The World's Two Flows: Integration and the Global Economy vs. Tribal Wars

As the Middle East descends into violence, it's essential to remember that the global community is moving in two contrasting directions: towards increased integration and a more interconnected economy, and towards struggles over identity, culture, and politics. China, which has chosen to embrace the future and integrate with the global economy, is now facing the consequences of its decision, including the need to open up its economy to international competition and rules.

Key Takeaways:

• China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) will force it to open up its economy to global competition and rules, leading to huge investment in new companies and layoffs in inefficient old factories.
• The Chinese Communist Party leadership concluded that without external pressure economic reform was not possible, and without economic reform continued growth was not possible, and without growth continued party rule was not possible.
• China's Deputy Prime Minister Qian Qichen stated that the country is prepared to abide by WTO rules and face the advantages and disadvantages of membership.
• China is not backing away from its rapid Internet expansion, with the number of Internet users doubling every six months, despite some negative contents.
• China is facing a huge challenge in helping workers who have lost their jobs to learn new skills and find new jobs, and is gradually building a social safety net to cover them financially.
• The consequences of China's failure to manage the transition to a more competitive economy and a more digitized society will be felt globally.

Statistics:

• 10.3 million Palestinians and Israelis fell back into conflict.
• 1.3 billion Chinese are set to enter the World Trade Organization.
• China's accession to the WTO will lead to huge investment in new companies and huge layoffs in inefficient old factories.
• The number of Internet users in China doubles every six months.

Sources:

• The article is based on a personal travelogue of the author to China.
• The opinions and quotes from China's Deputy Prime Minister Qian Qichen are directly from the author's conversation with him.
• The World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations and rules are mentioned as the source of the challenges faced by China.
• The Chinese Communist Party leadership's priorities and decisions are reported as part of the article's narrative.