When 'Made in China' is a warning

These safety recalls point to reforms that will allow the press and elections to hold Beijing accountable.

from the July 10, 2007 edition

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Not a word.

In American history, it was during the Progressive Era of the early 20th century that safety lapses of the market system were corrected by a vigorous media and vibrant democracy, leading to, for instance, the creation of the Food and Drug Administration.

While China does have such regulatory institutions and allows the media to tackle product quality, can it simply continue to rely on the iron hand of unelected leaders to correct millions of businesses? And can it continue to prevent journalists from asking if China must adopt truly representative government?

Not when lives are at stake, both within China and wherever its exports go.

China has launched a public relations effort in the US, along with lobbying of Congress, in hopes of avoiding consumer backlash or possible trade sanctions over these latest safety issues. But this is simply eyewash to cover the lack of real reform.

The better tack is to allow independent activist groups more freedom to question the government, place more non-Party professionals in high levels of regulatory agencies, and end curbs on the press. Such steps are real reform and will ensure China is welcomed on the world stage as a responsible partner.

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