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
(Letter from Arctosia, Opposing Viewpoint) Chinese Government publishes list of “vulgar” websites and information
For many Chinese website operators, 2009 didn't start very well. China Internet Illegal Information Reporting Centre, a semi-government agency, has published a list of websites which contain "vulgar and unhealthy information" deemed to be harmful to the country's youth. The list (in Chinese) can be found here. The interesting thing about this list is that it covered majority … [Read more...] about (Letter from Arctosia, Opposing Viewpoint) Chinese Government publishes list of “vulgar” websites and information
Reflecting on 45 Years of Modern Sino-French Relationship
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
(Letter from Otto Kerner, Opposing Viewpoint) What if the Dalai Lama returned to Tibet as a private citizen? Some details …
In a recent letter, I wondered aloud if it might be possible for the Dalai Lama to retire from politics and return to Tibet as a private, nonpolitical citizen. Is it possible that the goodwill created by such a move could prove more productive in the long-run than political negotiations would? I got to thinking about some of the details that would need to be settled in order … [Read more...] about (Letter from Otto Kerner, Opposing Viewpoint) What if the Dalai Lama returned to Tibet as a private citizen? Some details …
As Trade Slows, China Rethinks Its Growth Strategy
A recent article in the NY Times with excerpts below, talks about the continued deepening of China's economic slowdown. When calculated in China's own currency for a true local effect, the situation is worse than expected even a few short weeks ago. There is recession in the USA, recession in Japan, cancelled orders and lack of re-orders hitting the Chinese businesses dedicated … [Read more...] about As Trade Slows, China Rethinks Its Growth Strategy