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Debriefing the Dragon 2008

By Brendan John Worrell (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-12-22 18:12

While the west wraps up the year and curtains close for Christmas, here in China more formal opportunities for reflection don't really commence until Spring Festival late January 2009. Whether this gives an edge to those of us here, in terms of more time being spent at the desk, or whether it is to the non-Chinese advantage, in terms of being afforded an earlier chance to regroup and recharge, is all open to debate.

Perhaps though one issue we may all find agreement on is that 2008 was extraordinary, bringing both tears of pain and joy. 08/08/08 had been billed as the headline act though how quick this was replaced by more pressing concerns.

In a presentation delivered the other day to my co workers titled "Debriefing the Dragon" I related how I saw 2008 in relation to the Chinese national flag. The four small stars represented the snowstorms, the riots in Lhasa/disruption in the overseas torch relay, the May Sichuan earthquake and the ensuing mass layoffs resulting from the global economic crisis. The lonely large star represented the staging of the Olympics.

Now this was a supreme simplification of a year that held innumerable breakthroughs, milestones and tragedies but my first purpose in delivering the workshop was to show some appreciation to our staff here who absorbed more than their fair share of calamity and emotional content.

Secondly, I endeavored to come to some form of consensus regarding this year's events and to forge both my perspective and my Chinese colleagues. As a foreigner I often interpret and internalize news differently and vice versa and this needs to be addressed.

My final goal was to try and track major themes and project future events that the media should be on their toes for regarding reportage for 2009. Momentum is building in China, and the industry itself, to a point that, without taking proper stock, we risk missing the boat.

So at a personal and professional level, it has been a year that I will cherish for the rest of my life. To confess, deep at heart I'm a quiet, country fellow who is more at home sitting on the sand, under the shade of a tree, looking out to sea. Operating here in Beijing, and here in China, at this stage in history, every week seems to offer something of interest.

To reflect my most impressive memory would have had to have been the three minutes silence that was observed nationally on May 19 in homage to the victims of the earthquake. For that instance, where the whole of the Chinese nation stopped, where air sirens wailed, where vehicle horns blared, where people bowed and wept, I felt the strength of China and the depth of her people's emotion.

To be honest it overwhelmed and scared me.

Remember this was at a time not long after April 7 with the protest ridden Paris Torch relay and the April 9 remarks by CNN's Jack Cafferty. China was aflame with confusion and hurt. My MSN messenger was riddled with "I love China" insignia, Carrefour was on the hit list and taxi drivers seemed less than impressed by a foreign fare.

For so long the Chinese people had looked forward to embracing the world only then to be manhandled and insulted without restraint. This wasn't expected nor really deserved.

Then, came May 12.

Just five months into the year and we all wanted to curl up and go back to our caves.

But the nation rallied, the region rallied and the world afar dug in deep to lend a hand.

Come August years of preparation bore fruit and with the finale many among us were forgiven for wondering, "What just happened?"

It's been that kind of year.

China and Japan are working towards new horizons. Who would've thought?

The mainland and Taiwan are getting on better than ever – impossible only a year ago. Even the US and the EU are looking east for respite against the ravages of a self inflicted recession.

And all the while a waitress down in Haikou still earns 500rmb a month (about US$80) working 14 hour days, getting maybe two days off per month for holiday. Hard to believe but it's true. And bless her heart she still smiles and offers good service!

Never let us forget the struggle to develop continues.

Beyond the cities and the CBD the core heart of China still throbs with longing for opportunity still not met and dreams still cherished, though at times so difficult to satisfy.

Reminding us, Premier Wen on the weekend addressed a group of university students and stressed that graduates seeking employment and migrant workers facing retrenchment were two groups who ranked atop his governments "to do for" list.

Certainly it's been a tough year for a people branded by hardship and struggle – but have faith the work ethic and drive to succeed will carry China through these times of change.

And when the opportunity to reflect arises Spring Festival – the people should be proud of a job well done.

Brendan John Worrell is chinadaily.com.cn columnist. The opinion expressed represents his own view.