Political Controversy

China is the center of a lot of debate and hard feelings. While clearly deserving some of the criticism directed its way, China has been making great strides in recent years- enacting reforms and trying to fit into the world community.

Some of the most long-standing issues are listed below. Being aware of these topics is important, but keeping a balanced perspective is not a simple matter.

Taiwan

The relationship between Taiwan and China is an issue that affects world politics on a grand scale. Taiwan has its own government and for all intents and purposes is independent of China. The Chinese government in Beijing claims that Taiwan is under Chinese rule and refuses to have diplomatic relations with any country that recognizes Taiwan as a separate nation.

This situation arose as a result of the victory of the Chinese Communist Party led by Chairman Mao. The losing government officials and party supporters in that struggle fled to the the island of Taiwan from what was to become the Chinese Communist Party (current Chinese ruling party.) Since then, international politics has been complicated by the local government of Taiwan's sense of independence and China's One China policy. Governments and organizations who deal with the local Taiwanese government on official terms are frowned upon by the Chinese government. The situation is a source of much friction between the US and Chinese government in particular.

Hong Kong

The Pearl of the Orient. The Fragrant Harbor. The Gateway to the East. Hong Kong is a decidedly small place geographically (it doesn't even deserve the dot it gets on most globes.) A person can drive from one end to the other in about an hour. Yet this territory has risen to a preeminent spot in international trade. Hong Kong has recently become a part China once more after 100 years of British Colonial rule.

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Originally, the coastal regions of Canton and the island of Hong Kong were very sparsely populated. Only after Great Britain won the island and the Kowloon Peninsula in the Opium War (more on this) did the colony become an important trade center. This duty-free port soon became one of the few markets with access to China.

Because Margaret Thatcher ceded Hong Kong back to China when the lease of the New Territories was to expire (it expired on July 1st, 1997), Hong Kong is reunited with the rest of China. This reunification caused alarm among residents of the territory and businesses operating through Hong Kong. Hong Kong had instituted many democratic reforms in the government, and China has had a history of low tolerance for freedom and reform.

The Chinese government was remarkably sensitive to the situation. They agreed to a fifty year transition period of autonomy for the territory. In 1997 Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) functioning almost the same as it did before the turnover from British rule. So far, China's record of non-interference has been exemplary. Many are using this situation to measure China's commitment to its promises.

Tibet

Tibet is a very sore spot for China on the international scene. Years ago China occupied the former independent state for the stated purpose of restoring order to the region. Internationally, though, there is a movement focused on re-establishing Tibet as an independent nation. Criticisms of China include that China is destroying an ancient culture and imposing its rule on another people.

Mongolia

Mongolia is both a sovereign nation and a part of China (inner Mongolia). The nation of Mongolia is completely independent of Beijing, while within the boundaries of China there is province called Mongolia. No real controversy here, but a point of geography to take note of.

Human Rights

China is frequently accused of human rights violations. Issues such as religious freedom, freedom of expression, and the treatment of minorities divide East and West. The Chinese claim to extend many freedoms to its people, but critics deny that this is actually the case.

Again, this is not always clear-cut. While China is accused of repressing religion and dissident views, many religious proselyting groups and political activists violate Chinese law in pursuing their activities. While it can be argued that certain laws and regulations are unjust, it is often the case that criticisms don't take the rule of law into account.