It's time to end the hiatus. The school is scarily close, and I already can smell the challenges we are going to face in the next 4 months. But I will try to blog as often as possible.
According to some mysterious news sources, Kim Jung-Il is in China right now, in spite of his ill health. More interestingly, former President Jimmy Carter is paying a visit to North Korea to secure the release of a U.S. citizen.
When Bill Clinton visited North Korea earlier this year, Kim was glad to meet him and take a nice picture with his guests. Also a former president, is Carter not cool enough for him? Maybe he is too sick that he needs an excuse to not meet him. But wouldn't sickness be a better excuse than taking a trip to China, which clearly signals a snub.
Maybe Mr. Kim wants to snub his guests because he may have demanded the visit of a current official. Mr. Carter has been to many rogue states, Cuba as the most famous example. Obama administration maintains that dispatching a current official will send a wrong signal. Therefore, North Korea didn't get something big in exchange for the release of the American citizen. Why not sending Carter's counterpart, a former leader, to show him around? Unfortunately, in a dynastic dictatorship, they don't give up power until the divine being asks them to.
What can Mr. Kim do in China? He was in China in May. Repeated visit in a short period of time can tell us something, can't it?
Maybe some of you don't know that. The relations between China and North Korea is not as simple as what media described as "close allies". China paid a huge price to create a buffer zone from the West, but the increasing belligerent clearly annoy the Chinese leaders, who prefer a peace environment to continue the economic advancement in China. For North Korea, they have always been wary of China. Kim's father has never trusted China. Neither has he. They regard China as a bigger enemy than the United States, because China has exerted pressure on them to reform as what China has done. They regard this a threat to Kim's Dynasty. Therefore, North Korea has tried to abandon the Six-Party talks, which means they want to talk directly to the United States, giving China no role in its affairs.
But no matter how "naughty" North Korea is, China has to treat it properly, by providing it aid, and keeping Kim's schedule in China a secret. As Kissinger once said, they are SOB's, but they're our own SOB's.
Anyway, I hope Mr. Kim will enjoy his time in China. I also hope his son will not be afraid of taking flights, so that the railroad won't be blocked by his trains.
Showing posts with label East Asia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label East Asia. Show all posts
August 26, 2010
December 5, 2009
Dear Leader needs your money
News related to North Korea is most about its nuclear program and the disputes with its southern neighbor. But this week, the totalitarian government started to issue new currency. I didn't know North Korea has a currency since there are so few to sell.
The policy is draconian. It not only devalued the currency, won, one hundredfold, it also restricted the amount of money allowed to be held by a family to somewhere under 100 dollars. This is outrageous. The government, again, showed its determination to exploit and enslave its citizens.
The implication is tremendous. The economy has already dismal enough, and the government is still squandering budget on military. Like the other East Asians, North Koreans also have the habit of saving. This policy has rendered their lifelong savings useless. No wonder there has been reports of demonstrations in this most oppressive country.
The real target is reported to be the black market. We all know when a government-led economy is failing, black market helps sustain people's daily lives. Smart dictators would recognize this fact and ignore it, but Kim Jung-Il probably thinks he is much smarter than them. This policy is likely to backfire.
A Chinese saying goes, "Nobody wants to rebel, but they have to when the government leaves them no choice." North Korea is on the right direction.
The policy is draconian. It not only devalued the currency, won, one hundredfold, it also restricted the amount of money allowed to be held by a family to somewhere under 100 dollars. This is outrageous. The government, again, showed its determination to exploit and enslave its citizens.
The implication is tremendous. The economy has already dismal enough, and the government is still squandering budget on military. Like the other East Asians, North Koreans also have the habit of saving. This policy has rendered their lifelong savings useless. No wonder there has been reports of demonstrations in this most oppressive country.
The real target is reported to be the black market. We all know when a government-led economy is failing, black market helps sustain people's daily lives. Smart dictators would recognize this fact and ignore it, but Kim Jung-Il probably thinks he is much smarter than them. This policy is likely to backfire.
