China grapples with new world role

Lobsang — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:51:34 GMT

China is definitely not ready to Lead because Chinese Communist Party does not allow free speech for its citizens. The heavy censorship & suppressing those who speak up against it's policies is definitely not a leadership quality. It's policies are CCP centric first ! and then Han Chauvinistic ! over everything else. The Chinese Communist Govt feeds on false Nationalistic pride of its citizens whenever CCP sees fit so it can transfer the anger of its citizen on external forces. This way it thinks it can regulate it's citizen's opinion and thus guaranteeing its power over Chinese people. Ultimately such Han Chauvinistic mindset of the Chinese people resulting from filtered news by their state run news agency, leads to further sufferings of Tibetan people and any Chinese who wishes to speak up against the Repression in Tibet, my homeland.

China grapples with new world role

Jack Knoblock, Boise, Id — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:51:37 GMT

China has held this position due to the fact that they control their own currency value and have not come into the international system. This is why they hold the reigns of monetary value. Now if the US where to use the same pratices and not let the international monetary community say what our dollar is worth then we would have the reigns of monetary power. Stop buying Chinese goods and see what happens.

China grapples with new world role

Lobsang — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:54:25 GMT

China grapples with new world role

carolyn Schuster, Port orchard Wash — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:54:42 GMT

China has some real issues on it's plate. I believe they are growing pains which must be addressed in a careful way by stronger nations. China is in some ways still a gangly tiger cub, unskilled in survival but still dangerous in its use and misuse of its abilities. I cant blame them for dissing our currency, we've totally screwed them with our excesses and irresponsible spending which this congress and this president doesnt seem to get.In the words of Luo Ping, head of the China banking regulatory Commission, "We hate you guys, but there is nothing much we can do." They are beginning to starve in China and we are asking them to carry or debt load for obscene spending on silly things like Pelosi's mice along with thousands of other sickening earmarks. You figure out the justice here. We urge them to enter the free market system and then we screw them with it.

China grapples with new world role

Jeff Zolnik — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:56:38 GMT

The U.S.is just hanging on and China will win by just refusing to take imports or pick and choose what they want.Our government has totally lost complete control of Wall st and the greed it has brought upon us.When is enough enough for these greety cheating lying individuals who better start learning Chinese.I also am waiting for when the President starts picking CEO'S FOR ALL COMPANIES LIKE HE DID WITH GM.Watch out Bill Gates,your making to much money,your next.It can't work both ways,just watch.

China grapples with new world role

Rich Rath — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:59:10 GMT

FREE TRADE AGREEMENT = China gets our bussiness, jobs & dreams, U.S. gets recession, unemployment & nightmares.

China grapples with new world role

Randy Pollock, Shanghai, China — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:59:24 GMT

The fast-expanding nationalism has been energized by a lack of knowledge and self-awareness. The people see the outside world and themselves through the prisms of Xinhua, CCTV, and unprofessional bloggers. The nuances and details are usually twisted and missed. The astute counterargument by Professor Hu says it all.

China grapples with new world role

jesterJames, pennsylvania — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:02:38 GMT

The book is tripe. Moderation is the central theme through out Chinese culture and philosophy. To lead the world, you need to be a little full of yourself, the very antithesis of Chinese character. Chinese never aspired to "lead" the world, even when it was The economic superpower for the most of the past millenium. The most well known symbol of China is a wall, if that doesn't communicate a fundamental lack of interest to getting involved with other people's affair, I don't know what does.

China grapples with new world role

RoyalRook — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:08:08 GMT

Very impressive, Chairman Hu is for real, alright, this is going to be fun.

China grapples with new world role

Dave from Kentucky — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:09:09 GMT

I believe, though China seems to be doing well, below the surface they are going to crash.
China isn't stable in anything they do. They take sides of everyone instead of trying to be leader. And when they do want to be leader they crack down on the wrong people forcing out human rights. What do they do to North Korea? When we say something they'll raise a finger, but they never actually punish North Korea. They're looking for the global acceptance of what they're doing but yet they don't actually take care of the problem.
I have always believed China will kill the whole world. It doesn't know what's going on or how to run a free world.

China grapples with new world role

David, London, Canada — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:13:56 GMT

democracy will not help China. with population of 1.3B, it will be hard to provide social safty.
when the day china has democracy, that's the day china will break a part.

Mao Forever

China grapples with new world role

Travis, Washington State — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:20:05 GMT

Western society is apprehensive about China taking on a more powerful role due to their lack of transparency and lack of freedoms (think Tiananmen square). Also I agree with the second point, that Chinese culture is not part of the mainstream like American culture and China is still the cheap laborer of the planet. This would make it much more difficult to push your ideas on people (as we are seeing the U.S. having more difficult of a time with this lately).

Another thing to consider is that this 'recession' is not a first-time occurrence and doesn't denote a failure of the western system (especially if you consider that much of the developing world owes 2+ decades of colossal growth to that system). I believe it should be 'revised' and China can be a good partner in this revision as they are a major economic player, whether that be the laborer or the consumer. Plus remaking the world system is a near impossible feat. The world isn't going to just stop for one day.

China grapples with new world role

Matt, PA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:22:10 GMT

Overall, the people of China are right. The US is headed for being #2 in the world after a mere 50 years of being top. With the corruption and over spending that is taking place in our government as well as our corporations we had better change - and do it quickly before we are #2. I love my country dearly and would do anything for it - so why won't the people that have the power do the same thing? It is time for a change - and that change isn't the redistribution of wealth that is taking place right now, it needs to be the strong leadership we had 40-50 years ago that gave us alone almost 60% of the world's GDP. Socialism is a way to pacify greedy people - it won't work.

China grapples with new world role

Sofia, Arlington, VA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:37:53 GMT

Just a reminder that people who bought the book China Unhappy not necessarily agree with the book. Most people I know want China to continue its development and are not interested in other countries' business, let alone lead the world.

China grapples with new world role

Ron — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:38:34 GMT

Now that is funny, LOL , a country that has no real human rights and is communist to boot. If China takes over it would reaffirm the stupidity of humanity in general. Obviously the author of the book is genetically defficient in a number of areas. They are the sweat shop of the world nothing more, their food I WILL NEVER buy as it is grown in waste pools of Gov run companies, their water is poison and the list grows. A lotta work to there ol China because you are no example I would ever follow or let my children follow. In short give your head a shake because you have a long way to go to prove yourself to the world.

China grapples with new world role

Ray Manhattan, Kansas — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:39:45 GMT

No matter what is going on now, China's future goal is to dominate the region in which it lives - militarily and economically primarily. This is the reality of history. Any nation big enough (or even small nations like Great Britain), and strong enough, to forge an empire of some kind is going to do so. Nations talk a lot about peace, but mostly out of the sides of their diplomaric mouths. At the end of the 21st Century I would wager that China will dominate the region in which it exists, and the U.S. will be long gone. For China this would be Southeast Asia, Indonesia, The Philippines, Japan, and Korea etc. They will probably get into it with the Russians again but the U.S. will not be involved. In any event, a lot of things are going to happen in the next few decades that the U.S. will not like, but will simply no longer be in a position to do much about. On that note, Russia will probably "redeem" most of the territories they once held before the end of the "cold" war. With that said, keep in mind that the USSR inherited a legitimate empire that a Russian empire run by the Czars had built up for centuries. The U.S. will eventually realize that they cannot dominate the world, but we will have our own thing within our own big hemisphere - The Americas. We will simply have to "suck it up" and realize that history changes while it repeats itself.

China grapples with new world role

g. woodward, detroit, mi — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:45:53 GMT

This had to happen, with the super greedy saturation of the United States. It was a when situation not an situation. The Chinese having been building their military beyond the scope of the United States, ability to handle them conventionally, now they can afford a war with whomever they choose. The greedy of the United States, the super rich would never defend the country of their origin. Many have multi-billions. When you add up their collective wealth many can afford to restructure the U.S. from trains to bridges and defense, and even pull the U.S. totally out of this debt Mr. Bush put us in. It is actually quite simple to help the U.S. But who really wants to except Obama, and others like him.

China grapples with new world role

Thambi — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:49:59 GMT

China's rise to the center of the world stage is mainly and solely due to their "financial" clout. Morally, China is bancrupt and should file for Chapter 11. Let them relinquish communism, respect their own citizens, let their people have religious freedom and let them choose their own destinies. Let China recognize Taiwan and let the Dalai Lama return and establish a peaceful Tibet. Let China return all the land that they grabbed from India in the 1962 war, despite all their pledges to Nehru. Until they do all these and undertake major political reforms and return of democracy, whatever the authors say in their book "Unhappy China" about being ready to lead the world is total B.S.

