That's no dagger. That's anticipation of the artery clogging pain of the inevitable invasion of the Monster Thickburger. Kapitalism good. /sarcasm
Posted on 07/05/2005 11:49:21 PM PDT by familyop
Leaders of a six-nation security bloc led by Beijing and Moscow called for a deadline to be set for the withdrawal of US forces from bases in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
The presidents of the six-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which comprises Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and China, signed a declaration calling for deadlines to be set on the closure of airbases used by US forces in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
"Considering that the active phase of the military anti-terrorist operation in Afghanistan has finished, member states... consider it essential that the relevant participants in the anti-terrorist coalition set deadlines on the temporary use" of bases in the SCO area, the declaration read.
The two main coalition bases, one at Karshi-Khanabad in Uzbekistan, the other at Manas in Kyrgyzstan, have each been used to support US-led operations in Afghanistan since 2001.
Germany also has a few hundred military personnel, most of them engineering and medical staff, at a separate base in Uzbekistan, Termez, while a few hundred French forces work from Tajikistan's main airport in Dushanbe.
The declaration also included a call for "non-interference in the internal afairs of sovereign states," seemingly a swipe at growing Western influence in Central Asia, which Moscow has long considered its sphere of influence.
Analysts see the declaration as a blow to US moves to set up a security line across Central Asia to protect vital oil interests and create a barrier against growing terrorism in the region.
The SCO summit marks the first such gathering since popular protests toppled Askar Akayev's regime in Kyrgyzstan in March and a military crackdown in Uzbekistan in May in which hundreds of people are feared to have died.
The leaders' declaration reflects repeated complaints by leaders such as Uzbek President Islam Karimov who have suggested that the West was behind uprisings in three former Soviet republics in the last two years, Ukraine, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan.
The demand for deadlines for the base closures comes despite a recent assurance made by Kyrgyz interim President Kurmanbek Bakiyev that his country would honor existing agreements on maintaining foreign bases in the country.
It reflects ongoing rivalry between Washington and Moscow over their countries' respective roles in the former Soviet Union, as the United States has been pressuring Russia to withdraw leftover bases from Georgia.
Russia and China are so cute when they get angry.
Memo to Russia and China: Fark Off!
We give less than a damn for your opinions.
Why a blow? It ain't like we're leavin' or anything?
Oh, and nice try, China.
OK, fair enough, here is the deadline: The US will leave the Mid East by the autum of 2525; we will let you know if that changes.
I guess we will just have to own Iraq, Afganistan, Pakiland, and India till the end of time.
I guess the honeymoon is over!!
In that case, I demand that Chinese and Russian operatives leave Free Republic (this forum) by tomorrow.
You know, you guys must have done something right to irk the two bully boys in the region who regard it as their own. Regime change in the Ukraine followed by Kyrgyzstan in quick succession.
Mother Russia and PR China are actually acutely feeling the dagger deep through their hearts. If things don't stop, next we will have regime change in these two countries.
PRC leadership to Gitmo!
China and Russia: We will move out when pigs fly.
slightly off topic, but worth adding to this thread:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1431096/posts
"Chinese dragon awakens (prompting fears that Beijing will attack Taiwan)"
The Washington Times ^ | 6/26/05 | Bill Gertz
Posted on 06/26/2005 12:29:08 PM PDT by Halgr
The US should try and *engineer* a split between Russia and China and whittle the Ruskies out of the Chicom league. That should be fastest/cleverest way to tame the Chicoms. The Chicoms are like pussycats without the Russian military hardware.
..........Divide and rule(just like the British)!
Dear Russia and China: NUTS
If the ChiComs care so much about foreign occupations of the Asian steppe, perhaps they can depart from East Turkestan, Tibet, Inner Mongolia, and Manchuria!
One word. Cuba.
Or maybe they would like to give up their interests in OUR hemisphere; i.e., the Chinese could give up on their bid to acquire American oil companies drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, and whatever it is they're doing near the Panama Canal.
