China sends a message to the world: your factory is still open

By Ralph Baldwin

The tragic death (for some, murder) of Akmal Shaikh in China under drugs charges sends a potent message to the world. Firstly, that no mere British citizen in China can expect to have any greater treatment than that of anyone else in their country. And secondly, that China has no need to – and does not – fear the UK.

It also shows the world that their financial interests and investments – in a cheap, suppressed workforce – are sound. A headstrong Chinese Government shows Western and other nations that the cheap manufacturing base of millions is secure even uring recession and that it is in complete control; it will accept no token gestures and no obligations to Human Rights imposed from without.

Many Western companies, with their intellectual property and big brand names, may mask the fact that China exports a huge range of goods around the world. The so-called “Global Agenda” relies upon China maintaining its cheap labour. But international vested interests are such that no national government can be seen to challenge the grand factory; ensuring that the workforce and resources remain cheap, rather than sustainable or justly derived, is paramount.

The Chinese Government continue to purchase US debts which are offset with reserves of Chinese cash. The G2 have formed an unholy agreement. But they are not alone: we along with many other countries subscribe to this flawed situation, which protects and nurtures an ultra-greed of epic, and in the long term, destructive levels.

Greater living stanards and Human Rights cannot maintain the Chinese economy. China is already stretching out its hand across the world for more resources so as to be able to offer the people a better standard of living. But how long will it be before the Government in China is challenged to a point where education can improve and replace any form of National indoctrination? When will the people, here as well as there, demand more?

With this international indifference constantly in mind, the Chinese administration ensures its grip is unquestionable. It defies the notion that one day many millions of Chinese workers may stand up and demand more than their presently poor share of the hard work they have done.

The British Government has officially – and quite rightly – responded with disgust at the mockery of a trial and execution of Akmal Shaikh. But, in the light of the Jean Charles de Menezes case, there is real hypocracy in that position. At the same time, our Government is refusing to address poverty in our own country. Instead, it relies on immigrants to keep our economy functioning, and in turn keeps the rich getting richer.

So while our politicians dance to the tune of the media, they clearly have other ambitions here which are an insult to the memory of a sick man who made the terrible mistake of breaking dictatorial and oppresive laws, which in any case he clearly was not aware of. His death is a tragedy for people who care and to whom Human Rights are more than just a tool or gimmick. It is also a message to the most powerful and ruthless businesspeople in the world: the Chinese factory is still going; woe betide anyone who messes with them.