Laozi’s writings manifest wu wei when advising on how a ruler should govern their kingdom: Ruling a big country is like cooking a small fish (治大国，若烹小鲜[1]). When you’re frying a small fish, too much poking will ruin the meal, so the meaning is: create general policies and direction, but do not micromanage. To do this well, you must understand the ways of your people and not go against the grain.
Laozi (Taoism: Circa 600 BC)

The architect of China’s transformation was Deng Xiaoping. He was inspired by neighbouring Hong Kongs staggering economic success, which began in the 60′s and continues to date. Deng’s market reforms transformed China from famine ravaged Marxist nation to a brutal but economically successful totalitarian nation.
Perhaps, rather than attempting to leech ourselves to this corrupt tyranny, if we like Deng attempted to emulate Hong Kong’s success we may be able to achieve sustainable economic growth without having to prostitute our nation the Chinese government.
http://www.arbitragemagazine.com/topics/international-affairs/asia/the-chinese-marketplace/

Sean. You are so much better when you use your own words. You can even make your kinda capitalism have a social caring edge. ;)

Surely we, the citizens, are at least equally as morally corrupt? Trade relations mean Irish consumers or businesses buying imported Chinese goods on Irish markets and selling Irish goods on Chinese markets. The same goes for those, including myself, that buy clothes and other goods from companies that have engaged in other unethical and/or immoral practices such as slave labour, child labour, unfair trade prices etc.. It is we, as consumers, that help perpetuate these cycles, and in effect, make this exploitation a profitable business.

It is we, SeanC, who are given little choice. Most technological devices are made in china or similar where cheap labour can be exploited. Big business does not have a conscience. This world is sick SeanC and big money doesn’t care to find a medicine.

Sorry should have said SeanS

We do business with the USA which commits human rights abuses on the international stage. It is bombing 6 countries. Their drones are killing innocent men, women and children in places like Pakistan. Obama should be put on the dock for war crimes. Is a Pakistani a lesser human being than a westerner?

As for Tibet, China has had suzerainty over Tibet since Ming dynasty times.

The USA, on the other hand, is a settler colonial state that refuses to acknowledge or apologize for its genocide of the American Indians, the original human inhabitants of its lands.

We can learn from China. Kenny should be visiting twice in one week like he does to the USA. We should send trade delegations there frequently. We market ourselves as China’s gateway to Europe.

Better keep Michael Martin out of sight and earshot though. His Chinaman impressions will probably turn a prospective trade deal sour.

China made a great deal of progress even under Mao Zedong. I read the life expectancy of a Chinese person was just 49 years in 1949. By 1976, it had risen to 72 years. Of course, under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping ad since, there has been a slight recalibration of Communist party policies, more opening up and market reforms. China has continued to go from strength to strength.

Hi Paul. Long time, no speak. Say thank you for giving you someone to disagree with. :-| Been through it with you already so … Bye.

Obviusly you have never visited communist countries réada. You really don’t seem to understand it.

Will love to see what minister can open his/her mouth to ask that question…i wouldnt count in that…

Yea man! and their spelling and grammar is woeful!

Let’s eat kids
Let’s eat, kids ….. Commas save lives!

Yeh. Go on Inda yer good man. There’s gotta be money in human rights abuse. Show end how to disappear hundreds of child asylum seakers – ccould make this a franchise opportunity for new startups in Tibet….

Alas, your comment gets more negative feedback than positive! I’ve also been to China and Hong King! Yes there are issues that need to be dealt with, by the people are genuinely happy. The government delivers in promises and is aiming to improver living conditions for its citizens! There are human rights issues that’s for sure, but should we be involved? There’s also human rights issues in Congo and Liberia, where conditions are much worse! Perhaps we should encourage the UN to intervene there!

Any proof on the rendition stuff? We accept American companies here. Why not Chinese, Japanese, Italian, columbian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Cambodian, German, French, English, Brazilian, etc???

So obviously human rights is the more popular option.

I’m all for human rights but it’s like talking to a brick wall in cases such as these unfortunately.

@Michael…..investment, totally