Outside the borders..

Since I will be heading to China next year right before the Olympics I find it interesting to pay attention to articles that have been written about China as you might have noticed by now.. Most of them focus on problems that China could run into in relation to the Olympics. But, in addition to the more common angles on Chinese politics (one child policies, poverty gap, olympics reforms a.s.o) there are other views that also have caught my attention.

The most nuanced article I have read in a while on China's success doesn't concern itself with the above mentioned things in particular or other issues which concern China's situation internally. It brings attention to how China, as a rising nation, has been forced to take a stand in issues - internationally. Often, articles on China tend to focus on internal problems, but doesn't focus on why this has become of current interest. Which is why I think this is a breath of fresh air in the row of articles about China because it says something about the fact that China can no longer hide behind its closed doors to the extent it has done before by just putting a lid on tough political issues. Perhaps this development not only leads to emerging diplomacy, it could also lead to further secrecy and increased cencorship, but the international community is paying attention. Still, China is not only a manufacturer anymore, but a participant and a partner in global issues - a change that results in an increased focus on solving internal conflicts - which in turn forces it to take action within its own borders as well. Hopefully.

Its status is anyhow different now from what it used to be - not only being a booming country and a factory for the world. We are entering a new era of China.