How do analysts reconcile the fact that Bo Xilai and his family who were victims of Mao's purges during the Cultural Revolution has now become a fan of borrowing from Maoist ideas for good governance.
They don't and simply assume that communism is in the blood of Chinese leaders. Indeed, many articles published in the English language media has created more confusion than offered answers to understanding this fast rising next generation leader.
Bo Xilai and other leaders who had survived the Cultural Revolution know well that Maoist tactics are effective in mobilising people to do what is morally right to override the poorly developed and corrupt ridden legal system and mafia controls. Of course when misused for personal power enhancement and glorification, it had caused social upheavals, personal suffering and immense economic damage to the nation.
Perhaps it is timely to reintroduce some elements of desirable socialist traits into the highly successful albeit skewed economy. When the ills of capitalism are creeping in causing wide disparity in the social and economic (between the rich and poor and coastal and provincial areas), socialist campaigns are necessary to steer a balance and fairness.
China has learned from painful history lessons that excessive indulgence in one model and the neglect people welfare would bring about the downfall of the country rapidly.
Of course, no one is naive not to recognise that the communist party leaders have an interest to continue exerting power. There is no doubt that the communist party is not ready to give up power and let the people run amok. That is wishful thinking of scholars who wish the Chinese people ill. Look at it positively, in fact stronger central control would effectively get rid of deviant and corrupt provincial officials. Hence there is a growing assymetry between what is good for the country, government and people.
This is a great contrast to the campaigns organised by the American Tea Party which had been manipulated by Republicans to pursue their selfish agenda and protected vested interests of the rich at the expense of the poor and working class who could not appreciate the need for belt-tightening and tax policies to serve their long term good.
QUOTE :
Bo defended the red culture campaign, saying, “We aim to encourage people’s spirits.”
Bo said his campaign has four aspects — reading Chinese and foreign classics, including the theories of Mao and other Marxist leaders; telling popular stories; circulating inspiring mottos (such as, “Serve the people with a full heart!”); and group-singing of revolutionary anthems. “We should spread these things more,” Bo said.
Many here, including Communist Party adherents, agree that this revival of revolutionary fervor is needed to instill a new sense of pride and common purpose, adding that they feared China’s decades-long rush to get rich has eroded the country’s moral bearings and created an ethos of unchecked materialism.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Curry War on Chinese Nationals in Singapore who could not assimilate pronto
A belated news article spiced with self righteous innuendoes and inaccuracies sparked off an appeal to launch an international curry protests known as "Cook a Pot of Curry" and distribute by those who claim to be patriotic and food loving Singaporeans. That the world already knows this is their favourite obsession but the intention of this event is to make a strong statement.
Even as the organisers reassured that to showcase their culture and it was not targeted at any particular race or nationality, they are unconvincing. Within a few days, Facebook has garnered a significant following of more than 50,000 (for a tiny country) and internet discussions are redolent with racist and xenophobic rants. Some remarks calling for migrants to return to their own countries echo the lines of white supremacists since imperial times.
People are entitled to food preferences. Pushing a product you like but knowing that the audience may not like it marks of insensitivity. To say that no offence was intended because this is the way life is here and get used to it is a poorly disguised insolence.
Well, at least they had the decency not cook in front of the people they didn't like in an enclosed area. Unlike landscarce Singapore, in most countries where houses are separated by fences, yards and garden space, aroma drifting across boundaries that could give rise to unhappiness.
After all the outcry and mobilisation, would this be a redundant exercise that shows the infantile behaviour of its organisers and participants? Since the incident happened seven years ago, it was stale news and the parties concerned might no longer be neighbours or could have become good friends. The galant proposal by the Indian family not to cook overpowering curries when the Chinese neighbour was at home was commendable. Living together in high density housing is about give-and-take. Apparently in cases involving a first and second generation Singaporean, the outcome has to be a win-lose in favour of the longer stayer.
To understand why Singapore Chinese which compose a majority of the population in the country and yet are so different from mainland Chinese despite their common ancestry, one has to look at historical developments.
