Party simply ensures its own urvival

I must presume that The Nation’s editorial stance given Tuesday’s editorial is that of a staunch Sinophile. This I must admit is a trifle confusing given the title’s normal clear democratic and libertarian stance on issues.

China most definitely upholds neither of these virtues. Indeed it is quite the opposite: a cruel, repressive regime that has embarked on “state capitalism” to merely extend its survival for as long as possible. It clearly feels it can disregard foreign sensibilities on human rights given the brutal and public way it has been dealing with dissidents of late. Indeed, Liu Xia, the wife of the Chinese human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, whom the Nobel Committee had the temerity to award its Peace Prize to in 2010, remains under house arrest while he continues to languish in prison. This is but one example of so many of the vicious ways China’s leaders deal with any organised dissent.

Whilst one cannot expect high moral stances from cash strapped governments dissolute enough to jump into any bed, one should be entitled to some at least from the fourth estate, the press, for what other conscience is there in these troubled times.

Although the USA is most certainly not a paragon of virtue, it is a democratic nation that has genuine checks and balances, however strange they may externally appear at times, and whilst its behaviour in certain areas of the world in the past has been questionable, I should wish to see it the pre-eminent military world power for a considerable time to come.

One has only to look at the bellicose way the Chinese approach the question of the Spratley Islands – which a quick check of the map shows to be in no conceivable way in China’s “backyard” – indicates how it will be using its secondhand aircraft carrier when it is fully seaworthy.

China’s lamentable record on human rights seems to have been conveniently forgotten, and kowtowing to garner investment funds seems to be the order of the day. All who engage freely with China would do well to remember the epithet “If you sup with the devil, use a long spoon”, as whilst the re-emerging Middle Kingdom may bring money, it is for certain to come with strings; and there is more to life than just material prosperity.

Daniel W Delaware

Bangkok