http://shanghaiist.com/2008/05/15/foreign_aid_workers_allowed_in.php All comments for Foreign aid workers finally allowed in to earthquake zone en-us 2009 shang_kenneth Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:00:13 +0800 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss kenneth@shanghaiist.com kenneth@shanghaiist.com 60 http://shanghaiist.com/2008/05/15/foreign_aid_workers_allowed_in.php#comment-1362931 http://shanghaiist.com/2008/05/15/foreign_aid_workers_allowed_in.php#comment-1362931 Comments Thu, 15 May 2008 18:57:02 +0800 <p>good to know that the government has also welcomed an aid team from Taiwan.</p> http://shanghaiist.com/2008/05/15/foreign_aid_workers_allowed_in.php#comment-1362915 http://shanghaiist.com/2008/05/15/foreign_aid_workers_allowed_in.php#comment-1362915 Comments Thu, 15 May 2008 16:29:09 +0800 <p>As posted by an old-chinahand and ShanghaiExpat.com user in ChengDu: Many foreigners in Chengdu, as well as from within the rest of China and other countries have offered to assist in the rescue and aid effort. Even with my relatively inside connections in the area; having been involved in aid projects in Mao Xian county, just a few kilometres north of the epicenter; it is not feasible to allow foreign aid workers in on the ground at this time. The security situation, as we all know, must be controlled. China places a heavy emphasis on protecting foreign visitors; and yes, some may feel it is rather restrictive in nature; but that's the way it is. Local officials do not want to be held responsible for the safety of a group of foreigners in their area. For the Chinese, that is a heavy responsibility, believe it or not. Special preparations would have to be made to accommodate any foreign relief effort and because time is of the essence, it is best to let the Chinese get on with the task at hand. They have indeed been quick to the scene. Given the terrain and the topography of the area; a faster response is all conjecture and hindsight. When there is an emergency; one huge advantage China has is man-power. And the rescue effort has thrown alot of man-power into the situation. That is why the best way for foreigners and foreign countries to assist is in monetary or hard-goods contributions. Once the area has been stabilized, there will be plenty of aid and relief opportunities for foreigners and foreign aid groups. There always has been in those relatively poor regions of Western Sichuan. So, let's be patient and not be insulted or take offense. Chinese people do appreciate assistance given by foreigners. Of that, and from my 10 years of experience in this region, I have no doubt. http://www.shanghaiexpat.com/MDForum-viewtopic-t-75956-start-125.phtml </p>