There is a segment of peranakan Chinese who are fourth generation or more Chinese; some are of mixed have Malay or indigenous blood but predominantly they are considered "straits Chinese". The only "Chinese" lingo they speak is adulterated Hokkien (Fujian, southern coastal provincial dialect) mixed with colloquial Malay and English. Most do not have have any understanding of Confucianst teaching. Though some peranakan have incoporated ancestral worship, many are Christians, having been educated in English mission schools. Unlike the first generation Chinese who could "eat bitterness" and work hard, the peranakans are well-to-do and could afford to be more laid back, a bit like the Malay attitude.
Then, there are other non-peranakan Singaporeans who opted to enrol in English schools that taught Malay as the national language and omitted Chinese language altogether in the curriculum. For decades since independence before the China dragon awakened, many Chinese Singaporeans looked down on the Chinese educated who could not command half the salaries of the English educated counterparts. Chinese medium schools had closed down one after another had it not been government's contrived effort in promoting them as bilingual special schools. It is well known that Chinese educated command lower pay and are looked upon with some disdain by their English educated counterparts.
Despite having a world recognised education system in churning out technical and exam scoring experts, even educated people sometimes come across as snobbish and indiscreet (as everywhere else in varying degrees). Nevertheless, the well heeled are more subtle than the uncouth and crude ways of the lesser educated (not in terms of qualifications but intellectual maturity and perceptiveness). To common knowledge, a favourite past-time of ordinary folks is watching TV and complaining against the neighbours and government if it is free of charge and have no consequences.
There are, of course, some understanding and reasonable Singaporeans (excluding the apathetic, indifferent and disinterested ones) who do not partake in such trivial fanfares. Some including Indians have taken a stand to reject exclusionist posturing and not to let one person or incident spoil all the apples and overturn the cart.
The Singapore government has adopted a pragmatic open door policy to import foreign low cost labour as well as attract talented skilled professionals to work and settle in the country in order to maintain a critical mass for continuous economic growth. However, many citizens have criticised the government for pushing immigration policy too quickly and indiscriminately, at the expense of the citizens' job security and stake in national resources. It is well documented throughout world history that during an economic downturn, locals tend to become more xenophobic and less tolerant.
Such gestures of disrespect for individual preferences and minority rights would not go down well with majority of first generation Chinese nationals who may well love curry or have tried hard to integrate.
To any Chinese or Asian in the world, these hot vapours of one-up - manship will evaporate. There are bigger and better things in life to care about.
Even as the organisers reassured that to showcase their culture and it was not targeted at any particular race or nationality, they are unconvincing. Within a few days, Facebook has garnered a significant following of more than 50,000 (for a tiny country) and internet discussions are redolent with racist and xenophobic rants. Some remarks calling for migrants to return to their own countries echo the lines of white supremacists since imperial times.
People are entitled to food preferences. Pushing a product you like but knowing that the audience may not like it marks of insensitivity. To say that no offence was intended because this is the way life is here and get used to it is a poorly disguised insolence.
Well, at least they had the decency not cook in front of the people they didn't like in an enclosed area. Unlike landscarce Singapore, in most countries where houses are separated by fences, yards and garden space, aroma drifting across boundaries that could give rise to unhappiness.
After all the outcry and mobilisation, would this be a redundant exercise that shows the infantile behaviour of its organisers and participants? Since the incident happened seven years ago, it was stale news and the parties concerned might no longer be neighbours or could have become good friends. The galant proposal by the Indian family not to cook overpowering curries when the Chinese neighbour was at home was commendable. Living together in high density housing is about give-and-take. Apparently in cases involving a first and second generation Singaporean, the outcome has to be a win-lose in favour of the longer stayer.
To understand why Singapore Chinese which compose a majority of the population in the country and yet are so different from mainland Chinese despite their common ancestry, one has to look at historical developments.
