From August 6-9, southern Taiwan was hit with the worst typhoon in 50 years. Per the Associated Press story: "Morakot dumped more than 80 inches (two meters) of rain on the island last weekend and stranded thousands in villages in the mountainous south. A total of 15,400 villagers have been ferried to safety, and rescuers are working to save another 1,900 people. The storm … [Read more...] about Can Ma Ying-jeou Weather the Storm?
politics
Chimerica: James Fallows & Niall Ferguson
This is the full session between Niall Ferguson and James Fallows at the recently held Aspen Ideas Festival. Allen had posted excepts and we promised you the complete discussion as soon as it became available. Niall Ferguson had coined the term "Chimerica" to describe the symbiotic relationship between the economies of China and the United States. He currently sees this … [Read more...] about Chimerica: James Fallows & Niall Ferguson
Topics on Democracy (Part 2) — A Model for the 21st Century
( A short thesis exploring the problems and viability of implementing a democratic system from a developing country’s point of view. The thesis concludes with an introduction of an interesting hybrid system that seems to be taking shape in the ongoing political evolutionary process in China. This article is the final part of the 2-part series on democracy, and was first … [Read more...] about Topics on Democracy (Part 2) — A Model for the 21st Century
Topics on Democracy (Part 1) — Democracy War Game
( This article was first published on May 23, 2009 on the following website : chinablogs.wordpress.com ) aaa *** *** ( Important : Please note that this article is NOT a rebuttal of Raj's recent Democracy article. Nor has it anything at all to do with his article in any way. It is a pure coincidence that his article was published just before mine. It has always been my … [Read more...] about Topics on Democracy (Part 1) — Democracy War Game
India: Friend, Enemy, or Both?
This article was printed in the People's Daily on June 19th. Since this is a state controlled publication, whatever is published will usually have the blessing of the CCP leadership. Chinese President Hu Jintao and India PM Manmohan Singh recently appeared together at the BRIC summit in Russia. Things seemed friendly enough at the time. What has changed since then? And why … [Read more...] about India: Friend, Enemy, or Both?