Thought provoking post, Ron.
The linkage of recent PRC actions (embassy riots, religious sect crackdown, Taiwan fuss, etc.) all seem to suggest a distraction; either from some planned event or to prevent internal focus on economic problems. When a xenophobic nation like China allows the world to see into their actions, I can't help but think it must be for hegemonic purposes.
And I don't believe non-chinese have the ability to purchase property in China so there is little impetus on westerners to risk capital on privatization efforts
Good point. To further exacerbate the situation, it seems to be pure stubborness that has prevented them from devaluing their currency thus far. With the threat of that devaluation looming (not to mention the resulting social and political turmoil that could result), foreigners are understandably reluctant to invest in the country. Even trying to include them as a strategic partner carries considerable risk in any joint economic venture.
Blaming everyone but your own domestic leadership failures has proven to be the path to aggression in innumerable cases, the most notable in my mind being the Falklands war.
Just to clarify, Ron, I presume you mean the Argentines invaded the Falklands to avoid scrutiny of their domestic failures, not the Brits when they retook the islands, right?
Interesting post, Ron.
jim |