There is a segment of peranakan Chinese who are fourth generation or more Chinese; some are of mixed have Malay or indigenous blood but predominantly they are considered "straits Chinese". The only "Chinese" lingo they speak is adulterated Hokkien (Fujian, southern coastal provincial dialect) mixed with colloquial Malay and English. Most do not have have any understanding of Confucianst teaching. Though some peranakan have incoporated ancestral worship, many are Christians, having been educated in English mission schools. Unlike the first generation Chinese who could "eat bitterness" and work hard, the peranakans are well-to-do and could afford to be more laid back, a bit like the Malay attitude.
Then, there are other non-peranakan Singaporeans who opted to enrol in English schools that taught Malay as the national language and omitted Chinese language altogether in the curriculum. For decades since independence before the China dragon awakened, many Chinese Singaporeans looked down on the Chinese educated who could not command half the salaries of the English educated counterparts. Chinese medium schools had closed down one after another had it not been government's contrived effort in promoting them as bilingual special schools. It is well known that Chinese educated command lower pay and are looked upon with some disdain by their English educated counterparts.
Despite having a world recognised education system in churning out technical and exam scoring experts, even educated people sometimes come across as snobbish and indiscreet (as everywhere else in varying degrees). Nevertheless, the well heeled are more subtle than the uncouth and crude ways of the lesser educated (not in terms of qualifications but intellectual maturity and perceptiveness). To common knowledge, a favourite past-time of ordinary folks is watching TV and complaining against the neighbours and government if it is free of charge and have no consequences.
There are, of course, some understanding and reasonable Singaporeans (excluding the apathetic, indifferent and disinterested ones) who do not partake in such trivial fanfares. Some including Indians have taken a stand to reject exclusionist posturing and not to let one person or incident spoil all the apples and overturn the cart.
The Singapore government has adopted a pragmatic open door policy to import foreign low cost labour as well as attract talented skilled professionals to work and settle in the country in order to maintain a critical mass for continuous economic growth. However, many citizens have criticised the government for pushing immigration policy too quickly and indiscriminately, at the expense of the citizens' job security and stake in national resources. It is well documented throughout world history that during an economic downturn, locals tend to become more xenophobic and less tolerant.
Such gestures of disrespect for individual preferences and minority rights would not go down well with majority of first generation Chinese nationals who may well love curry or have tried hard to integrate.
To any Chinese or Asian in the world, these hot vapours of one-up - manship will evaporate. There are bigger and better things in life to care about.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
China has contravened WTO rules by conserving resources and factoring environmental costs?
"WTO disputes panel has ruled that Chinese export restrictions on bauxite, coke, fluorspar, magnesium, manganese, silicon metal and zinc break global trade rules. The panel noted, however, that China did allow export quotas on coke and silicon carbide. The panel said some export 'red tape' was illegally excessive, such as an insistence that coke, bauxite, fluorspar and silicon carbide exporters had prior export experience or performance; and a minimum registered capital requirement. Also it found that the introduction of a minimum export price (for bauxite, coke, fluorspar, magnesium, silicon carbide, yellow phosphorus and zinc) broke WTO rules."
http://www.mining-journal.com/production-and-markets/china-breaks-wto-rules
This is a reversal of previous trends where import restrictions have been censured. Developing countries have long faced insurmountable hurdles of market access for its primary products and labour intensive manufacturing.
Now developed nations are accusing an emerging economy of restricting trade.
China's defence include :
"mining and processing raw materials are highly polluting and energy-consuming, and have serious consequences for the environment and people's health.
As early as 2009, the United States, the European Union and Mexico filed a complaint to the WTO.
the reserves of these raw materials are limited and nonrenewable both in China and in the whole world.
China's export limits on the export of these raw materials are aimed at saving the resources for future generations."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/indepth/2011-07/06/c_13969614.htm
China, however, is less perturbed by the resources boom in Australia, Brazil and African countries. China has accepted that it must pay market rates to access such precious resources for its heavy industries and manufacturing.
