This article is very interesting for a couple of reasons.
First, I find it refreshing that the Government practices what it
preaches. Beijing has allowed free press, as witnessed in the Hong Kong papers and the BBS sites I have seen in China, regarding economic
issues. They do not allow political dissention.
Beijing has also separated the two. While they maintain a "hard line"
on political & territorial issues, they are , IMO, being a good economic neighbor to their fellow Asian countries. They have taken the
very logical approach that economics & politics should not always mix.
I have no idea how this is perceived by others. But to me, it shows
sound economic reasoning, and a leadership with enough confidence
in themselves to set politics aside and do what is best for the ENTIRE
region. Suharto & Indonesia could learn a lesson here, as Suharto has
continued to use the economy as a political tool for his personal
gain instead of doing what is best for his country, or for the region.
Just my opinion.
Doug |
