsistent with reality.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

GC — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:10:32 GMT

Stick around. China's gonna win it all.

George Carlin.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Bob Bobson — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:44:45 GMT

cdugga, Here are some examples of recent American ingenuity.. Numerous medical breakthroughs, significant technological advancement, exploration of Mars, deep sea exploration, etc.. Nice try though!

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

David Jordan, Los Angeles, CA. — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:55:59 GMT

What an amazing feat! That bridge is very impressive and would be something I would like to visit in the very near future. I would love to see a race between nations to build better infrastructure to ease congestion and better housing conditions, etc.

China, please don't spend masses of your budget trying to keep pace with the U.S. building subs, bombers, missiles and tanks and other weapons designed to destroy mankind in one blast or drop of a bomb!

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Mark, San Diego — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:11:45 GMT

The Chinese poison our pets, they try to steal the secrets of and undermine the greatest country the world has ever produced. China also fakes as many products they can and they steal intellectual property where ever they can. It's China that needs to grow up emotionally and intellectually.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

chris D, Pacific Grove, CA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:20:06 GMT

I love China, and the Chinese people, but the western media always play into the hands of the Chinese propaganda machine, and it well may be that it serves the western propaganda machine as well. Perhaps we should consider that while the Chinese have built these incredible objects, society is crumbling around the CCP. The CCP loves to tout their achievements in infrastructure and the creation of wealth as symbols of progress. at the same time the western media loves to portray these same phenomenon as symbols of a rising threat. The "they took your job" argument as i have come to call it. But I would like to know how many news pieces will NBC produce that portrays the "real China?" The China that I have experienced in places like Guizhou, or Inner Mongolia or Xinjiang? Where there are no grand bridges, no shining skyscrapers, no megacities. Just poor people hoping that their lives will improve. The China that is a fractured and struggling society in an extremely vulnerable position. The China that could could spin apart at any moment from events such as those that occurred in Tibet this spring. Why all the glitz and glam? Could it/you/they be obscuring the "real" China?

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Lee — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:55:56 GMT

Has anyone noticed that all the counties building the "biggest" and "greatest" have the least respect for the rights of the laborers in all areas of safety, legal rights and salary. Both China and Abu Dhabi are prime examples of countries where the workers, sometimes foreign, are so desperate for work it sometimes kills them. We don't build like this in the USA because its too expensive for both the labor and the regulatory processes.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Ron, Pasadena, CA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:01:00 GMT

Armando -

You have hit it out of the park. America is the leader in almost every department. I have conducted business in the "NEW" China for the past 8 years and once you get out of Hong Kong it changes radically.

The have a lot of labor that is generally content, but the machines are western (or western rip offs), the newer factories are designed by the west with western construction - they are great people but the technology and engineering inovation is all US.

And as far as the bridge... Ask San Francisco how long it has taken them to build a new Bay Bridge! Or how long it took to rebuild the freeway after the last earthquake - Chinese do not have that problem. The government is EXTREMELY business friendly and if they want to build something - they build it. Do you think we could ever build the dam they built? It has been over 20 years and we still can't finish the Pasadena Freeway because of a couple hundered well organized home owners. China displaced several million people and flooded thousands of ancient ruins. They do not have the enviromentalists protecting knat catchers or tree frogs. Have YOU ever seen PETA protesting how they treat Peking Ducks?

Lastly, the submarines and aircraft carriers are the most advanced engineering feats in the history of the world and they are keeping you safe from those that want to eliminate you and the rest of the USA - there may come a day that you are pretty grateful a republican had the foresight and will to build these incredible machines to protect your freedoms.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

bob colas — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:09:24 GMT

I just hate china period end of story.
i mean who do they think they are
we will show them
i say we fight them now when they are weak
bush please put those missel defense system in europe to keep china in check

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Mike, Oceanside,CA — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:36:38 GMT

It is not a zero sum game. China's growth does not diminish U.S. or any other nation. China is only doing what Britain did in the 1600's and 1700's, and the U.S. did in the 1800's and 1900's. The U.S. built the largest railroad system and Interstate Highway. We built hydroelectric projects like Hoover Dam and Tennessee Valley Systems. Not to mention other major scientific activities like going to the moon and even splitting the atom.

It's great to see China start to become a major participant on the World Stage. Only time will tell if it's for the World's good or a detriment to the World. Will China grow beyond the fact of being the cheapest producer of goods, to a major inventor of solutions for Mankind's problems? Will China bring their own unique perspectives to solve the World's problems in Hunger, Clean Water, Energy, poverty and War and Oppression between neighbors?

