Well that is quite the question Mike. Deep breathe intake.....
I really haven't kept up with the news in the past couple of years unless it affects me directly, and even then...
In
my opinion China has changed from when the communists first took over. I've noticed in the past 10 years or more that the Chinese gov't has been opening up to money making ideas. $$ Economics does make the world go round. Unfortunately, you're either very rich or very poor...that's with a billion or more people!
I remember when China took HK back from the British many people in HK made another mass exodus to protect their freedom and $$. Now everyone is happier in HK without the British draining all the revenues and Mainland is letting people become entrepreneurs and actually keep their fortunes in HK (business as usual) and Mainland. Foriegn Entrepreneurs are also banking on the wealth of cheap labor and massive opportunities in manufacturing production (you've seen it first hand). Have you noticed that everything sold in the biggest retail businesses such as Costco or Walmart is made in China? You think you are wearing designer labels made in Italy or France? Think again!
Mainland people cannot freely travel to HK, Macau, or beyond its own borders. But people from these outlying islands can move freely around China.
China has improved in many ways during the past decade but I see where they can afford to learn the correct protocols in taking care of their people and management of all their natural resources. They definitely have lots to learn and they will make mistakes, but that's how we all learn, isn't it. It like the Japanese learning to get back on their feet way back when from the US+.
I have read the Olympics in Beijing next year has brought many corrective situations about to improve China's image. I only hope they stay on track even after the games.
Many places I have visited in China, especially the big cities, are very polluted (I can only say that in the winter when I dare visit there it is quite smoggy, Can you imagine hot and humid weather?) But for the first time in the recent trip to China's southwest province of Yunnan especially in the higher elevations it was beautiful and pristine, Cleaner and more clear than any place I've been before.
But that's my opinion.....
