2008 Woodie Awards
Left Eye
Dear France: What Are You Thinking
Beth Prosnitz
Issue date: 3/3/05 Section: Opinion
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Apparently, the poignancy of the now infamous image of a young man blockading a tank has faded to French economic greed.
Now, France wants to revoke economic sanctions with China by establishing sales and trading of military equipment. In fact, airplane manufacturers have already struck a deal with Chinese manufacturers. China Eastern Airlines purchased 20 A330 planes from the French Plane Manufacturer Airbus in October of 2004. These military planes are an addition to the all of the wonderful items traded and sold with China.
But France, small trinkets do not compare to military equipment. The Chinese Government does not deserve economic rewards for their crusades against human rights. Entering on a military deal could further encourage the Chinese Government to conduct themselves in a destructive manner. Existing tensions between China and Taiwan could escalate to dangerous proportions with French military aid. It could also perpetuate problems between China and Tibet.
In light of this, your criticisms about the United States' engagements abroad have less substance. So I ask you, France, what are you thinking?
Now, France wants to revoke economic sanctions with China by establishing sales and trading of military equipment. In fact, airplane manufacturers have already struck a deal with Chinese manufacturers. China Eastern Airlines purchased 20 A330 planes from the French Plane Manufacturer Airbus in October of 2004. These military planes are an addition to the all of the wonderful items traded and sold with China.
But France, small trinkets do not compare to military equipment. The Chinese Government does not deserve economic rewards for their crusades against human rights. Entering on a military deal could further encourage the Chinese Government to conduct themselves in a destructive manner. Existing tensions between China and Taiwan could escalate to dangerous proportions with French military aid. It could also perpetuate problems between China and Tibet.
In light of this, your criticisms about the United States' engagements abroad have less substance. So I ask you, France, what are you thinking?