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2004-12-20 China-Japan-Koreas

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Posted by .com 2004-12-20 5:40:09 AM|| || Front Page|| [2 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 This works in several ways, not just the obvious. It lets China know that if it gets too obnoxious, Japan might form an alliance with Taiwan. Imagine how apoplectic that would make the Chinese.

Posted by Anonymoose 2004-12-20 9:28:09 AM|| 2004-12-20 9:28:09 AM|| Front Page Top

#2 I would remind China that such fits are unseemly for a country of the stature they believe themselves to be. STFU

Posted by Frank G 2004-12-20 9:47:18 AM|| 2004-12-20 9:47:18 AM|| Front Page Top

#3 FG: I would remind China that such fits are unseemly for a country of the stature they believe themselves to be.

My guess here is that bullying is seen as a sign of weakness. I've always thought of this as Fraudian analysis, where the obvious (strength) is interpreted as its opposite (weakness). However, the reality is that only strong countries can bully other countries. Lack of bullying by a great power is not evidence of strength - it is evidence of magnanimity and generosity. Neither trait has traditionally been associated with the Chinese empire, except with respect to vassal states that obeyed Chinese dictates and were seen as future additions to the Chinese empire. The Chinese are strong, but neither generous nor magnanimous. Do not mistake bullying tactics for weakness or the mythical (Fraudian) inferiority complex - bullies think they are superior to the rest of us, not inferior. When they can't get their way, they believe that it is their right as our betters to get their way by means fair or foul.

Posted by Zhang Fei 2004-12-20 10:40:53 AM|| [http://timurileng.blogspot.com] 2004-12-20 10:40:53 AM|| Front Page Top

#4 ZF: true, and we always worry how we are seen in other's eyes. I think it might be advantageous to let the Chinese know we see their whining and carping as childish behavior. They seem to have no problems with acting in our affairs (a la Clinton/Gore $) and if we choose to supply Taiwan and treat them as an independent country/ally, we should make it clear that we will do so, regardless of WTF Hu thinks about it

Posted by Frank G 2004-12-20 10:47:06 AM|| 2004-12-20 10:47:06 AM|| Front Page Top

#5 FG: I think it might be advantageous to let the Chinese know we see their whining and carping as childish behavior.

I think this approach is what the liberals want - this would mean that getting rid of China's alleged inferiority complex is all it would take to tame the Chinese dragon. But the problem isn't that they lack self-confidence - it's that they want a bunch of things that don't belong to them and rightfully belong to other people. The problem with the Chinese is territorial acquisitiveness (i.e. greed) and the kind of sense of aggrieved victimhood (resentment) that led to German territorial expansion in the 1930's.

Posted by Zhang Fei 2004-12-20 10:56:19 AM|| [http://timurileng.blogspot.com] 2004-12-20 10:56:19 AM|| Front Page Top

#6 Let's not forget the military exercises with Austrialia. Things are getting cozy over thar in the Asian-Pac. A little ying for your yang, and such.

Posted by Capt America 2004-12-20 5:20:56 PM|| 2004-12-20 5:20:56 PM|| Front Page Top

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