In the spirit of bridging understanding, reader westiseast responded to my request to give a quick analysis on why he thought there is "zero balance whatsoever" (refer to his original comment as it was a bit more nuanced) in the Chinese press. After all, we frequently criticize the Western press on this blog, it only seem fair we look at the Chinese press too. To give this … [Read more...] about Reader westiseast’s claim of “zero balance whatsoever” in Chinese media
Rethinking democracy
This blog will essentially be a second part to the important discussions Allen and raventhorn started about democracy. I will present a philosophical discussion so that we may better think from a different and deeper perspective about this notion than everyday people may be used to by looking at its fundamental structure. … [Read more...] about Rethinking democracy
Who Are You Calling a Police State and Other Urgent Matters
It's a long running joke that many in the West continue to misleadingly characterize China as a police state. In the run up to the Olympics, there are people who mocked Chinese efforts to provide for a safe and successful Olympics - even though massive security efforts now appear to be quite routine in the West (see e.g., 2002 Olympics, 2004 Olympics, 2006 Olympics, 2010 … [Read more...] about Who Are You Calling a Police State and Other Urgent Matters
WTO’s Recent Ruling Against China over Export Controls of Certain Raw Materials: A Critical Juncture for the WTO and a Chance for Chinese Leadership?
Last week, the WTO handed China a setback in its ruling over its appeal over export controls (herein the Ruling) covering "[c]rtain forms of bauxite, coke, fluorspar, magnesium, manganese, silicon carbide, silicon metal, yellow phosphorous, and zinc." The Global Times has a strong response: Time to reassess unfair WTO entry terms Global Times | February 01, 2012 … [Read more...] about WTO’s Recent Ruling Against China over Export Controls of Certain Raw Materials: A Critical Juncture for the WTO and a Chance for Chinese Leadership?
On Syria, Russia Today vs. BBC.
Below are two reports filed on February 4, 2012 on the conflict within Syria. One by Russia Today and the other by BBC. With President Obama saying "regime change," I think it is clear if the U.N. resolution was passed, Syria would be attacked by NATO - like what happened recently to Libya. More striking than anything else, these two reports show journalism is not about … [Read more...] about On Syria, Russia Today vs. BBC.