A Chinese saying goes, "Nobody wants to rebel, but they have to when the government leaves them no choice." North Korea is on the right direction.
November 16, 2009
Political correctness in Chinese Foreign Ministry's Press Conference
When Qin Gang, the spokesman for Chinese Foreign Ministry, was answering a question raised by a journalist about whether Obama will meet with Dalai Lama, his answer was funny, but probably normal for Chinese.
Dalai Lama was the head of Tibetan slavery system. In 1959, China abolished slavery in Tibet, which was the same as what President Lincoln did in 1863. As a black man, President Obama should understand China's policy and stop supporting Dalai Lama.
Tibet before 1959 was a slavery. This is basically the fact. But linking this to race shows Chinese people's insensibility to racial issues. Even the Foreign Ministry's spokesperson, who should be most careful before uttering any word, would make this kind of statement.
Indeed, racial problem is new to Chinese. When a half-Chinese, half-African-American girl took part in a reality show, what she faced were jeers. In 1988, before the before Tiananmen square protest, there was an anti-African demonstration in Hehai University in Nanjing just because some Africans had Chinese girlfriends.
Chinese are generally hospitable, and they are very nice to foreigners. But the thing is they don't want you to join their family. This is not an issue limited to China. In Korea and Japan, foreigners are also complaining it's hard to be accepted by the society. But if China is able to continue its growth, more foreigners will come to China, and even there will be some immigrants. The society will face the test and I hope the mentality will change.
Dalai Lama was the head of Tibetan slavery system. In 1959, China abolished slavery in Tibet, which was the same as what President Lincoln did in 1863. As a black man, President Obama should understand China's policy and stop supporting Dalai Lama.
Tibet before 1959 was a slavery. This is basically the fact. But linking this to race shows Chinese people's insensibility to racial issues. Even the Foreign Ministry's spokesperson, who should be most careful before uttering any word, would make this kind of statement.
Indeed, racial problem is new to Chinese. When a half-Chinese, half-African-American girl took part in a reality show, what she faced were jeers. In 1988, before the before Tiananmen square protest, there was an anti-African demonstration in Hehai University in Nanjing just because some Africans had Chinese girlfriends.
Chinese are generally hospitable, and they are very nice to foreigners. But the thing is they don't want you to join their family. This is not an issue limited to China. In Korea and Japan, foreigners are also complaining it's hard to be accepted by the society. But if China is able to continue its growth, more foreigners will come to China, and even there will be some immigrants. The society will face the test and I hope the mentality will change.
October 27, 2009
The Ridiculous Chinese College Entrance Exam
This is the exam which called "Life and Death test" since it will literally determine your future. If you are from a village and fail to pass the university line, you will have to go back home and become a peasant for your life. I took it in 2005. Fortunately, I was able to go to the university I liked.
An intern journalist's article was used in a reading comprehension in the Chinese test in National College Entrance Exam. But when he tried to do the questions about his article, he only got 1 out of 15 points. Probably, the examiner understood the article much better than he did.
This news once again ridiculed the current system of entrance exam. Many people claimed this exam is the only way to ensure the fairness against the corruption and nepotism. But the negligence of practical abilities is the destroying generations of Chinese people, including myself.
You can do well in English test without being able to speak English. You can do well in maths and physics but not knowing how to apply them to life or to the further study on science. For social science, especially literature, we know there could be different understandings of one thing because of the different backgrounds and mentalities of people. Sticking to one way of thinking only restricts students' intelligence, constraining creativity. People can work like machine but not innovate. I believe this would have a huge implication on Chinese future unless the government makes some changes immediately.
An intern journalist's article was used in a reading comprehension in the Chinese test in National College Entrance Exam. But when he tried to do the questions about his article, he only got 1 out of 15 points. Probably, the examiner understood the article much better than he did.
This news once again ridiculed the current system of entrance exam. Many people claimed this exam is the only way to ensure the fairness against the corruption and nepotism. But the negligence of practical abilities is the destroying generations of Chinese people, including myself.
