China, the prompt struggle towards the zenith [Archives:2007/1067/Last Page]
July 12 2007
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My limited knowledge about China inspired in me dreams of one day visiting the country. An opportunity to participate in the “Radio and Television Management Seminar for Officials and Managers” organized by the Training Centre and sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China brought my dreams to fruition. Hosted from June 13-27, the seminar involved participants from more than 43 countries spanning the five continents.
China's current condition had a lasting effect on me. I was surprisingly enamored with Beijing's cityscape, particularly the blend of nature and skyscrapers. Without a doubt, Beijing's architectural prowess with a unique Chinese touch stands up to the greatest of international cities. In fact, I was informed that the skyscrapers of Beijing feverishly compete with those of their sister-city Shanghai. Beijing strives to create an striking personal portrait in order to attract foreign investment.
Moreover, Beijing's streets are always crowded and full of motorbikes in the early morning. In the afternoon, an abundance of cars cause traffic jams. But in the evening the city of Beijing is overtaken by scoundrels and young beggars. All the hustle and bustle does not interfere with the seemingly never-ending process of construction within the city. The magnitude and scale of construction taking place in China presently, mirrors that of the historical construction of The Great Wall of China. On the Barikhisty River, the biggest dam in the world is being created.
However, more than 3,000 skyscrapers are being constructed in the centre of the capital city of Beijing at the same time. The city is also preparing to host the Olympiads of 2008 with the erection of various buildings of modern design. At the center of the Olympic village is a massive stadium on which the Olympiads will disperse. The cost of the stadium is roughly $500 million with a capacity of more than one hundred spectators. Of course, there is a dispute between those who advocate for the preservation of the traditional Chinese architectural style and those supporters of modernity.
China with DVD device
Those who criticize China of living off of piracy and counterfeiting do not realize that the innovative way has already began. This is what happened to their relations with the DVD device. DVD systems are the most sought after item next to automobiles. If the people of China cannot purchase a car, they opt for the more affordable DVD, which is sold for as little as $30.
A lot can be learned from the economic strides being made by China, particularly their transition from an agricultural base to the world of heavy industry during the reign of Mawaty Twingh. This was a springboard for China's reign over the sophisticated world of technology. The communist country is depending on its huge population and free economy. Estimates of China's population range from 1.3 to 1.5 million, making it one of the most populated lands overflowing with manpower.
As per the latest Chinese reports, the gross national profit (GNP) has reached up to $1.98 trillion, making China the fourth economic force in the world. This is despite the country's homogenous economy.
However, many Chinese experts say that this high-ranking economic position that China occupies is deceptive due to the country's high number of foreign reserves, which are used to stabilize China's currency.
A perusal through the markets will expose the country's purchasing value. One US dollar is worth four times more in China. Since China has begun to make reforming steps in its economy, it has experienced a growth of 5.98 percent per year. Over the past 20 years, the GNP has doubled three times.
China has a fifth of the world's population. Yet the concentration of people within cities is low in comparison with the other cities of the world. Only 40 percent of the Chinese reside in cities, compared with 72 percent globally.
Chinese privacy
Attention to issues of privacy within China emerged with the mass migration of farmers from villages and rural areas to towns and cities. It is possible to make such a migration through China with roughly $10 and the trip may take a number of months. The journey contains within it many dangers because local gangs track the migrants down rob them of their savings, despite security forces attacking the channels and bridge shelters of the gangsters.
The migrants rely on a local network to loan them money. They give this money back in double after they settle in the city. It is always expected to return this money within two or three years. Money is given only to those who migrate.
Visiting the Great Wall of China
I had been anticipating the opportunity to stand on the Great Wall of China for along time. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the world and the only physical landmark visible from space due to its height, spreading like a legendary entity, embracing the mountains, valleys and plains with a construction to insure safety and security.
One of the rulers of the Chini dynasty built the first parts of the Wall over 400 years before Christ to protect his country, Balor, against the attacks of the Eastern peoples such as Turks and Mongols. However, it is said that the main reason behind its construction was to unite the seven trading kingdoms under the rule of one emperor. More than 300,000 people participated in the building of the wall. Also, succeeding Chinese dynasties continued to extend it and change its clay bricks into stones. The final height of the construction reached to (6.700km) paralleling to the neighboring rivers. The Wall's curves merged with the neighboring terrain of the mountains and hills.
The excellency of China's civilization, both past and present is apparent. Its openness to change and its strategic access to the world's major trading routes has contributed to the country's preservation and has made it a major power-player in the world economic arena.
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