Expanding Internet Censorship

The following article is an interesting look into the supposed ‘rumor-mongering’ and ‘libel’ that Party censors are currently trying to tamp down.  Obviously, the Party’s ability to censor information in all formats is incredibly important, and allows it to exert an incredible degree of control over Chinese society.  The internet, because of its open and accessible nature, has created a number of challenges for the Party, particularly for its anti-corruption campaign.  While Xi Jinping’s campaign has certainly taken down a number of corrupt officials, critics have noted that exactly WHO is being taken down is still the Party’s decision.  And while more and more voices in Chinese society are calling for a more open and fair ‘Rule of Law’, the Discipline Commission retains complete control of the investigation process, just as the Party retains complete control of the courts.  In other words, the campaign can only attack those whom the party approves.  Outside interference from civil society is not appreciated.

What makes these new libel regulations so important, then, is that they specifically target online libel.  As a few of the netizens quoted below noted, this means that traditional media, such as radio, television, and newspapers (all of which are controlled by the Party), are not subject to these new laws.  In this regard, the message is clear: the Party will continue to take down corrupt officials, but activists and journalists should not seek to expose corruption themselves.  If they attempt to ‘slander’, ‘libel’, and ‘cause societal panic’, then they could face legal consequences.  As was the case with Luo Changping, who exposed the corrupt official Liu Tienan, previous accusations brought against Liu were derided as mere rumors.  When the Party announced months later that he was under investigation, and Luo once again tried to publish his evidence, he was silenced by Party censors and his social media accounts were deleted. 

As one poster astutely noted, this new set of laws allows the Party to consolidate its monopoly over the ability to shame and slander officials.  Through its complete control of the media, the Party can easily direct public outrage and resentment at whoever it chooses (be they political enemies, unruly protestors, or even foreign countries).  By establishing a legal mechanism to silence journalists, protestors, and activists who try to expose corruption, the Party can ensure that it retains complete and utter control of the anti-corruption campaign.  One need only look back to the scandals that arose last year, when it was revealed that Bo Xilai, Xi Jinping, and Wen Jiabao had all gathered vast sums of wealth in hidden assets.  Though all three were exposed, Wen and Xi were protected by Party censors, allowing Wen to retire in peace and Xi to ascend to the very top of the Chinese political ladder.  Bo, on the other hand, was culled from the Party and will most likely spend the rest of his life in prison.  Put simply, these new anti-libel laws are just a means to expand internet censorship and the ability of the Party to control what information is allowed on the web (particularly information that could expose Party corruption).

Chinese netizens hotly debate the phrasing of online libel regulations

Last updated: September 9^th, 2013, GMT 11:27 AM

Two high-level courts hold press conferences explaining the new regulations concerning online libel

China’s highest court of law and the highest inspections court introduced and explained new regulations on Monday (September 9), “if the same link to libelous information is clicked on over five thousand times or is shared over five hundred times” it will be recognized as a ‘serious case’ of libelous activity, thus establishing a quantifiable measure for libel in the standards of law.

In addition, at the September 9^th 3:00 PM press conference, the “Two High Courts” published relevant explanations of how to handle cases of online libel.

Many Chinese micro blogging platforms saw a large number of comments appear regarding the information.  There was no small number of posts supporting the regulations, but BBC Chinese’s journalists discovered that most of the posts displaying their support seemed to come from official accounts of the Ministry of Public Security and local police stations.  

However, there were some netizens who supported the idea, such as user lwyhf: “We must launch a significant strike against online libel, it must not be tolerated!”

However, in response to the introduction of these regulations, the majority of comments opposed the comments of supporters and expressed doubt.

A blogger named Qinzhou Jiangyu pointed out that fighting online libel is good, but the government must not dismiss voices that it does not want to hear as slanderous posts.

WoXXJie said: “I support punishing libel, but adding ‘online’ before this word seems rather sinister in intent…what I mean is: libel is libel; does adding this attribute mean we will fo after online slander but let traditional media go?”

Maimaiti posted: “Online libel is given a qualitative explanation, and the government says they’ll fight libel without punishing people, but what can make us commoners believe you?  Besides, who can represent us in the monitoring?  How can we trust you?  Haha, I knew that you were just using your power to make us believe you, it’s just a part of Chinese history that hasn’t changed.  Whatever you say is nonsense; the facts speak more loudly than your words.

 “Libel and Politics”

Beijiulundao pointed out “They should strictly distinguish between online libel, online scams, and political views.  Online libel should be limited to acts that cause social panic, attacks on individuals, and false information.  Online posts that expose corrupt officials should be encouraged.

Another poster, Wang Xiaoshan, posted “I wonder, if the high courts had released the online libel regulations sooner, then what would be the fate of Luo Changping?  He reported Liu Tienan, but his information was rebuffed by the government as rumors.  Who will the authorities believe?  For those who say libel should be prosecuted privately, if Liu Tienan had reported Luo Changping, then would the authorities detain Luo Changping?  What about all the statements on the Central Discipline Commission’s website about Wang Qishan?  Will these be counted or not?”

