As an avid follower and enthusiast of modern trends in Sino-Russian relations (and media coverage thereof), I saw this "jewel" of an op-ed in the New York Times earlier this week, titled "Why China will Reclaim Siberia". This type of Sinophobic fear-mongering is nothing new in the western media. With amusement, I read through it with the slight hope of finding some new, … [Read more...] about The Myth of a Chinese takeover in Siberia – Continued
myths
5 Popular Misconceptions about the Sino-Russian Gas Deal
The conclusion of a 30-year, 38 BCM/year Sino-Russian gas deal has gotten considerable attention in the media recently. Not surprisingly, much of the coverage - especially in the western media - was emotionally charged, given that Putin's visit to China & the deal signing coincided with the unfolding crisis in Ukraine. There was no shortage of rhetoric about Putin "making … [Read more...] about 5 Popular Misconceptions about the Sino-Russian Gas Deal
The Myth of Chinese Mass Migration into Russia
I stumbled upon a rather entertaining Reuters article a few days ago, reporting Russia's latest move to supposedly defend against a so-called "soft invasion" from China - in which massive yellow hordes from China's over-populated Northeast will systematically migrate into and outnumber the dwindling Russian population in the Russian Far East (RFE), and eventually assume de … [Read more...] about The Myth of Chinese Mass Migration into Russia
Three Common Myths about Democratic Institutions
It is obvious to any China watcher that in the western media, there is ample criticism and exposure of the numerous social and political side effects that accompanies China's rapid modernization. Three such side effects seem more frequently mentioned than the rest: abuse of unaccountable power, the rise of violent civil unrest, and the growing wealth gap between rich and poor. … [Read more...] about Three Common Myths about Democratic Institutions