I pulled this out of a reply to William1865, because I thought it would be interesting to read the thoughts of people on this board.

Speaking of Communism, why is there so little public governmental discussion of CHINA's Communism, which continues to oppress millions of people? Chinese has slave labor factories, it illegally occupies Tibet, it violently supresses dissent both within its borders and in Hong Kong, and it continues to harass two sovereign countries that are our staunch allies, Taiwan and Japan. China's situation strikes me as far more dangerous than Cuba or GDP-less North Korea, yet we continue to dance around China.

Clinton swung like a seesaw, at times getting tough with China and withholding goodies, while also possibly accepting illegal campaign contributions from the Chinese government. Is it because of the vast economic opportunity trading with this Communist country provides us? Can't we help to push them towards democracy, or at least more democratic socialism?

[quote]Originally posted by fantomas:
why is there so little public governmental discussion of CHINA's Communism?

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One billion consumers, each one wanting to buy McDonald's cheeseburgers, and Ford car, and Maytag washer ... is the short answer.

Also, Chinese Communism appears to be gradually transitioning from an oppressive, authoritarian communist state into an oppressive, authoritarian capitalist one. And the U.S. much prefers those to democratic socialist states.

I'm not a fan of Beijing. but when has it violently suppresed dissent in Hong Kong? If anything, Beijing treats Hong Kong with kid gloves due to the sensitive nature and extreme western exposure. China has a "one china, two systems" policy specially made for Hong Kong.

True it has been heavy handd in trying to manipulate Tung Chee-Hwa's election to the chief executive's position. But it has never been a violent repression.

also with regards to oppression of "two sovreign countries, Taiwan and Japan."......
Taiwan is NOT considered a sovreign nation. Not by the Chinese, who consider it a part of China. Not by the taiwanese, who consider it the "government in exile" for the rest of continental China. Not for the United Nations who gave the seat held by Taipei to Beijing. and not to the United States. who again re-affirmed the "one China policy" just recently.

As for repression of Japan. I doubt anyone in Tokyo or Japan will say that China is repressing Japan. Japan is still the largest economy in the east. and the traditional animosity/antagonism in sino-japanese relations is very strong. Japan would never alow beijing to repress her.