Both Britain and the U.S. have shinning moments in their pasts and shameful events. People must cut China some slack as they grow into a major World Player.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

John- Belleville, IL — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:49:47 GMT

In reality China is in the same position that Japan was after WWII. Wind up toys that did not always work. Although they are in the 21st century, they still have to teach many how to survive both economicaly and socially. Not so many years ago the only 4-lane highway was from Beijing Airport to the outer skirts of Beijing itself [not included was the area outside commerical British controlled Hong Kong]
Everyone in the world has anothger 10 years--then beware, it will happen must faster than the fortunes of Japan.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Mike Wichita, KS — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:52:08 GMT

Everyone is so keen to say China and the rest of the world is coming of age and that Americans are so arrogant and that we are lagging behind everyone else. Let me point out that all these place that are building the biggest and best are using american or western architects. Second I'd like to see what china spends on AIDs research or why any break through in medince is done in western countries. I'm not saying america is perfect all im saying is before you make ignorant reponses you get your facts straight.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Randy — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:52:44 GMT

Chris, perhaps you forgot that the western European powers and America pretty much *raped* China during the 19th century. Opium Wars anyone? Yeah, England went to war with China in order to assert it's right to be a drug pusher. China had to undergo a transformation to a Communist state and a cultural revolution in order to kick all of the invading westerners out of their country. It's taken them this long to recover from it. So now they are building up their country on their *own terms*. China still has some growing to do, but it will be leading the way in the 21st century.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Dean Carlson — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 22:58:10 GMT

China. Land of torture. Land of spies. Land of Corruption. Oh, what the hell! They make great lead painted toys, Flammable sleepwear, Counterfeit medicine. Bring it on. A Great People!

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

MARK,ONTARIO,CANADA — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:02:40 GMT

The U.N building should be moved to China where it deserves to be located.Being safe and cost-effective...away from war zone created by local criminal gangs and international criminal organizations .

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Retirement Investment Advisor, Bethesda — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:07:32 GMT

To the Chinese lady named Erie Su upstair, you must be speaking of yourself.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

JEFF CN — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:09:36 GMT

I love US, what else we still have so much to learn from US, and US always want us to be freedom equally and democracy.

And as in many forums in CHINA, you cant say the leader's name, speak of democracy but with another form. We just cant say it out, look the democracy TAIWAN, we need US to give pressure to our goverment and help us to get the uncivilized PARTY in normal.NOT so many unequally, give us rights else.

Hopes that one day we can face all these prombles and go to finally civil.AS JAPAN, SOUTH korea, TAIWAN. SIGNAPO.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

John Doe — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:11:27 GMT

The whole world is racing ahead while we are mired in this stupid Iraq war. Can't you see people what is happening to this country???? We need change, and we need it this year! America, the world's largest debtor nation. Add that to a sinking economy, and what use is it to give others "democracy"?

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Brad, Sydney, NSW, AU — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:25:06 GMT

The world's widest bridge is still the Sydney Harbour Bridge after 76 years. (Originally 6 traffic lanes, 2 tram tracks, 2 heavy rail tracks, walkway and cycleway. That may well change if the Chinese end up identifying width as a statistic to improve on though.

I think a bit of competition amongst nations is healthy. With the right attitude it can mean an improvement in the quality of life for all of us even if the driving factor is "look what we can do".

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

riyadh — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:19:27 GMT

the sleeping dragon is already awaken. and he is stetching both of his hands, only...

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

ian amor beverley yorks UK — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:08:44 GMT

History teaches us ."we reap what we sow " I am in touch with chinese entrepreneur students..although there are cultural differences..they want essentially what we all want..so the great help given by the western nations is appreciated;as is the many Chinese products imported to the west..
The tall big buildings might contain the many research students needed from all over the world..
In an increaseingly small world lets live for each other...and solve the two biggest problems povert and climate change we cannot do it alone.....

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Gregory,Mechanicsburb,Pennsylvania — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:54:49 GMT

Terrorism grabs the headlines every time. It scares the hell out of everyone, even though the act directly effects relatively few. Terrorism, however, a symptom of several much larger problems. The energy crisis, on the other hand, is by far more important and threatens not just China but every industrial or developing country across the world. The production of energy effects climate, food crops, the sea level, every living thing on our planet. Global warming is just the beginning. Civilization world-wide doesn't have much time to get it right.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Shimelis Mulatu,Addis Ababa,Ethiopia — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:35:45 GMT

I read this article and the comments in this morning.Really, it's an amazing story about china.what I can really understand is we all have to work hard if we want to get rid of poverty.China is a good model for what I'm saying.My country Ethiopia has to draw lessons from countries like China.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

lemoncritic — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:20:45 GMT

good for them keep building, do it when it's cheap and when the people need jobs.

