China’s One-Child Policy remains an important topic for U.S. political leaders—because of its importance to Americans.
During a question-and-answer session following his speech at a metal plant in Hudson, N.H., Former Ambassador to China Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. was asked about his thoughts on the One-Child Policy.
“I hate the one-child Policy, as do a lot of people there,” Mr. Huntsman said. “..It is robbing the Chinese people of life and opportunity. ”
Mr. Huntsman is not alone. Speaker of the House John Boehner, presidential candidate Mitt Romney and several other leaders have spoken up in the past week about their disgust for the Policy. (The Policy was recently in the news when, during his visit to China, Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. seemed to condone it.) The administration has clarified the apparent condoning with words like “repugnant” and says it is “strongly opposed” to the Policy. To some, the outcry against the Policy was simply “an opportunity seized by Republicans”, but as others have pointed out, this is a topic that is deeply significant for both sides of the aisle.
One thing is clear: China’s One-Child Policy is becoming an issue of importance for Americans.
The speech, focusing on tax code deductions and Mr. Huntsman’s plan to reduce the deficit, did not touch on the Policy, but Mr. Huntsman was happy to voice his opinion when asked.
It may be that the question-asker was concerned for the women and children of China, whose rights are abused daily by China’s Family Planning officials.
However, there is research available about the effect of the Policy on America’s security and economic growth. All Girls Allowed (www.allgirlsallowed.org), a non-profit focused on revealing the injustice of China’s One-Child Policy, presents articles by academics who point out the link between forced abortions and gender imbalance in China, a country with 37 million “extra” men. These single men save money and do not spend until they are wed, which lowers the currency and causes a greater trade imbalance. In addition, historians show that countries with a large male youth bulge are more likely to attack other countries and to experience domestic turmoil. China has the greatest imbalance the world has ever seen.
Brian Lee, Executive Director at All Girls Allowed, praises Mr. Huntsman for his words on Wednesday, but also for his words in a memorable 2010 diplomatic cable released by Wikileaks: “Mr. Huntsman, your hatred for the One-Child Policy is a good starting point for real action,” says Lee. “Thank you for answering America’s concerns about China’s One-Child Policy honestly, in the only way possible after your two years as Ambassador.”
Lee also agrees that the Policy “truly does rob many of life and opportunity.” Because the Policy was to be enforced for 30 years beginning in 1980, All Girls Allowed plans to recognize the 31st anniversary this September 25th with advocates around the world in moments of silence, to remember China’s 37 million missing girls.
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