Domers from China, Taiwan adapt to U.S. values
ERIN LaRUFFA
News Writer
When China's Communist government turns 50 today, there will be fireworks reminiscent of annual Fourth of July celebrations in the U.S.
But the explosions above Beijing will be more than your average annual ritual, says Notre Dame graduate student Gang Xu, who was born and raised in China. This event will celebrate the system which sets the world's most populous nation apart from its rival superpower.
"Politically, it is important," Xu said.
Xu, who received his undergraduate education in Beijing, said that Chinese primary education is similar to the American system. As American students learn about democracy, Chinese students learn about communism in school.
The introduction of the principles of communism at an early age teaches respect for the governmental practice, said Xu. The Communist Party is powerful and far reaching, according to Xu, who said that in order to become important in the Chinese government, a person must be a member of the communist party.
"People beyond 18 have the right to vote," said Xu. "But we don't like voting." This dislike stems from the lack of information about candidates in certain elections. In major elections, such as for the Prime Minister, the people generally know more about the candidate.
The communist rule in China has affected many surrounding countries.
The year that China became communist, Taiwan separated from China. Tony Gau, a Taiwanese Notre Dame graduate student, fears that China will someday invade his country, as China has threatened to do.
"The situation [between China and Taiwan] is very complicated. China and Taiwan are two different countries," Gau said.
Gau also said that China does try to influence Taiwan's international relations, especially in matters involving the United Nations and World Trade Organization. Overall, though, Taiwan has remained a democracy despite China's efforts.
"Election is very common in Taiwan," Gau said, "We elect our own representatives in Congress. We also elect our president. That's what we are proud of. That means we're truly a democratic country."
One of the inescapable problems that Taiwan faces is the close proximity of China and its world power as a communist country, Gau said.
"I am not against China. I want to protect Taiwan. Taiwan needs me a lot," said Gau, who plans to return to Taiwan sometime after he finishes his education.
Unlike China, Taiwan has a free market. The Taiwanese government realized in the 1980s that improvement cannot occur until the people are able to participate in a free market. The Chinese government is not as liberal, but Xu said it is getting better.
The control which the Chinese government exercises over people's everyday lives is "very strong but not as strong as in [former Party Chairman] Mao [Tse-Tung]'s period," Xu said. For example, it is now possible for Chinese people to speak out against the government. Overall, Xu said he believes ordinary people in China are less concerned with the government than with their everyday lives.
Other countries have criticized China's human rights policies. Xu said he feels it is "more important to improve the community before talking about human rights."
All News Stories for Friday, October 1, 1999