A blogger named Tanggula said that in the in the cases of both Wang Jun and Liu Tienan, online libel was eventually proven to be true.  How could this not insight panic and anger among officials?  The true motives of these laws are to deprive the people of the right to report officials and preserve the government’s monopoly on libel.  

Another netizen named XY stated “Online libel can be sentenced for five-hundred shares, but when CCTV5 reports rumors that Japan was out of the running for the 2020 Olympics, and Xinhua even announces that they would be hosted in Istanbul, how should these cases be judged?  Hundreds of millions of people saw these false reports; how can they account for this mistake?”

Poster Liyu said: “The more I see the more things seem similar to North Korea.  The next step is burning books!!!!”

Compiler : Lin Bin , Chang Qing

Translator : Paul Orner

LGBT Protests in Taiwan

The article below details a protest that occurred in Taipei this past week.  The article gives some basic information on the state of LGBT rights in Taiwan, and gives readers a look into the struggle for LGBT recognition in Chinese society.

However, it may be beneficial to give a brief introduction to how Chinese views of homosexuality were/are shaped.  This is an extremely general and brief introduction to an issue that could easily fuel a number of extensive research projects.  It is based largely on my own (insufficient) research and experiences, and I would greatly appreciate new perspectives on the issue. 

There are perhaps three dimensions of the issue to explore:

1)      Religion: Just as religion is seen as a conservative force in the West, many Chinese also see religion as a part of tradition.  Moreover, much like Christianity in the West, most Chinese religions condemn homosexuality.  While beliefs differ from school to school, many Buddhist scriptures condemn homosexual intercourse.  While some have argued that Buddhism’s view of all sexuality (indeed, all forms of pleasure) is disapproving, homosexuality in particular is stigmatized; some Buddhists argue that homosexuals must be reborn as straight human beings before they can reach enlightenment.  Likewise, Taoism’s view of homosexuality varies from denomination to denomination, but typically views such intercourse as ‘immoral’.  While Taoist scripture does not proscribe homosexuality as strictly as Buddhist scripture does, Taoism’s focus on the balance of ‘Yin and Yang’ and ‘Male and Female’ led many to believe that homosexuality was simply ‘unnatural’, or ‘counter to the natural order’.

2)      Culture: While religion set the foundation for anti-homosexual sentiment in China, many of these influences have simply become integrated into ‘Chinese culture’; they are not defined in a strictly religious sense.  Chinese opposed to gay marriage would very rarely refer to ancient Buddhist texts or religious precepts (the way American demonstrators would).  Rather, they might simply state that they find homosexuality to be ‘unnatural’ or ‘just wrong’, as if they were referring to something so obvious and widely accepted as ‘stealing is wrong’.  While Westerners may scoff at this judgment, it is important to remember that Chinese who refer to this ‘feeling’ are not simply brushing aside the question.  Rather, they are basing their beliefs on various traditions, principles, and ideas that permeate and shape Chinese society (some of which are rooted in religious tradition).  A Westerner may be perplexed to hear a Chinese say he or she is atheist, only to go on to decry homosexuality as unnatural.  Motivated by cultural forces that are based in both religious doctrine and centuries-old tradition, the Chinese debate on homosexuality is very different from the dialogue occurring in the US (which can be more clearly traced to religious doctrine).

3)      Contemporary society: Finally, much like their peers in the US, homosexuals may feel pressured to marry because of how they are perceived in society.  While the effectiveness of non-discrimination laws in the US may be contested, it is worth noting that China has no equivalent of these statutes.  Thus, many Chinese, particularly ambitious men who are going into business or politics, may feel pressured to marry for the sake of appearances.  More importantly, the continuation of the family line is incredibly important in Chinese society (ie the Confucian emphasis on filial piety and ancestor worship).  Homosexual individuals may feel compelled to marry and have children simply to please their parents (a frustrated heterosexual couple, in order to avoid the ire of their parents, may agree to postpone the divorce until after their parents have passed away).  Some homosexual individuals will seek out a member of the opposite sex who is also homosexual, thus allowing both children to please their parents while pursuing romantic relationships outside of their paper marriage.  For Chinese, who live in a much more tightly knit and connected society, coming out and burning bridges with family and friends may not be an option.

      In Taiwan, LGBT activists have met with more success than their peers in Mainland China (where homosexuality is still a taboo topic).  However, there is still political opposition to their cause, and their work is hardly done.

Taiwanese Gay Rights groups demonstrate in front of the presidential palace for the right to marry

Last updated September 7, 2013, GMT 4:06 PM.

The protest was known as the Table of Partners or ‘Banzhuo’, a pun on ‘office desk’.  Here, it refers to a wedding reception.

Taiwanese gay, bisexual, and transsexual rights groups, demanding legal reform, demonstrated in front of the presidential palace in Taibei by holding a mock wedding celebration.

