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 This
weekend, I watched the 29th Olympic Games come to an end in a ceremony
just as awe-inspiring as the colorful ceremony that opened the games
just over two weeks ago. For the past sixteen days, the world watched as
results came in daily - Michael Phelps accomplished a record-setting
gold medal streak, the U.S. women’s gymnastics team battled with China
to come away with a silver medal, and Fourth District native, LaShawn
Merritt, overtook the reigning Olympic champion to win gold in the 400
meter race. There is intensity and excitement as we await the answer to
the question – “what will the result be?” This one question gives the
Olympic Games its unique ability to capture the attention of avid
sports-fans and causal-viewers alike.
But there is another result that the world is still waiting for – what’s
next for China? China captured the world’s attention as the host of the
2008 Olympic Games. Many individuals have asked the question of whether
or not China was the “right choice” to host the 2008 Olympic Games given
its record on a global scale. The Olympic Games present a unique
opportunity for China, and what China shows the world after the Olympics
will be the real lesson from the 2008 Games.
China is showing all the signs of becoming the world’s next superpower.
It is continuing to gain economic strength – its economy grew by nearly
12% in 2007, and is expected to continue to grow at a rate of 10% for
the next few years. The impact of the Olympic Games is sure to continue
to provide them economic growth. They are investing heavily in creating
a military to match their economic muscle. They continue to lead the
world in advanced infrastructure. But with such rapid development comes
significant responsibility.
Unfortunately, China’s lack of transparency in military, trade, and
human rights matters has become a concerning factor for the U.S. and for
the world. As founder and chairman of the Congressional China Caucus, I
make it a priority to study China’s role in this area. China’s
intentions surrounding their military buildup remain vague following its
anti-satellite test last year, repeated cyber attacks on government
websites originating from China, and its continued resistance to fully
publishing its military budget. China has yet to take concrete action to
protect intellectual property rights from the U.S. – the Chinese steal
more of our intellectual property than any other nation in the world
with an estimated $244 million in losses from piracy in China in 2005,
according to the Motion Picture Association of America. China has been
the source of many food, drug, and product safety issues, as a number of
tainted products from China have found their way to the U.S., including
pet food, toothpaste, and children’s toys containing lead paint. China’s
human rights policy and their lack of religious freedom have drawn sharp
criticism from individual citizens, organizations, and global leaders
alike
The Olympic Games have given China a chance to conduct itself as a
government that seeks transparency and will hold itself accountable. The
resulting impact of the Olympic Games on China could be positive or
negative, and while the Olympic cameras have stopped rolling, the world
is still watching to see what direction China will decide to move in.
Will China assume a stance of secretiveness, regional dominance, and
competitive hostility? Or can we expect greater openness, cooperation,
and human rights awareness? Now that China has the world’s attention,
what will it do with it? Is China ready to accept the responsibility and
diplomatic obligation of being on the world stage? Do they see
themselves as rival or partner in this new century?
Only China can answer those questions. Regardless of whether China was
the “right choice” to host the 2008 Olympic Games, it is now up to them
to make the most of the opportunity that has been given to them. Just as
we waited to see if the Olympic athletes would capitalize on their
training, exercise, and preparation, we now wait to see if China will
capitalize positively on its opportunity to grow into a respected member
on the world stage.
Watch Congressman Forbes Discuss Preserving the Chesapeake Bay
Congressman Forbes discusses the importance of preserving the Chesapeake
Bay in this episode of the Washington Review. Click the video to watch
the discussion, or
follow this link to read an editorial written by Congressman Forbes
on the importance of preserving our natural resources.
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