China grapples with new world role

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:58:51 GMT

OOOh! lead the world ? population still lives in mud and mortar shacks! China needs a lesson on spending that large bank roll on pollution control and it's poor population .

China grapples with new world role

dave — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:03:13 GMT

China is a house of cards. They are totally dependent on other countries for their prosperity. Their GDP has been falling drastically in the last two years, prompting the government to prop up industries that should be closed to keep the working class employed (and therefore not prone to revolution). Internal strife is growing in China due to unemployment and rampant government corruption. What the Chinese communist party has failed to realize that their government and political system is extremely fragile and totally dependent on keeping the good will of the people. They don't realize that the good will of the people is slowly evaporating.

China grapples with new world role

Jack Mack — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:04:50 GMT

What Americans fail to understand is that the war is over and China won. All that remains is the violence that will probably destroy us all. Had we not become addicted to buying cheap, worthless junk at Wal-Mart, we might have had a chance at survival. As it is today, we're cooked.

China grapples with new world role

Oliver Pozar, Windsor, Ontario, Canada — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:05:52 GMT

Yes, I agree with Hu Xingdou that currently, despite unprecedented progress in China, it is not ready to lead. Just because the US and western countries are in a recession, that does not mean the communism is the answer to all our problems! And, China has a long way to go before it's Human Rights, equality, and standard of living for the majority of the population, and not the minority represents something something that the rest of the world would want to strive for. Because to lead, you must set an example.....

China grapples with new world role

LTCSTAN-NYC — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:06:29 GMT

Like the other great democracies before us, we begin our fall as they did, from within. Trouble is we didn't last as long as they did.

China grapples with new world role

Tracy Allen, Boulder, CO — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:06:37 GMT

Fine with me. I'm not troubled by China wishing to lead, nor am I wed to the systems (social, economic, even political) the West has created as the best or the only or even ones that need to be co-leaders going forward (though that is likely to be the reality). But a news story (or a book) about nationalism is not news or newsworthy.

As Obama might say--give us your plan. Be nationalistic if you want to, but give us what a world order would look like if you led and then we can all decide if we wish to follow.

Does this book provide those answers? Could someone who can read it report that? That article would be worth my time to read.

China grapples with new world role

Max, CO — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:09:02 GMT

I've been to China a few times and don't think they are ready to lead the world although the west can learn a lot from Chinese frugality. China's propserity IMO comes from little value being put on an individual's life. People die from minor things like headaches and diarrhea but w/1.9B people there's always someone to take their place. The Chinese accept this as part of their duty to their country. As entrepreneurs gain favor change is coming (slowly) but the vast majority of Chinese people I've met accept the position they were born into because that is their culture and they know people who've disappeared for bucking the system. My vision of the future involves a lot of out of the box thinking and a focus on meating the needs of the individual; these ideals would destroy those things that make China a great nation. BTW, if you've never been to P.R.China please learn their culture before commenting on it. It is impossible to understand Chinese culture through western eyes that have not seen it in person.

China grapples with new world role

Raymond C — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:31:28 GMT

As an ABC, I try to focus on my work and contribution (F22s \ F16s etc.)to my family and community. I like to be aware of global events and economics, however, I prefer to spend my time on what I can truly control: me. Not 1 Billion people halfway around the world. Remaining productive and minimizing my footprint (staying out of debt) is the gift from a venerable culture.

China grapples with new world role

willard eversole — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:37:34 GMT

china should go on just being china.every country should always be indepent of another no matter how small it is.america has gotten so corrupt and has so called leaders who does not have the ability to lead,yet they go on destroying the country that so many thousand have fought and died for.america should never,never be second to none,and america muust never allow other nations to try to dictate our laws,our reliegon,our way of life,or have any say in americas matters.little by little our government is giving over to the whims of other countrys.i say if other nations dont like the way america opperates,that,s ok.most of the other countries hate america anyway.they will take all the aid that they can get,but when the aid stops they tell us where to go,and that,s not heaven.for those living in america,if you dont like our way of life,go back to where you came from.you can leave with our blessings.america never yeild to any other nations whims.stand up and build the strongest military in the world...maybe we need to find us another regan..may god help america,,we need it..

China grapples with new world role

T Austin, OKC, OK — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:46:02 GMT

Jack Knoblock, Boise, Idaho--"Stop buying Chinese goods and see what happens." Good luck! Have you tried doing this recently? Go through your home and read some labels on the products you already own. "Buy American" is moving further away from "too impractical" and closer to "near impossible" every day. This is what put China where it is.

China grapples with new world role

SHAME SHU, XIOH, PROC — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:50:53 GMT

China keeps it people in check and doesnt allow them to accumulate more than they need. Over in China, Kids dont where 150$ sneekers. They are a society in which they dont want for themselves they want for their country. We could take a lesson from that. In American everyone wants something they dont need to impress someone they dont know. thats why china is winning in the world America has knowbody to blame except the people in the mirror.

China grapples with new world role

the Bike, New Jersey — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:52:26 GMT

Hey Max, I would use the same argument you made towards China. Let China not dictate on what the world should have done using its own culture as the yardstick. Nobody can judge the world by what they see in their own mirror.

China may have the vision - and a valid one, unfortunately they have no experience nor the ability to take the lead in the international scale - just yet. All of these are false bravado - like a kid showing his brand new toy in the form of their holdings worldwide.

They are forgetting that their economy is primarily dependent on Western economies outsourcing to them the production of goods. West may respond by cutting off China - reduce the volume of the outsourced production to their country and lets see what happens. They will cry like a baby and assert that it is in violation of the FTA.

China is nothing but presumptous, at best.

China grapples with new world role

Mark, Seattle — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:54:32 GMT

One of the main issues I have with China (in additon to its animal treatment) is that it will always try to paint a rosy picture for the good of the state and the people.

If something is bad or negative, it will magically fix it at all costs so as to save face, to make it "appear" all right. This happening while at the same time someone is getting crushed.

China grapples with new world role

Asheville Jack — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:55:25 GMT

I am, along with perhaps millions of other patriotic Americans, beginning to “come out from under the ether” when I think of American style Capitalism. After the 1980’s and 1990’s Saving and Loan crisis that involved over 700 institutions and cost the taxpayer of this nation in excess of 160 billion dollars, after Enron and the latest round of scandalous behavior from Wall Street and our nation banks, after Bernie Madof former chairman of the NASDAQ and multi billion dollar Ponzi scheme mastermind, and after million dollar bonues to corporate insiders that directed companies that have lost billions of dollars, it may be an appropriate time to question the ethics and business practices of capitalism as practiced in the US. This style of capitalism is all about enriching the insiders - the hell with the country it’s citizens.

The latest financial crisis has been brewing for quite awhile now and those on Wall Street and in the corporate boardrooms had seen this coming. As an example, just look at those who has serious misgiving regarding Bernie Madof and tried to warn the SEC about him year ago. And yet the Sec did nothing. Why? I believe because those that were charged to protect us from the unscrupulous and downright dishonest business people and their practices all belong to the same country club – namely American style Capitalism. It’s always been about personal enrichment before country or patriotism or their fellow citizens or God. So, the reason I write this is not so much to get my anger off my chest but to let you Wall Street insiders know that the American citizens are no longer under the ether. We’re now wide awake. You’ve gotten our attention and we no longer trust you. Now we’ve got our eyes on you. Who knows, perhaps the day is coming when another system such as Chinese style capitalism is the way to go.

China grapples with new world role

rudy martinez san antonio texas — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:56:05 GMT

i belive the chinese people keep forgeting who maintain their country wealth if not the american consumer, they are not capable of leading their own people so they control the freedom of speech,maybe in another 50 to 200 years but not now.

China grapples with new world role

oscar, beverly hills, california — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:56:30 GMT

Anyone recall the 8 Allied forces westerners (USA,britain,france,germany,japan,russia,austria,italy) invaded china and took their lands? They imported opiums into china. thanks to the capitalism.

Who has the right to criticize China? No one in this world. Who has the right to criticize USA, British, Australia, France? No one in this world too.

Stop talking shitssss to other country when you can't even take care of your own people in your own country.

Now, go back to work before your boss fire your asssss!!!