Fighting for gay, bisexual, and transsexual rights (simplified as LGBT in English), the Taiwan Alliance to Promote Civil Partnership expressed its demands by setting up one-hundred and twenty tables on Ketagalan Boulevard.

The TAPCP stated that it has been nearly three years since the draft to amend the Civil Code was brought to lawmakers and the courts.  Its contents included the right for gay, bisexual, and transsexual individuals to marry, legal recognition of these partnerships and households, and the right to adopt.

In addition to the statements of those present, well known entertainers also offered their support.

The sponsors stated that the goal of the movement was to challenge the way current laws define marriage purely in heterosexual terms.  They are demanding that all laws and regulations that read ‘male and female’ be changed to ‘two people’, protecting the equal rights of gay, bisexual, and transsexual individuals.

Wu Zhiyi, a transgendered individual attending the protest, told BBC Chinese that, in Taiwan, the government stipulates that transgendered individuals must undergo surgery to change their sex, unlike many European countries which use psychological identification.

Wu Zhiyi said that this kind of law violates two of the UN’s human rights conventions.

Although Taiwanese LGBT individuals admit that much progress has been made the past few years, many conservative groups still strongly oppose LGBT rights.

Besides religious groups, there are also political figures whom do not support the right of LGBT individuals to marry, believing that it is ‘immoral’ and ‘unnatural’.

Many years ago, Taiwanese lawmakers once tried to propose legal reform that would give LGBT individuals the right to marry and legal recognition of partnerships, but the draft was struck down by conservative groups during deliberation.

Journalist: Wei Ke

Translated by: Paul Orner

The Fate of Zhou Yongkang

The article below is very interesting.  It brings up a number of important questions regarding Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign.  Specifically: “Where is the campaign headed? And “Who’s next up on the chopping block?”  While almost everyone agrees that the motives driving the campaign are not limited to fighting corruption, not everyone agrees on the extent that the campaign is politically motivated.

However, it is undeniable that the most recent roundup of corrupt officials is meant to send a message.  As the article mentions, one by one Zhou Yongkang’s associates are being picked off.  Guo Yongxiang, at the provincial level, and Jiang Jiemin, at the lower national level, are underlings of Zhou.  And while the unwritten rule of “not investigating Standing Committee members” has stood so far, Zhou has proven unable to protect his allies from attack.   Unless he stops trying to protect Bo Xilai and stir up trouble, he may be the next one to fall.

On the other hand, as the article points out, breaking an unwritten rule that has been respected since the Cultural Revolution would send a strong message to Xi’s political rivals.  Earlier in the summer, I believed that the anti-corruption campaign could be easily re-tooled as a political weapon, a threat Xi could brandish against any of his rivals, something to keep them in line.  However, I concluded that he would most likely hold off on using this ace in the hole.  Xi and his allies have to weigh their options carefully.  On the one hand, destroying Zhou Yongkang with a corruption investigation could frighten Xi’s rivals and tamp down any dissent.  On the other hand, it could spark an outpouring of fear and resentment, driving them to take action against him and undermine his authority (authority he must establish during his first year in office).  As one source quoted in the article notes, many within the Party hope that internal investigation and the threat of criminal prosecution will put this Party elder back in line.  However, should Zhou refuse to back down, Xi could be forced to raise the stakes and wager his political clout against that of his current enemies and the new enemies he would make by violating Party tradition.  The outcome of such an action is unclear, and Xi should think long and hard before taking such a desperate action so early in his post as the paramount leader of China.

(A note about the title: the title is alluding to two sayings/phrases in Chinese.  'Hunting tigers' refers to Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign, which he claimed would both "swat flies and hunt tigers."  In the other words, it would root out corruption at all levels, investigating and prosecuting both low-level municipal officials and high-level national officials.  "Riding the tiger" refers to a Chinese saying "When riding a tiger, it is tough to get off."  This saying is used to talk about situations where someone starts a course of events or uses a certain strategy that may be easy to begin but hard to stop.  It asks if Xi is continuing the campaign or if he is losing control of where the campaign is headed.)

Japanese media: Is Xi Jinping hunting or riding the tiger?

Tong Qing

BBC Chinese – Special Japan Correspondent

Last updated: September 5^th, 2013, GMT 7:45

Translated by: Paul Orner

Zhou Yongkang’s associates are being taken down one by one, yet he himself remains untouched

After foreign media widely reported the news that corruption investigations that closing in on Zhou Yongkang, Japanese mainstream media seems to have spent some time verifying the information, and began to disseminate some of their findings through reports and commentaries this week.

Going through reports from the past few days, it appears that the fallen officials all have one thing in common: State Council Director of Standardization Administration Jiang Jiemin and former Vice-Governor of Sichuan Guo Yongxiang, both of whom who are under investigation, were both officials with close relations with Zhou Yongkang while they worked under him at the China National Petroleum Corporation.

In the report, it emerged that after the open prosecution of Bo Xilai, Xi Jinping’s administration began to speed up the investigation of Zhou Yongkang’s “oil helpers.”

