Baiting the Dragon: German Business Warns of Pushing China too Far

Taking a firm stand on human rights can require sacrifice. Like trade itself, boycotts that attempt to influence national behavior are a two-way street: As Europeans ponder boycotting the Beijing Olympics, German business leaders warn that more than 200,000 jobs in that nation depend on Chinese exports. Harsh criticism of China’s policy in Tibet could fuel calls from Chinese citizens to boycott goods from Europe – and eliminate some of those German jobs. The head of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce has called for dialogue and stability in trade. But with the Chinese and human-rights activists each passionate about the morality of their stance, action on trade can speak louder than words. – YaleGlobal