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<DIV>----<BR>Country long-name (In English): The People's Republic of
China<BR>Head of State: President Xia Hong<BR>Head of Government:
President Xia Hong<BR>Population: 1,439,613,525 (2012 Est.)<BR>GDP (PPP):
$9.62 Trillion (U.S)<BR>GDP (PPP) per capita: $7,407.88 (U.S.)<BR>Unemployment:
9% (Actual)<BR>Economic Growth: 2% (2012 Est.)<BR><BR>Political Landscape</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>The economic downturn in the west, combined with continued "devout
religious intolerance" as one Chinese minister put it, has lead to a deep
yearning for rampant change in China's extraordinarily intricate and complicated
political system. This broad-based desire has lead to a polarization of
Chinese politics, yearning for the safety and security promised by the 'old
guard' Communist methodology versus the promises of liberty, advancement,
protected rights and freedoms fronted by the 'Modernist' camp. In the
traditional Chinese way, differences have been 'ironed out' in the proverbial
shadows. Popular tools have included investigations for corruption,
allegations of fraud and ethics violations, claims of subversive activities,
and, rumor has it, assassinations. In fact 'suicides' among the political
elite of the country have tripled since 2009, leading many to question the
loyalty of China's National Police. Others point out that suicides in
general have increased greatly in China, a country particularly hard hit by the
global recession. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>One such suicide of particularly high-profile was that of Wen Hong, a
powerful commercial banker, husband of a People's National
Congresswoman, and one of the pioneers of China's deprivatization
program. The 44 year old banker left behind a son Chan, a daugther Meili,
and a wife, Xia.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>It was Xia Hong that took the reigns of the Hong family following her
husband's death. Of the family hierarchy, it was Xia who typically handled
the socio-political aspects of the prominent family, while Wen had concentrated
on the economic aspects. Rumors, though none publicized by any reputable
organization, began floating abound about the Hong patriarch's death.
Rumors ran the gambit from scandalously incredulous (killed by an angry
prostitute during sex, killed as part of one international conspiracy or
another), to the inappropriately fanciful... including rumors that Xia herself
played a role in 'assisting' his suicide. Little is known of the actual
circumstances, but an official investigation ruled out foul play.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Rather than retreat into a life of comfortable solitude, the least
dangerous option likely available to her, Xia used the wave of publicity
following her husband's death in 2011 to advocate massive changes to China's
political and economic systems. Her calls for change rallied the public,
while specific agenda items, modernizing China's major cities, continuing and
expanding China's military modernization, making necessary environmental and
healthcare reforms, and expanding educational opportunities, brought in
moderates from both camps under a single tent. By January of 2012, Xia had
managed to position key allies and like thinkers in the right positions, and was
nominated by the party's Politburo and hierarchy to run for President, with the
support of China's military.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>What followed was a historic event. China's very slow but steady
march towards democracy lead, by political arm wrestling, in China's first free
and fair election for Presidency. Xia defeated the Hard-liner candidate in
the party's internal election by a comfortable margin to win the official
nomination, and won the national election with a powerful 75% of the vote.
The transfer of power proceeded on January 10, 2013 smoothly, with very minor
protests, and major celebrations, throughout China.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>The 'feel good' atmosphere is a gilded covering over serious political
problems that China still faces. The Communist Party remains split between
the majority modernists, and the vocal minority of hard-line Communists.
Serious questions regarding human rights remain, and the question of whether
China will move forward or regress defensively in light of its problems still
lingers. Additionally, internal questions of engagement versus isolation
with respect to international affairs, China's new role as the counterweight
against American hegemony, and of the role of religion and individuality versus
the state, and serious sectarian concerns, all pose potential traps for the new
Chinese leadership. Political analysts, although energized by the historic
vote, are none the less aware that the progress is tenuous at best thus far, and
could easily be broken. There is a definite need to balance the
traditional Sino respect for history and tradition, with the modern day needs of
the masses. The eyes of the world are once again focused on Beijing.</DIV>
<DIV><BR>Economics</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>China's export based economy was hid hard by the global recession, dropping
from a usual average of 10% a year growth to just 2% in 2012. Economic
analysts are optimistic in China's resurgence however, particularly as export
orders are beginning to pick up, and global concerns continue to rely on China's
terrific industrial capacity. New environmental standards set in place by
the PNC had a dual effect of making production a little more costly when it came
to heavy industries, and encouraging the continued development and nurturing of
China's own 'Green Industries'. Successful bail out plans have kept
China's largest domestic industries in tact, while at the same time
demonstrating the growing resilience of China's own economy to operate
independently. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>The growing urban population has been widely effectively managed, with
appropriate redistributions of CNP assets, and the integration of landmark
legislation requiring the upgrading and rebuilding of residential and commercial
buildings to be more resistant to environmental disasters, more environmentally
and economically sound, and more livable. China's standard of living
increases slowed, but did not stop during the recession, and the modern Chinese
family enjoys far greater buying power than their parents did. China's
largest cities are virtually indistinguishable from western counterparts, and
world traveler magazine emphasized this by comparing Beijing with the likes of
New York, London, Paris, or Tokyo.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>There are problems on the horizon however, that could threaten China's
economic growth. They include needed reforms to the social safety net to
counteract a population adept at saving, securing substantial job growth in the
face of continued urban migration, properly handling and controlling corruption
and other economic crimes, and contending with the environmental and social