In the real world of guarding self interests, the US too has been conserving its oil reserves in Alaska and oceans, prefering to depend on less reliable and costly supplies in the Middle East.
China is likely to appeal against the WTO dispute settlement ruling in favour of US, EU and Mexico.
the Chinese Mission said in a statement.
http://www.mining-journal.com/production-and-markets/china-breaks-wto-rules
This is a reversal of previous trends where import restrictions have been censured. Developing countries have long faced insurmountable hurdles of market access for its primary products and labour intensive manufacturing.
Now developed nations are accusing an emerging economy of restricting trade.
China's defence include :
"mining and processing raw materials are highly polluting and energy-consuming, and have serious consequences for the environment and people's health.
As early as 2009, the United States, the European Union and Mexico filed a complaint to the WTO.
the reserves of these raw materials are limited and nonrenewable both in China and in the whole world.
China's export limits on the export of these raw materials are aimed at saving the resources for future generations."
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/indepth/2011-07/06/c_13969614.htm
China, however, is less perturbed by the resources boom in Australia, Brazil and African countries. China has accepted that it must pay market rates to access such precious resources for its heavy industries and manufacturing.
In the real world of guarding self interests, the US too has been conserving its oil reserves in Alaska and oceans, prefering to depend on less reliable and costly supplies in the Middle East.
China is likely to appeal against the WTO dispute settlement ruling in favour of US, EU and Mexico.
the Chinese Mission said in a statement.
"The panel makes findings in favor of China in many aspects, such as the terms of reference, export quota allocation and administration, issuance of export license, etc," the statement said.
In addition, the panel also identifies that China has withdrawn its minimum export price requirement and sympathizes with China's comprehensive administrative measures on bauxite and fluorspar.
both sides of the dispute have the right to appeal to the Appellate Body within 60 days from the release of the panel report.
Friday, June 24, 2011
China the new aid donors of Africa - the burden shifts but no sign of colonialism - from Zheng He to Hu Jintao
China (and other economies in the same league) has been building good will and diplomatic relations with Africa for the past decade with great success never seen in the times when Europeans and Americans came for the 3Gs (gold, gold and glory) in the previous centuries.
The Africans receive aid bearing Chinese with open arms because they are generous, had few strings attached, and are types of infrastructure (such as roads, rail, power, communication, medical facilities, technology) that the poor nations really need badly in order to build capacity and take off economically.
This is not near but harks back the chapters in history when the Chinese build diplomacy through giving presents but did not colonise. The fleets of Admiral Zheng Ho (Cheng Ho) explored the coasts of Africa as early as the 15th Century with the help of fairly accurate maps. Some revisionist historians argued that Ming emperors were stupid not to have put the Chinese flag on African continents when they had the most advanced navy, wealth and influence well ahead of the Europeans.
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0507/feature2/
US and western governments claim that China's sole purpose of facilitating transport of raw materials from the resource rich continent.
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R40361.pdf
Alarmists, this is not the new Cold War. China and other fast growing developing countries, emerging economies, transition economies, etc, are not interested in confrontation. They had endured more than fair share of hardships and only want to get on with economic development and enjoy the fruits of prosperity. Kudos to Chinese soft power, turning sniggers at the crude and poor Chinaman's demeanour to envy.
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/27/7/40378067.pdf
On criticisms that China and Russia (the former commis) are abetting corrupt and inefficient governments, we only need to look into the mirror. The scorecard shows that China's critics in western governments have more corrupt, genocidal and faltering governments sucking up taxpayers' money.
Nevertheless, there are critics in China who say that charity begins at home and that Beijing government should focus on redistributing wealth and improve infrastructure in the less developed regions and provinces before giving aid to foreigners.
The fact is that Africans themselves decide that unlike former white colonial masters, the new sponsors and aid donors are sincere in uplifting the economies and social development of the poor natives without attached exacting demands. As fellow developing countries who had suffered from plunder by imperialist supported companies and condescension, Africa's new sponsors treat them as equals and with respect. It is a relationship of cooperation and mutually beneficially for all sides and not a zero-sum game played by "investors" in the past.