You can do well in English test without being able to speak English. You can do well in maths and physics but not knowing how to apply them to life or to the further study on science. For social science, especially literature, we know there could be different understandings of one thing because of the different backgrounds and mentalities of people. Sticking to one way of thinking only restricts students' intelligence, constraining creativity. People can work like machine but not innovate. I believe this would have a huge implication on Chinese future unless the government makes some changes immediately.
October 13, 2009
The best way to shake Kim Jung-Il's rule
What is the best way to shake North Korean's totalitarian regime from within? Like Berlin Wall, those regimes always worry about defection. If we can boost up the defection, North Korean will collapse from within.
But the fate of many defectors in South Korea are quite miserable. Especially for North Korean women, they are diligent and persevering. But it's hard to find a job in a new environment. Many of them have to earn their livings as a prostitute or hostess in bar. The way to improve their lives is to find them a South Korean bachelor.
Financial Times has reported a new matchmaking service in South Korea. It's a good idea, isn't it? Finally we find a better way to deal with Kim than sanctions.
But the fate of many defectors in South Korea are quite miserable. Especially for North Korean women, they are diligent and persevering. But it's hard to find a job in a new environment. Many of them have to earn their livings as a prostitute or hostess in bar. The way to improve their lives is to find them a South Korean bachelor.
Financial Times has reported a new matchmaking service in South Korea. It's a good idea, isn't it? Finally we find a better way to deal with Kim than sanctions.
October 8, 2009
30 MILLION Chinese men won't be able find a woman. Hope I won't be one of them!
Due to the great "One Child Policy", the sex imbalance is becoming a huge issue.
Check this news at Fox News. It talks about parents and grandparents advertising their children in Shanghai!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,562341,00.html
People without a family would do anything. Rape, murder, suicide, or... work against the government. For the sake of a harmonious society, end the "One Child Policy"!
Check this news at Fox News. It talks about parents and grandparents advertising their children in Shanghai!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,562341,00.html
People without a family would do anything. Rape, murder, suicide, or... work against the government. For the sake of a harmonious society, end the "One Child Policy"!
October 7, 2009
China, please help my lovely son!
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between communist China and communist Korea, Premier Wen Jiabao is in a three-day visit in North Korea.
This visit caught eyes of the world because the reportedly dying dictator Kim Jung-Il greeted the coming Chinese leader at the airport, which is extremely rare for him. Many predicted that it was a sign of willingness to restart six-party talks.
After the meeting, the two leaders jointly announced that the two countries' will continue their close friendship "for the generations to come". Clearly, Kim is preparing for his youngest son's succession. Kim Jung-Un, his 24-year-old, Switzerland-educated, son, has been reported to be named as his successor since his two elder sons are not fit for the job. (One is sick and the other has been caught using fake passport to visit Disneyland in Japan)
China has been the staunchest and possibly, only ally of North Korea. But in recent years, Kim has apparently tried to break out of this hoop by talking to U.S. directly, thus abandoning the six-party talks model which was proposed and held by China. But U.S. is reluctant to anger China and reward the dictator by agreeing to his terms.
So, what he can do is introduce his son to China. What he can hope right now is the Chinese government will support his son in the glorious cause to totally destroy his country.
(BBC has a cool video shot in North Korea recently. Please have a look. Pay attention to the North Korean who accused the BBC journalist of secretly shooting videos. It's like a teacher criticizing a first-grade student. It's really funny.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8293940.stm
Election Watch:
The election in Greece has put Socialist Party back to power, in a stunning defeat for the government. Winning 160 seats out of 300 in the parliament, the Socialist can now have a stable government to drag Greece out of the recession. Right now, this stability seems more important than who wins. The inauguration of George Papandreou continued the political dynasties in this country. For the outgoing Prime Minister Karamanlis, I still remember his tears when Greece beat Portugal in the final of Euro 2004, three months after he came to power. 2004 was a good year for his country, but 2009 seems to be totally different. Sorry!
This visit caught eyes of the world because the reportedly dying dictator Kim Jung-Il greeted the coming Chinese leader at the airport, which is extremely rare for him. Many predicted that it was a sign of willingness to restart six-party talks.
