Of course it is easy to compare the "status quo" and notice the human rights violations. And the lack of care for orphans. And the environmental issues. And many other things that are far from perfect in China. But China is moving towards it - at a pace that enables the people to follow. Pressuring the government to speed up that process in a "start from scratch" manner is more damaging than helpful - so governments with more intercultural understanding don't use bully tactics but use relationships and friendships to offer help to improve things. Pressure and China-bashing is just making things worse.

And by the way: especially America should be really careful with its China-criticism. The US is the largest economy in the world - but there are over 40 million people entirely without medical insurance. Why does the richest country on earth not take care of their own people?

Why does the US spend more money on warfare than on education - resulting in one of the worst education systems in the western world? Why does the richest nation on earth not take care of the education of their own children?

And when talking about the human rights situation in China, it should be noted that the US is operating a network of illegal detention centers where prisoners are held illegally, without a trial or access to a lawyer or even basic human living conditions (Guantanamo prisoners were held in wire cages - most Americans would not even make their dog live in these conditions). Even children were detained there - for years and without their parents. Many prisoners of these camps are tortured routinely - even tortured to death. A UN report just mentioned the similarities of this US-operated prison network to the Nazi concentration camp network. Sure, the magnitude of the crimes is by far not at Nazi level - but the attitudes in dealing with human beings certainly is.
A western democracy that tortures people, illegally invades countries and kills hundreds of thousands of people there, operates concentration camps and doesn't care one bit for human rights, international law or the United Nations Charta is REALLY not in the position to criticize ANY other nation.
Yes, the situation in China is not perfect – but the Chinese government is moving in the right direction. And it doesn’t need criticism from nations that are not much better – instead it needs help from friends to keep going and make the right decisions.

China has $2T in foreign reserves. Why aren't they taking care of their own people? I feel a sense of anger towards the Chinese government, and shame that that anger can't help but punish those in real need. I must turn down this request.

If you are setting up business and social relationships in China I can see the merit in helping with local social needs, but as a society I need to be convinced of the merits of aiding their social welfare system. To some extent the global issue becomes illuminating need around the world. And trying to put pressure on countries like Sudan, North Korea, China, Saudi Arabia that don't have decent civil rights and social safety net systems.

Nick
in Maryland

I have enjoyed your writing so much. Your and your colleagues' insights on relationship building have had a transforming effect on my life.

This particular blog entry really intrigued me. It reconfirms my belief that one can find peace anywhere, anytime if one truly connects with oneself and with the surroundings the way you did. Do you know when you will be back in Shanghai for the World Expo? I work for a major American university, and toward the end of June I will be accompanying our president on her visit to Shanghai and Beijing. It would be fantastic if you are there around the same time; we would love to invite you to join us for a guided walk through the expo and at our networking events.

Please feel free to e-mail me. We hope to see you in China and beyond. Thank you for everything you do!

Sincerely yours,
Jen