“China has got to figure out a better way to sell itself globally. The Chinese are sick of hearing themselves described as a “colonial power” – rich coming from European nations that once subjugated most of the world. It’s maddening that even countries they’ve been trying to help accuse them of exploitation. Nigeria, Zambia and Kenya: all now seem to prefer Western-backed projects to Chinese ones. So much for the billions they’ve invested in roads, schools and hospitals in Africa. What are they doing wrong? Evidently China lacks an “aspirational” vision that appeals to foreigners, who are happy to take Chinese money and cheap goods but who, when it comes to ideas, are still seduced by the idea of the “white man’s cultural superiority”. Shopping for Western brands such as Dior or Prada makes them feel part of a “beautiful dream”. It doesn’t have to be this way. China’s achievement in becoming an economic superpower is huge, but it doesn’t talk it up enough. It should stop being so timid about its “brand” and start converting people to the “Chinese dream””. (Sameh El-Shahat, Global Times, Beijing)

Try out the following for size:

1. The dictatorial and corrupt ruling Chinese regime, which is potentially unpredictable.
2. The fact that Chinese projects overseas are planned and executed only by Chinese workers, with little input or direct financial benefit to the locals.
3. The world knows about the Han Chinese treatment by of the Tibetans and the Uigars, and the bullying in the South China Sea. The best predictor of the future is the past.

If America has been resented worldwide, and particularly in Latin America, at least its actions have been tempered by frequent elections and by a tendency to listen to public opinion. Better the devil you know. One shudders at the thought of what a “Chinese dream” might entail.