An Asian American View on China's Boom

Ever since Beijing was chosen for the 2008 Olympics, China has been prepping to peacock itself to the entire world. From rush programs to clean up its own smog to teaching its own citizens and merchants how to deal "politely" with foreigners, China is going the whole nine-yards in reputation building. In fact, there have been entire issues of prestigious magazines, such as Newsweek and Time, solely devoted to the rising success of the nation of China. But is all this really for the better?

The biggest issue that's troubling about China is that, over the past few years since their economic boom, their focus has been so geared on becoming a "great nation" that they seem to have lost sight of what it means to be a great nation. Yes, every nation isn't perfect and every nation has its number of flaws (even America), but the signs are both obvious and disturbing.

Based on the current trend, much of China's focus is presently devoted to economic growth and public image improvement. They are building up all of their central cities and generating as much development as they can at any cost. Moreover, their markets are growing at rates that put them well above and beyond the financial map. But what about improving their policy on human rights and religious freedoms? But what about proving themselves as a moral nation to the international community, rather than continue to sell weapons to and do business with such countries as Sudan and North Korea? But what about proving themselves as a nation of economic integrity by producing quality products without cutting corners or adding in dangerous substances that can be detrimental to anyone exposed?

China is currently in a similar position that the United States was during its Industrial Revolution. Its economy is booming and its upper class population is swelling. But concepts, such as workers' rights and environmental regulation, are still in infantile stages within the nation and, as a result, both the global environment and its own people have suffered. And to make things worse, countries that buy Chinese products suffer as well. In this writer's opinion, China is growing in success faster than it can adapt to the responsibilities that come with success. And unless it's willing to take a good look at itself, beyond the seduction of economic wealth and the superficial glitter of public image--it will never truly be a great nation.