However, each report has pointed out that Xi Jinping’s administration has been proceeding cautiously, seeking conclusive evidence; but a final decision regarding whether or not to investigate Zhou Yongkang has not been reached.  It is possible that the issue has not yet been decided, but they estimate a decision will be reached before the third meeting of the 18^th National Congress this November.

Undermining the influence of political rivals

Among the statements the Asahi Shimbun collected from the Justice Department, one official stated that since the Cultural Revolution, there is no precedent for the Chinese government investigating a corruption case at the level of the Standing Committee.  If there was an open investigation of the Party leadership, it would damage the prestige of the Party.

The report quoted the official as stating: “At present those within the part believe that internal investigations will be enough to strike out at Zhou Yongkang and weaken his influence.  That alone is enough” as cautious as it is severe.  The report quoted sources in the diplomatic world as saying that after the scandal of Bo Xilai and his wife broke, foreign media believed that the stories of then-Vice-Chairman Xi jinping and then-Premier Wen Jiabao’s relatives’ wealth came from Zhou Yongkang, a supporter of Bo Xilai.

   

According to reports, some analysts hold that this event made Xi Jinping’s administration believe that establishing a stable regime meant purging forces that threatened unity within the Party.

A report in the Japan Economic Shimbun titled “Xi Jinping seeks to clear out political competition, takes aim at Bo and Zhou” explained that Zhou Yongkang supported Bo Xilai, just as Jiang Zemin once supported Zhou Yongkang.

At the same time, the Japanese report showed that the first step in Xi Jinping’s “Swatting flies and hunting tigers” anti-corruption campaign placed him in cooperation with former-Chairman Hu Jintao.

Stable regime a priority

Bo Xilai has denied all accusations, and according to some sources, those within the Party believe that Zhou Yongkang is controlling things behind the scenes, causing Xi’s administration to add pressure to Zhou.  Should Bo appeal the charges, they expect that Xi will add even more pressure.

The Economic Shimbun also quoted those within the Party as saying that it has not yet been decided whether or not Zhou will be investigated.

The report pointed out that investigating Zhou Yongkang would not only signal the end of the unwritten rule of not investigating members of the Standing Council, but it could give Xi’s political rivals reason to undermine his regime.  Xi Jinping’s regime is carefully considering this risk.

Jiji Press also quoted many Party sources as stating that the investigation of Jiang Jiemin “uncovered many of the mutual interests between Zhou Yongkang and his ‘oil helpers’, and the hidden assets of Zhou Yongkang’s family members are now being investigated.”  However “whether or not the precedent of not investigating members of the Standing Committee and holding them criminally responsible, at this time it’s still unclear if things will develop in that direction.”  

What's behind the Anti-Corruption Campaign?

     This article is hardly novel in approach, but makes a few good points about the current fight against corruption in China.  As many analysts have noted, there are certainly ulterior motives driving Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign.  The takedown of some prominent officials and a few high-profile cases allow the Party to regain some (much-needed) credibility.  On the other hand, Xi’s campaign so far has been quite successful.  Whether or not the campaign was launched for the right reasons, the fact remains that a number of high-level officials have been held accountable for their crimes.  While the successes of Xi’s campaign should be viewed with some skepticism (the Party has retained strict control over the investigation process and which officials get singled out for investigation), many observers believe that the present campaign will not peter out as quickly as previous campaigns did.  While last year’s takedown of Bo Xilai was politically motivated (as is the investigation that is creeping ever closer to Zhou Yongkang), I disagree with the author’s belief that the campaign will die out shortly.  

     No matter what the end goal is, the level of discontent in Chinese society will make it very difficult for Xi to suddenly put the brakes on the campaign.  As some observers have noted, Xi’s use of the fight against corruption to win back popular support is reminiscent of the Chinese saying “骑虎难下” – when you ride a tiger, it can be tough to get off.  If anything, Xi will focus on continuing the campaign to assuage public discontent, without losing control of the investigations and trials.  I find it much more likely that Xi’s corruption campaign will probably continue, and that an escalation of the campaign is more likely than a reduction.

The end goal of Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign is not anti-corruption

Last updated September 5, 2013, GMT 11:35 

The true goal of Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign might not be anti-corruption, but rather to win back popular support for the Communist Party.

On Thursday (the 5^th), the Financial Times online edition posted a report by Beijing-based reporter Jamil, arguing that the true purpose of Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign was not anti-corruption.  Rather, it was undertaken to win popular support for the Party, which is in the midst of a crisis of confidence.  

The report opened with the following line: “Party leaders have warned cadres: the Party cannot maintain its ruling status given the current crisis of corruption.  Thus, they have called for the use of drastic measures to improve the Party’s ruling methods and fight graft and corruption.”

The author states: This line could have been written at any time within the past few months regarding Xi Jinping’s vigorous fight against corruption.  However, it is actually the opening line of a Financial Times article I wrote on September 27, 2004.

