China:We Love Iran

Strategy page ^ | 3/2/2010 | Strategy Page

[U-238]

In Tibet, Internet and mobile phone controls have been increased. This is in anticipation of more separatist demonstrations. Such unrest has been growing over the last year. In that time, at least 22 Buddhist monks have set themselves on fire, which usually triggers anti-government riots and demonstrations. The ethnic Tibetans behind this unrest use the Internet and mobile phones to organize events and avoid arrest. Perhaps as a result of the increasing internal unrest, China has been less aggressive against its neighbors this year. Nevertheless, the government has allowed news stories of special training, to take or defend disputed islands in the South China Sea, to appear.

Taiwan revealed that it had arrested air force officer for passing on details of Taiwan's air defenses to China. The arrested man had an uncle who did business in China, and apparently delivered the data to Chinese intelligence.

China's effort to control the use of microblogs (the local version of Twitter, as Twitter is banned in China) is working. Starting this year, all microblog operators must register using their real name. Most new registrants are trying to get around this requirement, and failing. Hosting services fear that microblogging use will drop sharply once the deadline for re-registration of existing microbloggers arrives on the 16th. The government doubts that, since most microblogging activity has nothing to do with politics. China just wants to control political discussions on the microblogs.

[HiTech RedNeck]

At least until China gets Iran-based Moose problems too. China is the medium Satan because it is infidel.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks U-238.

"I don't *love* Iran. I just hate Israel."

[Cringing Negativism Network]

Bring America’s factories home.

America first.