China grapples with new world role

ducdebrabant, nyc — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:57:52 GMT

But what SPECIFICALLY do the authors of the book wnat the world to look like? Other than putting China in the driver's seat, what do they want to change? Should the world's governments all start to look like transitional Communist elites turning themselves into robber baron oligarchies and waging little Johnson County Wars every time the countryside protests about something? China can't even decide what CHINA wants to be, let alone what the world should want to be. A lot of the West has willingly embraced Chinese culture over the centuries, including some aspects of traditional governance like a civil service with competitive examinations. But it has rejected Communism, most of it has rejected the Fascism that Chinese Communism has become, much of it has rejected the form of crony capitalism China practices -- AND NOT BECAUSE THESE THINGS HAVEN'T BEEN TRIED IN THE WEST. It's not as if the Chinese are offering us any examples we can't look to in our own history. And if the West were going to be enthralled with Confucianism, it would have become so by now. Confucius has been read in the West for centuries. The Chinese need to repair their own house, find a way to give their own people a voice, and then they will have something to show the world other than industriousness and the suppression of labor organization or environmental controls. In particular, maybe they should worry about what they'll drink when they finish with all their acquifers.

China grapples with new world role

jakethesnake — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:59:34 GMT

Watch out world? China is coming, and they will do whatever it takes to rule the world. China has been preparing for this for a long time waging a silent war, economic that is, and now is succeeding. China would not stop until they are recognize as a major political power in the world.

China grapples with new world role

Dan Franklin, MA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:08:01 GMT

The way of life they are trashing is what made them wealthy in the first place. They grew their economy on the american dollar by americans purchasing their products. If we were not so rich they would still be in the staone age where they were before we convinced them to open there borders. Are you listenng China?

China grapples with new world role

Jason — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:12:31 GMT

Don't let China's economic growth fool you. They've cashed in bigtime by exploiting the cheap labor from their billion + stock of uneducated rural migrant workers. Other than that, there is nothing special about them.

China grapples with new world role

jon b — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:28:02 GMT

Unquestionably there is a lesson or two to be learned from the Chinese about managing economy and risk aversion. Congress and the Whitehouse had squandered the great wealth, turning US as the largest creditor nation to the largest debtor nation on earth in two decades. Second, no country on earth is being managed by lawyers-turned-politicians, except US of A. Chinese leaders are mostly engineers. Engineers are known for building things while lawyers are known for destructions and obnoxious behavior.

China grapples with new world role

John Dotcom, Bay Area, CA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:29:43 GMT

China is definitely not ready to Lead because Chinese Communist Party does not allow free speech for its citizens? That's basically what we have right now in the U.S. where speaking freely is often deemed "hate speech" or "racially biased." ~40% of the U.S. population is in a panic over Obama, and you would never know from the "mainstream" media. You have to go underground to find out how people in America really feel (talk radio, and internet). Funny because anti-Obama content on Youtube.com and other sites is policed and removed quietly, just like it would be in China or Russia.

China grapples with new world role

Bobby Blevins, Mississippi — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:37:16 GMT

The only way to break out of this recession/depression is to create jobs. Not print money, but create jobs. Give tax incentives to any U.S. company creating job and hiring U.S worker who pay taxes. Any U.S. company who has taken their business overseas and creating products with cheap labor, tax them twice as much. Make it to where it is more affordable to creats something in the U.S. than in foreign countries. It is time for some Nationalism and American pride to take over and start
building and creating products at home versus abroad.

China grapples with new world role

Pat Pather — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:39:54 GMT

China is imploding - look at the number of unemployed and those starving to death! A real concern of the ruling party right now is REVOLT. 1 million soldiers against a billion people - guess who wins!! The authors of this book have to be uber-nationalists!!!

Also, modern China (actually crony Capitalist, not Communist) is a creation of the West. We give them our jobs, they give us poisoned cheap junk, and take our money. If the West took back their jobs, China would collapse, as it's internal market is not enough to sustain the nation. How-ever, the West can not afford to anger the dragon, as the dragon holds $2 trillion in reserves in Western currency. If they called the notes, US and EEC would take a severe hit. Given the current recession, this could destroy the US

China grapples with new world role

art, Ocala, Fl — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:41:17 GMT

When the "boss", i.e. President Obama starts and continues "leading" with a heavy hand, he will, as it appears ever so slightly now, stifle initiative by those able, ready and willing to serve this great nation. The entire country spoke of wreckless spending by the former administration, has anyone tallied the entire sum of what this present President has spent or ""promised"" by himself or his Secy of State, example, ""billions" for Pakistan and others??? Remember the Roman Empire dear readers, ""IT FELL FROM WITHIN"". 'Nuff said'

China grapples with new world role

Roger, Indiana — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:49:11 GMT

Unfortunately, most of today's blogs are from ignorant sources who do not have a clue as to China's past, present, or future effect on the US or its citizens. China's GDP is only 25% of the US volume and therefore will not be ready to lead for many years to come. The US currency is still #1 and will remain as such until the global recession is over, which may not happen for several years. China can not survive without the US buying their products and the US needs China's workers since we have become too lazy to do our own labor. To say that we have shipped our jobs and futures overseas is ridiculous. We have no one here to do the heavy lifting unless we count all the Mexican labor we still use for the jobs we have left. Since we are now becoming a social democracy, this situation will only get much worse. Obama has so far put us in a "no win" situation with his tax and spend policies. We could have solved this whole problem without spending one penny by giving large tax incentives for all depressed products and lowering business taxes by 50%, while eliminating the Capital gains tax for 1 to 2 years. That would have brought us back to normal within 12 months.

China grapples with new world role

Alan Huckerby. Chantilly, Virginia. USA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:54:29 GMT

China is not yet ready to lead the world forward to peace and prosperity. It has yet to define its own path forward. They cannot take the greedy and corrupt American way as an indicator of a rightfull path. China will need to make their own path and only time will tell if it is the pathway to peace and prosperity for all.

China grapples with new world role

Ray Kaye — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:55:54 GMT

China can't decide if it's communist or capitalist and America can't decide if it's capitalist or going communist.

China grapples with new world role

Len, CA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:07:31 GMT

Democracy is a synonym for "glorifying the ignorance of masses." Americans believe their freedoms of speech and media only makes them more aware of their world and of themselves. The truth, however, is that 95% of what you hear or read has a slant to it, partially true, or out-right false.

Your entire social structure, based on individual freedoms and rights, has built a society where nobody gives a dam about anyone but themselves. And now as the very fabric of american society, this country is being torn in 300 million ways by individuals who seek nothing more then personal gains.

China grapples with new world role

Sean, NY — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:18:43 GMT

Everyone should read Max's comments - I have visited China as well and what he says is true - China will not be sucessful exporting a peasant culture to the rest of the world.
They still cannot project their military strength either despite the recent build-up.
Another commenter also noted that China cannot really be run as a democracy - also true - too many poor people. They have no history of this type of government either.
We also shouldn't forget that this recession is just a part of a business cycle - we just put it off for 20 years with some clever financial engineering.

China grapples with new world role

Michael, Queens, New York — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:18:50 GMT

Americans need to stop being so ignorant, just because you went to China does not make you an expert and make idiotic comments about chinese people dying because of diarrhea and headaches. If you believe that, then you really proved how America is failing to educate their people.

Why do Americans always jump on China being wrong on Taiwan and Tibet and their human rights? It's not like U.S. History is clear of faults. What about killing the Native Americans? Sending the Japanese to concentration camps? Arresting anyone that looks middle eastern for question after sept 11.? Look at yourselves before you make judgment on someone else.

China grapples with new world role

Josh, Mexico City — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:23:18 GMT

Hu Xingdou speaks well to the point. Were China able to demonstrate a quality of life for the majority of its population that the Americans and other developed countries have been able to provide theirs - albeit somewhat materialistic - and we here in Mexico dream of for our masses - there might be some justification to the intellectuals rhetoric. While millions live in abject poverty, personal liberty is limited and ethnic cultures decimated, I would not welcome a quasi Communist / Capitalist world leadership in the mode of China for me or my children.

China grapples with new world role

Los Angeles — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:25:02 GMT

As long as China's wealth is based on intellectual property theft, fixing the value of its currency, a "we can do anything because we're a developing country" and a "don't criticize us, because you are not perfect too" attitude toward international law, and a "don't criticize us, and a radical self-worship of everything "Chinese" as opposed to the higher ideals that all humans share and aspire to, it will not, as a nation, offer any leadership worth following. The bottom line is you don't run around crying about how you should be the leader, or by complaining about someone else who's leading. You lead by example and with grace.

