By Reporter Odin Swidzinski - The Report Itself
The Introduction
Welcome to my report of “What makes One Country more Just than another Country.” There are 193 nations on Earth which are members of the United Nations, which if you enter the UN, it shows you are a legitimate country. However, the practices of many countries, even the People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, per se, could be considered by any movement throughout the world to be questionable. Indeed, since it and Saudi Arabia are G20 (Group of 20) members, of the top 20 economies, the PRC and Saudi Arabia are part of the organization. Thus, I am going to compare the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the People’s Republic of China.
The Criteria for a certain country to be considered a Just Country
The criteria for my definition of a just country eventually shall boil down to the following bulleted items.
- Government - A government must help defend its land, protects its citizens, and is able to survive as a sovereign state in the long run.
- Crime - The chances of a country with a CRIPPLING crime rate to be free and fair is so low, that it is extremely useless for the nation to function. It could be a large problem if criminals are actually INVOLVED in government.
- Economy - Whilst the economy may be weak, and the country could still be just, a strong economy contributes a lot for a just country since with a stronger economy, there is significant evidence that it is free, and thus, more likely to be just.
- Foreign Relations - If a nation has strong foreign relations with other nations, and friendly relations with other nations within the geographic locale in which they are likely to be at. Likewise, if they are unable to sustain themselves, or even end up corrupted, there would be no reason why said entity is just.
China (People’s Republic of)
Government
The Government of the People’s Republic of China, is the type to claim that is a democracy, and indeed, why not prove it with electoral results? However, all of the parties, are ultimately puppet parties of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which is the main party within China. Thus, with the large domination of the CCP within the People’s Republic of China, it can be safely concluded that the government of China is an oligarchy, a type of an authoritarian government. Despite that, its “National People’s Congress” claims to be democratic and even “elects” the President of the PRC, which is currently Hu Jintao. The National People’s Congress” even has 2,987 seats, allegedly representing the people of China. Indeed, people indirectly elect their representatives within the National People’s Congress but in half of all villages, they are appointed, rather than elected by the Chinese government.
However, the reason that their government is an oligarchy is due to the fact that the real source of power, really comes from the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party, comprised of twenty members. When compared to a 2,987 seat body which claims to have a lot of power, you know that you have found an oligarchy, especially since it seems that the Government and the Communist Party of China are significantly intertwined. Thus, it leads to the following question: Which is more powerful? The Politburo, or the “National People’s Congress?” Actually, the answer is neither, since there is another position of power, which is the seven member Standing Committee.
Now, we come back to the “National People’s Congress” since President Hu, who is also the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, which is the most powerful position in the People’s Republic of China which was chosen by the 2,987 member body of the National People’s Congress. In such a “democratic” body, you might think that he could be “elected.” Indeed, he was “elected,” but as expected, he was a member of the Chinese Communist Party, which could mean that his predecessor could have appointed him. The things that the “National People’s Congress” does, is actually appoint the “Supreme People’s Court,” and their judiciaries of said court.
Their Justice system, however is very much different from ours, with the legal system based on Soviet-style law, as well as continental European systems, and three courts: The Local People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Court, and the Special People’s Court.
Crime
A really common crime within the People’s Republic of China is software piracy, with 82% of all software within China being pirated. However, in 2007, there were 470 executions inside China. However, in a nation this large (over one billion persons, the largest in the World, just ahead of India, one of the two ), there are 119 prisoners for every 100,000 people, imprisoned for any crime under Chinese law. Another major crime within China, is breaking the one-child limit; since in 1979, Chinese authorities placed the limit, to reduce “overpopulation,” which does not seem to be fair in my humble opinion. In regards to the death penalty, there are 470 executions per annum with 2.2 murders per 100,000 people, as well as 1.9 homicides that are intentional. However, there is 1,549,000 prisoners, the second largest prison population in the world.