Seems that all those who we Aid, always stab us in the back.
Why don't they try boycotting USA currency?
That's because they view the area as their own turf.
What a joke. There need be no deadline if we were invited in. We will leave when the individual countries ask us to and ,yes, we will offer them incentives not to ask.
Good post. The Great Game continues. I've spent too much time at Karshi-Khanabad. I won't cry when we pack up and leave that dump.
In Putin's Russia's mind, regime changes in Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan signal the end of their influence and beginning of yours in their own backyard.
But on the other hand, don't think Putin is always on PR China's side. He is one smart fellow who actually doesn't concede much to China on issues like border, oil pipeline route, and selling of the most cutting-edge military technology. There are plenty among Chinese circles who know that Putin is waiting for China and Taiwan/Japan/US to start war and then when China starts to crumble, as it certainly will in event of the war, and THEN he will move in and annex at least China's Northeast (Manchuaria), Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang (or Eastern Turkistan) in the name of "restoring order". In otehr words, he patiently waits until China crumbles and then he will move in and divide the spoils like a cunning wolf. Putin is one cunning despot that we shouldn't underestimate.
That's no dagger. That's anticipation of the artery clogging pain of the inevitable invasion of the Monster Thickburger. Kapitalism good. /sarcasm
This is great news for Tibet and Taiwan.
The presidents of the six-nation Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which comprises Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and China, signed a declaration calling for deadlines to be set on the closure of airbases used by US forces in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. ==
It is stupid on case of Russia at least.
American bases defend russian southern border. Bring on itself the anger of all fundamentalists in region. If american base went homethen those islamists will switch on thier seciular goverment then possibly on Russia.
This singing is one of things which I don't like in policy of Putin.
Assuming that the end comes soon.
FYI ping
China activates bomb shelters - June 28, 2005
Yeah...isn't it? From my files:
April 30, 2001 - Russian military forces intervened in a mock nuclear conflict between China and the United States over Taiwan during strategic exercises that included Russian preparations to use nuclear weapons on U.S. forces in Asia, The Washington Times has learned.
Russian forces help China in mock conflict
Feb 2002 - China's military is covertly buying U.S. commercial satellite photographs of Taiwan that U.S. intelligence officials say will be used to target the island with the mainland's growing arsenal of cruise and ballistic missiles. Satellite photographs of most of the island are being purchased by China through a South Korean company, U.S. intelligence officials say.
Nov 2003 - In a tough statement, the Vice-Minister at Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office Wang Zaixi said Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's recent pro-separatist activities had crossed Beijing's "red line" and that they "run the risk of triggering a war" with the mainland. "War will break out if the island declares formal independence," state media on Wednesday quoted Wang as saying.
July 26, 2004 - About 18,000 Chinese troops using their country's most advanced weapons systems last week rehearsed coordinated air, sea and ground attacks on Dongshan, an island in the South China Sea that resembles Taiwan in terrain and weather.
Feb 7, 2005 - Quietly, with almost no notice taken in the U.S. media, Russia and China have just stepped up their military cooperation to a level not seen in half a century since the end of the Korean War.
Mar 8, 2005 — China unveiled a law Tuesday authorizing an attack if Taiwan moves toward formal independence, increasing pressure on the self-ruled island while warning other countries not to interfere.
June 26, 2005 - China is building its military forces faster than U.S. intelligence and military analysts expected, prompting fears that Beijing will attack Taiwan in the next two years, according to Pentagon officials. U.S. defense and intelligence officials say all the signs point in one troubling direction: Beijing then will be forced to go to war with the United States, which has vowed to defend Taiwan against a Chinese attack.
