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Koreas Low Key on 70th Anniversary of WWII End

Kim Il Sung 1945.jpg Kim Il Sung 1945 (Photo: Rodong Shinmun)

This year marks the 70th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule and the end of WWII. In the North, August 15th is celebrated as National Liberation Day. So far there seems to be no great attention to this year’s 70th anniversary. Neither the Korean Central News Agency’s English website or the Rodong Shinmun’s online English edition mentions any special celebrations to mark the anniversary. Moreover, the DPRK leader Kim Jong-un sent his regrets in being unable to attend the ceremony in Moscow this past May 9th to mark the victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Why does Korea (both North and South) see this year’s anniversary as not worthy of a grand celebration? In an article in New Eastern Outlook, Konstantin Asmolov offers some reasons why the South Korean President, Park Geun-hye did not attend the May 9th celebrations either. As the same time he suggests that both Koreas feel that they were not active participants in their own liberation; Japan having surrendered, Soviet troops invaded from the north, and a few weeks later US troops occupied the south.

Coming up is the annual August 15th celebrations in both countries to commemorate their liberation from colonial rule. Will these ceremonies be bigger in any way, or special in any way? Will representatives from both Koreas, or the leaders themselves attend China’s special holiday this coming September 3 to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the war? What are your thoughts on this matter? Please log in and let us know.

Near Eastern Outlook

http://journal-neo.org/2015/05/03/rus-k-otmene-vizita-pak-ky-n-he-na-prazdnovanie-70-letiya-pobedy-nad-fashizmom/

Asian Waters—The Beautiful Amur River

Amur/ Heilongjiang River (Photo: GointoChina.com)

by David Parmer

It would not be surprising to mention the Amur River and draw a blank from most people. Seems like just about everyone has heard of the Yangtze, the Mississippi, the Don, the Volga the Rhine and the Nile and the Amazon. But the Amur River?

That’s strange because it is one of the world’s 10 longest rivers. The Amur (know in China as the Heilongjiang, or Black Dragon River) starts in western Manchuria at the confluence of the Shilka and Ergune Rivers. It flows eastward, from Mongolia and for 3,000 km, forms the border between Russia and China arriving at the Russian city of Khabarovsk before turning north and finally emptying into the Strait of Tartary near the island of Sakhalin. The Amur is approximately 4,000 km long with a drainage area of just under 2 million square km. It is one of the world’s largest remaining free flowing rivers.

Amur River Map (Wikipedia)

Historically the Amur was the backdrop for several successful and unsuccessful Russian expansions to the East. Russian dreams of riches and new land remind one of the movement westward in 19th century America. The Amur River region made headlines in 1969, when the Sino-Soviet conflict broke out along the Ussuri River which flows into the Amur at Khabarovsk. Russian and Chinese forces battled over an island known to the Chinese as Zhenbao Island and to the Russians as Damansky Island. There was small unit fighting supported by artillery and both sides suffered loss of life. In the years following the incident China began secret negotiations with the US culminating in Richard Nixon’s visit to China in 1972. Both the US and China were concerned how to counter Soviet power, and this probably was one of the chief causes for the thaw in relations between the US and China.

Amur Tiger (Photo: V. Solkin WWF Rusia)

The river’s relative obscurity is probably a good thing for the wildlife of the Amur River. Mass tourism would surely damage what is an amazing ecosystem filled with biodiversity. Wildlife found along the Amur include the Amur Tiger, the Far Eastern Leopard, the Mongolian Gazelle, the Red Crowned Crane and the Amur Sturgeon. The Amur can also boast of an amazing diversity of landscapes. And while mass tourism doe not threaten the river, in its lower reaches there is water pollution, and industrial damage from the Soviet Era. In some areas along the river the Russian side is fairly pristine, while the Chinese side is heavily populated.

So for its own sake, is it better that the Amur River is unknown, or should there be greater awareness of one of Asia’s most beautiful waterways?

WWF-Russia Excellent Presentation on Amur River

http://www.wwf.ru/resources/publ/book/eng/299

Tokyo Olympics Update – City Hall vs Downtown

Tokyo Gov. Masuzoe starts Tokyo Marathon 2015 (Photo: Tokyo Gov.)

Regarding the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, euphoria appears to have evaporated and reality has set in. It looks like Japan is moving to “Plan B.” This has taken two forms, first wrangling about the cost and design of the Olympic Stadium on which construction is scheduled to start this October, and cost-cutting changes in venues for several events.