China grapples with new world role

PaPaPeng, Edmonton — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:27:56 GMT

I guess nothing China does will ever please the white guys. I doubt any Chinese person loses one second of sleep over it. And what is this world leadership nonsense. There's enough to do in good old China not to want to take on the thankless task of bullying other peoples. If it makes good policy China provides full project aid to poor friendly countries, complete the projects, with no political strings attached.

China grapples with new world role

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:36:59 GMT

Stop buying Happy Meals with Hamburgler action figures and their economy dries up.

China grapples with new world role

James Urmin, Columbus, Ohio — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:45:07 GMT

anybody who says to stop buying chinese good and stuff along those lines are not very smart at all. First of all, it is a global economy now. Everybody is feeling the effects of the economic crisis. Second, economics follows a general pattern. It rises and falls no matter what. The only difference is is that we have become more involved in how we regulate the economy. China is not ready to lead. Also China like the critic said, is creating only small things in large amounts of course. I would rather create nano-chips and things along those lines rather than some plastic toys. Yes the economy is falling right now, but it will rise again. There is much more you can write, but whatever

China grapples with new world role

annette — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:48:59 GMT

China would require that the rest of the world respect them and wish to emulate them. Currently, neither holds true. The majority of the modern world has little in common with China. The only thing that they have been able to do is capitalize on our addiction to spending and acquiring thing. This is beginning to wane and they are becoming desperate. Hence, the propaganda books and stance. That is a scary thing.

China grapples with new world role

Jennie PC, Boyertown, Pa — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:49:57 GMT

We must understand that current the United States of America financial crisis was undertaken or is left over from Mr. bush administration.

The system let by current administration of the United States will not lead us or world into the corruption of world system. I am not a Democrat or Republican yet I have a confidence in president Obama administration to bring us back to right track.

It is the sensitive issue for both Chinese leader and public regarding China's nationalism of new great power matter.

China will not take lead in central world stage, but nevertheless, it will work closely with Prsident Obama administration to stabilize the current world financial crisis.

The real question to the United States is how much can China trust and count on America as a reliable partner. President Obama must be aware that China had been torn apart and brutally occupied as well as atrocity done by then superpower of Britain, France, and Japan. It is unrealistic to expect China not to defend its own sovereignty, to ignore its history or to be treated as a second tier entity at another country's beckon and call like a bad habit left over from the colonial era. Any unjustified event without substantially justified with reasonable basis in fact which will be interpreted by China as an aggressive act.

Again, China will and must be evolved its legal and political systems to meet the needs of its own people and global partners.

China grapples with new world role

Ben — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:51:05 GMT

I don't think Chine will become the leader of the world, even it has $2 trillion in foreign currency reserves. Nothing for 1.3B people. Most of them are still very poor now. China used its cheapeat labor and lots of natural resources to create wealth for this world, and make air and soil polluted (it will cost lots money in the future). As the professor said, its polical system is the mainstream.

China grapples with new world role

Harry, NJ — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:55:37 GMT

Chinese urge to lead the world financials is a mere choice of words are aimed as a marketing gig for the rise of dragon and spin a positive influence on the general population of other countries. China does not have powerful agencies to oversea the Financial system. I'm sure you agree that many chinese companies book cannot even be valued at face. It's all a sham. Under the hood, the government is propping up many of these firms. Sure, they hold the largest US treasuries. That doesn't make your system fool-proof. Timeline - China has risen in the last decade....hardly enough time to develop tried and tested financial system to lead the world.

China grapples with new world role

sam,Cleveland ohio — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:56:38 GMT

keep shopping at wal-mart and wonder why china is gaining ground and we as Americans are loosing our jobs?
Americans need to stop thinking we are number one.
we are not anymore.

China grapples with new world role

Jorge, Chicago — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:22:34 GMT

Yeah, they've got positive growth, but keep in mind that China's internal security depends on constant, massive growth - indeed China is dependent on the US and Europe - not the other way around. The more US families save and the less imported garbage they buy the more pressure gets put on China's leaders.

It looks as if China is trying to use nationalism (condoning unofficially what they refuse to endorse openly) as a way to fend off increasing dissatisfaction with the Chinese government by ordinary Chinese.

Beijing is nothing - most of the country lives under corrupt kleptocrats out in the countryside. Rising unemployment and massive dissatisfaction with corrupt profiteering officials is causing China's leaders to worry about another revolution (oh yeah, sorry, "counter-revolution").

So expect to see more bluster from the leadership and "intellectuals." The louder they yell the weaker they are.

China grapples with new world role

Aaron, Florida — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:34:27 GMT

In response to Micheal....

While those who have been to China may not be experts, they've at least had boots on the ground and have seen what's going on there. If you've been there, you know that the average Chinese person is far less well off than the average American and far less hard working. That's not to say that there aren't well-off and hard working people there...we're talking about averages here. I've had great experiences there dealing with the Chinese...and some not so great as well.

The Chinese are building and developing at a rate the world has never seen before, and this is being done to create jobs. Buying their goods are what makes this possible. If they don't have double digit growth, they can't employ all of their new graduates. They depend on the US and the rest of the world to buy their cheap stuff. If that dries up, so does their prosperity.

And the reason they buy so much US dept is to keep their currency stable.

China grapples with new world role

martin wa — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:38:25 GMT

they told me in grade school i would be speaking japanese before long. well im still speaking english and japan doesnt own the world.
someone can always build it cheaper so watch out china.

China grapples with new world role

John Doe, Denver, CO — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:44:06 GMT

If they want to try and take it, let them. It will not be given to them easily.

China grapples with new world role

Mike, TX — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:55:06 GMT

THE fundamental difference between the chinese and americans is that, where the americans believe there is absolutely nothing they can learn from the chinese and the chinese have everything to learn from the americans; the chinese believe there are some things they can learn from the americans and vice-versa.

This is the reason why china has seen and will continue to see prosperity now and into the future and also why America's end is near. The first rule to obtaining true wisdom is to first realize that you yourself are nothing more than but a fool. This simply does not exist in the chauvinism of american society.

China grapples with new world role

S. R., St. Louis — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:02:47 GMT

China has done what they needed to do to get to the top of the economic heap. Most of their methods have been morally reprehensible but, still, their they are. Societies, like people, make choices in their conduct. It is a sad commentary on our world when this type of country is rewarded with "number one" status....but their they are. It's bad enough they own all the dollars and euros. I pray that does not eventually translate into all the tanks and guns.

China grapples with new world role

Doug, Plano, TX — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:19:18 GMT

Apparently most americans are to stupid to understand what it is they are reading. The chinese are not seeking to become leaders, they are only looking to change the current system to make it more equitable for all.

"We are for changing the world system, not for China becoming the new hegemon or new Big Brother of the world," --- quoted from the article above.

China grapples with new world role

Hi — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:19:19 GMT

It's amazing to see free speech proliferate throughout the various nations of the world. I can only pray that it continues. Whatever system is chosen will have to mesh with the current values of the people it governs. The state of Earth's global society is just too advanced to not find a solution in which people with different values can co - exist.

China grapples with new world role

j Zoltan Rancho Cucamonga, ca. — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:24:52 GMT

It is interesting we are looking to China as a possible savior, a communist country with dubious human rights issues, and a plethora of moral, ecological, and social issues. I think that says more about our precariousness than anything else.

Are we so desperate? Yes we are. Everyone can see we are collapsing form corruption, greed, and corporate manipulation of nearly all the facets of our society. The constitution died long ago, and our democracy is a farce that supports those already in power. Just look at the trillions of dollars spent on the banks, and financial sectors that brought us to this ugly position in the first place.

It was once said that democracy would fall when the people discovered they could vote themselves free money, and that is precisely what is happening, only the "people" are the bankers, and their related institutions.

We are looking to China because we have no power to shake of the grip of our masters as they steal or last bits of value and capital. China. Our hope against our masters.

It is truly a sad commentary.

China grapples with new world role

Charles Alailima, Seattle, WA — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:36:41 GMT

Whether China is ready to lead or not in the world's economic life is completely irrelevant because like it or not it is now the major production powerhouse for the world economy. How it got there is irrelevant just as how the US got its economic power on the backs of slaves and immigrant labor is irrelevant. How China will assert its power is what we should be discussing. China has sufferred perhaps the worst humilliation a country could possibly go through at the hands of the western powers during colonial times. The wealth accumulated during that sad period for them is what financed the post colonial era after WWII where the colonial powers plus Japan did extremely well for themselves. Despite its economic power China still has hundreds of millions of its people in third world status as does India. Both China and India know that the world economic structure must be directed to production that lifts its people up. This is a moral imperative as well as a political necessity for them. If the western powers take the position China and India must conform to how the west structured the world economy to finance the excesses of western consumption at the expense of the masses in China and India then they are going to be sorely disappointed. The structure does need a major overhaul and the US had better be on the right side of this historic change if it expects to maintain influence and a reaonable life style.

