China's Challenge to Italy

Our cover story reported how Chinese manufacturers are crafting sophisticated products that allow China to compete in markets historically dominated by European — and especially Italian — firms. Some readers blamed Europe's decline on its economic inefficiencies. Others criticized Asia's unfair labor practices

The article "Twilight In Italy," on the ferocious competition that Italian manufacturers are facing from Chinese firms, hit the nail on the head [Dec. 5]. Italy is going to resemble China before it achieved economic success. In order to compete, Italians will have to give up the buying power and social security they are used...