This week ( 9 June 2015) the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced its approval for a change of venue for seven sports as a cost-cutting measure. This, of course, changes the proposals put forward in Tokyo’s bid for the games which entailed keeping the venues close to the Olympic Village.

The debate over the new stadium first started with criticism by Japanese architects over the design and cost of the stadium. Modifications in size and design have been discussed, and the retractable roof has been scrapped to save money.

Last month, (May 18) Tokyo mayor Yoichi Masuzoe met with sports minister Hakubun Shimomura and sparks flew. Organizers want Tokyo to pay ¥50 billion of the ¥150 billion cost of the stadium. Masuzoe gave no concrete answer to the request, but blasted the organizers for their opaque decision making process which he compared to the WWII Japanese military’s style of managing information.

As for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the games will go on, and venues will be ready. Japan is a country that can be counted on to get things done, and this is probably one big reason that the IOC chose Tokyo. However, the road to 2020 does not look like a smooth one. Please log in and give us your opinion on this matter.

Japan Times Report

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/05/19/national/politics-diplomacy/tokyo-governor-deeply-worried-about-olympic-prep-after-learning-of-stadium-change/#.VXZQOWAdL8s

Person of Interest: President Benigno Aquino III

Phillipines President Benigno Aquino III (Photo: WEF)

Benigno Aquino III was inaugurated on June 30th, 2010 as President of The Philippines. 2015 marks the fifth year is his single, six year term. This past week saw the President in Tokyo, meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and discussing closer military ties with Japan aimed at thwarting Chinese ambitions in the South China Sea. They reportedly discussed a Visiting Forces Agreement with Japan, similar to the one in place with the U.S., where foreign forces could refuel at Philippine ports, thus extending their range of operations. During his visit the President also compared China to Nazi Germany during WWII.

Mr. Aquino is the son of former President Corazon Aquino, and Senator Benigno Aquino. He was born on February 8, 1960. He earned a BA in Economics in 1981 and was elected to the House of Representatives in 1998, and then to the Philippine Senate. After the death of his mother he was asked to run for President, accepted, and was elected in 2010.

An article in the Philippine Star last year ( June 18, 2014) gave a report card for the first part of Mr. Aquino’s presidency.

Improved

Economy in better shape
Country upgraded for investment
Corruption addressed
Responsible Parenthood law passed

Still Need attention

High food prices
High cost of energy
Infrastructure improvement poorly handled

In the short term, The Philippines also has to give attention to its tourism industry and minerals industry as well as to deal with a domestic insurrection in the south of the country. Mr. Aquino’s final year and a half in office looks like it will be as challenging as ever, in particular, the country’s ongoing territorial dispute with China which does not look like it will be settled any time soon.

Yasukuni Shrine 70 Years After WWII

Yasukuni Shrine ( Photo: Wiiii Wikipedia)

Summer is here once again, and in Japan, the issue of government officials visiting Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo’s Chiyoda ward will soon again be in the news. The end of WWII is remembered every August in Japan, and delegations of government officials including cabinet officers go to Yasukuni Shrine to pay their respects to the war dead. The controversy about these visits centers around objections by China and Korea that “Class A” war criminals are enshrined at Yasukuni, and that such visits are not appropriate given the actions of such people during WWII.

This controversy seems to have no solution. However, this year being the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, surely the issue will take on added significance. China plans to hold a huge ceremony to commemorate the end of hostilities just weeks after the late summer visits to Yasukuni. Also, there is always the possibility of the simmering Senkaku/Diaoyu dispute boiling up again due to “provocative” actions by the parties involved. So it could be a very hot summer indeed politically. What are your thoughts on this issue? Please log in and let us know.

Myanmar’s Hot Mobile Phone Sector Key To Change

( Photo:Telenor Website Myanmar)

by David Parmer

If you are looking toward politics as the driving force for change in Myanmar, you are probably looking in the wrong direction. For technology, not politics, is transforming what was formerly one of the world’s most reclusive countries. And the leading agent of technological change is the mobile phone. Myanmar’s mobile phone revolution is letting the country bypass the personal computer phase of development and go directly to handset and tablet.

The Nikkei Asia Review reported that there were 10.7 million mobile subscribers by the end of September 2014, up 87% from the end of 2013. The mobile penetration rate stands at 20%, with the government predicting 80% 3G penetration by 2016. Prices for SIM cards have plummeted and competition for subscribers is fierce.