here in my western city we only know how to tear down things and that takes over 20 years in planning.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

One of the Dragon — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 04:39:13 GMT

I totally agree with Randy's comment. Just want to add a few more facts. China was forced to have Hong Kong leased to the British for 99 years (from 1898 to 1997). By the same token, Macau was also forced to rule by the Portguese. Not to mention what the Japanese have done to the Chinese people during the WWII.
My point is China was under constant threat by both the European and the Japanese during the past 200 years. China's success is long overdued and the Dragon is finally come alive AGAIN.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

D Mo — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:17:16 GMT

I am an American who is currently living in china, and while i have seen a few of the structures mentioned and they are quite grand,all this comes at a great cost to not only the Chinese people but to the world. The Chinese government, as the article mentioned, is trying to present themselves, their power and the country as a great and modern country by outdoing others. From what I can see, this is how they like doing things. its apparent anywhere you go. This is not a bad thing, they may do as they wish. But when its done at the cost of lives, the environment and the well-being of the general public, its not acceptable and should not be hailed as great.The great wall and the pyramids were great, if you want to ignore the high human costs that came with it. Beijing is continuing to build the "great wall" sized structures for the purpose of self-image, and as long as they do, there will be devastation and major sacrifices will be made by its citizens,not by choice, but by force. I love being here in china, but the time for change is now.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Kurd — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:10:16 GMT

First of this is not directed to the people of china they deserve to live good lives just like us but to the government...shame on you for claiming things as your engineering...where did u get military secrets such as mirv designs, neutron bomb, cruise missiles huh!, where did u get designs and steals f-16 engines from, US!!!!
your military has progressed so fast because of espionage not research and hard earned work...tell me why is china the most aggressive nation in stealing US technology, why are they building up anti carrier anti sateillite anti air power in the pacific, why are they..hmmm it is to challenge US Naval and Air power, I feel the Chinese Government seeks to become a world superpower to challenge US military might however let me remind you that whenever their government is questioned about espionage or theft they always leave no comment or no answer, chinese government is heading on a collision course and is intentionally heading to a future with the United States. What about those frequent hacker and cyber attacks chinese conduct on the pentagon , a US informant discovered prints of a strategy in china that is expalining how they will defeat US in taiwan let me tell you that if u wish to challenge Us military they'll reply with shock and awe

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Shimelis Mulatu, Addis ababa Ethiopia. — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 06:48:31 GMT

I have read this article interestingly.It's really nice to see China grow more than ever and help others-Africans in the infrastructure sector. Currently China is doing every thing in its capacity in building roads and creating cheap markets for some of Western goods which are not easily affordabale.I believe we Ethiopians should take China as partner and model. So let's appreciate China for what she has achieved and achieving and ignore some unacceptable things in which she is engaged such as human rights abuse and..

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Tony T., Fountain Valley, CA — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:25:23 GMT

I wonder what roads in the US and Europe that compare to those in China the author was riding on? China is embarking on the greatest expansion of any nation in recent history. They are using the technology of the other nations and the achievements of the rest of the world to build a nation. They have moved from an agrarian focused nation to a modern industrial one in one of the most rapid expansions ever seen.
Yes they have a poverty problem, ever been to the rural south in the US? The slums of South America? the tribal regions of Africa? The slum areas of ???? Poverty in a nation is one thing that we all have that does not diminish the achievement of other elements of society. Pulling up a nation does not occur simultaneously for all elements of the population but do not try to pull every one down to the lowest level and those who under achieve or chose not to. Rather celebrate success and apply the lessons broadly.

Trying to polarize the world because of differences in government, religion, economics or politics because it makes us feel superior is a waste of time and counterproductive. Rather work to spread success and help the other elements of the world who wish to grow.

I have in my journey through life, worked, lived and traveled in over 22 countries and just returned (last month) from a three week trip through China and it was an eye opener. We talked to individual people at multiple levels of society, from the lowest slums to middle income high rises. We talked to those displaced by the three gorge dam, from farmers to factory workers. We visited cities for the relocated and those who chose to find alternatives. China today is a wonderful dynamic and vibrant mix at all levels of society. So they don't have a utopia who does? They are a nation to be reckoned with, respected for their accomplishments, held accountable for their actions and welcomed into the brotherhood of the world.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Rich, Orange County, CA — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:40:43 GMT

Well, an article about a lot of good roads in China (and they are amazingly good) and other large construction projects brought out a lot of strong opinions. It's obvious many in the U.S. have a great fear of China. That's too bad - fear nd loathing does not mix well with our dependency (on Chinese products for our daily lives and Chinese financing of our debts) - the combination makes the U.S. sound like a loser drug addict on "Intervention" (A&E). By the way, whose interstate highway system was the model for the Chinese - take a guess. You got it.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

JoeyLuWeGee, Seattle WA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:43:01 GMT

All this talk about up and coming China as being like us. Yeah sure it is. The fact is the disparity over in China between the rich and the poor is ridiculous. For example, the Chinese communist government leases property to developers who then build modern buildings on the newly leased property. However, in order to do that they very often have to buy out existing home owners on that property and quite often only offer them half the money the property is worth. If the home owner refuses they can stay in the property but many times now go without electricity and clean water.