After the meeting, the two leaders jointly announced that the two countries' will continue their close friendship "for the generations to come". Clearly, Kim is preparing for his youngest son's succession. Kim Jung-Un, his 24-year-old, Switzerland-educated, son, has been reported to be named as his successor since his two elder sons are not fit for the job. (One is sick and the other has been caught using fake passport to visit Disneyland in Japan)
China has been the staunchest and possibly, only ally of North Korea. But in recent years, Kim has apparently tried to break out of this hoop by talking to U.S. directly, thus abandoning the six-party talks model which was proposed and held by China. But U.S. is reluctant to anger China and reward the dictator by agreeing to his terms.
So, what he can do is introduce his son to China. What he can hope right now is the Chinese government will support his son in the glorious cause to totally destroy his country.
(BBC has a cool video shot in North Korea recently. Please have a look. Pay attention to the North Korean who accused the BBC journalist of secretly shooting videos. It's like a teacher criticizing a first-grade student. It's really funny.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8293940.stm
Election Watch:
The election in Greece has put Socialist Party back to power, in a stunning defeat for the government. Winning 160 seats out of 300 in the parliament, the Socialist can now have a stable government to drag Greece out of the recession. Right now, this stability seems more important than who wins. The inauguration of George Papandreou continued the political dynasties in this country. For the outgoing Prime Minister Karamanlis, I still remember his tears when Greece beat Portugal in the final of Euro 2004, three months after he came to power. 2004 was a good year for his country, but 2009 seems to be totally different. Sorry!
| Parties | Leaders | Votes | % | +/– | Seats | +/– | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panhellenic Socialist Movement | George Papandreou | 3,012,373 | 43.92 | +5.82 | 160 | +58 | |
| New Democracy | Kostas Karamanlis | 2,295,967 | 33.48 | −8.38 | 91 | −61 | |
| Communist Party | Aleka Papariga | 517,154 | 7.54 | −0.61 | 21 | −1 | |
| Popular Orthodox Rally | Georgios Karatzaferis | 386,152 | 5.63 | +1.83 | 15 | +5 | |
| Coalition of the Radical Left | Alexis Tsipras | 315,627 | 4.60 | −0.44 | 13 | −1 | |
October 6, 2009
China almost shaved
I finally finished the paper for Globalization. Feeling relieved a bit, two exams and tons of readings and homework is waiting for me. Oh, gosh.
The magnificant parade on Oct 1 in Tiananmen Square impressed a lot of people (I'm not one of them). Though Hu's the speech was as boring as always. Yawn! It seemed the government spent more effort on enforcing the 125 km pigeon ban than on his speech, which was supposed to exhibit China's determination to lead the world.
The new uniforms made the goose steps as attractive as ever. High tech weapons displayed China's military prowess. But the longest part of the parade was the allegedly civilian groups. The exhibition cars showing the development in all the provinces and the huge achievements under four generations of communist leadership. Everything seemed as normal as the Mao suit Hu wore on that day when he was inspecting the troops.
But news came out that the car group for Mao era wasn't in the plan until the politburo decided to put it in on September 22, only 8 days before ceremony. It showed a failed attempt of "shaving" (because Mao in Chinese means body hair, shaving means eliminating Mao from the history), indicating the conservative force in the party is still influential.
However, this was still unexpected. Probably now it's time to bet on whether picture of Mao will be shown in the parade in ten years' time. If not, the future of China could be less dim.
The magnificant parade on Oct 1 in Tiananmen Square impressed a lot of people (I'm not one of them). Though Hu's the speech was as boring as always. Yawn! It seemed the government spent more effort on enforcing the 125 km pigeon ban than on his speech, which was supposed to exhibit China's determination to lead the world.
The new uniforms made the goose steps as attractive as ever. High tech weapons displayed China's military prowess. But the longest part of the parade was the allegedly civilian groups. The exhibition cars showing the development in all the provinces and the huge achievements under four generations of communist leadership. Everything seemed as normal as the Mao suit Hu wore on that day when he was inspecting the troops.