Since the lifting of sanctions in 2013 two foreign firms have been allowed to enter the Myanmar market. They are Ooredoo from Qatar, and Telenor Group from Norway. Both companies have experience is emerging markets, and both are off to a good start. Competition between the two firms is intense, with Telenor taking the lead in number of subscribers causing Ooredoo to find a new Myanmar CEO to head up operations in 2015.

Forbes magazine lists Myanmar as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Years of military rule and isolation have left the country with a stunted infrastructure for its mostly-agricultural economy. Infrastructure is not the only drawback in doing business in Myanmar, a lack of trained, tech-savvy bi-lingual staff is also a challenge. And as for e-commerce, Tech In Asia reports that there is both a lack of vendors and a lack of logistics ability to handle a vibrant e-commerce sector.

So far, the new Myanmar is an Android nation with estimates of the number of Android users being anywhere from 75-95% of total users. Also, Shenzen-based Huawei dominates the handset market, with Samsung coming in second. For those who are interested in predicting trends in Myanmar, technology might be a better focus than politics, because in the world of hyper-tech, politics is yesterday’s news.

Forbes The Rebirth of Burma

http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesinternational/2015/01/09/the-rebirth-of-burma/

Iran Nuclear Talks – What the World Needs Now

U.S. Sec. of State Kerry and Iran FM Zarif 30 May 2015

( Photo: U.S. State via flickr)

The Iran nuclear talks resumed on Saturday, May 30 in Geneva with less than a month to go to the deadline of June 30 for the completion of a deal. The P5+1 talks have made steady progress, but the question is can they hit the target deadline? There seems to be two sticking points, one, the time-frame for lifting sanctions, and the other inspection of Iranian nuclear facilities, specifically military facilities. The consensus seems to be that there is a good chance of success for the talks, but that they might exceed the deadline.

Hard-liners in the West and in Iran remain mistrustful about the scope and implementation of the deal. Some critics in the West seem to think that the P5+1 negotiators will be tricked by Iran, and will “give away the store” to get a deal. This is probably not a very realistic scenario, but makes good fodder for domestic consumption. While there will probably be an “imperfect” deal, with each side not getting everything it wants, the overall good for all concerned of getting a deal that prevents militarization of Iran’s nuclear program and lifts sanctions, bringing Iran back into the mainstream of the international community should be obvious. What are your thoughts on this question? Please log in and let us know.

U.S. Sends 2nd Blunt Warning to China Within a Week

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter in Hawaii ( SOD via flickr)

by David Parmer

For the second time in less than a week, a high U.S. government official has sent a blunt message to China about U.S. intentions in the Pacific. On May 27, at a change-of-command ceremony at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter echoed the same kind of tough talk that U.S. Vice President Joe Biden had engaged in less than a week earlier at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Carter’s speech echoed Biden’s in that he addressed the occasion at hand, congratulated the admirals involved, talked of their service and achievements, and then gave the same message/warning to China that Biden had done. He said that the U.S wants peaceful resolution to all disputes, but that it would not budge on what it considers its rights in international waters.

First, we want a peaceful resolution of all disputes, and an immediate and lasting halt to land reclamation by any claimant. We also oppose any further militarization of disputed features.

Second – and there should be no mistake, should be no mistake about this – the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as we do all around the world.

Finally, with its actions in the South China Sea, China is out of step with both international norms that underscore the Asia-Pacific’s security architecture, and the regional consensus in favor of a non-coercive approach to this and other long-standing disputes.

China’s actions are bringing countries in the region together in new ways. And they’re increasing demand for American engagement in the Asia-Pacific, and we’re going to meet it. We will remain the principal security power in the Asia-Pacific for decades to come.

To underscore the points he outlined in Hawaii, Secretary of Defense Carter repeated them and elaborated on the theme in his speech at the IISS Shangra La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30. One might ask why the Obama administration is having two of its highest level officials delivering the same message. One reason might simply be to clearly state U.S. resolve to the American people, and to U.S. allies in the Pacific region. The other is to show U.S. resolve to a rising China, and put China on notice that the U.S. is still very much a world power and player in the Pacific. A final reason that can always be considered is domestic politics. A strong policy in the Pacific and a tough stance toward China might pre-empt any attempt by Republicans to paint the Democrats as “weak” on China in the coming presidential election.

