CAN CHINA AVOID THE SOVIET UNION'S FATE?
he People's Republic of China likes to compare itself with the United States. Both governments were forged to throw off the imperial yoke. Both are amalgams of many races and nationalities. Both are great continental powers capable of harnessing immense resources to promote national agendas around the world.
Beijing's bosses cite these parallels to justify China's ambition of returning Taiwan to the fold -- forcibly if necessary -- and violently suppressing movements for Tibetan independence, Moslem separatism and religious tolerance. The party line: "In a few decades we will be as prosperous, unified and democratic as you Americans."
Unfortunately, some observers see closer parallels to the former Soviet Union.
Founded in 1910 to free Russian peasants from oppressive landowners and a weak imperial government, the Soviet government quickly and ruthlessly expanded into a superpower that rivaled the United States in military might and reach. On top of nearly 300 million citizens of several dozen captive nationalities, the Soviet Union became the puppetmasters of virtually every Eastern European government. By 1989 it was buckling under the burden of superpower competition. In 1991 the communists lost power to the reformist Yeltsin. The Soviet Union broke apart into Russia and a dozen independent republics. Today Russia is a nation of 150 million struggling to build a capitalist economy from the rubble of the communist meltdown.
Among the Soviets' earliest converts were Mao Tsetung, Zhou Enlai and other young Chinese intellectuals who saw in communism salvation for the Chinese people from western imperialism and internal corruption. Mao's long struggle against Chiang Kaishek and the Kuomingtang would have ended disasterously without the support of dozens of ethnic minorities in northwestern China who believed his promise of ultimate political autonomy. Their help proved more valuable to Mao than the billions in American aid and direct military assistance to Chiang. By 1949 the Kuomingtang had fled to Taiwan and the PRC ruled the mainland.
Beijing's bosses have been as ruthless as the Soviets in consolidating territory and suppressing separatist movements. But they have been far more successful in creating a functioning economy. They began capitalist reforms in 1979. By 2001 China's economy had become free enough to enter the World Trade Organization. For the past two decades it has grown at an average annual rate of 9%. Few of China's 1.25 billion go hungry and about 125 million enjoy living standards comparable to Malaysia and the Philippines. By some measure China has just surpassed Japan in GDP and will surpass the U.S. by 2025.
But China's future as a united nation is far from assured.
Even assuming peaceful reunification with Taiwan and victory over Tibetan separatists, Beijing's leaders face some big hurdles. They must integrate a billion subsistence-level farmers and workers into the consumer economy of the east coast or face ethnic discontent on a scale that would dwarf America's racial strife of the 1960s. Yet burdening the developed regions could breed separatist sentiment in Guangdong, Fujien, Manchuria and other regions. Over 100 languages and dialects are spoken in China. Long-suppressed religious minorities are becoming better organized thanks to the internet and other communications technology.
Are China's prospects for staying united more like those of the U.S. or of the former Soviet Union?
(Updated )
HK Superstar...
Btw, another famous Hakka person worth mentioning...
Chow Yun Fat
Actually, Chow might be a mix of Hakka and Hoklo. His father was a fisherman sailing from one place to another.
Hoklo is a group which the Teochews belong. Teochews are an offshoot of Hoklo (people who originated from the borders of Fujian and Kwangtung).
There are theories that some Teochews are actually Hakkas. Many Hakkas lived near the Teochew area (many migrated to Teochew and eventually assimilated to the Teochew culture). It's funny because there are many marriages between Teochews and Hakkas(I myself have relatives coming from both groups).
Michelle Yeoh
She's a famous actress (Hoklo from Malaysia).
Southern Chinese
Monday, May 13, 2002 at 20:15:55 (PDT)
What makes you think Teochews and Hakkas produce great leaders and bring Southern Chinese culture to a great level?
Well, because many Teochews are rich, they are smarter in business than the Cantonese. Cantonese people will tell u the Teochews are better business people. Their restuarants are bigger, serve better food and have more variety than the Cantonese owned restaurants. Most Teochew restaurants serve both Cantonese and Teochew dishes.
Hakkas are known for their intellectualism..some were responsible for the forming of Modern China. For example..Dr. Sun Yat Sen overthrew the Chinese Monarchy. Hakkas were also the 1st group to establish their roots in Hong Kong...but the Cantonese being more shrewd and cunning took the credit and made Hong Kong "Cantonese". Hakkas are known to be very adept in small businesses but when they gather with other Hakkas to form larger widespread enterprises...they are just as good as the Teochews.
Btw, many Teochews and Hakkas are regarded as "Cantonese" although these people aren't by origin..the reason is that because many of them like yourself don't speak the Teochew or Hakka language but are assimilated into the greater Cantonese culture and only speak that dialect.
Teochews and Hakkas are also more widespread than the Cantonese. Both groups are known to be adventureous and have settle in far flung places that Cantonese wouldn't DARE to go...
For example, just about all of the Western European Chinese communities and most of the Southeast Asian Chinese communities are founded by Hakkas and/or Teochews.
Chinatowns in England - Mostly Hakka origin
Paris Chinatown - Mostly of Teochew origin
Amsterdam Chinatown - combination of Teochew and Hakka
Other Dutch Chinatowns- Hakka origin
Chinatowns in Germany - Hakka origin
All of these Chinatowns understand Cantonese but these people are either Hakka or Teochew by roots..the reason is that many of them come from Hong Kong.
Southern Chinese
Monday, May 13, 2002 at 17:08:30 (PDT)
Hey Southern Chinese,
I totally agree with what you wrote. I am an oversea Teochew myself born in Saigon and have been in New York for 22 years. I only wish other ethnic Chinese groups were as united as the Teochews. Just look at what we have accomplish in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong based on the premise of unity. Li Kai Shing is one Teochew brother that represent. He actually gave back to the Chinese community by building universities and hospitals in Southern China. During the heyday of Vietnam, the Teochew, Hakkas, and Fukinese controlled 100% of the wholeslae trade in Southern Vietnam. No other ethnic Chinese groups are as united as we are. I have alot of Cantonese friends and I love them to death. Yes, Cantonese are more clever and shrewd however I find them to be less open-minded and like you said less ambitious and courageous as the Teochew. I am so proud to be a Teochew. I have been in America for 22 years yet I could never abandon my "ginseng" root. I would venture to say I am old-school Chinese man and loving every minute of it. In terms of cutural and moral values, Chinese do not need western enlightenment. In my lifetime, I hope to see the China Men rise above Americans.
China Man Rising
ChinaManRising@yahoo.com
Monday, May 13, 2002 at 11:50:36 (PDT)
LOL @ Shanghai lover.
Cecilia, Louis, Kelly from Shanghai? That is so funny. Cecilia and Louis can't even speak mandarin without some tutor by their side. Most HK celebrities can't even speak good mandarin. Did you ever hear Louis or Cecilia speak mandarin in public?
Do you expect all good looking Chinese are from Shanghai? Can you please name me a few HK celebrities from Shanghai please?
Louis Koo and Kelly is from HK. Cecilia is from Australia. Her mom is half caucasian. Her dad is a HK gambler.
HK lover
Monday, May 13, 2002 at 08:08:09 (PDT)
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