CNN: China's big year anything but joyous

See, what did I say?

CNN: China's big year anything but joyous
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24583648/

China's definitely had a round of unfortunate events, and of course, we keep waiting to see how this affects China's domestic and international policies. It will be interesting to see the CCP/PRC's response in terms of relief and aid, as well as rebuilding and improving both political and physical infrastructure.

On a sidenote, if we are to consider China's dynasty system of ruling based on the Mandate of Heaven, definitely this would have given the CCP considerable cause for concern. While it is true that this rule no longer applies de jure, there may yet be some de facto vestiges, especially with the potentially tentative position the CCP holds. The CCP's hold over the PRC has been an economic one often been compared to the image of a bicycle in motion: once it stops, it will collapse. This situation is definitely one to be handled delicately, for one miscalculation, one misstep, one mishandled event could be the last straw.

Of course, this is not to say that these events signal definite impending doom for the Middle Kingdom, but it's certainly been a tough year for China, all said.

We pray for minimal casualties.