Just when we thought the situation in Burma was bad, China now faces at least 12,000 people dead after the massive earthquake that has hit the South west province of Sichuan.
Thousands are still trapped under rubble, which is common after earthquakes, and aid agencies all around the world are pushed to their limits in trying to assist the Chinese, as well as the Burmese.
This news comes out at the same time we are hearing that the Junta in Burma are keeping all the aid we are sending, and giving its people rotting food, or only a quarter of the supplies it receives. We now know why they asked for international assistance, but not personnel. They want it to be like Christmas morning for them, and more misery for their people. But what would we expect from a regime that has been treating their people like rubbish for over 40 years.
China is a different story. Yes, human rights are an issue. Yes, freedoms are restricted. But in a case like this, the government will assist its people, the military will have been on the ground assisting, and they will allow aid in, plus personnel.
I was having an interesting discussion with a colleague today about our dealings with China, sparked of course by this tragedy. I believe we need to re-think our discussions with China, and work the negotiations about issues in a more clever way. China does support and prop up Burma. It does support and prop up North Korea, and it does support and prop up the Sudanese government, which is the sole contributor to the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. China wields a lot of power.
I am not for one moment suggesting we go ‘cap in hand’ to the Chinese, or pander to everything they say and do. That simply looks pathetic, in the eyes of the Chinese, and in the eyes of our own people. What I am saying has been demonstrated recently by Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister of Australia. He visited China, spoke strongly to them about human rights, but walked away a great and dear friend of the Chinese people and government. All governments need to strike that healthy balance with the Chinese, create a real mutual respect where both sides can be ‘critical friends’ and then we, as western countries, can pursuade the Chinese to swing their quite substantial bat the way of Burma, North Korea, and Sudan. Knowing what I know of asian cultures, clever diplomacy is the absolute key.
In the light of the criticisms of the Burmese Junta, the Chinese government is going to do everything it can to stay in the good books with the west, and welcome assistance with open arms. This proves that they need us as much as we need them. So let’s use that to get a better deal for those who are not being heard.
If you wish to donate to the China Earthquake Appeal, you can go to http://www.worldvision.org/ They are currently assessing the situation there, and will be able to keep you posted.
Enjoy your day.
