Shifting Political Landscape in China
According to reports from devastated Sichuan province, the Chinese government has devoted substantial resources to ongoing earthquake rescue and recovery efforts. China’s emergency response now stands in stark contrast to the corrupt Burmese military’s tepid reaction to their recent catastrophe.
The SARS epidemic of 2004 seems to have lead to something of an epiphany for the Chinese ruling party. No one condemned them for the natural disaster itself. Instead they were blamed for their selfish efforts to downplay the scope of the crisis and for their callous disregard for public safety.
China has now changed its ways. Foreign journalists are allowed to cover natural disasters from inside the country. Chinese citizens have more access to information sharing over the internet. And the government has mobilized its military to lead the recovery efforts. These are all positive developments for the Chinese people.
One Party Rule Better than Dictatorship
Unlike some socialist countries, Chinese leaders do not serve life terms. Under single party rule, there are at least small opportunities for enlightenment as new leaders within the dominant party introduce reforms. Dictatorships have no such dynamic.
Chinese Military Respects Civilian Authority
In Burma, a military junta runs the government. The generals in charge base their decisions on protecting territory. World opinion matters little to them. Civilians are expendable. The civilian leaders of China look positively magnanimous by comparison.
Isolationism Rejected
Modern Chinese leaders have clearly dismissed the isolationism and paranoia of Chairman Mao, although they would probably never admit it. Maybe China will indeed become a full fledged democracy one day soon.
China, earthquake, Sichuan province, Burma
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