But news came out that the car group for Mao era wasn't in the plan until the politburo decided to put it in on September 22, only 8 days before ceremony. It showed a failed attempt of "shaving" (because Mao in Chinese means body hair, shaving means eliminating Mao from the history), indicating the conservative force in the party is still influential.
However, this was still unexpected. Probably now it's time to bet on whether picture of Mao will be shown in the parade in ten years' time. If not, the future of China could be less dim.
September 30, 2009
Origin of Chinese National Day
It's been 60 years. So much has happened in the past decades in China. It would be concluded by a certainly magnificent military parade in 3 hours' time.
But does anyone know why the communist party established the new regime on this day?
You may say, there is no reason why. Because they felt they were ready on that day. Yeah, you are right. But communist troops had occupied Beijing since Jan 31 without fighting. Why didn't they pronounce their success earlier?
You may also say, because they didn't announce until they finisht the war. But on Oct 1, 1949, 50% of Chinese territory is still either under KMT control (southern and southwestern), or controlled by local government (Tibet, Xinjiang). We could well say that the war was far from over (which was verified by the division along Taiwan strait later).
I believe, as the tradition of communism, symbolism is always important. The first communist country, Soviet Union was established during October Revolution (though it's November 7 on Gregorian calender because Russian Orthodoxy used a different calender). As a continuation of great communist campaign, being established on October is a important.
Also, there was a negotiation with Soviets underway. Stalin wanted to continue controling Mongolia, Xinjiang and Manchuria. As a nationalist, Mao wouldn't allow this kind of humiliation for the new regime. The negotiation was so fierce that Soviet embassy even moved with KMT government to Guangzhou (the very south of the country) while the American ambassador refused to move and wanted to talk to new regime. The bargaining finally resulted in independence of Mongolia for the return of Xinjiang and Manchuria but a lease continued in Dalian. Without ensuring the Soviet support, any proclamation would be premature (Soviet established diplomatic relations with China on Oct 2, before any other country).
Any delay after October 1 would be risky because a cold snowy winter day wouldn't be a good one for a communist regime to showcase its power in a military parade (which was a problem for Soviet leader to stand in bleeding cold Red Square for several hours, which was a touch job for elderly Soviet politburo members).
But does anyone know why the communist party established the new regime on this day?
You may say, there is no reason why. Because they felt they were ready on that day. Yeah, you are right. But communist troops had occupied Beijing since Jan 31 without fighting. Why didn't they pronounce their success earlier?
You may also say, because they didn't announce until they finisht the war. But on Oct 1, 1949, 50% of Chinese territory is still either under KMT control (southern and southwestern), or controlled by local government (Tibet, Xinjiang). We could well say that the war was far from over (which was verified by the division along Taiwan strait later).
I believe, as the tradition of communism, symbolism is always important. The first communist country, Soviet Union was established during October Revolution (though it's November 7 on Gregorian calender because Russian Orthodoxy used a different calender). As a continuation of great communist campaign, being established on October is a important.
Also, there was a negotiation with Soviets underway. Stalin wanted to continue controling Mongolia, Xinjiang and Manchuria. As a nationalist, Mao wouldn't allow this kind of humiliation for the new regime. The negotiation was so fierce that Soviet embassy even moved with KMT government to Guangzhou (the very south of the country) while the American ambassador refused to move and wanted to talk to new regime. The bargaining finally resulted in independence of Mongolia for the return of Xinjiang and Manchuria but a lease continued in Dalian. Without ensuring the Soviet support, any proclamation would be premature (Soviet established diplomatic relations with China on Oct 2, before any other country).
Any delay after October 1 would be risky because a cold snowy winter day wouldn't be a good one for a communist regime to showcase its power in a military parade (which was a problem for Soviet leader to stand in bleeding cold Red Square for several hours, which was a touch job for elderly Soviet politburo members).
September 28, 2009
No divorce on Oct 1!
China is going to celebrate the 60th anniversary of people's republic on October 1. According to the Chongqing municipal government, they divorce appointment could be made for that day, while the wedding registration will still be working.
