Chinese road hogs

If only the drivers and riders of motor bikes and motor cars on the streets of China could be as mature as the skippers of boats and ships on the sea lanes of China. This Australian Laoshi finds it difficult to equate the two as from the same place. In your earlier column you speak of discipline and freedom [Elaborating on freedom and discipline; April 24, 2009] and you espouse a balance between the two. For the life of me, I cannot see any balance on the streets of China. Once behind the motor vehicle, the Chinese become something else, and I can understand Jackie Chan's point of view. There needs to be an imposition of control from somewhere, for there seems to be little innate discipline exhibited by the arrogant and ruthless users of vehicles on China's streets. Maybe these motorised 'thugs' could learn a lesson from the civilised seamen who navigate China's sea lanes?

Peoples Daily April 26 2009