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Asian entities have enjoyed a recent history of quickly emerging economies which have vastly improved the living conditions of many citizens and have changed the economic mindset of those in power. However with the recent economic downfall of the United States, countries across the globe have suffered. This ripple effect has sent governments in countries like China scrambling to ensure that large corporations do not begin to implement mass layoffs. Governments in these nations have a vested interest in moving proactively to deter social unrest. Asian countries generally share the belief that it is only fair to minimize layoffs of a failing company and help workers retain their dignity. It may seem as though maintaining dignity and one’s occupation do not directly correlate; however in this region of the globe saving face is one of the most important personality attributes one can display. The Chinese government has recognized the importance of keeping its citizens employed by adding a contingency to the $586 billion economic stimulus plan that ensures corporations use their aid to create as many new jobs as possible.

There are openings for the unemployed in skilled positions; however most workers in Asia do not have more than a high school education therefore they are very limited in their options. The Guangdong province of China use to be considered “the world’s factory floor” however the recent decline in consumer demand for Chinese products has shut down a large number of factories. This alone has contributed to a large portion of the unemployment rate in China. One Chinese citizen particularly illustrates the decline in entry level positions, I used to work in a factory making flash drives for 1,600 yuan a month," she said. "Now I'd be happy to get 1,200 yuan. Before I came here, I was offered a job for about 700 yuan a month at a shoe factory in another city. I can't accept that. I'd rather go home.

In contrast to the vast majority of the population in Asia, the wealthy are taking advantage of the economic crisis in the United States. Asians are visiting America and taking real estate tours around areas which houses are worth significantly less than the usual price. One Chinese citizen stated, “The price of the house, he said, was $1 million, compared with $1.3 million before the crisis in early 2007”. Just like this man they use these homes as an investment as their value is sure to increase within the next 5-10 years. Chinese buyers seek both housing real estate and commercial real estate. This purchase of American real estate is a testament to the changing relationship between the United States and China. It is clear that China’s economy has generally enjoyed a period of immense growth and power. However the collapse of the US economy has certainly caused many of the current economic problems in China.

The world anxiously awaits and watches to find out whether the United States will regain their immense power hold as the strongest country. If other countries follow the lead of Asian countries, it is possible that global relationships will change drastically.