Guests Ambassador Alan Holmer and Tony Lorusso will answer questions and share advice during the event, but we can start - and continue - the discussion here. From the event description:
China is rapidly emerging as a global "super-competitor," which will have a huge impact on our economy, our national security, and our quality of life right here in Minnesota.Minnesota isn't alone in that. What impact does China have on your local economy? What should we consider? How complicated is the relationship between the U.S. and China?
Guests:
Ambassador Alan Holmer, Special Envoy for China and the Strategic Economic Dialogue
Tony Lorusso, Executive Director of the Minnesota Trade Office
Moderator:
Steve Seel from 89.3 The Current
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Julia Schrenkler
Interactive Producer
Minnesota Public Radio
American Public Media
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Comments: 8
However, they do make great Briggs and Staten engines in China that we use in all sorts of things
I don't know if it was because of time constraints, but the guests did not seem to be willing to enter into much of a detailed discussion, electing instead to continually frame their organization's policy approach towards China. For example, they continually brought up the continued drive for resources and alternative fuels as well as our need for a greater understanding of China. And yet, not once did they tie these together and speak to China's involvement in Sub-Saharan Africa. Regardless, it was a worthwhile event to stimulate the community's interest in China and recognize a need for a more productive and optimistic relationship.
@Richard B. *Briggs & Stratton - The company is based in Milwaukee, WI and they are manufactured throughout the world, not just China. As for the locusts, this is certainly a possibility. Many Chinese bloggers have been compiling lists of events that could derail the Olympics - many of these individuals seem a bit pessimistic.
@Jeff: I agree - Albert Keidel's recent study predicts Chinese GDP to overtake that of the States by 2035, doubling it by 2050. Still, it is only roughly 30 percent of the States' currently and development economists have been wrong many times in the past (especially those involved with the World Bank). It will certainly be a difficult path with many potential deviations. As for the Party's military, there is some really good stuff in the New York Times (they report on this quite often) that questions an inevitable, timely emergence as a military superpower. There are some great reads recently that analyse their responses to the quake.
How would you suggest regular citizens contribute to building "a more productive and optimistic relationship" with China? I'm interested in your take.
Obviously shared personal interaction is key to cross-cultural understanding. It was great to see that half of the individuals at the event had been to China in the past. This is one important step, but this has been greatly limited in scope due to the media's overwhelming influence on the perception of ordinary Americans. Irrational fears and China-bashing have led to a nation unwilling to take the necessary steps to pull their economy out of its recent fall, one of which could be greater interaction with the Chinese. Isolationism may have been feasible in the past, but the now the only viable means of resurrection are going to be found by looking outwards. Primarily I think the state needs to be more involved in advancing the relationship with China, or to step back entirely. I think the continuous questioning of the Chinese state and Party by our gov't has only served to facilitate the media's actions and people's warped perceptions. Simply because the state is not a democracy does not mean we are fundamentally different. In reality we are quite compatible.
That's a strange and surprisingly sensible exchange, Kerry!