U.S. Congressman Calls China 'Frankenstein' 

At a U.S. Congress Foreign Affairs Committee hearing Tuesday, California Representative Dana Rohrabacher referred to China as "the Frankenstein that now threatens us." Alluding to America's fraught economic relationship with China, the Republican's comment blamed the U.S. for creating what he perceives to be a monster.

Lawmakers and cabinet members convened on Capitol Hill to discuss China's military buildup as well as the country's efforts to abide by international law and human rights standards prior to the 2008 Olympic Games. On Wednesday, the AP reported that U.S. congressmen blasted China on issues such as its anti-satellite test earlier this year, forced abortion policy, executions and Beijing's repatriation of North Korean refugees.

In defense of China, Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte highlighted the country's willingness to address the concerns of the global community. In reference to the Chinese government Negroponte said, "They are capable of shifting. They are changing."

Directly behind Negroponte 3 students donned t-shirts that read, "Genocide Olympics," a jab at China's support of the Sudanese government in spite of the Darfur crisis.

This scenario left me wondering two things. First, where can I get one of these t-shirts? And second, isn't all of this debate over whether China is a suitable host for the Olympics a little belated? Beijing was elected host city six years ago. Surely, congressmen in the States, presidential candidates in France and human rights groups had ample time before the bids and during the six years after the bids to voice concerns over China as a host.

It's not as though these concerns are invalid. Actually, they are quite valid. But it's the eleventh hour. These issues should have been addressed in hours two or three. When activists pop up threatening boycotts and demanding sweeping political change during the months before the Olympics, it suggests that some major miscommunication has taken place. Perhaps the international committee that selected China as the host country didn't really understand the way the China operates. Perhaps Beijing wasn't the best choice. But it makes no difference now. While China should and probably will act on Darfur, the world cannot expect everything that makes China what it is to change before we let the games begin.

-David Flumenbaum


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