After years of frustration with North-South trade getting no headway, perhaps South-South trade will provide the answer to eradicate poverty and share wealth equitably. Thus, the divine White Man's Burden is lifted.
The Africans receive aid bearing Chinese with open arms because they are generous, had few strings attached, and are types of infrastructure (such as roads, rail, power, communication, medical facilities, technology) that the poor nations really need badly in order to build capacity and take off economically.
This is not near but harks back the chapters in history when the Chinese build diplomacy through giving presents but did not colonise. The fleets of Admiral Zheng Ho (Cheng Ho) explored the coasts of Africa as early as the 15th Century with the help of fairly accurate maps. Some revisionist historians argued that Ming emperors were stupid not to have put the Chinese flag on African continents when they had the most advanced navy, wealth and influence well ahead of the Europeans.
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0507/feature2/
US and western governments claim that China's sole purpose of facilitating transport of raw materials from the resource rich continent.
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R40361.pdf
Alarmists, this is not the new Cold War. China and other fast growing developing countries, emerging economies, transition economies, etc, are not interested in confrontation. They had endured more than fair share of hardships and only want to get on with economic development and enjoy the fruits of prosperity. Kudos to Chinese soft power, turning sniggers at the crude and poor Chinaman's demeanour to envy.
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/27/7/40378067.pdf
On criticisms that China and Russia (the former commis) are abetting corrupt and inefficient governments, we only need to look into the mirror. The scorecard shows that China's critics in western governments have more corrupt, genocidal and faltering governments sucking up taxpayers' money.
Nevertheless, there are critics in China who say that charity begins at home and that Beijing government should focus on redistributing wealth and improve infrastructure in the less developed regions and provinces before giving aid to foreigners.
The fact is that Africans themselves decide that unlike former white colonial masters, the new sponsors and aid donors are sincere in uplifting the economies and social development of the poor natives without attached exacting demands. As fellow developing countries who had suffered from plunder by imperialist supported companies and condescension, Africa's new sponsors treat them as equals and with respect. It is a relationship of cooperation and mutually beneficially for all sides and not a zero-sum game played by "investors" in the past.
After years of frustration with North-South trade getting no headway, perhaps South-South trade will provide the answer to eradicate poverty and share wealth equitably. Thus, the divine White Man's Burden is lifted.
Monday, May 23, 2011
General Liu Yuan says : read Zhang Musheng's "Changing our cultural history perspective"
Critics who alleged that Liu Yuan is sabre rattling obviously did not bother to read his "preface" to the book published by his social commentator friend Zhang Musheng some four years ago. Nor do they have any knowledge, understanding or appreciation of Chinese history.
Liu has certainly caught international attention though not in a favourable light. Bold imagery indeed but it is meant to wake the Chinese people from their slumber, not to alarm the insecure countries that are always on the lookout for pretext to brand China as expansionist.
Interestingly, a few pages penned by Liu whose main intention was to encourage readers to "savour" Zhang's collection of essays by Chinese thinkers could send shockwaves worldwide and spin wild speculations of China's rising militarism and leadership split!
History has shown that American, Japanese and Soviet systems were detrimental and could egulf China. The examples of Yugoslavia, Singapore and Hungary are only quick-fix potions. China should continue evolving and reforming itself with courage.
Liu has certainly caught international attention though not in a favourable light. Bold imagery indeed but it is meant to wake the Chinese people from their slumber, not to alarm the insecure countries that are always on the lookout for pretext to brand China as expansionist.
Interestingly, a few pages penned by Liu whose main intention was to encourage readers to "savour" Zhang's collection of essays by Chinese thinkers could send shockwaves worldwide and spin wild speculations of China's rising militarism and leadership split!
A quick preview and gist of Liu Yuan's comments :
Liu rejects transplanting western democratic model into China as it will backfire. China should grow and embrace its unique and indigenous form of new democracy(similar to what his father Liu Shaoqi and Deng Xiaoping promoted). History has shown that American, Japanese and Soviet systems were detrimental and could egulf China. The examples of Yugoslavia, Singapore and Hungary are only quick-fix potions. China should continue evolving and reforming itself with courage.