China grapples with new world role

Rory McAnelly, — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:39:31 GMT

Why make fun of the people that buy all the products? Or are they forgetting that its the west who buys chinese goods. And if they make their currency the world currency they cannot control it anymore. And no offense China is a good country, but this Chinese people first policy and repression of free speech is not something i subscrbie too. I have many chinese friends and they are not like this. And remember the good times never last. How would China deal with extremists? Im jsut curious because saying china first to a muslim radical would not be a good thing.

China grapples with new world role

Philip Monroe, Working in China — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:40:55 GMT

I live and work in China. The mindset and impetus behind the culture is economic dominance at any cost. The world should be on notice - a new form of colonialism is taking shape. Every financially weak country should prepare for their new Chinese masters.

China grapples with new world role

j Zoltan Rancho Cucamonga, ca. — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:45:04 GMT

China grapples with new world role

Glad I Speak Chinese — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:47:57 GMT

I agree with Professor Hu's level-headed argument. Unfortunately, in China, level-headedness does not always win the day. He will, in fact, be trampled by his nationalist counterparts if the nationalist movement continues as it is currently moving. A movement of 1.3 billion nationalists is, to the dismay of ruling party officials, even out of the control of the government.

China grapples with new world role

Kata Alexandria Virginia — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:53:56 GMT

My father is a well established Economist. He believes companies who abandoned simple business
principles such as investing in capitol improvements in US based industry and exported our money abroad began the trend of dimishing the standard of living in the USA. I think of it as economic treason. Short sighted greed, corporate negligence, nespotism and political incompetency are the legacy left to our citizens after decades of irresponsible public policy and corporate direction which was without the interest of our countries future in mind. The Chinese live in a country which has prohibited their intellectual freedom. Now they are approaching financial dominance. What this tells me is that we live in an era of chaotic crumbling institutions with leadership based on the same criteria with which we elect Home Coming Queens and
Teen Werewolf Contest Winners. If you can't buy it now, forget about buying it later. We need protectionist tarrifs, we need to offer large incentives to companies for retooling old equipment and developing better factories. Why don't we ban the export of all of our raw natural resources. When I was in college the Chinese were brainwashing their population by organized attacks on effigies of our President, these people want all that we have, and frankly they have taken it. Boycott Chinese products.
This is a frightening concept for many politicians but it works. Why not an embargo on Made In China?
Nationalize Chinese investments in the USA. Regroup. We are the worlds largest consumer, flexing that muscle might make a difference.

China grapples with new world role

rgn — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:10:37 GMT

Sometime in 2003 the world as afflicted by SARS with the source being China. This deadly outbreak costed $10 billion loss to the global economy apart from lives that were lost. Despite China being the permanent member of the UN Security Council, there was not even an iota of an apology from it. Now, I’m shocked that this country has the conscience to promote Yuan as a Global Currency!!

It is time that the world looked at China from its acts, deeds and intentions against the rest of the world and not by what it says and states. China is the biggest proliferator of Nuclear weapons and technology vis-à-vis Pakistan, North Korea, Iran … etc. It is time for the rest of the world to rebuke any such efforts by China.

http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/002/504jlpnl.asp

China grapples with new world role

Clement — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:25:24 GMT

It may not play the leadership role but whether we like it or not, China will play an ever more important role in the future. There are imperfection - just as there are imperfections with any nations or societies - but the rise of China will and is happening no matter what our personal feelings towards them are.

China grapples with new world role

Daisy1, London area, Ontario — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:25:46 GMT

I'm not comfortable with China's position in the world..so, in my small way, I'm very selective in purchases for my family and where they were produced and/or packaged..particularly food. It's very difficult to find anything NOT made in China..including the more expensive items e.g. clothing,I might have normally been interested in.

I don't consider this protectionism in the true sense of the word...but China's current track record re safety alone is not in my family's best interests.

China grapples with new world role

kelly, michigan — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:33:49 GMT

If Americans would stop buying anything and everything that is made in China they wouldn't even be in the position to have any power over us. Every one is so fast to shop at Walmart and then moan about not having any jobs. Good thing China has more than enough jobs to support their economy. Maybe if people would start buying American made products made by Americans workers it would help our own! check out terrorfreeoil.org and stillmadeinusa.com as a sampling. Isn't it amazing though that so many products made in china make us sick? yet we continue to buy them because they are cheap - damn our health and our wealth!

China grapples with new world role

B Kelly — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:49:04 GMT

Great Nations need help sometimes we always look to one another . History shows it good or bad

China grapples with new world role

patsf — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:05:15 GMT

I don't think the Chinese are interested in “leading”; they simply want to be treated with fairness and respect, given their country’s terrible treatment by a succession of Western and Eastern powers including Britain, France, Russia and Japan in the 19th and 20th century. It started with Britain’s invasion of China in 1840, when Britain wanted to export opium (yes, OPIUM!!) to China and the Chinese refused. Britain and its “friends” then invaded China, murdering countless Chinese and also burning down their imperial palace. China was defeated and had to pay huge ransoms and made territorial concessions to Britain and its allies for a war they started illegally and immorally against the Chinese! The cruelty and barbarity with which the Chinese were treated was on par with what the Europeans settlers did to the Native Americans. (The Chinese fortunately were a little more resilient than their American Indian cousins and were not wiped out or relegated to the reservations.)

The Chinese have never again trusted the West since. I think the people in the West should study a little about this part of the history – i.e., all the miseries and sufferings brought upon the Chinese by the Europeans and Japanese. This will go a long way towards healing and mutual understanding.

China grapples with new world role

Ralph Allovuh — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:17:49 GMT

China can barely feed it's people, China can barely provide enough clean water to it's people, most Chinese are still poor, living in the dirt or working for slave wages in factories, being taken advantage of by the secret rich class that still dominates there like in the rest of the world.

China grapples with new world role

Frank — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:21:20 GMT

China don't have to lead, neighbors will follow when they see a good system of running a country. As it is now, lesser countries around the world is looking intensely as the west is going a downward trend. All these may turn out good for the world as luxury life style may not be sustainable for everyone. In fact I suspect the prosperity of the west so far might have been build up through the past exploitation of the lesser peoples and nations.

China grapples with new world role

Rigoberto Aceves, SFC, USA Army Ret. -- Whittier, CA — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:36:48 GMT

Fellow "AMERICANS", I am in agreement with about 65% of all of your comments. Just one thing to remember is this that world history is getting repeated again. Just one thought I have for you. In past history we all learned and studied the "Great Roman Empire", well we are that second "Empire" that is going to be destroyed, not by ourtsiders but "WITH IN OUR BORDERS" just like the Romans. We are destroying ourselfves. Not trying to be religious, but one thing that I hang my hopes on is that in the Bible it says that the "Eagle" will eventually be triunphant over "EVIL". So that tells you that "AMERICA" will always be the leader one way or another. Have lots of hope and do a lot to get this ship on a straight path once again. The "Spirit" of America is too strong to be destroyed by anything. And remember my Fellow Americans,......"MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA". Thank You, for your attention and lets get to work to get our beloved country back on course.

China grapples with new world role

Seattle — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:39:17 GMT

What's the old saying about "attack a strawman?" China doesn't want to lead. China is not ready to lead and knows it only too well. It wants some limited leadership role in the financial sector given its huge stake in T-bonds but that is it. It's a national policy "BU-CHU-TOU/Don't stick your head out on the international stage. It has plenty of internal problems and wants what every responsible goverment wants: better life for its citizen. That's what its focus is on.

China grapples with new world role

Donovan, Basking Ridge, New Jersey — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:38:31 GMT

The title of the book might be better translated as Displeased China rather than Unhappy China, to stay closer to the assertive wording of the title. Regarding the published comments, I feel sorry for those who know little or nothing about China but are willing to brave their judgements that China should be filing for Chapter 11, morally, no less. You just have to wonder how many of those who make sweeping statements about giving Taiwan independence and returning Dalai Lama to Tibet actually know where those places are geographically. The great American tradition values respect for the individuality of other people and other culture. It doesn't hurt either if we learn to keep our mouth shut when we don't know what we are about to say.