Of course, divorce is in contrast with the harmonious society. At this sensitive moment, the government would try to prevent any potential threat to the harmony, either Tibetan separatist movement or domestic conflicts, from disrupting the rosy atmosphere in this country to celebrate the huge achievements and forget the negligible disasters in the past six decades under communist rule.
On the other hand, this day is so proud for the nation that so many people want to make it their happiest day in their lives by setting the wedding day on Oct 1. This would possibly overwhelm the capacity of the government, simply rendering it incapable of accommodating people who want to divorce. Having lived under the same roof together for several years, one day is not that hard to wait, isn't it? Probably seeing the country is so strong and prosperous, some couples would change their minds, and the society would be one step closer to "harmony".
Election watch:
Ther result of German federal parliament election has come out. Christian Democrats (CDU) led by Chancellor Angela Merkel won by a larger margin than last time, thus ending the uncomfortable "Grand Coalition" with center-left rival Social Democratic Party (SDP). Actually, out of the five main parties, only social democrats lost seats, and all the other gained significant number of seats. The biggest winner is the third party, natural ally of Merkel's party, Freedom Democratic Party (FDP), surging from 61 to 93 seats. Together with the CDU and its partner in Bavaria CSU, they won over 50% of the seats, sufficient to form a coalition government without the leftist parties.
This is certainly a good result for German people because Merkel government has performed well in the past four years. The country is moving out of the recession, faster than most of the other developed countries. Plus, a grand coalition turns out to be quite inefficient and slows down the necessary reforms in this country. A period of opposition status can also help the SPD reform itself to compete with CDU in the future.
The incumbent Socialist Party won the parliamentary election in Portugal, but its leading margin is reduced and it needs to form a coalition with other parties to get a majority in the parliament. A grand coalition with center-right PSD is likely to happen, though allying with two smaller leftist parties is also possible. But forming a coalition government is not insurmountable and José Sócrates is set to remain in the office.
The presidential election in Somaliland has been delayed again due to the "current political, economic and technical conditions."
Of course, divorce is in contrast with the harmonious society. At this sensitive moment, the government would try to prevent any potential threat to the harmony, either Tibetan separatist movement or domestic conflicts, from disrupting the rosy atmosphere in this country to celebrate the huge achievements and forget the negligible disasters in the past six decades under communist rule.
On the other hand, this day is so proud for the nation that so many people want to make it their happiest day in their lives by setting the wedding day on Oct 1. This would possibly overwhelm the capacity of the government, simply rendering it incapable of accommodating people who want to divorce. Having lived under the same roof together for several years, one day is not that hard to wait, isn't it? Probably seeing the country is so strong and prosperous, some couples would change their minds, and the society would be one step closer to "harmony".
Election watch:
Ther result of German federal parliament election has come out. Christian Democrats (CDU) led by Chancellor Angela Merkel won by a larger margin than last time, thus ending the uncomfortable "Grand Coalition" with center-left rival Social Democratic Party (SDP). Actually, out of the five main parties, only social democrats lost seats, and all the other gained significant number of seats. The biggest winner is the third party, natural ally of Merkel's party, Freedom Democratic Party (FDP), surging from 61 to 93 seats. Together with the CDU and its partner in Bavaria CSU, they won over 50% of the seats, sufficient to form a coalition government without the leftist parties.
This is certainly a good result for German people because Merkel government has performed well in the past four years. The country is moving out of the recession, faster than most of the other developed countries. Plus, a grand coalition turns out to be quite inefficient and slows down the necessary reforms in this country. A period of opposition status can also help the SPD reform itself to compete with CDU in the future.
The incumbent Socialist Party won the parliamentary election in Portugal, but its leading margin is reduced and it needs to form a coalition with other parties to get a majority in the parliament. A grand coalition with center-right PSD is likely to happen, though allying with two smaller leftist parties is also possible. But forming a coalition government is not insurmountable and José Sócrates is set to remain in the office.
| Party | Votes | % | Change | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
The presidential election in Somaliland has been delayed again due to the "current political, economic and technical conditions."
