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China's chance
Prospect Magazine ^ | Issue 108 / March 2005 | Joshua Kurlantzick

Posted on 02/22/2005 8:51:43 AM PST by Willie Green

Edited on 12/08/2005 12:48:16 PM PST by Jim Robinson. [history]

In the autumn of 2000, while working as a reporter in Bangkok, I was sent to Laos for a story. Since I knew I would be spending several days in the somnolent capital, Vientiane, I called an acquaintance who lived there, a smart woman who I hoped might take a romantic interest in me. We met one evening and she suggested that we find one of the quaint stands overlooking the broad Mekong river and sip cold beers.


(Excerpt) Read more at prospectmagazine.co.uk ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; Editorial; Foreign Affairs
KEYWORDS: china; globalism; nationalsecurity; thebusheconomy; totalitarians

1 posted on 02/22/2005 8:51:47 AM PST by Willie Green
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To: Willie Green

is China ENCOURAGING Islamo-Fascism to keep us occupied while they build up their military and economic power under the radar? Sounds like the pivotal question of our time.


2 posted on 02/22/2005 8:53:51 AM PST by Buckeye McFrog
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To: Buckeye McFrog; Willie Green
is China ENCOURAGING Islamo-Fascism to keep us occupied while they build up their military and economic power under the radar?

IMHO, the answer to your question is a definitive, YES - Dragon's Fury

The Rising Sea Dragon in Asia.

3 posted on 02/22/2005 8:58:59 AM PST by Jeff Head (www.dragonsfuryseries.com)
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To: Buckeye McFrog
Absolutely not. This nexus between China and Islamic fundamentalism is pure nonsense, maybe good for puerile fiction but not for serious geopolitical consideration. China is battling its own restive Muslims in the Xian region.
4 posted on 02/22/2005 9:06:34 AM PST by razoroccam (Then in the name of Allah, they will let loose the Germs of War (http://www.booksurge.com))
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To: Buckeye McFrog
Absolutely not. This nexus between China and Islamic fundamentalism is pure nonsense, maybe good for puerile fiction but not for serious geopolitical consideration. China is battling its own restive Muslims in the Xian region.
5 posted on 02/22/2005 9:07:08 AM PST by razoroccam (Then in the name of Allah, they will let loose the Germs of War (http://www.booksurge.com))
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To: Willie Green

What is the analysis of China's trade surplus? Is it CHINA's trade surplus, or an accounting gimmick related to US, TAIWANESE, and JAPANESE companies that have established factories there, and don't report their income in the home countries to avoid taxes?


6 posted on 02/22/2005 9:09:05 AM PST by razoroccam (Then in the name of Allah, they will let loose the Germs of War (http://www.booksurge.com))
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To: Willie Green

If there is a recent historical parallel, it might be the rise of the German Empire a century ago. The Chinese, like the Germans of the time, believe they deserve more.

More power, more wealth, more 'respect'.

Events will just have to play out.


7 posted on 02/22/2005 9:16:38 AM PST by headsonpikes (Spirit of '76 bttt!)
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To: razoroccam
Wrong. Just because China has its own Muslim problem, doesn't mean that they don't delight in funding the others. Oh, and btw, how did Pakistan get its nukes, which have now been given to Iran? Answer: China.

PRC is destabilizing and attacking US interests through surrogates. That's a fact.

8 posted on 02/22/2005 10:19:09 AM PST by servantoftheservant
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To: Willie Green

Ping for later read.


9 posted on 02/22/2005 11:09:50 AM PST by Dr. Marten ("Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses ..." LEAGALLY!!!)
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To: servantoftheservant

Wrong. There is a difference between funding other countries (Pakistan) and funding terrorist groups (Al Queda). There is NO EVIDENCE THAT CHINA HAS EVER SUPPORTED FUNDAMENTALIST GROUPS. And even when funding other Muslim countries, China is careful to keep an eye on realpolitik. See how China has gradually started distancing itself from Pakistan and towards India.

