Disaster in China

[spring-peeper]

But no, I see no major change on this issue of secrecy in the short term for two reasons.

Firstly, as I try to portray above, the problem is, unfortunately, systemic. It's not like there is one governing Government in China that controls things - those days are long gone. The country is essentially governed as a serious of mini fiefdoms at local village and township level (usually by corrupt local officials). These fiefdoms are very independent of Beijing and, to a large extent, local cadres are a law unto themselves. Beijing is rarely informed of "bad news" in anything approaching a timely fashion - and not at all if a coverup can be effected.

ok - now I see what you mean.

I remember seeing a documentation on how China was handling AIDS, and the `mini-fiefdoms`were explored as a potential reason for the medication, etc not being distributed properly.

Your explaination brought back the memory of it. I remember listening to the frustrations of several of those being interviewed and could sense their dispair.

I got the impression that they had accepted the situation and were helpless to do anything about it.

Thanks for your patience - I`m going to try to find the China thread and read it before asking more questions.


peep-peep (my equivilant to your woof )

 

[Jessiedog]

Double Post .



Woof

 

[Jessiedog]

ok - now I see what you mean.

I remember seeing a documentation on how China was handling AIDS, and the `mini-fiefdoms`were explored as a potential reason for the medication, etc not being distributed properly.

Your explaination brought back the memory of it. I remember listening to the frustrations of several of those being interviewed and could sense their dispair.

Exactly so.

I got the impression that they had accepted the situation and were helpless to do anything about it.

Indeed. The Chinese people are a patient people in a way few westerners would understand. It's the only sensible option when, historically, the individual has had such little power to change things.



Woof

 

[fela fan]

Well, the US and Chinese economies are inextricably attached right now, so there's an enormous material interest for the US in keeping the relations peaceful. There's also the fact that China has ICBMs and the biggest land army in the world. In other words the US would win but would take heavy costs, dwarfing the already high burdern of the Iraq war. So the benefits to the US of fighting a war with China would have to be pretty big. I'm wondering what you think they might be?

I'm not sure if i've lost track by now, but i think originally i was saying that if there was going to be a war between the two then it would be the US declaring it, not china.

Based on their respective track records.

But even the US would baulk at starting a war with china. They only pick on those they consider weak. One billion plus people would be too scary for them.