June 28, 2005 - China's decision to open up massive bomb shelters to the public, ostensibly to provide a respite from summer heat, has U.S. intelligence analysts concerned about a possible strategic deception by Beijing, reports Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin. The Chinese specialist agreed with others knowledgeable about nuclear arms that such a maneuver – opening up large fallout shelters to the public on a regular basis would serve two strategic purposes for Beijing: It would familiarize the Chinese people to the shelters, making it easier to evacuate the public in times of potential nuclear attack; It would confuse Western intelligence analysts who monitor movements of the Chinese public by satellite as evidence of the government's intentions; In addition to monitoring missile launches, U.S. national security officials keep an eye on large-scale public movements in countries like China. If, for instance, city residents were seen moving in large numbers into fallout shelters, it would be a sign the government might be preparing for an attack of some kind.
But if such massive movements became routine – because shelters are opened up in the heat of summer and in the cold of winter to provide shelters from the elements – then such movements would more likely be disregarded as militarily insignificant in the West.
"Think about it," said one U.S. intelligence source. "If you were planning, at some point in the future, to launch a pre-emptive first strike on some enemy, wouldn't it make sense to do what the Chinese are doing?"
Anyone else hear a drum beat?
Putin doesn't want us on his southern border, see post #31 and you'll understand why.
Russia is "trying" to play both sides.
Repeat after me: Russia and China are NOT our friends. Russia and China are NOT our friends. Russia and China are not our FRIENDS. Watch our backs, President Bush.
Independent "professionals", right?
It's in their national interest that we leave...and it's in ours that we stay. (In statescraft there are "no" independent professionals, not even the swiss.)
So, I doubt the State Department is going to roll over. Condi's not thinking: "Gee you guys are so right, an so benevolent, that we must listen to what we are told by you..."
I wouldn't doubt if Mrs. Rice, whether she loves Russia or not, issues a private statement to Putin to check and see if global warming has caused Siberai to have sahara like temps 24/7/365. And that he should return the superbowl ring he stole.
Great post.
I'll add it here:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1431096/posts/
Adding this article to this thread:
http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=\ForeignBureaus\archive\200507\FOR20050706b.html
"China, Russia Challenge US Military Presence in Central Asia"
By Patrick Goodenough
CNSNews.com International Editor
July 06, 2005
http://www.inatoday.com/china%20threat%207605.htm
"THE CHINA THREAT --
WHERE'S THE RESPONSE?"
JULY 7, 2005
By Toby Westerman
Copyright 2005 International News Analysis Today
www.inatoday.com
ARTICLE SNIPPET: "As the threat of China's power grows, the U.S. cannot depend on help from Russia to act as a counterbalance against Beijing. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the idea was advanced that Moscow would need American assistance in halting China's expansion into Russian territory. The belief was that the "new" Russia would gladly join with the United States against a projected expansion of Chinese power into Russian territory.
This optimistic foreign policy assessment was shattered when Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Hu Jintao met in Moscow in late June. Not only did Putin and Hu settle old border disputes, but also proclaimed their mutual cooperation in regional and international affairs, and prepared the way for the upcoming Sino-Russian military exercises."
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1454469/posts
"Bound by a common cause (Russia and China)"
The Japan Times ^ | Aug. 1, 2005 | DAVID WALL
Posted on 07/31/2005 7:27:36 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
LONDON
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1455817/posts
"Old enemies' wargames send a powerful message to the US - Russia, China to sign massive arms deal"
Times Online ^ | August 03, 2005 | Jane Macartney
Posted on 08/02/2005 8:15:11 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
ARTICLE SNIPPET: "RUSSIA will show off its most modern bombers to its best military customer and China will have a chance to demonstrate that it is a force to be reckoned with when the giant neighbours hold their first joint military exercises this month.
The decision to hold the drills off the east China coast in the Yellow Sea came after a disagreement over Beijing’s initial desire for the games to take place further south, opposite the island of Taiwan — which it hopes one day to recover, by force if necessary."