And since you raise the issue of Pakistan, do you have the vaguest clue why China started supporting Pakistan? Till 1957, it was India all the way. The problems started with Tibet, and when the Dalai Lama fled to India, the Chinese grew suspicious. The Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai was replaced by a feeling of distrust between the two countries (whether China should have invaded Tibet, or whether India should have given asylum are not germain to this discussion). But the suspicion of India led China to support Pakistan. Also remember, that till 1989, Pakistan was NOT a fundamentalist Muslim country.

And even the US under your hero, Ronald Reagan, supported Pakistan, the Mujahideen, Gulbudin Hekmatyar, and Osama Bin Ladin in its quest to hit the Soviet Union. And I don't see anyone saying (at least not now, though India suspected you of it till 9/11) that the US was hand-in-glove with Islamic fundamentalists.


10 posted on 02/22/2005 11:51:12 AM PST by razoroccam (Then in the name of Allah, they will let loose the Germs of War (http://www.booksurge.com))
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To: razoroccam
And even the US under your hero, Ronald Reagan...

Am I wrong in assuming that RR's not your cup of tea?

11 posted on 02/22/2005 12:39:30 PM PST by headsonpikes (Spirit of '76 bttt!)
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To: razoroccam

Well argued. Too many people forget the facts. I'm sure that China isn't displeased by the US having to focus on sucha time-consuming invisible foe as Al Qaeda, but that doesn't require support. Same way as I'm sure many western policymakers have always been pleased by Chinese distractions such as the Uighur rebellions or the Ussuri disputes.


12 posted on 02/22/2005 12:48:05 PM PST by Androcles (All your typos are belong to us)
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To: headsonpikes

He is (or was, not sure what tense to use here).


13 posted on 02/22/2005 3:06:11 PM PST by razoroccam (Then in the name of Allah, they will let loose the Germs of War (http://www.booksurge.com))
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To: Androcles

True. A big difference between taking advantage of someone else's problems versus aiding/abetting/formenting those problems.


14 posted on 02/22/2005 3:08:21 PM PST by razoroccam (Then in the name of Allah, they will let loose the Germs of War (http://www.booksurge.com))
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To: razoroccam
There is a difference between funding other countries (Pakistan) and funding terrorist groups (Al Queda).

Duh. It's the intent of funding the other countries that's at question. Do you deny that China funds countries (NK, Pakistan, Sudan, Venezuela, etc) that act as proxies to undermine the US through terrorism and other means?

There is NO EVIDENCE THAT CHINA HAS EVER SUPPORTED FUNDAMENTALIST GROUPS.

Yeah, they do it through other countries, genius. Do you think China only funds Pakistan to keep India at bay? China increased their support of Pakistan while Pakistan was creating the Taliban and creating a little Al Qaida factory in Afghanistan, while they became a Muslim fanatic hellhole with thousands of Madrasas churning out murderers. Do you think China didn't know the Pakistanis were giving their nuclear technology (that China gave Pakistan) to Iran?

15 posted on 02/22/2005 4:56:22 PM PST by servantoftheservant
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To: servantoftheservant

So China funds Sudan and Venezuela? Got any evidence, Sherlock? And your rant was about Islam, but I guess you now consider Venezuela and NK to be Islamic countries as well. Amazing, you did what even Bin Ladin could not. Single handedly converted two more countries to Islam.

Yes, China assisted Pakistan solely to counter India. If you have any proof to the contrary, Sherlock, show it.

And remember, as I said before, Ronald Reagan supported Pakistan, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, and even OBL, so it wasn't China alone. Jeez, Sherlock, at least get your facts right.


16 posted on 02/23/2005 6:08:26 AM PST by razoroccam (Then in the name of Allah, they will let loose the Germs of War (http://www.booksurge.com))
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To: razoroccam
First, wake up. I never said Venezuela and NK are Islamic. They are simply examples of Chinese supporting countries inimical to the US.