China grapples with new world role

katinpuyallup puyallup, wa — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:48:05 GMT

This isn't a war between countries. This is a war between countries and the mega corporations. The corporations were winning but maybe they got too greedy. Last chance to break them up.

China grapples with new world role

Susan Hopkins, Kansas — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:57:30 GMT

For the first time in over one century, we will have a global hegemon that is not an open, liberal democracy but a highly secretive, oppressive, expansionist power that:

1. Invaded and committed genocides in Tibet, Xinjiang,
2. Systematically persecuted the Falung Gong,
3. Executes thousands of political prisoners each year,
4. Proliferated nuclear weapons to autocrats in N. Korea, Iran, and Pakistan,
5. Propped one of the world's worst dictators, the Pol Pot & Khmer Rouge, and now Kim Jong Il.
6. Opposes a bigger UN role for peaceful Asian democracies, India and Japan,
7. Runs one of the world's biggest cybercrime rings, stealing documents from US, Thailand, India, Spain, etc many other nations,
8. Sells shoddy products, some of which are fatal to little children,
9. Harvested the internal organs of executed political prisoners,
10. Destroys the livelihood of its own citizens (as in the devastating eathquake might have been caused by 3 Gorges dam).

I am scared. Very scared!

China grapples with new world role

MDR — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:09:44 GMT

China is here for one reason and one reason only. Slow and steady won THIS moment of THIS race. Truthfully - we ( meaning the US ) can't even tie our shoes... or make our own shoes... or - I think it is obvious. They hold the reins because we gave the reins to them. Unless we change our thinking... well - the reins are up for grabs - and we fall short now. It's too bad. I don't think anybody I know - nor their freinds - or their freinds' friends... wanted to give up the reins. We had the best idea - but forgot about what was the most important. Now - because of our lack of ability to draw a line - the obtuse always has the limelight. I'm sorry if I offend anyone - but the truth of the matter is - we spend more time ( AND MONEY ) barking for the rights of the obtuse. Like the poor gay guy... I'm not gay. I also do not care about 'gay issues'. I really don't give much of anything to hear about the obtuse. The whole - is what is important. Look where we are - because even that isn't going to last much longer given the course we are on. Hope everybody ( yes - even gay people ) keep on keepin' on.
Everyone... good luck. We are going to need it.

China grapples with new world role

Michael Davidson, Gainesville, Florida — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:23:28 GMT

China is full of itself. It's obviously trying to form a world war 3 by "leading" itself in the economy. If it does, it will soon take all of our money, and then invest it on bunch of nazis. LOL

China grapples with new world role

Peter N Urumqi — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:35:58 GMT

Anyone who has lived in China and seen they way Chinese people drive will understand China is not ready to "lead the world." However, the position of China in the world during the past 100 years has been abnormal. China will and should take a more central role in world affairs. But that means it will have to really join the world community, grant Chinese citizens real civil rights and practice the rule of law.

China grapples with new world role

Barry Liu, Watertown, CT — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:45:17 GMT

Give me a break that China is going to lead. Are they going to lead by examples including arresting attorneys advocating people's rights,firing newspaper editors reporting corruption,murdering Tibetans uprising against racial cleansing,aggresion against Taiwan sovereignty,military expansion in South Sea and Pacific region,bloody hand behind Darfur genocide, etc..

China grapples with new world role

Chan — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:54:30 GMT

I am a Chinese, and I don't agree with the notion that China should lead the entire world. I believe in a multi-polar world that the Chinese governement has long been advocating for.

But unlike most people in the West, I do believe China has the capacity to lead the world. People in the West has long been saying that China would collapse soon. But China is still here today. Why do the anti-China groups not wake up to the fact that China isn't going to collapse.

I hear a few people here say China is corrupt, but most expert would agree that India is more corrupt, and yet India hasn't collapsed. So why would you think China would?

List of Countries by Corruption :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corruption_Perceptions_Index

China grapples with new world role

PC, Brooklyn, NY — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:13:46 GMT

The author of the blog, Eric Baculinao, should mention that this book express the opinion of the Author and not what the Chinese government should do. So the title "China grapples with new world role" is grossly overstated. But the author was right before when he published the book "China can say no" more than 10 years ago and China have somewhat complied with its policies. I doubt that China want to be the world's leader to be the solely responsible for the world's problems but rather want be a responsible stakeholder in the world's affairs.

The author also doesn't have any constructive criticism toward Western's democracy failures. Many westerners thinks that the Chinese government would crumble yet they come out even stronger. People should not assume that western democracy fixes the world's problems.

China grapples with new world role

Curt, Silicon Valley, California — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:34:14 GMT

The Chinese are going to lead ? Like they lead in Darfur by selling weapons to the Sudanese government ? Like they lead in stealing technology from the US ? Please feel free to follow China. They'll lead you right into a Communist prison.

China grapples with new world role

PM, Seattle, Washington — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:48:18 GMT

Yes. Just the United States has been doing. By example and grace..

China grapples with new world role

Wally Seattle WA — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:09:36 GMT

Ameriacan want communism. They need and WANT the gov't to decide for them. Look at smoking, drinking. They blame the govt to educate them. They want the govt to run their business, oversee finance.
"Democracy" for the US is a misnomer for exporting their gov't. Its not a democracy but one believes it via constant propaganda from the media. Free speech, freedom of religion... Try to talk about the US gov't your labeled a terrorist. Bush enacted so many illegal laws based on his IDIOTIC religion holding us hostage. His stem cell, abortion, feed the homeless via relgious groups. China's constitution guaranteed freedom of religion Article 36. It actually guarantees freedom from religion. I abhor missionaires coming to fill my head with THEIR god, or being preached to before a homeless person can havea meal. Its not allowed in china. If you one of the 5 supported gov't religions its protected. OPEN your eyes and realize you only repeating what you are told here but you never question or research your own answers!! Like believing in childrens stories of pink elephants, and invisible friends and mythical GOD. Grow up and do some researched first!!

China grapples with new world role

joneelv.Zhengzhou ,China — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:17:29 GMT

You'd better come to China ,and see what's the real Chinese culture. DO not belive what the others said.

China grapples with new world role

Chris S. Korea — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:23:22 GMT

No, just no. China doesn't have the ability to lead the world in a damn thing, maybe as the worlds labor center. But even that is starting to erode, as the quality of life slowly rise's in China and most of its citizens start to organize and demand higher wages / working standards, those cheap factories will move to other nations. This has already started, most of the "early adopters" that went into China first are now in Vietnam.

Remember China is strong because they devalue their own currency, and force their population to work under near slave like conditions. Its basically a communistic state run slave system that is at work, and it is slowly coming apart. There will be an uprising in the next fifty years that will lead to major political change within China. Try to think of it like the fall of the USSR, Communism can only last so long, until the people become aware of the power they hold over the Government.

China grapples with new world role

Cid, Rio Grande Valley, Texas — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:54:55 GMT

I don't know guys?,...but for some reason this is starting to sound more and more biblical...or Nostradamic??...

China grapples with new world role

Mike, San Antonio, Texas — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:01:41 GMT

Why is China so powerful? As I recall it is because the Western powers, particularly the United States began an engagement process with China in 1973 that has led to the adoption of Western-style economics by China and it's subsequent rise in prosperity and influence. These academics seem to forget that China was a backwards basket case until only 30 years ago. The government is having difficulty balancing the needs for growth with the subsequent economic disparity. Is the world willing to float Chinese economic expansion at 8% per year plus just to keep the millions of Chinese kids who graduate from school each year employed? I think China's very size is going to be its limitation when it comes to their status as an emerging world power. Historically, they have always suffered from internal discord. That is what allowed smaller nations to carve China up 100 years ago and there's no reason to think that it won't be a problem for them this ttime around.

Russia has the opposite problem. Their population is only half that of the U.S. and is shrinking due to low birthrates. Russia is essentially a huge empty country whose only economic salvation is massive amounts of resources. Their economy is based on drilling/digging up everything of value under their sod and exporting it. Sounds a lot like Saudi Arabia and I don't see the Saudis dominating the world political and economic scene.

The US has spent itself into exhaustion. Once the massive level of personal debt has been reduced by people paying off credit cards, etc. AND we give up on the idea of giving everyone a social safety net, allowing us to pay down some of the government debt, we will be back on top.

China grapples with new world role

James Sudan — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:10:42 GMT

China is not fit to rule the world until she sincerely welcome rule of law,human right and democracy. Associating and supporting evil without remorse never make one a good leader. Making progress at a given time doesn't guarantee the fact that success is permanent and don't forget that 70% to 80% of the revenue generated in China is made possible by the outside world especially African countries they re milking dry. Change is Constant. These African countries can wake up at anytime.

