A chara, - It will be a great shame if the widespread dislike of the Bush administration turns into a more general anti-Americanism. We should not forget how enormously beneficial to Ireland has been our good relationship with the most powerful nation in the world. We will not always be in such a fortunate position.
This week the biggest ever Irish trade mission began a visit to China, whose economy has been booming for some years now. China is quickly learning how to harness its immense economic potential and is surely on course to become the world's largest economy.
The questions we should ask are: Will we be able to attract Chinese capital with the same success as we did American investment? Will Ireland be as attractive to Chinese tourists as it has been to the millions of Americans who trace their roots to Ireland? Will we have access to a Chinese premier in the same way as we have had access to American presidents?
We have much in common with the US that makes our relationship easier to maintain: the English language, cultural ties, democracy - and, to a certain extent, a shared history. In all of these areas China is alien to us. We still can - indeed must - build a fruitful relationship with China, but it will be far more difficult than it has been with the US.
When the American hegemony is over, we will lament its passing. - Is mise,
CIARÁN MAC AONGHUSA, Nice, An Fhrainc.
Madam, - I refer both to the article in your issue of January 17th by the Chinese Ambassador and your leading article concerning the Irish trade visit to China.
Your Editorial makes, if I may say so, the usual "noises" about human rights and other abuses in China, and only after a more lengthy consideration of purely economic matters. The situation pertaining both to Tibet and China warrants, I feel, a more vigorous approach.
The ambassador's article, of course, makes no mention of the darker side of Chinese policy and practice.
May I suggest that the Ambassador now be invited to address more pressing issues such as:
1. The ongoing occupation and colonisation of Tibet.
2. Religious persecution and human rights abuses in Tibet and China.
3. Reported social and labour unrest in the more remote, and unreported, areas of China.
4. Actual Chinese intentions regarding Taiwan - are these purely peaceful?
5. The appalling suffering inflicted upon the animal kingdom in China in order to supply fur lining for clothing directed to the Western market and the supply of cheap, household ornamental items, also using fur obtained by the cruellest means.
Finally, are we really expected to believe that Bertie Ahern will seriously confront the Chinese on any matter that will endanger purely trade links, irrespective of the abuses committed in China, and, perhaps more importantly, tarnish his reputation as a "Statesman"? - Yours, etc.,
JAMES HEALY, Whitehall Road, Kimmage, Dublin 12.