Economy
The economy of the People’s Republic of China, while it is large; is offset by its huge population, thus causing the gross national product (GNP) to be similar of those in developing countries. Thus, while overall income has been rising; it is unequally distributed, hence why the gap between the rich and poor have been increasing in recent years; which mean in a state accustomed to equal wages, it is a source of contention for the average person within the People’s Republic of China. However, China’s HDI Index is at 0.755, at 88th place. Despite that, it exports around $31,136,800,000 worth of goods and services to the United States of America, thus a common nickname, “powerhouse of the world,” could be justly applied in this instance to China.
Relations with other nations
Chinese relations with other nations are really important. In any case, since the 1990s, it believes that the United States, which China now considers it to be a “hyperpower” could be counterbalanced by alliances with the European Union and Russia. Closer to Chinese territory, it has tried to make closer relations with other Asian nations; but even then, it is marred with international tensions. A key example could be the situation on the island of Taiwan, which is controlled by the Republic of China, which governed the mainland from 1912 to 1949, when it was driven off to Taiwan; and which the PRC claims as its own territory. Yet, the South China Sea is also heavily contested, by not one, nor two, but four nations; China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines and Taiwan. However, Brunei claims some area; but it does not actively pursue its claim. Then, comes the situation with India. India claims the Aksai Chin region as part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, which Pakistan claims some area, as Azad Kashmir (Free Kashmir) and Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly Northern Areas). In fact, some believe that there could be a self-fulfilling prophecy; in the sense that it is causing its OWN encirclement of nations aligned against a well-armed China.
Saudi Arabia (Kingdom of)
Government
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, led by the King of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah, since 2005. Despite the fact that in recent years, it is gradually reforming, even allowing democracy; and proposals to grant the right to vote, to the Majlis al-Shura (Consultative Council), as well as run for office, to date, these elections have not occurred. However, whenever it comes to the spotlight, there is a significant issue that seems to affect this nation. That is human rights to women, which significantly undermines the rating of Saudi Arabia and its “justness rating,” of which it is a rating of how just one country is.
Within Saudi Arabia, it follows a strict form of Sharia law. While it is not quite as bad as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the government which was controlled by the Taliban from 1996 to 2001 that covered most of Afghanistan), it still impedes their rights and abilities within their own nation. However, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is divided into twelve Governorates, each of which are headed by a Governor, known as an Emir who answers directly to the King of Saudi Arabia. However, King Abdullah in 2011, announced that in 2013, women can nominate themselves for “election” and will be able to vote in the 2015 Municipal Elections, which really are the only way people have a say in this absolute monarchy.
Despite that, in 2005 and 2011, they are electing members of the Municipal Councils, with voters electing 50% of the seats, the rest are appointed. In the elections, men over the age of 21 are allowed to vote, whilst women cannot vote. Oddly enough, a religious book; the Qu’ran, is the country’s official “constitution” within Saudi Arabia.
Indeed, the legal system within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is based on sharia law, with some elements of Egyptian, French and customary law within its legal system; whilst in recent years, they are secularizing, even adopting some secular codes. For the most, part however; sharia law is followed in Saudi Arabia. In regards to the judicial branch of the Saudi government is the “Supreme Council of Justice,” which ought to be called the “Supreme Council of INjustice.”
Crime
The crime rate within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is seemingly rare. In Saudi Arabia, there is around 143 executions per annum. Indeed, there is a higher murder rate per 100,000 people, which is 3.2, compared to 2.2 in the People’s Republic of China. In contrast, the homicide rate is just at one. The prisoners within Saudi Arabia however is at 28,612 prisoners, which is way less than China’s prisoners.
Economy
Saudi Arabia’s HDI is at 0.772, at 75th place, slightly higher than the People’s Republic of China (Beijing). However, its exports to the United States are at $4,691,300,000, way less than China’s exports to the United States of America (hence why it is called the powerhouse of the World). Indeed, it seems to export a lot more petroleum, to many nations, such as the United States, per se, which Saudi Arabia seems to have a lot of petroleum (oil).
