It seems that Third World countries are going to end up dominated commercially by China and politically by the United States.
Are we going to end up being ruled commercially by China given the steady flow of Chinese products dumped in our markets and with our ports busy with unloading these products?
Are we also going to end up being ruled politically by the United States, the world’s sole superpower, which faces no challenge even from other big powers, let alone from small nations?
America decides unilaterally what suits it, without bothering to consult others, and enforces its decisions without asking others for their opinions. It decides who is good and who is bad and who should be rewarded and who should be punished.
Whether we like it or not, this is the reality of today’s world. China dominates Third World countries commercially and the United States dominates the entire world politically.
China manufactures every imaginable kind of consumer good. You name it; children’s toys, garments, makeup, prayer rugs, clocks ringing the call to prayer, stationery, electrical and electronic appliances. The Chinese seem to have left no choice for the people of developing countries but to buy their cheap and easy available products. We have no problem in receiving these products, for our seaports are always open to the shipments.
In the case of the United States, we have to admit that America is today the master of the world, with powerful military, political and economic influences. Even if we started banging our heads against the wall, America would not change course. When America decides, all must agree, loud and clear.
Since we cannot undo what has been done, let us hope Beijing applies industrial ethics and shows others that it cares by raising the quality of its products. No one will object to the Chinese raising their profit margins as long as they produce good quality goods.
What we hope from America is that it will be just, fair and partial with countries of the Third World. America must show its humane and democratic side to convince others it cares about their security, peace, stability, welfare and prosperity.
Arab News From the Local Press 30 June 2003