That year, along with the article, the Financial Times issued an editorial, praising the diligent work of Hu Jintao in fighting corruption, saying that his diligent work deserved “attention and support”.

More of the Same

Launching a vigorous anti-corruption campaign is also a core policy of China’s new leader Xi Jinping.  Many observers believe that the anti-corruption campaign displays Xi Jinping’s dedication to reform.

However, not everyone shares this view.  Many feel that Xi Jinping’s actions are very similar to those of Hu Jintao, reminding them of the fight against corruption Hu prominently launched shortly after taking office.  At that time, many fully hoped for a “New government under Hu and Wen”.

This has caused many to worry, for two main reasons: first, Hu Jintao’s time in office has been called by many people, even many elites, as “a lost decade”.  In the end, despite Hu and Wen’s promises, they not only failed to solve many of the problems facing society, but actually made the situation even worse.

In addition, when Hu and Wen came to power, and for most of their time in office, China enjoyed soaring economic growth.  They spent most of their time trying to cool China’s economic growth, up until the global financial crisis.

However, the situation today is very different from that of when Hu Jintao took office.  Last year, China had its lowest growth rate in thirteen years, and estimates predict that China’s growth will continue to slow in the next few years.

Since Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign is nearly identical to that of his predecessor, what makes him think that he will succeed?

Anti-corruption is not the goal

The answer is: the end goal of the anti-corruption campaign is not to punish corrupt officials.  Rather, the goal is to make a show of severely punishing criminals in order to win more support from the masses, which have begun to doubt the rule of the Communist Party.

If Xi Jinping truly wishes to root out corruption, he will establish an independent organization responsible for checking and balancing power, allow the media, which is currently censored, to freely report officials and corrupt behavior, and give the people a say in the selection of officials.

But in reality, in the midst of the anti-corruption campaign, the government has also fiercely criticized Western democracy, freedom of speech, universal values, and ‘online slander’ that has appeared on the Chinese internet.

The report stated that recently authorities have arrested and detain hundreds of online dissidents, who have ridiculed Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign, showing that Xi Jinping is following the traditional methods of Communist party politicians.

The report gave the example of Jiang Zemin’s arrest of then General Secretary of Beijing, Chen Xitong, in 1990, and Hu Jintao’s arrest of then General Secretary of Shanghai, Chen Liangyu, in 2006.  In each case, the purpose was not corruption.

Xi Jinping’s present anti-corruption campaign is not all that different from the actions of Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao.  The officials taken down by the anti-corruption campaign are just victims of those in power, who wish to display their authority and win support from the people.

Hong Lei on Syria and Huangyan Island

Below, I've translated the transcripts of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs September 4th press conference.  Today’s entry is rather dull, but still serves as an interesting overview of a few major points of interest in China’s foreign policy.  Many of these issues deserve posts (if not books) devoted solely to their exploration and analysis, but I've settled on leaving a few notes in brackets after each question and answer.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes questions on the situation in Syria and the Philippines’ accusation that China has fortified Huangyan Island

September 4, 2013, 7:37 PM

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

Translated by: Paul Orner

            September 4, 2013, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Hong Lei – Press Conference

            Q: According to reports, Russian president Putin has stated that should it be proven that the Syrian government used chemical weapons, and approval is obtained through the UN Security Council, then Russia would not rule out the possibility of consenting to launching military strikes against Syria.

　　     A: We have already stressed multiple times that China supports the UN’s independent, fair, unbiased, and specialized inspection.  All parties should work to support the work of the inspection committee, and wait for the results of their inspection, rather than draw premature conclusions.

[China has consistently indirectly (if not subtly) displayed its disapproval of American intervention in the Middle East.]

            Q: According to reports, South Sudan president Kiel’s official visit to Sudan had positive results.  Does the Chinese government have any comment?  What has China done to improve relations between the two Sudans?

            A: We are aware of President Kiel’s visit to Sudan yesterday, and have suggested that President Bashir maintain current oil production and shipping, and adhere to and execute agreements that have already been reached.  The Chinese government praises the work of both countries and the work of the international community, particularly the work of the African Union.  We hope that both Sudans will continuously push for development and improvement in relations.  

            As a true friend of Sudan, China has consistently pushed for bilateral talks to solve the differences between the two Sudans.  Since June, China has received a special envoy from the Southern president, welcomed a visit from the foreign minister of Sudan, and the Chinese representative for African affairs has visited the area three times.  China has made a positive contribution.

[China’s activities in Africa are oftentimes overlooked by Western media, but have not gone unfelt in the world of international politics.  By promoting investment and trade between China and Africa, the Chinese government has been able to strengthen its relations with many African nations.  There are a number of reasons for China’s interest in Africa, but a few major factors include Africa’s natural resources, emerging markets for Chinese products, and the voting power that the African bloc wields in the UN.]

Q: According to reports, the American Department of State’s Secretary of East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Russell, will visit China.  Please confirm and provide relevant details.

