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I often wondered the nature of American cities like New York, Chicago, etc. during the age of our industrial climb. I pictured crowded streets, noisy construction, small vendors, and a universally-ambitious attitude. The same proved true of today's Beijing, China. If for no other reason, Beijing proved appeasing simply because of its genuine desire for economic advancement, no matter the cost. From professors to street-sweepers, Beijing citizens upheld the Chinese policy of economy first. China pressed forward despite the halt of the Great Recession or its discontinuing development in other nations. I found it reassuring to view progress even in a communist state.
However, China's growth comes with costs. Beijing's grimy sanitation struck me as appalling. The government failed to guarantee the quality of air, tap water, or street food. Putrid smells accompanied me on a walk to school, as did the chance of being run down by unorganized traffic. In essence, I felt Beijing's (and China's) industrialization occurred so quickly that order was sacrificed — frightening for a communist party legitimized by sustainable stability.
Thus, much remains for China to accomplish in its modernization. Entire districts of Beijing existed without one signal of progress while industrial parks gleamed with opulent advancement. Average housing lacked needed additions and up-grades. Transportation required increased options and more stringent policing of driving habits. And business failed to uphold accepted standards of quality and safety. With China already producing 1/3 the GDP of the United States and this much development left to achieve, American economic dominance ought to worry.
-Blake Christopher, from the PRC, May 30
However, China's growth comes with costs. Beijing's grimy sanitation struck me as appalling. The government failed to guarantee the quality of air, tap water, or street food. Putrid smells accompanied me on a walk to school, as did the chance of being run down by unorganized traffic. In essence, I felt Beijing's (and China's) industrialization occurred so quickly that order was sacrificed — frightening for a communist party legitimized by sustainable stability.
Thus, much remains for China to accomplish in its modernization. Entire districts of Beijing existed without one signal of progress while industrial parks gleamed with opulent advancement. Average housing lacked needed additions and up-grades. Transportation required increased options and more stringent policing of driving habits. And business failed to uphold accepted standards of quality and safety. With China already producing 1/3 the GDP of the United States and this much development left to achieve, American economic dominance ought to worry.
-Blake Christopher, from the PRC, May 30