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China's international posturing over the past few years established the country's reputation as a booming modern power. The fantastic Olympic ceremonies in Beijing showcased a thriving culture and the fruits of economic progress. The United States now looks over its shoulder and sees a rising superpower nipping at its heels. The topic of Chinese economic growth unnerves many American citizens who fear that the People's Republic will upset their nation's position in the global power structure.
As an American traveling to China, these apprehensions colored my expectations of the country, but walking the streets of Beijing shed new light on the state of Chinese development. The scale and grandeur of the building projects in modern Beijing hide the unrest created by economic expansion. The growth of China's cities has displaced nearby farmers and country peasants. These rural people who lose their land to new factories enter the cities and assume the role of unemployed laborers. The Chinese economic boom has expanded the gap between the rich and poor to a dangerous level. The shadows of modern skyscrapers loom over desperate beggars. The land displacement, unemployment, pollution, and inequality sparked by Chinese growth contribute to greater domestic unrest.
The Chinese government stands on unstable ground. The economic progress that has increased the government's popularity and the nation's wealth has also raised tensions within Chinese society. The growing wealth of the county's elites alienates the poor. The middle class wants more political freedom to accompany its economic freedom. China's authoritarian system allows no pressure release for public opinion. Prior to my arrival in Beijing, I viewed China as a strong and determined nation. However, I now see a tense and insecure government that fears its people, and a people that are pleased with the country's growing wealth but with a clouded political future.
Sean Williamson
May 24, 2011
As an American traveling to China, these apprehensions colored my expectations of the country, but walking the streets of Beijing shed new light on the state of Chinese development. The scale and grandeur of the building projects in modern Beijing hide the unrest created by economic expansion. The growth of China's cities has displaced nearby farmers and country peasants. These rural people who lose their land to new factories enter the cities and assume the role of unemployed laborers. The Chinese economic boom has expanded the gap between the rich and poor to a dangerous level. The shadows of modern skyscrapers loom over desperate beggars. The land displacement, unemployment, pollution, and inequality sparked by Chinese growth contribute to greater domestic unrest.
The Chinese government stands on unstable ground. The economic progress that has increased the government's popularity and the nation's wealth has also raised tensions within Chinese society. The growing wealth of the county's elites alienates the poor. The middle class wants more political freedom to accompany its economic freedom. China's authoritarian system allows no pressure release for public opinion. Prior to my arrival in Beijing, I viewed China as a strong and determined nation. However, I now see a tense and insecure government that fears its people, and a people that are pleased with the country's growing wealth but with a clouded political future.
Sean Williamson
May 24, 2011