First of all, the Chinese rarely likes to depend on others. They believe in themselves and try to make most on their own. So they are introducing their own network. That is good for them. Why make Qualcomm wealthier than it is already? Suffice to say, they didn't invent the technology entirely by themselves, but they need something to help them jump-start the process. It's unfortunate they had to "borrow" the technology, but isn't that what innovation is all about? Build upon others? Try not to make the same mistake as others? Once the chinese master the idea of creating new technologies, all of us will be relying on them.
In response to Mike's comment, China is going through major changes right now. You think with all the pressure from the US and the EU that things will change overnight or in the next few years. In the short-term we won't see any big changes. These changes will happen in smaller steps. It's not easy changing the life of more than a billion people. There is a huge gap between the rich and the poor. It will take a while to narrow that gap. In the long-term we will definitely see a different China from that of today and life will change, for the better.
I am living and working in China right now. There is just so many things happening, all at the same time. Yeah, I see all the fakes and knock-offs. So what, it gives these people a job. A job that will put 2 pieces of bread on the table(literally). If there were no piracy, can you imagine the amount of jobless workers? There would be total chaos. If looting ever breaks out in China, this would make the LA and New Orleans lootings look like rabbit droppings. The chinese government has to keep the people in check. Yes, there is no real freedom. But at the same time they cannot totally control the people.
BTW, I am working in one of those factories you speak of. The conditions are not as bad as you think. Chinese people tend to save more and spend less. Many factories cut corners and try to make the best of what they have or can afford. Yes, this is not the best way to do things, but they are used to it. In terms of living conditions, most factory workers live in dorms provided by the factory. They usually have 4-6 people per room. They are used to this. They have no shower head or bath tub. They have no need for things we take for granted in the US. You think they want to live like Americans? The standard American life is a dream to them. We are very fortunate to afford and live like that. And you know what, many wealthy chinese people are starting to do just that. Live like an American but in their own country. They drive BMWs, Mercedes, Bentley's, u name it. The rich are getting richer here. They buy furniture and household items from IKEA as well as other brand names. Or they have custom made furniture, at very affordable costs. Can we do that in the US?
Pay stub? Heh, we don't get pay stubs here. The average chinese worker makes about $120US per month. This is in the factory areas. If you are fortunate enough and educated. You can earn about $700-1000US per month. The average middle class salary is about $5000YUAN which is about $641USD. Since the chinese tend to spend less, this is enough for them, for now. 6 people including myself spent 160YUAN on 10 dishes for dinner. Thats about $20USD. Food is cheap here. A McDonalds meal is a mere 24YUAN(about $3USD). The chinese people don't spend that much in a week on food. I had a bowl of noodles for 3YUAN, only 3!!. Thats like 35CENTS! FYI, this is in the suburbs. In the big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, prices are relatively higher, but still cheaper than prices in NYC. I can stroll into 5-Star hotels and have a lavish meal without breaking my wallet. Can a regular Joe Shmoe do that in NYC? Even if you gave the people more money, they may not know what to do with it. Save most of it i guess. They are not materialistic yet. But its slowly developing. Make more, spend more, right? I guess its the same everywhere.
Guess what, I work 10 hours a day. 6 days a week. For what? For a mere $700USD/month, but that will increase this year. Can any of you imagine getting paid that little? Especially for IT work. No one I know would accept it, would you? I doubt it.
The government is changing, they are trying to crack down on corruption, but it ain't easy. Even legit businesses employ the locals to make the officials happy. Kickbacks and what-not. All signs of a developing nation. It won't get worse.
Firewall? Well, there are proxies. As far as the media is concerned, that will change slowly. A few things slip out every now and then.
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First of all, the Chinese rarely likes to depend on others. They believe in themselves and try to make most on their own. So they are introducing their own network. That is good for them. Why make Qualcomm wealthier than it is already? Suffice to say, they didn't invent the technology entirely by themselves, but they need something to help them jump-start the process. It's unfortunate they had to "borrow" the technology, but isn't that what innovation is all about? Build upon others? Try not to make the same mistake as others? Once the chinese master the idea of creating new technologies, all of us will be relying on them.
In response to Mike's comment, China is going through major changes right now. You think with all the pressure from the US and the EU that things will change overnight or in the next few years. In the short-term we won't see any big changes. These changes will happen in smaller steps. It's not easy changing the life of more than a billion people. There is a huge gap between the rich and the poor. It will take a while to narrow that gap. In the long-term we will definitely see a different China from that of today and life will change, for the better.
I am living and working in China right now. There is just so many things happening, all at the same time. Yeah, I see all the fakes and knock-offs. So what, it gives these people a job. A job that will put 2 pieces of bread on the table(literally). If there were no piracy, can you imagine the amount of jobless workers? There would be total chaos. If looting ever breaks out in China, this would make the LA and New Orleans lootings look like rabbit droppings. The chinese government has to keep the people in check. Yes, there is no real freedom. But at the same time they cannot totally control the people.
BTW, I am working in one of those factories you speak of. The conditions are not as bad as you think. Chinese people tend to save more and spend less. Many factories cut corners and try to make the best of what they have or can afford. Yes, this is not the best way to do things, but they are used to it. In terms of living conditions, most factory workers live in dorms provided by the factory. They usually have 4-6 people per room. They are used to this. They have no shower head or bath tub. They have no need for things we take for granted in the US. You think they want to live like Americans? The standard American life is a dream to them. We are very fortunate to afford and live like that. And you know what, many wealthy chinese people are starting to do just that. Live like an American but in their own country. They drive BMWs, Mercedes,
Bentley's, u name it. The rich are getting richer here. They buy furniture and household items from IKEA as well as other brand names. Or they have custom made furniture, at very affordable costs. Can we do that in the US?
Pay stub? Heh, we don't get pay stubs here. The average chinese worker makes about $120US per month. This is in the factory areas. If you are fortunate enough and educated. You can earn about $700-1000US per month. The average middle class salary is about $5000YUAN which is about $641USD. Since the chinese tend to spend less, this is enough for them, for now.
6 people including myself spent 160YUAN on 10 dishes for dinner. Thats about $20USD. Food is cheap here. A McDonalds meal is a mere 24YUAN(about $3USD). The chinese people don't spend that much in a week on food. I had a bowl of noodles for 3YUAN, only 3!!. Thats like 35CENTS! FYI, this is in the suburbs.
In the big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, prices are relatively higher, but still cheaper than prices in NYC. I can stroll into 5-Star hotels and have a
lavish meal without breaking my wallet. Can a regular Joe Shmoe do that in NYC? Even if you gave the people more money, they may not know what to do with it.
Save most of it i guess. They are not materialistic yet. But its slowly developing. Make more, spend more, right? I guess its the same everywhere.
Guess what, I work 10 hours a day. 6 days a week. For what? For a mere $700USD/month, but that will increase this year. Can any of you imagine getting paid that little? Especially for IT work. No one I know would accept it, would you? I doubt it.
The government is changing, they are trying to crack down on corruption, but it ain't easy. Even legit businesses employ the locals to make the officials happy. Kickbacks and what-not. All signs of a developing nation. It won't get worse.
Firewall? Well, there are proxies. As far as the media is concerned, that will change slowly. A few things slip out every now and then.
If you want to know what is really happening in China, I urge you to listen to the podcasts on http://marketplace.publicradio.org/features/china2006
They tell it like it is. No book would give you this kind of information.