China grapples with new world role

Sadden American — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:17:53 GMT

Well, luckly we have obama at the helm here in the United States. He'll be more than happy to hand over the rest of the US to China. Since he's been in office, all he's done was push the US towards socailism. The US Government telling GM to fire one of it's employees?? The US Government telling the US people to shut up and suck it up on the TRILLIONS It gave to the banks, which not it looks like the Gov't owns. Salary caps for CEO's and bank presidents?!?! What's next, salary caps on pro-athelets, lawyers, doctors?? Forcing the US Auto industry to pay slave wages like the forigen car companies do?

China grapples with new world role

Q, Guelph, Ontario (Canada) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:19:43 GMT

Unfortunately, China may not have a choice when it comes to taking a world leadership role. The US has consumed itself into a blackhole of debt (you keep throwing money into the hole to try and fill it, but it makes it pull harder), and will either be enslaved by its debt, or face hyper-inflation trying to remain free. It will not be a superpower after it ceases to be the sole reserve currency.

China has enough spine to control its population -- something no democracy can match. Perhaps with their lead we would be strong enough to deal with global warming and peak oil as well.

China grapples with new world role

any wang, toronto, ON — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:31:29 GMT

People are different, so are nations, with different history, culture, ideology, etc. Why there have to be leaders and followers, why can't we just be co-existers? and be true helpers whenever we can? It seems the pusuit of the leader status, whether be it a person or a nation is causing more problems than benefits. If people would stop talking about who's better or leader, rather, spending more time with their children and cooking, the world would become a much better place.

China grapples with new world role

Eugene Franklin, Houston, Texas — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 05:56:09 GMT

To be honest, it seems that the Chinese as a civilization are making exactly the same mistakes committed by the American one- political bluster. Every human society, regardless of time period, has sought too one-up it's neighbors. Apparently the P.R.C. is not above the most glaring folly of humanity, HUBRIS! This flaw is possessed by every person on earth to one degree or another and is the main reason societies(which are constituted of people) feel the need to proclaim their own the greatest. Humanity's greatest survival tool has been its abililty to cooperate to get the job done, whatever it may be. Until we learn this as a race, all human endeavors are doomed to failure without exception, which includes being "leader" of a global civilization. The Spanish, French, English, Germans, Russians and Americans have tried and blatantly failed. Only by consensus has our human civilization achieved what it currently has. All the political natoinalism in the world will never change that.

China grapples with new world role

Larry — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:14:37 GMT

China will not be a global superpower as long as its cultural and political systems retard the realization of their human capital. Current example of this is the state of modern information technology. Chinese have more users of the 'net and far more cellular data customers than any other country.

However there is no Chinese company that is innovating in either the social or technical evolution of this industry. What it says on the back of an iPhone, "Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China" is indicative of China's problems on this front.

That problem is also reflected in what China is world-famous for in regards to the only social/technical innovation of the internet they are good at, which is the infusion of censorship and secret police throughout their side of the internet.

China grapples with new world role

Markus Arealias, San Jose, CA — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:36:02 GMT

Go ahead China... try and repossess your "investments in America" and see what genuine power really is! Please!!! Take it!!!!

China grapples with new world role

DongB, pa US — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:49:55 GMT

As an oversea chinese, i think China's political system is far superior than US's. Democracy is not the answer for the world nor China, because in theory it should not work, and in practice it proves so. It's a mere by product of rich nations.
What China needs to lead is advanced RnD system, science is the key.
Also be aware the above character Max, he claims he went to China and telling u all the false stories, let me give a simple facts here, China has over 20% peple overweight, no.1 killer is heart disease, cancer (like advanced counties), patent granted per year is catching up with US,, RnD money is more than Japan, EU's. Chinese youth aer dominant in hard science world olympics like math, physics so on. not indian'sn, not jewish. these r simple facts and can be verified conveniently. remember what I said about democracy, u need to get your facts right, otherwise it's better to give somebody else who know better to decide.

China grapples with new world role

paul, tampa fl — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:53:03 GMT

I think it's absurd to address who will "run" or "lead" the free world. If indeed the world is free, it cannot be "run" by anyone. Everyone plays their part and China will play theirs. When will we realize communism/democracy/socialism/capitalism are all simply political wordplay used to motivate their own cause. Do we really live in a democratic, capitalistic country? Free market? Really? so many regulations (and some are called deregulations... which i find hilarious) and loopholes everywhere. And do they really live in a communistic setting? it mainly comes down to slight cultural differences. we are as nationalistic as they are. we are as protectionistic as they are...

China grapples with new world role

Lars — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:55:51 GMT

Oh please let us not have to "lead the world" anymore. Let China do it. Let them have all the headaches. Let them put all thier money into thier military. Let them please. Leading the world sucks to no end. Leading the world is like running first in a race into a dung heap.

China grapples with new world role

Ben Smith NSW Australia — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:38:55 GMT

the last few paragraphs sums it up properly...

China grapples with new world role

hughie ross — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:44:42 GMT

when you have system where 10 percent of the people have all the money,and that money fights the unions,the middle class,health care for the people,you should have a revolution,but when you buy the media,buy the politicians,keep the people down with an education system that go,s just outside city limits,38th.in the world.you will fail ,wave your flags,tell yourselves how good you are,mock other countrys,your greed and corruption,not by the 90 percent,the 10 percent will sink your empire and china will rule.

China grapples with new world role

David Sin, Pasadena CA — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 07:47:58 GMT

"Chinese are generally taking pride in their unprecedented new clout in world affairs" Obviously Mr. so called Beijing Bureau Chief--you have no knowledge of Chinese history.

China grapples with new world role

Tony Wilson, Rockingham, North Carolina — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:51:51 GMT

I believe that it is quite obvious the reasoning and thinking of the Chinese people who authored this book and their rightful opinions, the Chinese people are a great people and civilization, as are many other great nations and peoples... however, I believe the greatness of their peoples, culture, history, and their intellectual and technological and possible leadership role in world affairs is surely tainted and defeated by their own leadership in the lack of true freedoms and treatment of their people and unwillingness to move into the venue of true freedom for their citizens... however, it is obvious that the USA and every country that claims true democracy and freedom for their citizens, have now in this time the earth is in... have been and are now being exposed for their own sins and corruptions that all come down to the same evil flaw that all the nations of the earth's leadership and "powers" that (rule) have in common... lust of wealth, riches and power... simply put, not equality and prosperity for all people... just the select few.

China grapples with new world role

Gene — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:43:38 GMT

It will require courage that the Bush regime did not display to turn around or equalize the trade imbalance with China. Artificially attaching the yuan's value to the dollar undermines fair trade. President Obama will have to be tough to stand up to this unfair practice which transfers $250 Billion of the USA's wealth to China every year. It will not be easy, but if anyone is insightful enough to start changing things, it is President Obama. Just be prepared to pay more for consumer items.

China grapples with new world role

Silverback 2009, Quebec City, PQ — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:58:07 GMT

obscene executive pay and bonuses is just another form of (legal) corruption. If you question why UAW members in Detroit's getting extravagant pays more than a U of Michigan Professor in Ann Arbor down I-94, then you also have to ask why an investment banker, a multi-national corp CEO is getting 10, 100, or even 1,000 times of their pay? It's getting a bit too far in my opinion. It's different from an entrepreneur like Bill Gates or Eric Schmidt who started businesses like Microsoft and Google which created real value.

China grapples with new world role

Xanana — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:36:10 GMT

Whether China is ready to lead or not, let the time decide it.. It had been a leader n of course it will in the future..

Talking about US Leadership.. Look what what US "did" in East Timor, or rather what US "asked" the Indonesian Gov did to the East Timorists.. Invade n Kill if they're resisted, because the US worried that Fretillin who won the election would sided with the communists...

And for the Han Chauvinistic.. I rememberred when i travelled to Guangzhou, China a year ago.. I saw many Tibetans sold Tiger paws/skins n had knife on their waist, which were not possible for Han Chinese to do that.. when i asked my Chinese friends, only to learn that only minorities in China could do that. where as the Majority Han Chinese would be surely put behind the bar for many years, if they do the same thing..

China grapples with new world role

roadKingMike Whiting Maine — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:28:18 GMT

Big U.S. Corps sold us out for big profits short term, Keep buying your chinese goods and China will take over without fireing a shot..Thank Regan-Bush 1 and Bush 2 for the 9 plus Trillion of debt..tax breaks for U.S. Corps to locate to China closing plants in the U.S.! Look in your driveway,what car do you drive? Look at your tool box where are your tools made? Where's your motorcycle made, We must control what we buy, stop buying imports!!!!!!

