MCLC: how China can defeat America (1)

[Denton, Kirk]

MCLC LIST
From: joe alvaro <jjalvaro at student.cityu.edu.hk>
Subject: how China can defeat America (1)
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This is an interesting article with some good points but the writer (Yan
Xuetong) seems to have embraced misconceptions as well.

If China is to win the hearts and minds of the world, as s/he says, "China
has to provide higher-quality moral? leadership than the United States".
Fair enough. But what Professor Yan forgets is that even though the
American government may be as corrupt as the Chinese, corruption is dealt
with openly, transparently and according to law. There is open public
debate. If there is something rotten, the people will learn about it.

People nowadays view 'morality' not by how righteous a government is but
by how willing it is to admit wrongdoing and what legal mechanisms are in
place to deal with it. Not by how strong it is but by how gentle. We are
not looking for another haughty or arrogant government to replace the US.
If China wishes to win hearts, then show it is stronger than the US, not
in the military or economic fields but in compassion and reasonability.
What about China's forced demolitions and countless other heartless abuses
of power? Only the weak are cruel. IF China wants to grow strong and
outshine the US then let it grow strong in freedom. Let China grow strong
in civil liberties. Then we can talk about China as a true competitor to
the US.

He also writes that "China should do the same today and compete with
America to attract talented immigrants". Professor, China does not allow
immigration -- especially for those of non-Chinese ethnicity. The only
statuses for foreigners are student, tourist, business or temporary
employment.

Professor Yan is talking to the wind. Until the world sees grass-roots
changes in society from the bottom up, China will remain socially
marginalized. If the 'Open Door' is to continue opening, then let it open
all the way by granting full civil rights and privileges to all its
people. Not amount of 'cultural soft power' can hide the truth or change
perceptions.

Joe Alvaro