Talkin 'bout China

bristol | globalisation | opinion/analysis Monday April 07, 2008 20:24 by Econome - Kebele vol 14 Robertson Rd, Bristol BS5 6JY 0117 939 9469

The Olympics? Its the economy innit!

With China in the news as a result of its state promotion of the Olympics there this summer, and the reaction to this by pro-democracy & human rights campaigners (especially focusing on the murder & oppression by the Chinese state in Tibet), its worth considering the reasons behind these events. Its the Chinese economy innit, stupid.

China hosts this years Olympics purely because of the increasing importance, even domination, of its economy over the rest of the world. If it had remained a closed society, based on a rural economy, the Olympics would not be going there, simple as that.

Instead for the last 20 or more years, as China has opened up to capital intervention, and exploited beyond comprehension its enslaved labour forces (yes, thats its citizens), it has become an increasingly important world player, way beyond its regional position.

It has the Olympics because it has the money to pay for the enormous investment required to host them, and much of that is based upon the fact that it is able to force its workers to do the necessary...for not much at all (which allows the corporations present in China to maximise their profits even further too).

This Wednesday sees the Third Economic Discussion Forum at kebele social centre. Initiated and hosted by self-taught economics prof. and socialist builder Will Brown, this weeks discussion will focus on the development of the Chinese economy - how and why, and who exactly benefits?
The discussion is intended to be comprehensible to all, with plenty of time for questions and discussions. It is also hoped the chat about the recent changes in the UK economy - the credit crash, and downturn in the housing market.

All are welcome, there is no party line.
For more info contact Will at will485@btinternet.com
Wednesday 9 April, from7.30pm, at Kebele, 14 Robertson Rd, Bristol BS5 6JY