The future beckons

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The future beckons

Opening the country is the only way to guarantee the destiny of China and is essential in securing the prosperity of the Chinese people, said Hu Jintao, the paramount leader of the People’s Republic of China, at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Beijing.
Hearing the Chinese leader use the words “reformation and opening,” in his speech yesterday reminds us of the closed North Korean regime, which avoids such words, revealing its mindset that is behind the times.
Hu said that China needs more scientific development to complement its social market economy and to achieve an environment where quality of life is guaranteed.
He envisioned a rebirth of the Chinese people through a harmonizing reformation, a more open society and scientific growth.
Specific measures were described. Hu outlined plans to open up the interior of mainland China and the regions adjacent to the sea.
An election system based on the number of residents was also suggested.
Some have said that Kim Jong-il was highly uncomfortable when words like “reform” and “opening” were used during the inter-Korean summit.
President Roh suggested that the South Korean government should not use these words, considering the position of the North Korean regime. The Unification Ministry followed suit and got rid of such words from their Web site.
China is growing fast and is now heading toward becoming a financially secure country as a result of reforms.
Meanwhile North Korea is refusing to change, claiming that their system is different, and the South Korean government is enabling their recalcitrance.
If the goal of the Sunshine Policy is to do more than just give, then the policy should be used to lead North Korea to open its borders and reform its system.
When North Korea claims that reform will make its government collapse, it is admitting that its government is frail. But despite reforms, the one-party governments of China and Vietnam are getting stronger.
If Kim Jong-il really cares about his people, he must implement a Chinese style of reform and open North Korea to the world.
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