answered: 1. As we all know, China is a large and dynamic nation. It h

  

1. As we all know, China is a large and dynamic nation. It has one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and its global influence is increasing. However, as we have discussed, there are “two Chinas,” and much of what China’s Communist government does directly conflicts with the values of the modern world. This includes serious human rights abuses, widespread environmental destruction, denial of basic freedoms, etc . . . The United States regularly criticizes these abuses, but China remains America’s largest trading partner. In economic terms, the two nations are very close. America is regularly criticized for “turning a blind eye” to these issues by using words alone and not actions.
What should be America’s position with regards to China? Should we overlook these abuses and continue business as usual? What actions could we take to force China to change? Bear in mind that cutting back trade will hurt our own economy. Are words alone enough? Is it right to trade with China, but refuse to trade with other Communist nations such as Cuba?
2.North Korea is one of the true tragedies of the modern era. The North Korean Communist regime is extremely corrupt, and the people of North Korea live in extreme poverty. The regime has isolated itself from much of the world, and has proven to be quite unpredictable. To make matters worse, North Korea now has nuclear weapons, and has a close alliance with China. Read the textbook for more details.
Recently the U.S. and other nations have been in talks with North Korea over ending its nuclear program. However, in the 1990s the regime promised not to develop nuclear weapons and it did so anyway. North Korea is also developing missile technology, and will likely have missiles that can reach the United States within 10 years.
What should be done with North Korea? A military option would likely lead to a major war (probably involving China, as was the case during the Korean War). Doing nothing allows the regime to have nuclear weapons, and economic sanctions have already proven ineffective.