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What Can We Learn From China?

March 23, 2006 ⋅  E-Mail Article ⋅  Print Article ⋅ Post a comment

I am no big fan of China and the way it does business. However, I feel there are some things this country and its government do very proficiently. China is feeling the energy crunch just like we are here in America. However, the difference is that China’s government is being very proactive whereas American government has just blamed problems on bi-partisan issues and out of control sectors of business. What has made me consider our own governments’ actions is the action China took in regards to its consideration for its own environment. It was reported by Chinese officials that China will place a tax on chopsticks and various other durable goods ranging from boats to oil as a way to minimize the economies impact on the Chinese environment. How can this government flow so smoothly in regards to energy, and environmental, issues, and Americas be so full of conflict and stalemate?

American policy-makers spend all day wrangling fists at each other and throwing out bi-partisan rhetoric while really accomplishing nothing. Conversely, China decides what needs to be done and just does it. There policies may not always be the best, or most understandable. However, their ability to make a decision and push it through government is quite impressive. I may not always agree with the policies they enforce but their ability to bring their desires to fruition is almost amazing.

Their most recent endeavor is their quest to enforce a 5 percent consumption tax on both disposable wooden chopsticks and wooden floor panels. The Chinese government believes this policy will alleviate the marauding of timber resources in the mainland, it also helps efforts designed to protect the natural environment of the country.

Beginning April 1, China will undergo its most dramatic increase to consumption taxes in over 10 years, the new policy is supposed to help slash energy consumption and slow the environmental degradation of mainland China. One of the most significant changes will be adjustments to car taxes, taxes are expected to rise as high as 20 percent for highly polluting vehicles with larger engines. In America we have tried to combat this situation for years, China had the problem for one or two years and bam, there’s a solution.

China is also broadening the range of oil products subject to their proposed consumption tax; this will include fuel oil, jet fuel and various lubricants. I am not saying we should adopt the Chinese policies but I am saying we should ask, “How can they do it so swiftly and successfully as we fumble around for years?

China Acts Fast

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