China grapples with new world role

Cassie, San Francisco, Ca. — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:29:15 GMT

It is very simple really. The arrogance and motives of China is apparent and will become more so in the near years ahead. But ... the lies, lies and more lies that come out of Beijing are so blatantly obvious that one has to wonder if these people are for real.

While they complain about the western capitalist system, do they forget that it is the only thing that has brought them "partially" out of the middle ages? As is typical of this people, the first taste of progress brings out the arrogance that those familiar with the country and culture understand all too well.

Prior to the 70's the country was in darkness, only because of Nixon and Kissinger did China gain entry into the world market place with their cheap and often labor camp products. Their success is 120% due to the capitalist system and the American Dollar.

Until China can take care of it's own people, curb the corruption that by western standards is off the chart in every little hamlet where you have an emperor want-to-be, China will only implode. It is happening as we speak.

For all the western world doesn't know about China, the Chinese people know almost less.

Without transparency how can the rest of the world trust China? How can the Chinese people?

For those who would like more insight read, "The Ugly Chinaman" by Bo Yang.

Understand the people ... understand the real threat.

China grapples with new world role

Earl W Hawley II Hamilton, New Jersey — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:40:39 GMT

Why don't the people of this great United States wake up and stop buying the slave labor goods produced in a Country that hates us. China has one goal in mind and only one, they want to destroy every industry that not only the United States has but every other FREE Country in the world has. At that point in time we will all become service slave Countries that will realy on a nation of crackpots to provide our goods. The companies that move there factories to China thinking they will see a better bottom line had better wake up and realize that if we have no indutry in the United States or any other FREE Country that we will have no money to buy their China produced goods. Wake up America. Let's start manufacturing goods in this Country, they might cost more, but Americans will work and SPEND their money here. When China playing

China grapples with new world role

Hemi Clover S.C. — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:06:07 GMT

It's only a matter of time before China crashes. Our greedy corporate leaders in the U.S. and Europe went to far with shipping jobs overseas. You can't grow an economy by taking away from one country and giving to another. What in Gods name were they thinking? They sabotaged their best markets. Now all they have is a bunch of broke Americans that can't even afford China's cheep products.

China grapples with new world role

Greg — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:44:54 GMT

As History has shown us.. Every Super Power has fallen. The US isn't going to be any different if it doesn't learn from the history. Countries can not sustain it self when it over reaches its natural borders & national population. The US needs to get its own affairs in order. Capitalism NEEDS regulated. The only way the US will continue to have power & influence in the world is to re-structure our own economy. Look within our own hemisphere & nation to strengthen and grow. We are neglecting our own issues at home. We are stuck in the old ways of thinking with special interst groups controling thw way US policy is formed. We must break with the interests of the few and start focusing on whats best for the country. The US must put an end to the corruption of government. It has never been the countries majority of its society that has caused nations to fail, but the decisions of the few who hold power & the corruptive influence of power & money. Its the responsibility of the nations society to take back their country and unite for its common interests.

China grapples with new world role

Kyle, NB, Canada — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:54:56 GMT

And what exactly is the purpose of leading? We're a large group of half civalized bipeds. We've been engaged in this game of Master/Slave in all aspects of our lives and evolution ever since one ape slapped another. Leading is not a realistic goal for ANY country in todays world. There's so many different factors that define the product of our endevours that it is impossible to judge.

Alright - So the militarily superior country stands at the top of the world. The World is mangled from Nucleur attacks and the populace is in dissarray.
Good Job.

Leadership is not the goal, partnership is the only long-term realistic goal. China in the end, will do exactly what they're afraid of doing. Over-reaching. IF China Expands to the West, they will be facing the middle-eastern Muslim countries - who under pressure would be dangerous, ( encompassing ~ 1/3 of the worlds population)

Do not forget that Japan has one of the most well trained and well equiped armies in the world. They would not be easy to shift from their Island.

The Chinese Extremists are a dying breed. More and More of the younger genreations in the country are questioning the lack of indvidualism and freedom provided by the government. As these ideas simmer within the people, China will never be able to commit to war in a functional capacity.

Obama is doing just what needs to be done concerning China. Ignoring them, let the Chinese see what happens to the rest of the world concerning Obama, we're seeing heavy European support at the G20 for Global Economic Support, with more of this kind of thinking we may be blissfully closer to actually acheiving a semblence of World Peace ; SuperPower Nutrality.

China grapples with new world role

kristi canada — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:02:40 GMT

china is a great country and never wants to dominate the world!The media in America is just always reporting the bad side,so if you aspire to know the truth,please come to China and open your eyes ,then go back to your great home to tell other people what you definitely saw!

China grapples with new world role

Denise, Gurdon AR — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:07:23 GMT

I didn't read all the comments, but just wanted to add this: This is NOT a game of Monopoly--it's real life. We can't just dig into the treasury or print more money when we get in trouble. Now, back in the 80's Reaganomics was supposed to be the answer: allow businesses larger profits (reduce their taxes) so that they can re-invest in America and create even more jobs. Well, the businesses did re-invest their profits--they packed up their manufacturing jobs in the US and moved them to off-shore locations. This resulted in the HUGE tax-breaks that we now see today and jobs that have moved abroad. If we, as Americans, can't help one another right here on our own turf, why do we keep saying that we can help someone else? I mean, I'm all for providing people with a helping hand vs. handout, but we can't get it right for us! How can we try to do it for someone else?! The majority of people in America are short-sighted (we have such a relatively short history). Capitalism would work PERFECTLY if businesses had not only their best interests, but the best interest of the people they serve, globally, in mind. I'm just tired of all the lying, back-stabbing, stealing, and taxing. Who and when was the US designated Gate-Keeper of the world? I missed that memo!

China grapples with new world role

William Smith — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:24:58 GMT

What exactly is this "expanded role" China is going to "play?" Are they going to replace the US as the policeman of the Middle East? HAH! Are they going to dominate the international financial markets? HAH! Are they even interested in really replacing the US as the touchstone of both? HAH! What is really being advocated is that China's essential social and economic stability not be upset -- and that is going to remain. Like everywhere, those at the top of the pyramid in China will sustain their status, and those farther and farther down will suffer for awhile, then be comfortable for awhile, then suffer for awhile. This is all just a new way of articulating the maintenance of the status quo. "There is nothing new under the sun...."

China grapples with new world role

Daniel, Grass Valley, CA — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:00:38 GMT

What ever happened to American Nationalism? If people would take some pride in American products and spend the slightly higher price for them, they would get a similar result. Their neighbors would have jobs and money would be circulating again. How much of the new Tax Releif money will you spend on American products? If you dont say 100%, then you are part of the problem so please don't complain when you have no job and you children have no future. Buy American when possible, and if not.. find a more friendly alternate to Chinese made products. Leaders of the world... hah... The Chinese can't even run their own country according to their own "Nationalistic Principles". They are in the position they are in now BECAUSE of Capitalism.. not because their root principles are "superior"... please. Stop the money flooding to them from the U.S. and they return to their horrific human rights violations and toxic clouds. Stop supporting a country who poses a threat to the U.S. anyways. Not that we dont have some things that we can't learn from our international allies. Regardless... if you buy Chinese products, you are actively supporting everything that this article is foreshadowing. Bring the money home, and keep the money here. American Nationalism is a good thing... extremism anywhere is dangerous so I am not suggesting extreme American Nationalism... more of an awareness of one's economic actions and their repercussions.

China grapples with new world role

Stan O, Temecula, CA — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:08:02 GMT

Ok, let's clear a few things up:

First, China (except for a couple of port cities) has never been colonized by western powers . . .as in never. They were never "brutalized", yes the British committed some abuses in trade etc, but the relationship of China to the US was nothing but favorable until the ChiComs closed their own doors on us.

Secondly, China has a long way to go financially to be anywhere close to the US in GDP. And anywhere close to most G-20 nations in per capita GDP. They have amassed a great pile of cash by not allowing the people that do the work to benefit, only those chosen by the government are allowed to enrich themselves. Their mercantilist economy is a historically proven failure.

They will not be able to cover up their economic mistakes forever, i.e. building where it makes no sense, subsidising the wrong industries etc.

China grapples with new world role

Bodeswest, Or — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:51:33 GMT

If we had a 25% flat tax in this country for a few years, you could all go back to work and we could forget about the recession.