Also, unlike the United States if you hire a lawyer to file a law suit against the government then good luck because too often regardless of how much money a lawyer is offered they will not take the case. The one's that have can end up jail even if they are proven right because the government turns it around and accuses them of being traitors and will then put them in jail.

The United States is not arrogant, we are a free people with rights to freedom unlike any other country in the world.

Tall buildings, and big bridges do not define how well off a country is, but it is how they treat their own people. It is a fact that in China right now it is all about how much you have, how much material goods you have that indicates where you are in Chinese society. Granted, we have that here as well but unlike China poorer people here have other recourses but in China you better have material goods or you are poor without any recourse regardless.

Right now the US economy is in tough shape, or is it? Most people around the world have been paying higher gas prices for years but we have just started that. We still have the best economy in thw world bar none and in no other country can someone come from nothing and make something of themselves to the scale that we can.

Don't like something in China because your poor? too bad because if you protest that then be ready to go to jail. If you get labeled as one of them that wants to file lawsuits against the government for what we as Americans would consider a basic human right because of the in justice did to us then you try that there and your phone is tapped, the police follow you etc.

Go ahead, support China, be naive and think they are making great strides because under that blanket of new pretty buildings is an oppressed people.

By the way, the Chinese are building a huge military, any idea why?

By the way, I did not learn all my political beliefs on some college campus. I learned them by being all over the world for 20+ years and seeing first hand with my own eyse.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Alfred Kettl, Ravensburg — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:49:18 GMT

China on the way to a economic superpower, is hopefully also finding a real identity. Without finding a way between the old tradition and the western way of thinking, it could fail. And we would not wish, that this will happen.- Social develeopement and ecconomical developement must happen at the same time. This unfortunaltely, I missed to find and makes me deeply worried.
I am living in China since 5 years and I still surprised day by day about their hospitable , natural and friendly way of living even their life is hard and full of challanges, everyday . I hope we all dont forget that we live in one world and struggeling for the same goal, a better wold for all of us.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Shimelis Mulatu, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:27:14 GMT

Just it is good to look at things the other way round. I am really surprised by some of the views quesioning why China grew and became the world biggest dam builder and road engineer. The question should have been 'how did it?'.We Ethiopian have much to take from Chinese.Keep china growing|

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Bonnie Xie, Virginia Beach VA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:20:23 GMT

As a first generation immigrant from China, I admire and respect America and it's people. Most Americans are intelligent, generous, open minded and good-willed which makes the country #1 (leader) in all aspects. I am pleased to again see these features from several comments above. I have not regretted a bit of my immigration decision after years even at the big cost of leaving close family behind and being a minority.

Meanwhile I am proud of China's rapid growth in recent years. It proves the Chinese' capability. It is not an easy task with such a big population, low infrastructure level and inefficient social/legal system. I agree that the US has contributed to China's growth at a certain degree voluntarily or involuntarily.

I don't think American people need to be nervous or see China as a thread. Living and working in China for decades, knowing the heavy history of China and being a Chinese myself, I have to admit reluctantly that China is not and will not be greater than US because China is not an immigrant country, it is not as tolerant to the difference as the US, it is not as strategic as the US. I wish the Chinese people could see and learn good aspects in Americans and get rid of the unhealthy ones. I hope to see the day when the US and China become allies. Then the whole world would be benefited from it. Will the day come?

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

maggie, Canada — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 04:06:37 GMT

The countries, like people,like everything,have two sides. A person of intellect should make comments based on fare information. Every country including U.S. has both poor and rich, if you only focus on the bad things, no county can you live. I can tell from the above comments that some guys are jealous . Because of jealousy, they just ingnore the beatiful things of others. We can understand this kind of reaction, we are ordinary persons, right? However, I have to say that several commenters above are really extremists. usually, extremists are either under-educated or genetically retard, we really can not blame them, just ingnore their stupid sentences.

China's quest to build the biggest & tallest

Ryan, San Diego — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:04:47 GMT

This isn't a competition to see who is better. Both countries have their strengths and weaknesses and need to learn from each other.