Secretary Ash Carter’s Hawaii Speech May 27, 2015

http://www.defense.gov/Speeches/Speech.aspx?SpeechID=1944

Secretary Ash Carter’s Singapore Speech May 30, 2015

https://www.iiss.org/-/media/Documents/Events/Shangri-La%20Dialogue/SLD15/Carter.pdf

Chinese Response to Carter at Annapolis

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-05/29/c_134282034.htm

Joe Biden Lays Out Tough US Policy at Annapolis

by David Parmer

The U.S. Vice President’s speech at the U.S. Naval Academy graduation on May 22 was pure Biden. The Vice President engaged his audience as only a seasoned politician can do. In just over 25 minutes he made remarks appropriate to the occasion, acknowledged dignitaries and treated all to samples of the Biden wit and humor. That’s not to say that the speech lacked gravitas; he praised the hard work of the graduates and wished them well in their chosen careers in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps, and explained how much the country needs them. It was a fine commencement speech indeed.

However, what could easily be overlooked with the emphasis on humor and ceremony was the tough policy speech that was wrapped in that framework. Mr. Biden laid out U.S. foreign policy clearly and bluntly. He explained that the U.S. was not only a world power, but a Pacific power, and that the U.S. had been active in the Pacific for the past 60 years and would continue to be so. He pointed the finger at China for its actions in the South China Sea, and criticized China’s unilateral policy in the area. And in a strong statement, after enumerating U.S. naval power, he said “…woe betide the foe who decides to challenge the United States of America or our Navy.” And to further make his point he said: “America’s command of the oceans is the measure and the symbol of our diplomatic and military primacy in the world.”

In 1900, U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt wrote: “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” Roosevelt’s America had a strong navy and was not afraid to use it. It seems as if on May 22, Vice President Biden was channeling the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt to a receptive audience of sailors and marines.

Just down the road is the U.S. presidential election in 2016. Mr. Biden has not ruled out seeking the nomination. And, Mr. Biden’s speech at the U.S. Naval Academy did not seem Vice Presidential, but rather more Presidential. He laid out a bold vision of American power in this century and beyond. Perhaps Joe Biden is not ready to sail off into the sunset just yet. Judged by his Annapolis speech, it would seem that that is the case.

Excerpts from Vice President Biden’s Speech at Annapolis on May 22, 2015

U.S. foreign policy is rebalancing toward the vast potential of the Asia Pacific region. But we can’t succeed if you don’t show up. That’s why 60 percent of the United States Naval forces will be stationed in the Asia Pacific by 2020 — P-8s, Zumwalt-class destroyers, littoral combat ships, forward-deployed forces, Marines in Darwin — all and many more are headed to the Pacific, and so are many of you. And it matters — because Pacific peace and prosperity, to a great extent, has depended on and will continue to depend on U.S. Naval power, just as it has for the past 60 years.

In the disputed waters of the South China Sea, the United States does not privilege the claims of one nation over another. But we do — unapologetically — stand up for the equitable and peaceful resolution of disputes and for the freedom of navigation.

And today, these principles are being tested by Chinese activities in the South China Sea. They’re building airstrips –the placing of oil rigs, the imposition of unilateral bans on fishing in disputed territories, the declaration of air-defense zones, the reclamation of land, which other countries are doing, but not nearly on the massive scale the Chinese are doing.

We will look to you to guarantee our strategic nuclear deterrence serving in Navy ballistic missile submarines, the most secure and survivable element of our nuclear triad. From the offensive firepower of the Marine Expeditionary Force to our Carrier strike forces to our multi-nation ballistic missile defense capable ships [sic], woe betide the foe who decides to challenge the United States of America or our Navy.

America’s command of the oceans is the measure and the symbol of our diplomatic and military primacy in the world. As George Washington remarked during the Revolutionary War, “It follows then as certain as that night succeeds day that without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive. And with it, everything honorable and glorious.” That hasn’t changed one single bit.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/05/22/commencement-address-vice-president-united-states-naval-academy

Photo: U.S. Naval Academy (public domain) via flickr

“Summer Davos” in Dalian, China Sept. 9-11, 2015

(Photo: WEF 2015 Mexico)

The 9th Annual Meeting of the New Champions – Global Meeting on Innovation, Science and Technology will take place in Dalian this coming September. Known as the “Summer Davos” the meeting will host more than 1500 participants from 90 countries representing such areas business, government research and media. This year’s theme will be “Charting a new Course for Growth.” The meeting will bring together :

Tech pioneers
Public figures
Young global leaders
Social entrepreneurs

In this year’s meeting, these leaders and thinkers will examine the entrepreneurial response to the question of lower growth since the world financial crisis.

For a complete description visit the Annual Meeting of the New Champions website:

http://www.weforum.org/events/annual-meeting-new-champions-2015