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China continues to experience corruption and repression but trends show that the country is growing and becoming modernized in its own definition of the word. Describing what China has become should be based on how it is in comparison to something else, not whether it is good or bad.

The economic success attained by Hong Kong clearly shows the effectiveness of British rule under a democratic society. As the former British Colony reverts to Chinese rule, majority of Hong Kong people praise British rule and the performance of its last British head, Gov. Chris Patten.

Asian city authorities are finding it hard to cope with the ever-increasing numbers of incoming residents from rural areas. Urban infrastructures are under increasing pressure to withstand heavy use and are beginning to fail. Migrating citizens are eager to live in cities despite facing squalid living conditions because they yearn for a better future. Private investors have joined forces with the government of Manila to pay for redevelopment projects.

Hong Kong is routinely touted as a paragon of free market capitalism yet key areas of its economy remain regulated by the government. A system of monopolies and protected sectors in services, professions and utilities that once had a crucial role in Hong Kong's history no longer make sense in an increasingly competitive global economy. The colony's traditional advantages have declined and it can no longer afford to protect certain professions and markets if it is to remain an attractive business center and export base.

Australia has a bright future in Asia if it can transform its own economy into a more competitive form and become a compelling supplier of Asia's needs. In 1995 it sent two-thirds of its exports to Asia, up from a fifth in 1957, and its universities draw thousands of Asian students, but its wealth of natural resources has not translated into growing human wealth. Asians living in Australia point to high taxes and a form of egalitarianism that looks down on entrepreneurs, as well as restrictive laws. That group may yet help Australia make the transition to serious competitiveness, though.

THE GREAT SOCIETY COMES TO HONG KONG. Not since Lord Macartney refused to get down on all fours and perform the ritual "Three Kneelings and Nine Prostrations" at the feet […]

Minister Farrakhan's message is an odd mixture of self-help and blame. This day, anyway, his followers seemed more receptive to the hope than the hate. I suppose I should have [...]

The Evangelicum vitae provided the Pope a forum to remind people the concept and meaning of civilization. It was not written to question the policies of different countries on sensitive issues such as abortion, euthanasia or birth control, but provided a context on the relationship between of man with God and with one another. The Pope's words aimed to tell people that the truth will always set men free from their sins.

ON THE leafy corner joining Mac Dinh Chi Street and Le Duan Boulevard, the former American Embassy squats against the morning sun. Twenty years ago, with Communist forces rapidly advancing [...]

The Clinton Administration seems not to have learned from the Carter Administration's difficulties that a U.S. crusade for `human rights' risks pushing our friends into alliance with our enemies. When [...]

IT'S NOT OFTEN that a Pope achieves consensus, but John Paul II has managed to do it on the issue of population. Not within his Church, mind you--even Popes don't [...]

The human costs of protectionism Teresa Concepcion had high hopes for her future. Although her father was only a farmer with a grade-school education, things were looking bright for the […]

The Phillippines government is unable to inform the people of the dangers of overpopulation. The traditional views of the Catholic Church against contraception has necessitated the use of terminology the social welfare and AIDS protection. The new Health Secretary Dr. Juna Falvier has blunted the anti-population control arguments through his wit.

Opportunity Programs is an organization that grants credit to the poor. It starts by establishing a local organization and a board complete with initial capital, administrative funds and training assistance. Loans extended usually range from $25 to $500., By stressing values and opening up credit to the Third World's poor, Opportunity Programs is breaking the World Bank's international aid monopoly. It's early morning here along the southern coast [...]

Can Asia's managed capitalism keep growing if the countries don't open up politically and economically? But if they do open up, will they be inviting Western-style welfarism and strife? WHEN [...]

The closure of the Subic Bay Naval Station in the Philippines has left Asian nations wondering whether this implies a lessened US commitment to security in the region. As these Asian nations move towards economic development, threats inherent in the region must be counterbalanced by US leadership., The most populous and industrious part of the world can't face the future without American leadership. Is anyone in Washington listening? As dawn creeps up on the main gate of [...]

In his first 48 hours in the Oval Office, Bill Clinton proved he hadn't forsaken all his campaign vows. Although the middle class will never take delivery on a tax [...]

'POOR AUSTEN,' said F. E. Smith of the lackluster British Conservative politician, Austen Chamberlain. 'He always plays the gameand he always loses it.' The epigram does not quite fit George [...]

Meet Bobs Michel and Dole, establishmentarians extraordinaire. As long as they're the Minority Leaders, they don't seem to mind that their troops are more of a minority with every election. [...]

DICK DARMAN is one of the brightest, most interesting, and most charming men ever to direct the eye-glazing Office of Management and Budget. His performance, on the other hand, is [...]

THE TRIALS OF CLARENCE THOMAS NOT LONG after Clarence Thomas took Robert Bork's seat on the D.C. Circuit Court, he popped by my office in the National Press Building and [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C.-On an easy Friday afternoon in late July a rough of senior Administration aides was sitting in the White House Mess having lunch when the word filtered through: Justice [...]