Continuing with our theme tonight about whether the ‘China Model’ is a sound replacement for one that marries political and economic freedom, this article by the editor in chief of France’s La Tribune is skeptical of Beijing’s chances.
Contrary to the Saudi article we posted earlier headlined ‘China Model’ May Leave ‘Washington Consensus’ in the Dust, Francois Lenglet of La Tribune asserts that whatever economic clout China may have amassed, Beijing lacks a number of intangibles that will make it impossible to leave America behind.
For La Tribune, Francois Lenglet writes in part:
“The hour of the Chinese hyper-power is still uncertain. China has demographic weight in its favor, and its military and bubbling economy will surpass Japan next year. But it lacks an essential attribute that it will need to reign unchallenged: pragmatic dictatorships don’t fire the imagination. Their values are alarming. Even the USSR was more seductive – and not only to intellectuals – because it adhered to a universalist ideal and the promise of a new society.
“As for American power, it doesn’t only reside in the 7th fleet, the coffers of Fort Knox or the prices on the Dow Jones. America fires the imagination because it sends a message of freedom, individual achievement and respect for property: the American dream is beloved the world over. The Chinese themselves obtain American passports the moment they are able. That power of attraction has permitted the globalization of the American mode de vie [way of life], from the Big Mac to universal accounting rules, not to mention television shows.”
By François Lenglet, editor in chief
Translated By Lisa Cabral
November 17, 2009
France – Le Tribune – Original Article (French)
George W. Bush, visiting the Chinese capital several years ago, insisted on attending Sunday morning mass, making red leaders blue with rage. It’s a safe bet that Obama will be more polite and merely demand a visit the Forbidden City: the time for provocations is over. To follow in the footsteps of the first U.S. president to visit China [Nixon], he’ll be tempted to pay tribute to the power of yesterday rather than tomorrow.
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