Hi Taikun,
You may be interested in this datum about Fa Lun Gung. A Chinese friend of mine who grew up in the mainland and spent some adult years there also, says that when he goes to buy stuff in Chinatown here he is regularly asked for money by FaLunGung people. When he refuses, as he, like me, is antireligious, they invariably curse him obscenely. Some of them, anyway, sound like total parasites. I don't say they shouldn't have freedom but their cause doesn't seem a bit urgent.
My friend, based on his experience, doesn't start denouncing whatever the Communists denounce. The data is good, therefore.
Your point about the China this or that companies being arms of the Chinese government is of course true, but that doesn't mean they are necessarily bad investments. PTR and CNOOC have been excellent investments. Like all poor countries, China needs capital. The government has the agenda of advancing the country so it takes on the responsibility of retaining foreigners' invested capital in the busines, in other words keeping things clearn. In the absence of the rule of law, the government is the most reliable legal person. If you invest in a totally private company in any country and you see that the managers are making off with your money you have to deal both with them AND the government. If there is no clear and enforced law, fat chance. |