Indeed, people of China or the world for that matter, should not forget thousands of years of history. The reasons why the communist revolution took place was to unify the country, get rid of inequality, corrupt officials and foreign invasion and plunder. Life for the poor Chinese masses was difficult and untenable.
China has succeeded in feeding and clothing the starving millions and poor. However, economic growth based on the capitalist model has also contributed to the widening gap between the wealthy and poor, the coastal cities and remote provinces. Lest the Chinese forget and throw away all the hardwon gains from bloodshed and sacrifices through the revolutionary and reform years, the book is a timely reminder and stimulus for positive national action.
Zhang is also known to be critical of corruption and ill discipline of some Chinese communist cadres. Does this mean that Liu implicitly or tacitly favours eradicating self-serving and bribe taking officials?
General Liu is a nationalist, like many Chinese. However, his outspoken style is not typical of Chinese leaders who are too polite and submissive.
So, before anyone gives their two cents worth, go read the originals.
I'll be back with the full translation and informed analysis.
China has succeeded in feeding and clothing the starving millions and poor. However, economic growth based on the capitalist model has also contributed to the widening gap between the wealthy and poor, the coastal cities and remote provinces. Lest the Chinese forget and throw away all the hardwon gains from bloodshed and sacrifices through the revolutionary and reform years, the book is a timely reminder and stimulus for positive national action.
Zhang is also known to be critical of corruption and ill discipline of some Chinese communist cadres. Does this mean that Liu implicitly or tacitly favours eradicating self-serving and bribe taking officials?
General Liu is a nationalist, like many Chinese. However, his outspoken style is not typical of Chinese leaders who are too polite and submissive.
So, before anyone gives their two cents worth, go read the originals.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Chinese speaking Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd (former PM) is no China expert?
The outgoing Australian Ambassador to China Geoff Raby has given some useful tips that unmasked the ignorance of China expert wannabes. Outward appearances such as ability to speak Mandarin are deceptive - these people usually have no clue about China.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/departing-ambassador-flays-rudd-20110518-1et6o.html
Two years ago, I had warned excited friends and online commentators to be more circumspect with the Prime Minister hopeful Kevin Rudd.
Indeed subsequent policies under Rudd's leadership showed he was antagonistic towards China. His failure to give face to the Chinese hosts by publicly chiding them of human rights violation without acknowledging the progress made was an immediate failure for China 101. Rudd's White Paper which identified China's growing influence in the region and naval buildup as a balance to the longstanding US presence was another thorn that strained bilateral relations.
Tough talking Kevin Rudd cares more about pleasing his xenophobic constituency and showing off to his western counterparts. Heed not his aggressive and confrontational advice or risk going to war in East Asia (after failures in Middle East, Vietnam and Africa). His personality and prejudices have hindered Australia's bid to make gains in its foreign policy objectives. Why would the USA and European leaders want to learn from Rudd?
People gave Rudd too much credit for being able to speak Chinese. Though he enunciates fairly accurate intonation, he sticks to the typical westernised reverse sentence strucutre, comprehensible but that's not Chinese.
There are many so-called Chinese experts commenting on China from their ivory tower or choosing to report on one apsect of the historically complex, multidimensional and multicultural nation only. There is much more to learn for everyone, including ethnic Chinese diaspora in the world who have often made summary erroreous judgements about China time and again.
The same maxim should apply to the writer of the report (John Garnaut) whose lack of understanding of his coverage is due not to his language handicap but tinted lenses.
