"The Big Picture: Part 1 of Election ’08 and the Challenge of China
The opening segment documents the importance of the U.S.-China relationship and its complexity. China has the fastest growing large economy, has become the top producer of greenhouse gases, and is increasingly prominent in negotiations to limit the spread of nuclear weapons.
Tension over Trade: Part 2 of Election ’08 and the Challenge of China
Every American consumer knows how prominent Chinese goods have become in American stores. In 2007, the U.S. imported goods worth $256 billion more than it exported. Many of these products wear famous American brand names. In 2007 and again this fall, product safety issues have emerged. This segment addresses these issues and others, including China’s massive (over $500 billion) investment in America’s national debt and working conditions.
Human Rights in China : Part 3 of Election '08 and the Challenge of China
Chinese today enjoy great freedom in their everyday lives, but Americans of all political leanings express concern about China’s human rights record. The Chinese government’s suppression of demonstrations and riots in and near Tibet in March again focused attention on the issue, as did restrictions on demonstrations during the Olympic Games. Like his predecessors, President George W. Bush has met with Chinese political, religious, and labor rights activists and has called on Chinese authorities to do more to secure basic liberties. These criticisms and those of Bush’s predecessors have had limited impact.
Taiwan and China’s Military Buildup: Part 4 of Election ’08 and the Challenge of China
Taiwan is routinely cited by Chinese as one of the issues most likely to produce conflict between the U.S. and China. The U.S. supplies weapons to Taiwan’s military, but the American government has firmly opposed any Taiwan declaration of independence. The U.S. calls on the officials on both sides of the strait to work collaboratively towards a peaceful and enduring resolution of Taiwan’s status. Since the end of U.S.-Taiwan relations, Taiwan has become a thriving democracy. Ma Ying-jeou became president of Taiwan on May 20, 2008 and has pledged to work towards better ties with the mainland.
China's Growing International Clout: Part 5 of the Election ’08 and the Challenge of China
China’s playing an important and growing role at the United Nations, in the World Trade Organization, and in multilateral efforts to better protect the environment and to restrict the proliferation of nuclear weapons. China’s rapid economic development requires ever increasing energy supplies and other resources. To secure these, has led China to sometimes forge ties with regimes the U.S. condemns. At the same time, many note that China is becoming more of a “responsible stakeholder,” promoting international stability and progress.
China and U.S. Campaign Politics: Part 6 of Election ’08 and the Challenge of China
It’s a well-established tradition for candidates to criticize how the current president has dealt with China. These candidates complain that the president has been “too easy on” or “to close to” China. Upon moving into the White House, presidents have found it necessary to forge stronger ties with China in order to achieve other aims. This segment reviews nearly thirty years of candidate statements and presidential policies.
McCain and China: Part 7 of Election ’08 and the Challenge of China
Senator John McCain has noted that America has shared interests with China, but not shared values. He’s long been a free trade advocate. This segment includes McCain speaking on China in Los Angeles and interviews with his principal advisors on China policy.
Obama and China: Part 8 of Election ’08 and the Challenge of China
Senator Obama has been critical of existing Chinese trade and currency practices. This segment includes the candidate speaking on China in Iowa and Pennsylvania and elsewhere. It features interviews with Obama's principal advisors on China policy."
~ Product description
