There are many thoughts that come to mind when we hear the name China, from your mother’s favorite heirloom, to the great wall, to the best businessmen on earth, they all remind us of the country with the biggest population on earth. The country has long been under communist rule which applied the controls on its people similar to the previously great USSR. The break-up of the former Cold War US opponent has signified a loss of steam for the Communist ideal and many around the world are feeling the crunch.
The previously tightly controlled freedom of people who were born into the communist style of rule are getting a great big shakedown with many finding it difficult to grasp the thought of thinking and saying their thoughts. Tight controls over media and the expression of personal feelings has been the norm for so many a years that a whole generation is getting culture shock with respect to the influx of western ideals and thinking. Those who have suffered long under communist rule are suddenly left to fend for themselves unable to know which way to turn with freedom and capitalism knocking at their doors. The acceptance and better communication between the West and China has opened opportunities for both sides. Entry to the biggest marketplace on earth for the west and the influx of much needed funding and technology into China in terms of investments and new ideas. But even with the influx of information and technology into the Socialist state, allegations of espionage in terms of weapons systems and other technologies continue to come out. This is a grim reminder of how the Chinese have operated for the many years they were one of the most powerful nations in the world with their association to the former Russian superpower in their drive to get ahead of the opponent’s weapons and technology. They still are a world power for their huge population which takes up a sizeable chunk of the world’s population but only time will tell us if they would be capable of adapting to their rapidly changing economy and freedom
Originally posted on February 16, 2008 @ 7:33 pm