Relations with other nations
The relations of Saudi Arabia with other nations is really confusing to comprehend. Indeed, its relations with Iran are strained, due to differing ideologies and fear of Iranian influence within the Middle East. Despite that, Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is influenced, on uniting the Arab World and cooperation with the Gulf States (the Persian Gulf, as it is is referred to). Indeed, its main relations is with Muslim countries such as in the Middle East, per se. However, in this instance; in terms of relations with Israel, it has a diplomatic boycott over Israel; but recognizes that its supplier and major trading partner, the United States of America has friendly ties with Israel.
Decision
Thus, based on the current situation; I believe that China is more just than Saudi Arabia. While China may violate human rights, especially claims from American imperialists that they are violating human rights within the Tibetan Autonomous Region (known in Chinese as Xizang); Saudi Arabia is much worse in this regard. China is an oligarchy, whilst Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy that imperialists could describe as transitioning to a constitutional monarchy. Despite its change, and legal systems within Saudi Arabia, it is still criticized for its treatment of women. China, however; on government, economy and crime, is more just than Saudi Arabia.
Another key thing regarding China and Saudi Arabia, is the fact that China has the one child limit; since in China, there is not of arable land, which is barely enough to supply its population; hence why it is dependent on imports from foreign countries, such as the United States. Indeed, with Saudi Arabia’s strong economy, based on oil; is it really worth obtaining oil from Saudi Arabia? Indeed, China has a strong economy, undergoing an economic boom, which helped shaped the economy.
Thus, whilst I find out, that Saudi Arabia may be friendly; the only reason why it is not attacked yet by the “Imperialist” States of America (let alone NATO), despite its questionable antics is one word: Oil (which should be properly named petroleum). China, on the other hand; has a lot of minerals and goods awaiting export of goods. Therefore, in my humble opinion; the People’s Republic of China is more just than the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Lastly, I leave you an important question to ask ALL of you. Which nation is more just to you? Would it be the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? Or would it be the People’s Republic of China? The choice is yours to decide.
Justness Rating
As for this rating system, one is the worst, whilst ten is the best. After adding up the criterium for the Just Countries between Saudi Arabia and China, I will be posting them here. You see, the highest rating is 40, whilst the lowest is... zero, obviously. Thus, without further ado, I hereby present the Justness Ratings.
People’s Republic of China, Beijing
Government: 10/10
Crime: 5/10
Economy: 10/10
Foreign Relations: 10/10
Total Rating: 35
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh
Government: 3/10
Crime: 10/10
Economy: 9/10
Foreign Relations: 2/10
Total Rating: 24
Hence, it confirms, in a nutshell, of how just these countries truly were, and it confirms, that the government in Beijing (Peking), with 35/40, is more just than the Government in Riyadh, with 24/40. Indeed, Saudi Arabia and China may have strong economies, but in the long run, Saudi Arabia is not as just, as the People’s Republic of China.
Jot Notes for the Report
- China claims to be a democracy
- the main party in China is the Chinese Communist Party
- “National People’s Congress” claims to be democratic and “elect” the President of China
- The Government of China is an oligarchy
- 2,987 seat body claims to have power, but 20 member body actually has power
- President of China is a member of the Chinese Communist Party
- National People’s Congress appoint members of the Supreme People’s Court
- Their legal system in China is based off of Soviet law and continental European systems of law.
- China has three legal courts
- China’s most common crime is software piracy, and another major crime is having more than one child (two in the countryside).
- accustomed by people are equal wages
- large economy in China is offset by its own population
- overall income is rising, but it is distributed unequally
- Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy led by King Abdullah since 2005
- It is gradually reforming but women’s rights is still a large problem within Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia follows a strict form of sharia law
- Not quite as bad as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Taliban’s Government)
- Divided into twelve governorates, ruled by an Emir who answers to the King
- impedes women’s rights in Saudi Arabia
- in 2011, he allowed women to nominate themselves for office in 2013, and to vote in 2015
- Quran is the official constitution of Saudi Arabia
- legal system in Saudi Arabia is Sharia law, with some elements of Egyptian, French, and customary law, as well as some secular codes.
- judicial branch is the Supreme Council of Justice
- The relations of Saudi Arabia is generally friendly towards Pakistan and other Arab countries
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