Death by China

Death by China is a riveting 2012 documentary feature film, narrated by award-winning actor Martin Sheen. Directed by renowned economist Peter Navarro, the film is stark analysis of the economic and socio-political relationship between the United States and China. It is based on the eponymous book "Death by China: Confronting the Dragon – A Global Call to Action", co-authored by Peter Navarro and Greg Autry.

The film captivates audiences with a critical overview of the U.S.-China trade relationship, asserting that America's heavy economic reliance on China has resulted in severe domestic and global consequences. It goes on to explain how the U.S. entered into this precarious situation, starting from the year 2001 when China joined the World Trade Organization.

Death by China presents a compelling array of interviews with industry insiders, labor leaders, economists, and human rights activists. Key contributors include Tom Danjzcek, president of the Steelworkers Union and Dan Fitzpatrick from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Their insights provide a sobering view of the practical effects of economic policies on the American workforce.

The film incorporates a range of visual techniques to enhance the narrative, including animations, charts, and archival news footage. With Sheen's commanding narration, the information is presented in a style that is both engaging and accessible. Alongside its serious narrative, Navarro ensures that the film's aesthetic appeal keeps viewers entranced.

Death by China delves deeply into the concept of globalization and free trade, questioning whether these aspects truly benefit all parties involved or only provide advantage to a select few. It also presents a sobering view of China's alleged inconsiderate industrial policies, such as currency manipulation, unfair competition, and intellectual property theft.

A major theme in the movie is the impact of America's deindustrialization, which Navarro attributes heavily to China's economic advancement strategies. He argues that this has led to widespread job loss and an economic downturn in manifest sectors of the American economy. The film also discusses the Chinese government's manipulation of its currency, the yuan, to give its products a price advantage in international markets.

The documentary does not shy away from human rights issues, emphasizing that issues are not merely economic but also ethical. It discusses China's poor human and worker's rights record and reveals how low wage rates, hazardous working conditions, and repressive government policies compound economic issues.

Death by China brings to light how the U.S.-China economic relationship impacts not only American jobs but also the global environment. It explores the environmental degradation caused by China's rapid industrial expansion and how these environmental challenges are further exacerbated by lax regulation enforcement in the country.

Navarro's aim is not to demonize the Asian powerhouse, but to underscore the urgency of changing America's current relationship with China. He advocates for a more balanced trade relationship and encourages American consumers to start buying locally made goods to help revive the domestic economy.

In essence, Death by China is an urgent call to action. It's a jarring exposé on the ongoing economic warfare and its implications for American industry, jobs, and national security. Through a diverse range of perspectives and comprehensive analysis, it leaves viewers with a provocative view of the world's most important bilateral relationship and encouraged to consider their part in the global economy.

However, it's worth noting that the film's perspective is firmly rooted on one side of the debate and might not resonate with viewers who see globalization as a more multifaceted or positive phenomenon. Nonetheless, Death by China succeeds in invigorating a thought-provoking conversation about America's economic future.

Overall, Death by China is a striking documentary that offers viewers a thought-provoking look into the complexities of international trade, globalization, and human rights abuses. With its powerful narration by Martin Sheen and incisive commentary from a range of experts, it's a documentary that commands attention. This engrossing take on global economics is an essential viewing for those interested in understanding the intricacies of international relations and the real-life consequences of economic policy.