http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/chinas_repression_undoes_its_charm_offensive/2011/03/24/AFdlxRYB_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage
In light of the protests in the middle east, China has become increasingly harsh in its crack downs, jailing protesters and human rights lawyers, and increasing its censorship of the internet, all of which goes along way towards undoing its efforts in its good will campaigns abroad. As China's military and economy grows, this causes rising nervousness among its neighbors, who unite to try and balance out China's growing power. That makes China's good will missions of the utmost importance to it to gain friends and allies abroad, which is being completely undone by its repression at home.
This blog is meant to be a space for the Austin College community to discuss issues related to China and the Chinese language. For author permissions, please write to Dr. Jennifer Thackston Johnson: jtj.at.ac –at- gmail.com. Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas.
I feel like some of the distrust Western countries have for China is from the Western teachings themselves. In government and political science classes, the idea that China is a growing power that needs to be watched carefully is practically preached. Their recent crackdown on protestors and free information is a blow to their growing goodwill image.
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