Here's some evidence, Watson. There's lots more. Try doing a 'search' on the 'internet'.

http://english.people.com.cn/200412/24/eng20041224_168452.html

http://english.people.com.cn/200312/24/eng20031224_131143.shtml

I totally understand that Reagan funded radical Islamics to combat communism. The question is, why is China funding them? "so it wasn't China alone"...so you admit China funded these jerks?

To me it is clear that China is supporting fundamentalists through proxies where convenient. They are also the principle source for nuclear proliferation to wacked out countries that all happen to hate the US.

17 posted on 02/23/2005 9:26:20 AM PST by servantoftheservant
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To: servantoftheservant

It seems that you are one who needs to wake up. From a hate inspired delusionary state.

Try to understand this, bird brain Herlock Sholmes: every country does what is in its best interest. China needs oil, and doesn't care if Venezuela supports the US or not.

As far as NK is concerned, YOUR REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT NIXON DISREGARDED THE WAR OVER KOREA, HUMAN RIGHTS, RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION AND SUCKED UP TO CHINA, just so long as he could stick it to Soviet Union. SO DID REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTS BUSH (SR) AND RONALD REAGAN. You sure have a short memory when it suits you.

I already explained to you why China was funding Pakistan, JUST AS THE US. I already explained to you that China has decreased support of Pakistan. In fact, WHY IS THE US FUNDING PAKISTAN NOW? Explain that, nitwit Herlock!

None of the links you provided provide EVIDENCE that China supports ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISTS. Read them yourself.

FINALLY, IF CHINA IS SO BAD, WHY HAVE REPUBLICANS IGNORED CHINA'S POTENTIAL THREAT FOR SO MANY YEARS WHILE OUR BUSINESSES GIVE AWAY TECHNOLOGY, ESTABLISH FACTORIES, RUN A TRADE DEFICIT?

Are you saying that your party is FOS?


18 posted on 02/23/2005 1:00:22 PM PST by razoroccam (Then in the name of Allah, they will let loose the Germs of War (http://www.booksurge.com))
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To: razoroccam
Are you OK? I do understand that every country does what's in its own interest. That's why China is undermining the US every chance it gets. The only hate I have is for Communist thug dictators.

Nixon is not 'my Republican' president. I wasn't even alive when he was president, and I'm a conservative/libertarian, not a Republican.

I'm against the US funding Pakistan and against our current trade with China. Just because the US does it, doesn't mean I support it. Repeat that again and again until you get it. You're obviously from a country where it's tough to distinguish between the opinions of an individual and the policy of their national government.

19 posted on 02/23/2005 2:19:28 PM PST by servantoftheservant
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To: servantoftheservant

I also hate communist dictators, and so find it incomprehensible how and why US policy has been so blind to the dangers of China.
However, I don't allow that to influence facts, which is that China does not support Islamic fundamentalism.
And as far as your comment on my country of origin - I am from India, and you can allow your prejudices to guide you any way you want. I really don't care.


20 posted on 02/23/2005 3:11:22 PM PST by razoroccam (Then in the name of Allah, they will let loose the Germs of War (http://www.booksurge.com))
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To: Buckeye McFrog

There is still a disobediant and criminal mentality that keeps all societies competing for absolute power.

If China has any future at all, it will be because Christian values rule the land.

Analyst describe China as a "soft" power. Nothing could be more gentle than the message of Christ, and His power over sin and death has no equal.


21 posted on 02/23/2005 3:20:05 PM PST by SaltyJoe ("Social Justice" begins with the unborn child.)
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To: razoroccam
I love India and Indian culture and have spent alot of time there.

China may not support Islamic fundamentalism, but I believe they sure will (and have) support Islamic fundamentalists that are inimical to America. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree.

22 posted on 02/23/2005 3:32:23 PM PST by servantoftheservant
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To: servantoftheservant

Agree, thanks
Peace out..........


23 posted on 02/24/2005 3:30:28 PM PST by razoroccam (Then in the name of Allah, they will let loose the Germs of War (http://www.booksurge.com))
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