September 22, 2009
Sorry, no visit on birthday!
Foreigners have been barred from travelling in Tibet in the next three weeks, possibly due to the sensitive timing of 60th anniversay of the republic. (New York Times)
This is part of the huge campaigns to prepare for the grand celebration, in order to quell any attempt to disrupt it. Since the entry has already been very selective and the procedures deliberately complex, the impact on the tourism will be minimal.
Also in the news, China raised to 57th place on the failed state index. This is far from the successes in other indices right now, but congratulations anyway.
This is part of the huge campaigns to prepare for the grand celebration, in order to quell any attempt to disrupt it. Since the entry has already been very selective and the procedures deliberately complex, the impact on the tourism will be minimal.
Also in the news, China raised to 57th place on the failed state index. This is far from the successes in other indices right now, but congratulations anyway.
September 21, 2009
Democrats gained, but a long way to democracy in Macau
Democrats, who call for a universal suffrage in this Chinese special administrative region, won 4 seats out of 12 elected seats in today's Macanese legislative election. But the other 17 seats were selected by the Chief executive, which was appointed by the central government in Beijing.
The gaining hardly reflects a growing support of democracy because this is a result of changed strategy by the democratic movement. Because of the highest average method, the democrats split into two party lists in order to maximize their vote.
The pro-gov politicians still believe Macau is not yet ready for a universal suffrage. So when can they be ready? When they are more pliant to Beijing? If China really wants to have at least a minimal chance of having Taiwan back without a war, he should shows how a special administrative region works. It should be no less democratic than how Taiwan is right now.
The gaining hardly reflects a growing support of democracy because this is a result of changed strategy by the democratic movement. Because of the highest average method, the democrats split into two party lists in order to maximize their vote.
The pro-gov politicians still believe Macau is not yet ready for a universal suffrage. So when can they be ready? When they are more pliant to Beijing? If China really wants to have at least a minimal chance of having Taiwan back without a war, he should shows how a special administrative region works. It should be no less democratic than how Taiwan is right now.
May 4, 2009
North Korean Said "Thank You" to South Korean Military
This news is quite eye-catching, and rightly so. Somali pirates certainly didn't expect they would trigger a rare collaboration between Koreans from the North and South. (BBC) I hope the one who sent the thank you message won't be executed for treason.
A South Korean navy warship has foiled a pirate attack on a North Korean cargo ship off Somalia's coast, military officials in Seoul say....South Korea said the crew on its warship had received a thank you message from the North Koreans after thwarting the pirate attack.
April 29, 2009
Come on, conduct the tests!
When the missile test was softly condemned by the international community, North Korea, once again, threatened to conduct fresh nuclear tests. (BBC)
That's hardly a news, let alone being shocking as Mr. Kim may have wished. It only strengthens our belief that this regime is totally crazy. Their behavior is simply naive.
We all know North Korea's new tests are far from a threat considering the fact that it has failed all the long-range missile tests and the nuclear test. It is just a farce, which everybody is trying to act as they are supposed to do. As the Economist pointed out, if North Korea conducts more tests, it will only be good news for the world because it drains their already-small stock of missiles and, especially, plutonium.
However, if North Korea finally resorted to a war, that's totally a different question, and the result will be so disastrous that no one wishes to see. That, probably, is its remaining bargaining chip. Actually, North Korea is fooling no one but its own people, who are truly miserable. It's still hard to imagine in the 21st century, so many people are under this kind of oppression. I still don't know whether a quick solution is the necessary pain we have to bear. But even the two Koreas can reunify peacefully, which is extremely unlikely, there will still be tons of issues to deal with. The South Korean economy will simply be ruined and the brainwashed North Koreans will have difficult time to adapt to the normal lives.
From the perspective of Chinese government, North Korea issue is even more paradoxical. Its stupid acts only hurt China, but abandoning it is not an option because it will strengthening American influence in the region, and (whispering) a strong Korea is not what China wants to see. I can still see no solution right now. But for me, the status quo is satisfying for no one, probably with the exception of, Kim Jung-Il.
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