Hong Kong’s Umbrella Freedom Fighters can’t possibly be fighting for “freedom” in one of the most indulging communities on earth; it’d be like fish keep asking for more salt in the ocean. If succeeded, it’d turn them into anchovies. A popular reason cited by supporters is that China’s an authoritarian state, therefore to be loathed unconditionally. Anyone who reads … [Read more...] about Umbrella Revolution and Authoritarianism with Chinese Characteristics
Opinion
Alternate View from Xingjiang
It seems that every time Xingjiang is in the news it is when something bad has occured. Doesn't anyone question why there are no good news out of Xingjiang? I will be honest here, I really hated the mainstream western press portrayal of events in that region of China. The general narrative is that China invaded and colonized that region. Today, the native people there faced … [Read more...] about Alternate View from Xingjiang
The Scotland Referendum and What it might teach us about Democracy
By the now, the results are in. Scotland has just rejected secession from U.K. in a historic referendum. There have been impassioned" pleas on both sides, but through it all, Scotland will remain a part of the U.K. If mainstream media is to be trusted, a big sigh of relief is heard around the world. Personally I have no feeling one way or another although I will admit, … [Read more...] about The Scotland Referendum and What it might teach us about Democracy
Democracy Mission – A Conspiracy Theory
This is a reprint from an old post that I think readers of this blog might find interesting. Whatever the merits of democracy, I’m more curious about its evangelical preachers. Democracy is a vague term, like “Christendom”, “Islamic World”, or “the West”. Besides the democratic banner, the political landscapes of the USA, Afghanistan, Iraq, Japan, India. . . don’t share … [Read more...] about Democracy Mission – A Conspiracy Theory
Why Asia Should Say No to Mr. Abe’s Vision of International Law for Asia
[Editor's note: the English version of post was first posted on Huffington Post and can be found here; and the Chinese version can be found on Guancha.cn here] SHANGHAI -- A few weeks ago at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Shinzo Abe made a bold pitch to Asia to buy in on a new type of Japanese leadership. According to Mr. Abe, the peace that is at the foundation of … [Read more...] about Why Asia Should Say No to Mr. Abe’s Vision of International Law for Asia