impacts of an industry dominant economy with heavy secondary emphasis on
services. A reliance on imported petroleum and resources, and agricultural
sustainment and advancement, are also obstacles which must be
overcome.<BR><BR>Social Issues</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Social Issues in China remain dominated by the philosophy of the
Individual-State relationship. Chinese, like other people, pride
themselves on patriotism, and in China the needs to the State carry particular
importance. This said, modern Chinese generations, often lead by those
schooled in the west or at China's more independent institutions have pushed for
increasing reforms to recognize individual and humanitarian rights, while also
honoring duty to the State. This debate has been most obvious in the
continuing saga of the influence of religion in China. Tight controls have
been slow to give way, leading to frustration and anxiety among many of the
clergy and their followers. Other issues include the protection of the
freedom of speech (some have indicated China now has a 'privilege' of free
speech, though not a full right yet), the end of compulsory selective military
service, the adoption of a more humane legal system, and the continued
deregulation of the electoral process to allow for more parties to compete with
the Communists. China's relationship with Taiwan remains a constant
concern, as does its actions in Tibet and Hong Kong. A swelling of support
for greater international involvement and a move away from isolation is
pervasive amongst the younger groups, while China's influential elders continue
to support a return to the 'old ways' as much as is manageable. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Limitations on transportation, the needs of an evolving justice system,
environmental problems, disease control concerns, the 'one child' policy, and
other social issues are also critically important to the next administration to
confront. <BR><BR>Defense</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>China's expenditures on it's military have grown to 5% of GDP as of fiscal
2012, up from 4.3% in 2008. Though normally not considered a drastic
increase, China has also significantly reduced the size of its standing forces
as it continues to move towards a more western model from it's eastern
roots. Though Commisars still do exist, the vast majority of China's
military officers and enlisted are ardent professionals, near par or on par with
their potential rivals, and matching regional parity with the United
States. By and large the 1.5 million men and women of the People's
Liberation Armed Forces are well paid, extremely well trained, and surprisingly
well versed in modern warfare. Exactly how competent the Chinese military
has become is the subject of much debate and speculation, with virtually
anything related to defense being a closely held secret of the State.
China is suspected of harboring the 3rd largest nuclear arsenal of the world,
and its strategic forces in particular are suspected to have received
significant attention when it comes to upgrades. Despite the advancements,
analysts believe China's 'amphibious' capabilities have only marginally
improved, and thus the world's intelligence services continue to believe any
operation against Taiwan would require months of pre-positioning. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>New laws passed by the PNC and expected to be signed by the Hong
Administration would officially segregate the armed forces into component
branches. This would include the Air Force (PLAF), the Navy (PLN), the
Marine Corps (PLNMC), and the Army (PLA). Operational command of China's
airborne forces are being transferred from the PLAF to the PLA, and the Second
Artillery Corps is being re-designated as the crown jewel of China's new
Strategic Warfare Command (SWC), the makeup of which is also a closely guarded
national secret.<BR><BR>Foreign Relations</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>China's preeminence in the international domain has steadily grown, despite
its economic difficulties. With the expansion of its military power, the
Chinese government has gained leverage with its neighbors, and increased
participation in the counter-piracy effort of 2009 and beyond have lead to
greater projection of power and strategic alliances with nations like Indonesia,
Australia, and Kenya. China maintains embassies in virtually all nations
in the world, as well as a number of consulates or special diplomatic
offices. China remains a permanent member of the UNSC, and its sway in UN
missions has grown along with its military capacity.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Military influence aside, China has become a flag contributor to various
international charities and relief efforts. This includes the IRC/RC, the
anti-AIDS campaign in Africa, and International Development efforts in Africa
and South America. <BR><BR>Timeline</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>January 3, 2011: Wen Hong commits suicide.</DIV>
<DIV>February- April, 2011: A rash of protests erupt in Beijing and
Shenyeng. Largely peaceful, the PNC was able to handle the situation with
little side fair. However the unruly actions of a single police officer
are used to again highlight the problems of police brutality in China, adding to
the public outcry.</DIV>
<DIV>August, 2011: 22 moderate Chinese politicians meet at the Hong
residence near Chengde, Hebei province. They agree in general terms on
China's need to modernize, and this is dated to be the official start of the
'modernist' movement in China.</DIV>
<DIV>December, 2011: The Politburo elects Xia Hong as the next candidate
of the Communist Party for the Presidency in China.</DIV>
<DIV>April 2012: Political protests erupt into a fight when a rally
held at Shanghai University by members of 'The Green Party' is dispersed by the
CNP as an un-permitted public nuisance. There are no fatalities, but 3
officers and 45 protestors report injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to mace
and tinitis. </DIV>
<DIV>October, 2012: Xia Hong is elected as President of the PRC, term
beginning January 10, 2013.<BR>---</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>1409800000- 2009</DIV>
<DIV>1419668600- 2010</DIV>
<DIV>1429606281- 2011</DIV>
<DIV>1439613525- 2012</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>$8.56 Trillion- 2009 (9.8%)</DIV>
<DIV>$9.07 Trillion- 2010 (6%)</DIV>
<DIV>$9.43 Trillion- 2011 (4%)</DIV>
<DIV>$9.62 Trillion- 2012 (2%)</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>$6,588- 2009</DIV>
<DIV>$6983.28- 2010</DIV>
<DIV>$7262.62- 2011</DIV>
<DIV>$7407.88- 2012</DIV></FONT><DIV CLASS="aol_ad_footer" ID="6b144a3d99b44f5720af90b63bb32b90"><br/><font style="color:black;font:normal 10pt arial,san-serif;"> <hr style="margin-top:10px"/><B>An Excellent Credit Score is 750. <A HREF=http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1221323006x1201367222/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=JuneExcfooterNO62>See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps!</A></B></font></DIV></BODY></HTML>