What about China?

Hello all, well watching the news doesn’t surely excite anyone does it? So far the only events to make headlines are natural disasters, economic downfalls, and weather problems. One of the regions most impacted by natural disasters is China. According to the latest estimate the earthquake death toll surpasses 60000 this according to figures given by MSNBC. I want to know if all the warmth shown by the Chinese government to their citizens occur as a response to the disaster, or is China really evolving.
China has always been a source of curiosity for Western cultures. Although debated by scholars Marco Polo was the first Westerner to visit this vast country. Their culture comprised of many traditions procured fascination by European countries. The creation of the silk road marked the initial exposure of China to the world. They have always maintained strict policies against other countries. Several countries have had to impose gun boat diplomacy to reach the grounds beyond the Great Wall. I want to give a cultural synopsis to solidify my argument.
America really never feared China as a growing rival in the world’s market, or even considered it a true player in the world prior to recent administrations. Their participation in the Vietnam conflict marked a disassociation between the two nations. Some had forecast China’s rapid population growth may indicate how ambitious their government intended to be. I couldn’t find an exact date, but starting in the 60’s according to the Kato Institute China initiated its one child policy. Couples were only allowed to produce one child, and those who violated this policy did still do suffer social along with financial fines. This population controlling ideology has now been for the first time in numerous years exempted.
Today Andrew Jacobs from the International Herald Tribune reported that the Chengdu Population and Family Planning Committee located in Sichuan Province granted an opportunity for parents who where affected by the earthquake to apply so they can have another kid. Parents can apply for permission from the government which would allow them to have another child without any penalties. I think it’s a total human rights catastrophe to have a government dictate how many children a couple may produce. The idea that a federal government can impose so much control over citizens is startling. I wonder if the ability for couples to seek permission to have another child came out of the warm heart of the Chinese government.
China has really hit an economic boom. The GDP, Growth Domestic Products grew by 8 percent from 1999 to 2000 according to the latest figures provided by the National Bureau of Statistics in China. Their GDP reached 1.08 billion dollars in 2000. Of course, they obey all international labor laws. So much so that they are a chartered member of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The United Nation web site www.un.org indicates that their membership expires in 2009. A country that produces massive amounts of goods must have extremely profitable business owned by Chinese nationals. Most of the business are owned by international companies, or are manipulated by the Chinese government. The amount of impoverish people is commonly known throughout the world to be widespread throughout the whole country. Anyone who disagrees with any law gets a short trip to the Sea of China. The economic struggle of the majority of the population is evident by the tremendous infrastructure damaged caused by the May 12 earthquake.
A long rant I know. This is my main point though. It’s quite convenient to by goods that are cheap produced by companies who purchased them from China. An economic giant has awakened in this far East country. How in humane is it for a government to control their own population? Why do we continue to acknowledge the Chinese government by allowing them membership into the UN Human Rights Council? I would love to extend a hand to those suffering from the earthquake, but how to circumvent the political chaos produced by a Communist government? Any financial assistance by foreign entities gets sorted out by the communist government. What are your thoughts on the current state of this country? James.