Charles Freeman, an expert in China Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) says that the Olympic Games in Beijing will bring anxiety to Americans as Chinese athletes begin to win more gold medals. He says that for many this will symbolize the rising power of China in relation to the United States (:32).
“Chinese athletes will begin to win their share of [Olympic] golds and Americans will begin to question our status on the planet”, said Charles Freeman, an expert in China Studies at The Center for Strategic Studies (CSIS). He spoke at a discussion on US-China Space Cooperation.
Freeman also said that with the Beijing Olympics beginning this week, many are wondering how relations with with the US will change. He went on to say that he expects immense public anxiety in America during the Olympics due to the event’s symbolic nature of China’s rise to a global power that threatens US dominance.
Dorothy Reimold, Acting Assistant Administrator for International Aviation at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that the United States needs to continue working closely with Chinese aviation officials to improve efficiency and capacity, especially with increased trade between the two nations. However, she also said that because 80 percent of Chinese air space is controlled by the military, the FAA also must consult with them. Reimold also said that progress in these two areas would be key for addressing growing environmental concerns in the region.
Briefer: Dana Perino
President’s Schedule
President Bush had his normal briefings at 8 am At 11.10 am, he will meet with the Prime Minister Gilani of Pakistan. This afternoon, at 3.15 pm, the President will participate in a photo opportunity with members of the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program in the East Room of the White House. (more…)
Dr. Phil Mickelson, professional golfer and co-founder of Mickelson Exxon Mobil Teachers Academy, says that there has been a decline in math, science and engineering graduates. Mickelson says that in America, only 15 percent of graduates are in science and math fields as opposed to Singapore’s 67 percent and China’s 50 percent. Mickelson says this can threaten the U.S. as a global leader. (0:36)
Ashley Tellis, Senior Associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, says that China’s military strategy identifies US dependence on space for intelligence as a potential weakness that the People’s Republic could exploit for its own gains on the battlefield should a conflict arise. (1:00)
“We have to be incredibly lucky to avoid a major race in space in the years to come”, stated Ashley Tellis, Senior Associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Tellis spoke at a discussion hosted by The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on whether we can keep space from becoming the next ’shooting gallery’. (more…)
Somnath Chatterji of the World Health Organization describes the extent to which the Chinese and Indian populations are aging at a hearing held by the policy journal “Health Affairs.” He says that in the next four decades, almost 40 percent of the world’s old will live in China and India. He adds that the two countries are growing older before growing richer, creating huge implications in policy decisions. (1:07)
At a “Health Affairs” briefing on health in China and India, Kees Kostermans of the World Bank lists some lessons learned from India’s successful attack on its AIDS epidemic. He says that comprehensive data collection, condom marketing, and expansions of testing services for high-risk groups helped India decrease the prevalence of AIDS. (1:17)
“Health Affairs: The Policy Journal of the Health Sphere” held a briefing on health in India and China. China faces a massive obesity epidemic and problems with insurance coverage. India is confronting AIDS. And, both China and India have aging populations. (more…)
Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade Christopher Padilla says that the United States will cede its economic leadership in Asia if Congress fails to pass the Korea Free Trade Agreement, increasing the likelihood that the United States will be left out of future trade agreements. (0:44)
