February 21, 2002

China's New Post-9/11 Status

Just a few short months ago, China was a strategic competitor and possible rival for dominance in the Pacific region. Now, an "axis" of enemies has been placed alongside Al-Qaeda and various other Islamic-based terrorist organizations while China sits in the buddy section with Japan and South Korea.

For the time being, China remains the last stop on a tour of allies and friends in the Pacific region. It would seem that both South Korea and Japan are closer to the Emperor than China, but in reality, being last is just standard procedure for a new (and more powerful) friend. In South Korea, Bush faced protests over the axis comment and spent most of his time assuring the Koreans that America was not preparing to bomb the North out of their famine. While in Japan, Bush dropped a few cursory (and stupid) comments concerning the stalled economy and then it was off to China – the most important stop on the trip.

In Beijing, Bush and Jiang did what they do best and spoke of vague progress and partnerships and proposed joint meetings and economic cooperation – it was a giddy atmosphere of sorts, being the 30th anniversary of Nixon's visit and the Shanghai Communique. Everyone wanted to assure everyone else that the anniversary still held meaning – that China and the US are friends and will remain so.

The major issue according to the papers is the inability of China to control the export of "weapons of mass destruction" to the axis. Once again, China shrugged and said "Who, me?" and the US wagged a finger. Nothing will come of this silly debate, especially if shipments of weapons keep arriving in Taipei (and Tel Aviv for that matter). Business is king, and this is the theme of all dealings between the PRC and the USA.

China has focused all its energy on keeping stable, peaceful relations with all the big powers of the world so that investment and growth can continue into the future. The biggest threat to China's stability and the integrity of the nation is an economic slowdown threatening the newly minted middle class. See how quick Zhongnanhai becomes a refuge if the jewels of the East Coast (Shanghai, Hong Kong, Xiamen) sputter to a stop.

The US also must keep the money coming in or the War on Terrorism will dissipate into smoke. The happier Americans are, the less they care how happy Afghans, Filipinos, Colombians, Iraqis, etc. are. The Bush Administration needs to keep the American people behind its efforts at all costs. The allies that jump off of the "Kill Saddam" boat are not as necessary as they think they are. The US has the power to act unilaterally in any region of the globe – with the support of Americans, the Bush Administration can spit upon any global treaty, any alliance, any objection to its aims and interests. The US banking, telecommunications and computer industries are already seeing great returns on the investments currently allowed to them and it can only get better as China's infrastructure improves.

In the past few months, Falun Gong members from around the world have stepped up their efforts to inform both Chinese and foreigners about their movement and the reasons behind Jiang's brutal suppression. According to members who were arrested, beaten and then deported, the Chinese cops were most surprised that Falun Gong was legal outside of China. For them, the difference between the Falun Gong and Al-Qaeda is minimal: both are "international anti-government tools."

The Chinese National Women's Hockey Team was approached by a couple Falun Gong practitioners here in Minnesota. All of them replied firmly but politely that they could accept no information and could not talk much more than a minute. I eventually spoke with one of the practitioners and he told me some things about the movement I hadn't previously known – but I didn't become a practitioner.

As we were all leaving, the head of the China Center at the University of Minnesota warned me not to talk to the Falun Gong if I wanted to return to China. I said, "We're in America now, buddy." Never thought I'd be a patriot...

China's religious freedom is farce. For Chinese, its simply a matter of knowing what will get you jailed/beaten/executed and not doing it (too openly). And after reading Bush's comments on religious freedom in China, I realize (again) the extent of America's Crusade Against All Evil.
There is no crusade. There is only the age-old pursuit of power and wealth masked behind words and handshakes. There is actually little difference between the American and Chinese governments. Both now have a Ministry of Propaganda, Office of Homeland Security, lapdog mainstream media and strict ID system, corrupt businessmen and politicians.

The differences are in terms of the wealth and freedom of the common man. Ironically, it seems emulation is the path being chosen by both governments to defuse any conflicts and keep the domestic situation tranquil. In China its called fu xiang bangzu, (help one another): China gets rich while America clamps down on dissent and both learn from one another.

The 30th Anniversary of Nixon's visit was momentous in name and image only: The actual results of the meeting were nothing more than platitudes on freedom and assurances of further business deals.

Text-only printable version of this article

Sascha Matuszak is a teacher living and working in China. His articles have appeared in the South China Morning Post, the Minnesota Daily, and elsewhere. His exclusive Antiwar.com column (usually) appears Fridays.

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