Society has become much more insular, and people are more focused on themselves and their toys

The US government, lawmakers and pundits have generally expressed negative views of Duterte since he took office last June

"China is developing very fast and will play more important roles in the world

"Besides, the Congolese government can adopt the most strict standards on pollution for the Chinese companies and the Chinese investors will consciously follow the rules and regulations set by the Congolese government, he said

These changes may look pleasant, but not quite so to Derek Hyra, an associate professor at the American University School of Public Affairs and an expert on neighborhood change