Reginald

Is the emergence of China as a great power reshaping Australia?

Of course it is. On many levels. My daughter is currently in China learning Mandarin. I'm staring a Mandarin course myself in a few weeks. I'm currently struggling through a set of flash cards. With much difficulty I've mastered 21 ideograms.

Is there much that is valuable in Chinese culture? Much that we could learn?

Unquestionably.

Just as there is much of value the Chinese have learned and continue to learn from the cultures of Europe and North America.

But none of this is what your post was about.

YOU MADE A SPECIFIC CLAIM.

You asserted that socialism was "triumphant" with a "Chinese face."

If you truly believe it's all that simple I wouldn't even know where to start a discussion with you. It puts your post in the same category of silliness as a tract attempting to prove the literal truth of Genesis.

If there is anyone here who wants to know how China will behave if it achieves great power status I suggest a re-reading of Orwell's "Animal Farm."

For a more scholarly work on the behaviour of great powers I suggest:

The Tragedy of Great Power Politics by John J. Mearsheimer (Paperback - Jan 2003)

Either or both these books will provide better insight than the inane scrivenings of a former (God help us!) Australian diplomat.

Reginald,

I can only repeat my fervent hope that the Australian diplomatic service has lifted its game since your departure.

Reg,

Ignore the naysayers.

I have a genuine interest in exploring what type of
governmental framework is envisaged for China.

I would appreciate a response to the questions posed in my last post.

Thanks,

For those who are interested here is a different and, dare I say it, more realistic perspective on China.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/04/opinion/04brooks.html?em&ex=1197003600&en=11676006ac944c4e&ei=5087%0A

The author is NY Times columnist David Brooks. Unlike the erstwhile (God help us) Australian diplomat he has a more realistic view of China.

Whatever you wish to call China, a socialist country it ain't.

I think China will make it to great power status. It will behave like any other great power. That is to say, it will ruthlessly pursue its own interests. "Socialism" won't enter into the equation except in the minds of retired Australian diplomats.