Some cynical business commentators call for "long-term" planning. However, it one can't get pass the short-term, the long-term destination will be irrelevant. While Asia will face problems of ageing, the huge savings and market for aged is an area industrialised and advanced economies could target. Moreover, it does not look as if the US and Europe will get out of the doldrums anytime soon or if at all without revolutionary change in mindset and policies.
http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-Japan-population-mining-BHP-pd20110519-GYSSD?opendocument&src=rss
http://www.theage.com.au/national/departing-ambassador-flays-rudd-20110518-1et6o.html
Two years ago, I had warned excited friends and online commentators to be more circumspect with the Prime Minister hopeful Kevin Rudd.
Indeed subsequent policies under Rudd's leadership showed he was antagonistic towards China. His failure to give face to the Chinese hosts by publicly chiding them of human rights violation without acknowledging the progress made was an immediate failure for China 101. Rudd's White Paper which identified China's growing influence in the region and naval buildup as a balance to the longstanding US presence was another thorn that strained bilateral relations.
Tough talking Kevin Rudd cares more about pleasing his xenophobic constituency and showing off to his western counterparts. Heed not his aggressive and confrontational advice or risk going to war in East Asia (after failures in Middle East, Vietnam and Africa). His personality and prejudices have hindered Australia's bid to make gains in its foreign policy objectives. Why would the USA and European leaders want to learn from Rudd?
People gave Rudd too much credit for being able to speak Chinese. Though he enunciates fairly accurate intonation, he sticks to the typical westernised reverse sentence strucutre, comprehensible but that's not Chinese.
There are many so-called Chinese experts commenting on China from their ivory tower or choosing to report on one apsect of the historically complex, multidimensional and multicultural nation only. There is much more to learn for everyone, including ethnic Chinese diaspora in the world who have often made summary erroreous judgements about China time and again.
The same maxim should apply to the writer of the report (John Garnaut) whose lack of understanding of his coverage is due not to his language handicap but tinted lenses.
Some cynical business commentators call for "long-term" planning. However, it one can't get pass the short-term, the long-term destination will be irrelevant. While Asia will face problems of ageing, the huge savings and market for aged is an area industrialised and advanced economies could target. Moreover, it does not look as if the US and Europe will get out of the doldrums anytime soon or if at all without revolutionary change in mindset and policies.
http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/China-Japan-population-mining-BHP-pd20110519-GYSSD?opendocument&src=rss
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Anxiety about Ai Weiwei? Who is he?
Who is Ai Weiwei?
The Truths about Ai Wei Wei
1. He did not design the bird's nest Olympic Stadium. Claims somehow become truths after the media report and repeat them
2. He is an eccentric bum / hobo / illegal / gambler / beggar. His integrity and credibility are questionable.
3. He has an axe to grind with the Chinese authorities and would rather whip up a storm than to compromise. He only told half truths about the episode of his studio's demolition among others.
4. His support base is outside China. He has no regard for the Chinese motherland.
To the majority of the Chinese population, Ai Weiwei is not well known. Nor is he representative of their aspirations. Least of all, Chinese people would even regard him as a hero or a leader of their destiny. Certainly the media attention and frenzy have been disportionate and uncalled for.
Ai Weiwei may have some abstract artistic talents. His antics have thus far been tolerated by the authorities. While we await the investigations on Ai's economic crimes, shouldn't we civilised folks be patient and respectful.
The Truths about Ai Wei Wei
1. He did not design the bird's nest Olympic Stadium. Claims somehow become truths after the media report and repeat them
2. He is an eccentric bum / hobo / illegal / gambler / beggar. His integrity and credibility are questionable.
3. He has an axe to grind with the Chinese authorities and would rather whip up a storm than to compromise. He only told half truths about the episode of his studio's demolition among others.
4. His support base is outside China. He has no regard for the Chinese motherland.
To the majority of the Chinese population, Ai Weiwei is not well known. Nor is he representative of their aspirations. Least of all, Chinese people would even regard him as a hero or a leader of their destiny. Certainly the media attention and frenzy have been disportionate and uncalled for.
Ai Weiwei may have some abstract artistic talents. His antics have thus far been tolerated by the authorities. While we await the investigations on Ai's economic crimes, shouldn't we civilised folks be patient and respectful.
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