Floods, drought in China may turn it to foreign aid

Is China ready to accept foreign disaster relief? A recent story in the People's Daily regarding a UN disaster relief mission here indicates that China might just be ready to change its traditional tune of self-reliance, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Journal said the UN disaster relief office would mobilize international aid for China, which was coping with "the worst floods in 26 years and the worst drought in 37 years."

Not only does the possible acceptance of international aid by China indicate a fundamental policy change, but it underscores the severity of the natural dis asters.