Tag: China

The 'Green' Standard

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As students of Furman University, being ‘green’ has become the standard on which we strive to live by. One of the most crucial aspects of remaining green is being energy efficient, and in a world that is run on oil and other fossil fuels, it is important not to forget the finite characteristic of these fossil fuels. As the need for sustainable energy becomes more prevalent in the world, the spotlight has turned to more renewable energy sources, such as:

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Examples of renewable energy sources
  • Sunlight
  • Wind
  • Tides
  • Geothermal

As these naturally replenishing energy sources becomes more viable, it is important that the United States makes policy considerations in regards to trading that would encourage or inhibit the production and initiation of renewable energy resources. Economic analysts say that these necessary trade policies will be the topic discussed during President Barack Obama‘s upcoming trip to Indonesia. The Indonesian Trade Minister, Mari Pangestu, “not[ed] that the United States has a ‘comparative advantage’ in a number of renewable energy areas”

For the United States to remain competitive and committed in the rapidly growing field of renewable energy, however, it is important that policies be enacted that allow for beneficial economic growth in these new markets. Recently, “Chinese manufacturers are entering the U.S. wind market under a joint venture led by Dallas investor Cappy McGarr,” with the U.S. Renewable Energy Group.

As the world enters into a new era of energy and politics, the role of the United States in the energy transformation will be decided by the policies enacted and the trade agreements made with other countries.

Discussion of Renewable Energy: Energy Podcast

To see the transition from nonrenewable to renewable energy Click Here

Carbon Emissions on the Shoulders of Others?

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Contrast between the environment and pollution in Augusta, Ga
Contrast between the environment and pollution in Augusta, Ga

Where do a country’s carbon emissions come from? The most logical inclination would be that a country’s measured carbon emissions originate solely in the geographical confines of that nation; however, a recent study at the Carnegie Institution has found evidence to the contrary. The research done by the scientists at Carnegie indicates that over a third of carbon emissions of developed countries is actually emitted in less developed countries such as India and China.

This map depicts the 'outsourcing' of carbon emissions in different countries
This map depicts the 'outsourcing' of carbon emissions in different countries

In the case of the United States, the study found that, “per person, about 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide are consumed in the U.S. but produced somewhere else.” (Carnegie) With the recent promises made by the U.S. and the other nations that partook in the Copenhagen Accord, it is important to consider this ‘outsourcing’ when formulating and implementing environmental policy as opposed to referencing solely domestic emissions.

The data was derived from tracking commonly used products in 57 industry sectors across 113 countries. Researcher and lead author Steven Davis better described the ‘outsourcing’ phenomenon as being “just like the electricity that you use in your home probably causes CO2 emissions at a coal-burning power plant somewhere else.”

As conscientious citizens of the planet, it is important to understand how our actions effect the environment in which we live. When determining your own carbon footprint, it is important to keep in mind that the choices you make and the products and services that you consume can all have a significant impact on carbon emissions, both in and out of the nation’s borders.

Tensions Rise Over Dalai Lama Meeting

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Source: Britannica
Source: Britannica

The White House announced yesterday that President Obama will meet with the Dalai Lama on February 18th.  Among other recent controversies, this is the latest in line to further sour the rocky relations between China and the United States. 

 

Ma Zhaoxu, Foreign Ministry spokesmanfor China, responded quickly, “We urge the U.S. side to fully understand the high sensitivity of Tibet-related issues, honor its commitment to recognizing Tibet as part of China and opposing ‘Tibet independence.’”

 

You may recall that the “Tibet issue” received a large amount of attention during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.  But, you might not know why the protests were occurring.  While it is impossible to fully explain the reasoning behind the protest of the Dalai Lama meeting in one post, here are a few points to consider:

 

  • The origin of the controversy is the “17-Point Agreement”

 

  • China claims the “17-Point Agreement” signed by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1951 is proof that the Chinese have sovereignty over Tibet

 

  • Other sources indicate that the Tibetan government was independent until 1951 and that the “17-Point Agreement” was signed under duress and is therefore not valid

 

  • China argues that their influence has reformed and improved Tibet, specifically economically and in terms of human rights

 

  • The Dalai Lama’s director of information, Thubten Samphel, asserts that the PLA is responsible for over 80,000 Tibetan deaths between 1952 and 1958

 

  • More recently, the March 2008 protest in Tibet was in regards to “widespread mistreatment of the Tibetan population and a denial of religious and political freedom.” 

 

The rift between China and Tibet runs deep and it can only be inferred that a meeting between Obama and the Dalai Lama will not bode well for US-China relations.  The only question left to consider is “How will the impact manifest itself for the United States and for Tibet?”

Will China Levy Sanctions Against the US?

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The Chinese government announced that they may enact trade sanctions on foreign arms contractors (meaning any U.S. company that sells or distributes arms to Taiwan).  This response came shortly after the announcement was made on Friday, February 5, that the United States would be selling Taiwan a $6.4 billion arms package.  Boeing is a good example of a company in threat of being sanctioned.

Source: Boeing
Source: Boeing

Several reports doubt that China would ever put these sanctions in place.  The reason?  Boeing products comprise 53 percent of civilian aircraft in China.  It seems that China would only be hurting itself because they would be subject to World Trade Organization rules.  If successfully challenged, “Beijing could face sanctions against its own exports that would be equivalent in value to the estimated loss of business to US companies.”

 

The Taiwan dispute is nothing new, but it is integral in foreign relations between China and the United States or any other country that recognizes Taiwan as a state separate from China.  Japanese colonization of Taiwan from 1895-1945 sparked a “century of humiliation” that would only end with the reunion of China and Taiwan.  Chinese possession of Taiwan is so deeply entrenched in Chinese pride.  Any country committing the act of attempting to help Taiwan defend itself is undermining Chinese authority and esteem.  Saving face is a large motivator in the Chinese government’s action or inaction, which brings us back to the threat of sanctions. 

 

Ultimately, times are tense for US-China relations and it is unknown if tensions will increase or decrease as this story develops.  There is currently such a torrent of news items on US-China relations, that there is no telling what’s next.

Exploring the Space Between a Rock and a Hard Place

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china-america gears
Photo from Global Markets

Over the course of the next few weeks, I will discuss US-China relations as they pertain to human rights and environmental issues AND how these issues affect interactions between China and the US as well as the implications for surrounding nations. 

 

To answer these questions, I will pull from the following resources:

 

  • a variety of online sources including American and Chinese news agencies 

 

  • Chinese history and culture, possibly including English-language blogs by Chinese authors

 

  • scholarly articles about US-China relations, US foreign policy and China’s treatment of human rights and environmental issues

 

  • interviews with faculty and students who have knowledge of US-China relations as well as current human rights and environmental issues

 

I look forward to sharing the answers I find!