           

A: Through bilateral discussions, it has been decided that US Department of State Secretary of Asia-Pacific Affairs, Daniel Russell, will visit China from the 13^th of September to the 14^th for an official visit.  During meetings the two sides will discuss Sino-American relations and exchange ideas and suggestions.

           

Q: According to reports, the US Congressional Foreign Affairs Committee has already reached a preliminary agreement on the draft of a resolution that would grant the US government permission to undertake a 90-day military strike against Syria.  Does the Chinese government have any comment?

           

A: The Chinese government has always believed that a political solution is the only realistic way to end the Syrian conflict.  We would like to express our serious concern with the relevant countries which seek to use unilateral military action.  All actions undertaken by the international community should be in accordance with the basic principles stated in the UN Charter, and should avoid making the situation in Syria more complicated and bringing even more tragedy to the Middle East.

[China, motivated by both history and present trends in politics, firmly supports a doctrine of non-intervention and respect for national sovereignty.  In part, the policy is motivated by China’s fear that the West might use ‘humanitarian’ excuses to intervene in China’s domestic affairs.  While the capability of the West to do so is rather dubious, this policy also allows China to portray itself as the friend of countries, mainly in the third world, who are frustrated with and afraid of Western intervention.]

           

Q: According to reports, the Philippines stated yesterday that China has begun to fortify Huangyan Island.  Please confirm.

           

A: The statements made by the Philippines are completely inaccurate.  Huangyan Island is China’s ancient territory.  In accordance with the current situation, Chinese ships are performing routine patrols in the area, and will uphold the sovereignty of Huangyan Island and order in the area.  This is the right of China, and is irreproachable.

[The territorial dispute between China and the Philippines over the Scarborough Shoal (or Huangyan Island according to the Chinese) deserves a lengthy analysis.  What’s important is that the two countries are bitterly contesting each other’s territorial claims to the shoal and surrounding seas.  This row is just one of many bitter, nationalist feuds in the South China Sea.]

           

Q: Currently, Chairman Xi Jinping is making official visits to four countries in Central Asia.  Please explain the position and role of Central Asia in Chinese foreign policy.

　　    

A: Central Asian countries are the friendly neighbors and important partners of China.  Having established relations over twenty years ago, China and Central Asian countries have significantly developed their relations through mutual respect and mutually beneficial bilateral relations.  Both sides have maintained close high-level exchanges and high levels of mutual trust.  On issues such as trade, investment, energy, resources, agriculture, networking, and telecommunications, each side has made major developments, and has made real and practical contributions, aiding all of their citizens.  We have developed close, bilateral cooperation on law enforcement and security, effectively combated the three forces of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and upheld the safety and stability of each country.  We have maintained close international cooperation and coordination, and have similar positions and views on many issues.  At this time, Chairman Xi Jinping is visiting Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, strengthening ties between China and these four countries, and further promoting the growth of relations between China and Central Asia.

 [China shares borders with a number of countries in the Northwestern region of its territory, causing concern among Chinese strategists.  What makes these strategists particularly concerned is that the Northwestern province of Xinjiang is populated by a Muslim ethnic minority: the Uyghurs.  While China firmly asserts that Xinjiang belongs to China, some Uyghur separatists dream of establishing an independent country.  These sentiments sometimes boil over into violent riots (the terrorism and separatism noted above).  Thus, creating a stable environment and strict border control are key interests in China's Central Asia policy.]

Original Chinese: http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2013-09/04/c_117231805.htm

A Chinese Perspective on Syria

The below blog was posted on Sina (a major web portal in China), and received quite a bit of attention.  Despite the fact that this article appeared as a blog, the writer still takes a rather academic and professional approach to the situation.  While his analysis is not at all unique to a Chinese perspective, there are few things worth noting:

1.       A Realist Approach – As a country touched by the ‘benevolence’ of Western imperialism, Chinese have little to no faith in the ‘peacebuilding’ and ‘humanitarian’ missions of the United States, and typically look for the self-serving motives behind America’s foreign policy

2.       Conscious of the Past – AND the Future – While many Americans today seem to relegate the Soviet Union to ancient history, Chinese recognize the way the Soviet Union (and its fall) shaped world politics.  The writer is also very conscious of the future, specifically China’s role in America’s foreign policy and strategic objectives.

Why is America insisting on striking Syria?

Sina Blogs: Yeshiyufeng168
(Translated by: Paul Orner)

During the Cold War, Syria lay in the Soviet Union’s sphere of influence.  After the Soviet Union disintegrated, Russia inherited Syria’s interests, including its military bases.  One might argue that Russia’s present strategic interests in the Middle East can’t be compared to those of the Soviet Union, that Syria is now Russia’s last base of power in the Middle East.  If America overthrows the Syrian regime, Russia’s military base in Syria will cease to exist, and Russian influence will be expelled from the Middle East.  The importance of the Middle East is not based solely on its strategic resources, but also on its strategic location.  If America can control Syria, then it will control a continuous strip of land from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean, strengthening America’s control of the Middle East and establishing a strong basis for launching coordinated action against Iran in the future.  If both Syria and Iran are dominated by America, then Russia’s interests in the Middle East will collapse completely.

