Hidden Harmonies China Blog

As China Re-Awakens, Finding New Harmonies in a Brave New World...

Mr. Allen

On the Mind-Numbing, Sensationalistic Use of Emotionally Charged Words in International Politics

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The recent tragedies in Gaza have reminded me again the mind-numbing role the sensationalistic use of emotionally charged words can play in international politics. Recently, Israel railed against the Vatican when Cardinal Renato Martino, the president of the Council for Justice and Peace of the Vatican, characterized Gaza as a "concentration camp."  According to the NY Times: … [Read more...] about On the Mind-Numbing, Sensationalistic Use of Emotionally Charged Words in International Politics

Reflecting on 45 Years of Modern Sino-French Relationship

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Later this month will mark the 45th anniversay of French's diplomatic recognition of the People's Republic of China. I had not known that 45 years ago, France was the first major Western nation, despite stiff American opposition of that time, to recognize the People's Republic of China. I also had not known that - contrary to the faux paux spats that occurred between the two … [Read more...] about Reflecting on 45 Years of Modern Sino-French Relationship

Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan Arrive in Taiwan!

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Yesterday, the pair of Giant Pandas Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan finally arrived in Taiwan.  More than just normal "diplomatic pandas," Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan's represents the culmination of much political wranglings between the Mainland and Taiwan that included formal rejections of the pandas in 2005 by ex-President Chen Shui Bian (now formally indicted for  graver crimes, … [Read more...] about Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan Arrive in Taiwan!