Madam, - In your Editorial "The Paradox that is China", which I enjoyed reading (November 18th), you state that China needs "a skilled, informed, creative population" to develop a more advanced, sustainable economy.
These are the very qualities that are being developed since the opening-up process initiated by Mao's successor, Deng Xiaoping, in the 1980s, the rigours of which I observed in my two years there.
Spirit, national pride and a revolutionary programme that fits the economic and social conditions of the vast country account for China's enormous strides in the global economy.
You are correct that China needs strong and stable government in the process, unity being regarded as the greatest blessing of the people and the sine qua non of the great push forward. As they lift the masses from poverty to a better life the price that is being asked is the abandonment for the time being of Western-style democracy.
Western harping on China's democratic deficit is viewed as interference and in reality is of doubtful virtue. Iraq has shown the futility of imposing a Western-style democracy in conditions that do not favour its much lauded blessings.
So for much longer we are going to live in wonder at the paradox of a regime which denies political rights emerging as a 21-century power - and at why, for every critic of the system, there are thousands who are content under the present order? - Yours, etc,
JOHN F. FALLON,
Boyle,
Co Roscommon.