1976 Tangshan earthquake versus 2008 Sichuan earthquake?

Question

Why is it that the Chinese government are allowing international aid and open media access to the Sichuan earthquake but did not do so for the 1976 Tangshan earthquake? Why is it that there was total censorship back then but not now? What has changed in these past years to cause such a drastic change in the Chinese government's attitude and behavior?

Answer 1

I'm not sure completely.  But I think China may be slowly positively changing (may be, not totally sure).  HOwever, I think the Beijing Olympics plays a big part.  With all the negative publicity over the Olympics and the scrutiny China is under, they allowed in aid and let media coverage occur.  Not only is it the right thing to do (which is one big reason, b/c it is the right thing to do), also, it won't make them look bad by helping.  In addition, they don't want to do the same mistake that Myanmar did, which was a really horrible mistake.  Myanmar refused to let in much aid and took much of the aid to themselves (the generals, rich persons).  Moreover, I think China has learned from previous problems- Tangshan and Tiananmen- and has gotten better. (slowly getting better, I share same view as Nicholas Kristof- NYT writer) ..  Yes they aren't perfect, but they've improved.

Answer 2

Well back then they were an extremely poor country and being held back by all sorts of trade bans by the West.

Since then the trade bans have been lifted and China has thrived growing it's economy to become a super power in the true sense of the word.

It's response to the latest earthquake is beyond doubt the best disaster response the world has ever seen!!!

Pundits suggest China will become THE world superpower by 2050 but many believe that it will come about withing the next 20 years!!!!