Wang Dan told me that China's leaders have bluffed President Clinton and American business leaders into believing they must choose between seeking profits and lobbying for human rights. America can have both, do both. On the human rights front, China is regularly cited for growing abuse of Christians, although the American government consistently downplays or ignores the charges. Church leaders and services are strictly regulated by the Chinese Communist Party. Is it China's destiny to become a combined economic and military superpower in the 21st century, I asked this brilliant student of history.
China is now at a critical juncture.
For the past 20 years, it's basically been walking on one leg, because they've been open about economic reform but not about political reforms. In the 21st century, if they keep going in the same way, then China may go down the road to chaos. China is still ruled by men, he says as he leaves. Until and unless it builds a rule of law based on the principles of democracy, he says, China cannot become the rich and stable society for which its people yearn. Rather is anchor of the CBS Evening News and a native Texan.