The ‘Pivot to Asia’ is America’s second ten-year strategic adjustment of the 21^st century.  Investing the majority of America’s military power in the Pacific Area, particularly the Western Pacific, will be America’s long-term strategic goal.  Previously, however, America’s military power was concentrated in two areas: the first was the Atlantic Region – a result of the Cold War; the second was the Middle East – a result of oil.

It is undeniable that America’s decision to shift its strategic focus from the Atlantic to the Pacific is completely correct, as it recognizes the trends of the future – future economic and military developments will largely occur in area of the Asia-Pacific.  These developments will include the rise of China’s influence, a point of particular strategic importance for America.  Over the past two years, America has firmly implemented its ‘Pivot to Asia’ strategy, effectively taking advantage of the misgivings caused by the rise of China and territorial disputes between China and its neighbors [Here the author is referring to territorial disputes between China and its neighboring countries, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, and is alleging (not at all unjustly) that the US has taken advantage of the fear caused by China’s rise and used it to turn these countries against China].  Unfortunately, America has met with strong pressure to cut back its military budget.  Congress has demanded Obama reduce military spending by a total of 500 billion dollars.  However, America’s strategy has shown to be effective.  In the midst of the economic crisis, soaring national debt, and slow economic growth, America has still managed to realize its strategic plans in the Western Pacific through the use of its traditional allies and new partners.

However, changes in the Middle East may affect that trend.  After witnessing the use of chemical weapons in Syria and the deaths of many children, Western governments believe the Syrian government may be responsible.  Obviously, due to the complex process of manufacturing and maintaining chemical weapons, and the inability of rebels to secure these weapons through guerilla tactics, the chances that the government forces are the ones using the weapons are extremely high.  If this is true, it would violate the ‘Red Line’ that America gave Syria.  At present, America has given Syria a warning about a military strike, America and the UK have confirmed that the Syrian government has used chemical weapons, and President Obama has confirmed that America will launch a military strike against Syria.  In the past few days, the specter of war has shocked worldwide capital markets, weakened currencies, caused an increase in the price of gold and commodities, and bolstered hedging in the markets.

On the problem of Syria, America’s traditional allies in the Middle East would like to see Assad’s regime fall.  England’s Financial Times reported: Israel is worried that if America does not issue a response to Syria’s crossing the Red Line and using chemical weapons, then America’s stance against Iran’s nuclear program will lose all credibility.

Currently, America’s economic crisis is getting worse and worse, demanding much attention as the Obama administration remains unable to control the situation.  Although Obama comfortably won a second term, America’s economic outlook is hardly optimistic, the “Fiscal Cliff’ is unacceptable, and the Obama administration has yet to settle on an appropriate policy to meet the crisis.  He may be using the strike on Syria to take attention away from domestic problems. 

As America’s power weakens, its ability to maintain leadership must also fade.  The Middle East is the center of the world’s resources.  After World War II, America employed all available means to force oil-producing countries to use the American dollar to settle trade, allowing America to maintain dominance over the world’s resources.

War in the Middle East could break out at any time, and the region will become even more complex.

Original Chinese: http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_43a4e6290102e8g5.html?tj=1

East Asian Seas

East Asian countries turn to Japan

from Invasion to Invitation

     Despite the shift to the right in Japanese politics, heated territorial disputes in the East  and South China Seas are compelling more and more Asian countries to seek the aid of Japan in protecting their maritime trade and territory.  Whereas Japanese ships invaded these waters during Imperial Japan's expansion into Asia, these same countries are now inviting Japanese patrol boats into their waters, in the hopes that a Japanese presence and multilateral cooperation will guarantee the safety and integrity of their territory in the face of a rising China.  

     A BBC article this week reported that Vietnam, which recently announced it wishes to bring Japanese patrol boats into its waters, is only one of many countries seeking Japan's help (many of which have already struck deals with Japan, and have been cooperating with Japan for many years).  Moreover, the list of countries seeking Japan's help (including countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia), is undeniably reminiscent of the countries with which China has territorial disputes.

     While China and Korea remain incredibly wary of the possible military threat Japan poses, it would seem every other country in the area is looking to Japan for help.  Chinese and Koreans refuse to forget the atrocities committed by the Japanese during the first half of the 20th century, but countries such as Vietnam have opted to move past Japan's imperial history and focus instead on the changing calculus of power in the region.  As China becomes more and more assertive in its territorial claims, countries in the region seem to be letting go of the past as the threats of the present become more and more apparent.

     Japan's new Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, seems to be more than willing to work with Japan's new partners in Southeast Asia.  Indeed, the emerging cooperation in the South China Sea is just what he promoted years ago, during his first term in office.  Promoting the idea of an Asian 'Security Diamond', he sought to establish a strong alliance that would tie together Japan, India, Australia, and the US, a four-point bloc that would ensure security in the Asia-Pacific region.  In addition, his call for 'Values-Oriented Diplomacy' is a rather thinly veiled effort to foster relations and cooperation between Asian countries that share common values, such as capitalism and democracy (ie countries that are not China).

