Binary Dragons: Issues Involving the Transfer of Computer Technology to the People's Republic of China

Abstract

China is different from other developing countries in that it is a socialist country with a unique and long-standing heritage that sees things in its own way. A number of culturally related problems may prevent computer technology transfer from being easily accomplished. These include the extent to which the Chinese language can easily be accepted into the contexts of computerization, cultural attitudes toward speed, the protection of cultural identity, the extent to which knowledge of new technologies will create social gaps, and the sorting out of the “political correctness” of technology in regard to the promise of informational freedom.