Final Note

This will be my last blog entry. I have enjoyed "Charting China" with frequent posts. I would like to end on a positive note:

The CIA Director, Michael Hayden, stated in a speech last week at the Kansas State University, that China is not an "inevitable enemy" to the US. However, its increasing population and new found status as an economic power present challenges.

Hayden feels the growing Chinese military is all for show and not for real use. He stressed, "if Beijing begins to accept greater responsibility for the health of the international system - as all global powers should - we will remain on a constructive, even if competitive path".

Here's to a peace and prosperity to all parties.

Zai Jian (goodbye)

Works Cited"
"CIA Director: China is not an "inevitable enemy"

Tainted Heparin found in 11 Countries

Tainted Heparin, a blood thinner, from China has been found in 11 countries including: Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the US. It has been blamed on over 80 deaths in the US alone.

The NBC Nightly News (April 29) reported the Heparin was reportedly contaminated by the Chinese supplier using an alternative ingredient. This is similar to the tainted pet food case.

As a result, hearings are being held in Congress this week to impose stricter regulations on Chinese imports. The FDA has announced it will set up three offices in China in order to keep a closer eye on Chinese made products.

Wreck Not Result of Terrorism

A tragic passenger train collision in Shandong province of Eastern China has been labeled an accident due to human error and not an act of terrorism. The wreck was resulted in at least 70 deaths and over 400 injured. One train reportedly jumped the track an ran into the other. The wreck occurred in a rural area. Villagers helped rescue workers by using farm equipment to free the victims.
Source: CNN News

Everythings coming up...tulips!

To honor the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, a giant tulip dragon was created in the tulip gardens of Keukenhof in Holland. The dragon is composed of over 24,000 tulips and measures 10 x 15 meters.

The prince of the area, Willem-Alexander, is a member of the International Olympic Committee.

Unit 3: Lesson 2a

Won’t you be my neighbor?
I found a wonderful five part series from NPR on China and its neighbors. There is a separate piece on Japan, Vietnam, India, and South Korea. (Unfortunately it appears the piece on Russia is missing.) The history of the relationships with these neighbors appears to affect the current political, economic, and cultural influences China has on them.

Japan, with its floundering economy, has watched China’s soar. Japanese factory owners are looking to China to relocate their factories due to a cheap labor pool. Japan, who has the most to loose, appears to be “jealous” of China.

Vietnam seeks to import tourist from China. China is Vietnam’s 3rd largest trading partner. Although both areas are currently communist, sheer physical proximity to China is a concern of Vietnam.

Economic development is the focus of both China and India. With the “strategic envy” of the past gone, they have also preformed joint naval exercises. Both appear more concerned with their internal struggles than each other.

South Korea sees China as an economic source at home and in China. All ages are learning Chinese: some learn in order to do business in China, others learn to accommodate Chinese tourist.

As long as all of these neighbors continued to “play nice” together, I don’t see why the US government should make any changes with their policies. Considering the current state of our own economy we may be better served focusing our attentions internally. US involvement in the relationships of China and it’s neighbors should only come should China choose to become a military bully. This is a possibility which looms over its neighbors, but due to their reliance on each other politically, economically, and culturally I think/hope it is unlikely.

Unit 3: Lesson 2b

The Minority’s Minority
Of the 56 recognized minorities of China, the Lhoba numbering only approximately 2300 is the smallest of the groups. Located in Southeastern Tibet, they were labeled “inferior” and “wild” by the Tibetans. But with Han and Tibetan help the Lhoba have been brought into the 21st century with transportation infrastructures, new farming methods, and electricity, which brought with it phones a television. The Lhoba were finally able to make contact with the outside world.

The Lhoba way of life has changed drastically since the 1950’s and the liberation of Tibet. Until then the people and the region were “unknown”. The government afforded the people money to help “civilize” them. This resulted in structured housing and paved roads to the region. Ironically these paved roads are leading the young Lhoba away from their homes and their heritage.

Unfortunately with change the customs of this group appear to be at risk of extinctions. They have no written form of language aside from a wood notching method. This is a point of concern for its members. With the children of the Lhoba’s being exposed to English thanks to the modernization of China, the language of the Lhoba is endangered.

The traditional form of dress has become “complicated” to its members. The elaborate jewelry of the women signified wealth. Now is seems to be a mere hassle to wear.

The deputy of the region is to ask the National People’s Congress to help preserve the Lhoba’s customs. I think instead of seeking the government's assistance, the Lhoba need to look to their own people to preserve their heritage. They should be proud of who they are and what their culture represents. It is no easy feat to survive as a minority in China. At least this group appears to have the government on their side.

Chinese Nationalities
The Lhoba ethnic minority
China's smallest ethnic group "lost in translation"