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| China-Japan-Koreas |
| China tries to patch its torn image |
| 2005-04-24 |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #10 MD: Teritorial concessions are just a negotiating ploy, unless you think there's oil there. In this particular case, they are contesting an area that hasn't been drilled for oil. The area is on a continental shelf, which is to say that it is at a depth where drilling is feasible. If oil is found, whomever owns the territory will get the rights to it. However, countries will fight over territory for reasons that have nothing to do with oil. Any islands or outcroppings can form the basis of an unsinkable aircraft carrier, using reclaimed land. Currently, China's major cities are right next to the sea. Getting control of the islands off its coast will help China to fight any potential opponents at a greater distance from its coastal cities. Why did the US invade Iwo Jima? To get closer to Okinawa. Why did the US invade Okinawa? To get closer to Tokyo. Why does Japan want to hold on to the islands? One answer is that they belong to Japan. Another answer would be because Japan is tiny. Unlike China, it doesn't have the luxury of retreating deep into a vast hinterland in the face of an enemy offensive. Strategically, its only natural defense is the barrier presented by the sea. The closer Chinese bases are to Japan, the less secure Japan is. |
| Posted by: Zhang Fei 2005-04-24 11:04:10 PM |
| #9 In Asia, pretty much everyone resents everyone else. Its just a matter of degree. Otherwise, I agree with ZF, China is using anti-Japanese sentiment as a negotiating ploy. It may yet backfire by encouraging internal dissent and causing Japan to push back. |
| Posted by: phil_b 2005-04-24 8:42:19 PM |
| #8 ZF, my comment wasn't directed at the security appartus. It was referring to the government. Though getting caught on camera chowing down during a demonstration is a wee bit stupid. At least they weren't sitting down, playing mah-jong... |
| Posted by: Pappy 2005-04-24 7:13:51 PM |
| #7 I'd bet the protests are: 1. A way to make it more difficult for Japan to build alliances in a regional security leadership role by bringing up Japan's ill treatment of its neighbors in the first half of the twentieth century, 2. A way to focus and let off internal steam resulting from all the change that has occurred over the last two decades, 3. Genuine resentment of the way they were treated by the Japanese in WWII. Teritorial concessions are just a negotiating ploy, unless you think there's oil there. |
| Posted by: Mrs. Davis 2005-04-24 12:42:01 PM |
| #6 P: A subtle yet distinct blend of arrogance and incompetence, with a pinch of inexperience. The security men in the capital are actually pretty competent. The demonstrations, however, were orchestrated by the government. This is not to say that there isn't widespread hatred of Japan in China. (Heck - there's also widespread hatred of Uncle Sam*, but you don't see Chinese students demonstrating against the US). But the demonstrations may have been a device to wrest territorial concessions from Japan at a time when Japan has pushed back - for the first time in recent decades - against Chinese claims. The demonstrations themselves are not the story - they are merely a ploy. * Everywhere I've been during my trips to China, there's been a uniform consensus that Uncle Sam had 9/11 coming - they were quite happy to see large numbers of dead Americans. |
| Posted by: Zhang Fei 2005-04-24 12:20:54 PM |
| #5 a possible need for a form of containment of China, until its social, political, and military direction became clearer. The west has gotten far to chummy with the Chinese. I hope there's still a cadre of intellegent people out there who still remember what China's all about. and it aint peaches and cream. |
| Posted by: bk 2005-04-24 11:56:51 AM |
| #4 To the US Democratic Party and the Chicom Party - It's not your IMAGE that is the problem. It's what you really stand for [POWER!] and all that's corrupt that goes with it. |
| Posted by: Grising Shereling2932 2005-04-24 11:47:16 AM |
| #3 a loy? Jeebus....*starts coffeemaker* |
| Posted by: Frank G 2005-04-24 11:24:32 AM |
| #2 China has a loy more than this to account for |
| Posted by: Frank G 2005-04-24 11:24:04 AM |
| #1 Moreover, since Chinese students hurled bottles at the Japanese Embassy while Chinese police stood by chatting and eating, international reaction has not gone China's way. A subtle yet distinct blend of arrogance and incompetence, with a pinch of inexperience. |
| Posted by: Pappy 2005-04-24 1:01:01 AM |