I was reading the ABC news just now. And this article entitled "China ties questioned after 'harsh' Hu sentence" Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith says, and I quote: "Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith has described Hu's 10-year jail sentence as harsh by any one's measure but says it will not affect the bilateral relationship."
I could not disagree more. In view of some of the questions raised, I for one, would not do business in China. One would not know where one stood or what laws one is likely to break. From my understanding, the "gifts" that were passed around, was quite common when doing business in that country. Further more, if I owned a company that had been doing business in China, I would be winding up my business interests very rapidly.
My work colleague said this morning that ignorance is no excuse. Correct. But how do we find out their law. Where is the cross over point between custom and practice and law breaking.
I find it interesting that we know do some much business with China. Indeed, if we examine the labels on our clothing, most of this is manufactured in China. We have, and are becoming increasingly more so, dependant on China for much of what we consume. From clothing to foot wear to cars to electrical goods. China is an importer of our goods. Yet in doing business with China we may be leaving ourselves open to breaking laws that we are unaware of/don't understand fully.
Finally, I really think it is good to think on the relationship between, and differences between, mercy, grace, condoning, repentance and forgiveness.
Also, where do we want our enemy? I want mine where I can see them.
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