However, they hold a very optimistic view about the future of Asia. This is in strong contrast with Gordon Chang's pessimism about China.
The future of Asia is tied to the development of China -- that is without any doubt. However, whether China's tactic of completely copying the development model of South Korea and stimulating national development and construction through hosting the Olympic Games in 2008 will prove successful warrants close observation.
Kristof fails to mention that after the 1988 Olympic Games, South Korea experienced an economic slow-down caused by over-production.
Plus, in the wake of material abundance and confidence came the people's strong desire for democracy, leading to a vibrant labor movement and an explosion in wages. All this created social instability during the reign of Roh Tae-woo.
This will be a harsh test that China will necessarily have to face after 2008. After the Beijing Olympic Games, where will China go? This is key to the future development of Asia.
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