     While the Communist Party of China has continuously used spats over maritime sovereignty and territorial disputes to conjure up nationalism, the particularly extensive and aggressive propaganda campaigns of the last year have convinced many policy-makers that China will become more and more aggressive as its economic clout grows.  Whether China's leaders choose to suspend these maritime disputes or dial up their rhetoric will have major ramifications for not only countries directly involved in these disputes, but for the region as a whole.  As China expands its military and seeks to shore up its territorial claims in the surrounding seas, its security dilemma could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.  Hawkish language could exacerbate fears in Southeast Asia, and compel these countries to form exactly the kind of anti-China coalition that Beijing fears.  If Chinese policy-makers are not careful, they themselves could provide the impetus for a 'China-Containing' alliance, an alliance that the US and Japan would be more than happy to orchestrate.

     Japan's role in the Asia-Pacific will prove to be vital in the coming years.  Japanese foreign policy will shape the geopolitics of the region, just as changes in the region will affect Japanese politics; Japanese public opinion regarding Article IX and the establishment of a formal military will undoubtedly be affected by the situation in Southeast Asia (particularly the rise of China).  As the third-largest economy in the world, a major trading-partner of both the US and China, and a key ally of the US in East Asia, Japan's role in the coming 'Pacific Century' cannot be overstated.    

Abe pushes Japan to support Vietnam, the Philippines, and other countries with patrol boats

Tong Qian

BBC Chinese Net Special Japan Correspondent

Last edited 2013/8/19, GMT 06:58

Vietnam, the Philippines, and other countries share interest in Japan’s patrol boats
(Original language: Chinese)
(Translation: Paul Orner)

In an article titled “In the face of China, Southeast Asian countries consider bringing in Japanese patrol boats”, the Japanese newspaper “Asahi Shimbun” reported on Monday, August 19^th that Vietnam, following the examples of Indonesia and the Philippines, is considering bringing in Japanese patrol boats.

   The report quotes the Vietnamese government as stating that in January of this year, the bureau that oversees fishing safety, the Fisheries Bureau of the Agricultural Development Department, established the Maritime Management Force and began to consider importing Japanese patrol boats to improve its monitoring and pursuing capabilities.   

   In July, Vietnam had already sent an exploratory committee to Japan, requesting that Japan look into using the ODA and other institutions to aid Vietnam.

   Those within the Japanese government have said that: “Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is paying great attention to the matter of aiding Vietnam with patrol boats.”

8 Countries Seek to Cooperate

   According to the report, besides Vietnam, Japan has already received requests for maritime cooperation from many countries, and has already opened cooperation with the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Djibouti; countries currently seeking Japan’s help include Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Tanzania.

   Current cooperation efforts include four years of aid with maritime traffic, equipment, and training, providing Indonesia with three 27-ton patrol boats for seven years, and reaching an agreement with the Philippines for ten new 40-meter long, large-size patrol boats. 

   The Asahi Shimbun said that in the face of escalating maritime sovereignty disputes between each country and China, the presence of Japanese patrol boats in Southeast Asia is spreading.

   Although Abe’s administration is actively working with each country, at present Japan’s budget and staff are not sufficient to meet demand.

Emphasizing Naval Power

   The report quoted Japan’s International Cooperation Agency, the JICA, as stating: in contrast with the warlike conditions of the twentieth century, counterterrorism and maritime defense have become important topics.  As developing countries open up maritime resources, there is a desperate need to upgrade the equipment of their coast guards.

   According to analysts, Japan’s equipment and technology are very sophisticated, so much so that, to use the Philippines as an example, even the coast guard using old American ships are jealous.  In addition, the economic troubles of 2008, coupled with fierce competition between Japanese and Chinese-Korean shipbuilding industries, pushed Japanese companies to start discussions with the Philippine government and push for cooperation.

   Analysts also stated that patrol boats are much cheaper than military boats, as Japan’s annual maritime budget equals the price of just one Aegis destroyer, thus attracting the attention of many developing countries.

Pro-Japan Trend: 20 to 2

   Countries with sovereignty disputes with China in the South China Sea have shown a clear trend of siding with Japan.  Abe has already visited Southeast Asia three times this year, and is preparing a fourth visit.  ASEAN has scheduled a special head-of-state meeting in Japan this December.

   The American Research Center Pew released this spring’s public opinion poll in July, showing that besides China and Korea, the majority of respondents in all other countries said they had a ‘good’ impression of Japan.

   Washington-based international commentator Goosen Yoshihisa pointed out: “In Asia, besides the outlier North Korea, there are twenty Pro-Japan countries, but only two countries, China and Korea, that are Anti-Japanese, a trend of twenty to two that even Japanese don’t seem to recognize. 

（Editor：Yiren）