AFTER reading the Oct. 12 article "Asians foresee US losing superpower status to China -- poll," I realized that it is in my nature as a Filipino-Chinese to compare the two countries where I have my roots. Through the years, I have seen China -- once called the Sleeping Giant -- awake from its deep slumber while the Philippines continues to be lulled into sleep.
China now poses a great threat to the United States and is nearing the top as the world's leading military and economic power. And where, you might ask, is the Philippines? I don't know, but one thing is for sure: It is nowhere near China.
China apparently knows how to turn its huge population to its advantage. It has increased its labor productivity and therefore overall productivity. In the Philippine situation, it is clear that there is not much strength in numbers. And unless we can find a way to utilize our country's surplus manpower, the problem of sustaining a large population will persist.
MILANIE JOY LEE, Room 1211, BP 850, Alvarado Street, Binondo, Manila (via e-mail)
