New Population Dilemma - Essay Example

Economic Pressures As China’s economy continues to grow rapidly, economic challenges arise that may challenge the country as a competitor in the global marketplace. The rapidly changing landscape, from farmland to increase desert area, puts a strain production of food sources such as grains and rice. With increased automobile usage, farmland is being paved over for roads. Less farmland for grain production is a serious problem, as China exports much of its grain. Red meat is increasing in the Chinese diet, creating more demand for cattle.

This puts a strain on the already shrinking availability of farmland, and grain supply that feeds them. Less grain for export will negatively impact China’s economic growth, while driving up prices globally. China’s government also faces future bankruptcy with its policy of subsidizing elderly couples who previously adhered to the one child policy. Those who adhered to the policy, also received incentives from the government, in the form of health care, housing and education.

Many families chose to raise male children over females. The current ratio of “close to 120 boys for each 100 girls” (Baculinao, 2004). China’s government has added to its already strained budget, by paying cash to families who raise girls, in an attempt to offset the current male to female ratio. China’s government operates as a single party state, with the ruling Communist Party of China, four Democratic parties party all work within the current system to influence policy.

All parties appear to have some influence on a specific area of China’s economic Economic Pressures 2 growth. The current Communist party has adopted more socialist policies, which can be seen in the subsidies to families adhering to policies. The Democratic parties, which are he China Association for Promotion of Democracy, The China Democratic League, and The China Democratic National Construction Association all have a slightly different agenda or focus. The first focuses on “improving China’s global position” (cri.com, 2004), supporting the export of many products.

The other Democratic parties focus on modernization, human rights, and farmers rights, respectively. Each party has some influence on policy. The one exception is the Chinese Peasant and Workers Party, which mainly supports the current Communist party, while also serving as a multi-party facilitator. With the evidence of such substantial economic growth, this party plays the largest “behind the scenes” role of all political parties. The current political system appears to serve the interest of every major party.

Yet the demands of meeting every agenda are pushing China toward some very severe economic consequences. Economic growth has created desire for Chinese residents to improve living conditions, which includes use of automobiles and adding more red meat to their diets. Whether the current system or another political system develops, some checks need to be put in place to limit consumer demand and limit government subsidies. The current system cannot continue to serve the interests of every political party.

References Baculinao, E. (2004). China Grapples with Legacy of Its “Missing Girls.” MSNBC. Retrieved June 21, 2007 from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5953508. cri.com. (2004). About China. Retrieved June 20, 2007 from http://english.cri.cn/1702/ 2004-11-1/116@159461.htm.