Note: The following text is an exact quote:
===
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1463997/posts
Uzbekistan signals
Washington Times ^ | August 14, 2005 | Christopher Brown
Posted on 08/15/2005 5:15:08 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of China's statement is the phrase "terrorism, separatism and extremism." That phrase is one of the key rhetorical foundations of military cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The SCO is perhaps the most dangerous organization most Americans have never heard of. It is headquartered in Beijing and consists of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India, Iran, Pakistan and Mongolia currently enjoy observer status in preparation for full membership.
On July 5 at the annual meeting of the leaders of the member states, there was a joint statement issued that included the demand for a timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from SCO member nations.
That same day the United States responded by saying "our presence [in the SCO member states] . . . is determined by the terms of our bilateral agreements" -- in effect, ignoring the significance of the SCO and the joint statement signed by Mr. Karimov himself. Within 24 hours, the Uzbekistan foreign ministry reiterated that it was seriously reconsidering the presence of United States forces on Uzbek soil.
There is, of course, another part to this story. Two weeks after the riots in Uzbekistan at the end of May, Mr. Karimov visited Beijing. He left China with a series of agreements for contracts worth over $1.5 billion. Two weeks after the July statement from the Uzbekistan Foreign Ministry, the Chinese energy company Sinopec announced an additional $106 million investment in Uzbekistan. Ten days later, Uzbekistan announced the eviction of U.S. forces, which have been supporting counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan. They will leave behind a completely modern base, upgraded at the cost to American taxpayers of millions of dollars, which can be used by either Russia or China.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Joanie-f and all, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) consists of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India, Iran, Pakistan and Mongolia currently enjoy observer status in preparation for full membership.
Sounds far too familiar...like the Coalition of Asian states. I am afriad we are staring at Wolrd War in the not too distant future if we are not tremndously vigilant and if our leaders do not act strongly now to dry up and stop funding th buildup in preparation for eventual conflict.
Just my SWAG but this was our plan all along to get a land bridge access to mainland china from multiple directions. As I suggested the other day the Chinese are hearing footsteps and the Russians are taking their wal mart dollars to assist as needed..... I like it when these son of a peach grabbers get nervous.
I wonder what happened to all that seeing-into-his-soul stuff President Bush said about Put king.
Nah really. Why can't the U.S. and Russia work together against our common enemy - Islamic Terror? Or... is it not our common enemy? What is the deal?
Have you seen the movie Deterrence?
US to Russia and China: Blow me.
China, Russia Flaunt Forces in Joint Military Maneuvers
L.A. TIMES ^ | August 16, 2005 | Mark Magnier and Kim Murphy, Times Staff Writers
Posted on 08/16/2005 11:47:16 PM PDT by twinself
BEIJING -- As they prepare to join forces for their largest military exercise in modern history, China and Russia have billed this week's maneuvers as a cooperative fight against terrorism. But they're also sending a message to Washington, analysts say: Don't push the two former Cold War adversaries too far.
The eight-day exercise, which is set to begin Thursday, will be the most extensive since Beijing and Moscow fought together against U.S.-led forces during the Korean War half a century ago. Originally billed as a modest exercise when proposed last year, it has grown in scope to include nearly 10,000 troops using a range of sophisticated weapons systems.
"I can't help but think it's intended as a bit of a poke in the eye at the U.S., a way of [China] saying, 'We do have good relations with Russia,'." said Eric McVadon, a retired U.S. admiral and Asia-Pacific director at the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis in Washington.
Moscow and Beijing said in their respective announcements this month that their Peace Mission 2005 exercise will kick off in the Russian Far East port of Vladivostok but will take place largely in and around China's Shandong peninsula, and is aimed at countering terrorism, extremism and separatism.
"Part of the exercise is beach landing and sea-air deployment, which has nothing to do with fighting terrorism," said Ni Lexiong, a military expert teaching at Shanghai Normal University. "Generally, it's being held because of the long-term U.S. aggressive military stance toward China and Russia."
Even as the Bush administration expresses growing concern about China's military buildup, Beijing and Moscow have bridled at America's recent moves in their backyard.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
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