作者別: RG21管理者

 (DPP Chair Su Tseng-chang/VOA)

by David Parmer

Taiwan’s opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) issued its 2014 China Policy Review on January 9. The DPP’s  China Affairs Department released the document with a forward by DPP chair SuTseng-cheng. Those looking for hints of change in policy or emphasis will have to look elsewhere-the DPP remains staunch in its fundamental principles and is unequivocal in its assertions.

The DPP, which was founded in 1986, and is Taiwan’s first opposition party, is known for its strong human rights stance, its concern with social welfare, its belief in the importance of relations with the U.S., Japan and Europe, and its unwavering commitment to Taiwan independence.

The report covers four areas:

• Political relations
• Economic strategy
• Freedom and human rights
• National defense

The report echoes the party platform. A key point is that the people’s wishes are the main concern in cross strait relations. And the DPP report asserts:

“An examination of the positions and attitudes of the Taiwanese people towards China policy reveals that their national identity and preferences for independence versus unification have solidified.”

 This point is repeated throughout the document and is paired with the idea that cross-strait exchanges must not undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty and security. A call was also made for more transparency in cross strait relations as well as more emphasis on democracy, freedom and human rights.

 The report states that Taiwan faces three problems: globalization, regional economic integration and the economic rise of China. Mention is also made of the negative effects on the Taiwan economy caused by economic relations with China. And finally to ensure Taiwan’s continued security, the DPP report advocates increasing the defense budget.

 DPP 2014 China Policy Review: http://www.scribd.com/doc/198143800/DPP-2014-China-Policy-Review-Summary-Report

 

 

 

 

 

The 22^nd Olympic winter games will be held in Sochi, Russia from February 7-23. There will be 98 events for 15 winter sports. 2500 athletes from 85 countries will participate and some 25000 volunteers will assist. This is Russian’s second time to hold the Olympics.

Organizers have published their objectives for the games:

“The games of Sochi are going to be highly innovative Olympic and Paralympic winter games that will express the spirit of modern Russia and bring with them sustainable, positive change for the whole country.” (Sochi 2014 website)

 Asian countries have high hopes for the games. These include:

                                             Japan

Japan will send 100 athletes and hopes to wind its first gold medal in eight years. In Vancouver 2010 Japan took home three silver and two bronze medals.

                                            China

China will send 130 athletes to Sochi to participate in acrobatic events on ice, short track speed skating, freestyle skating and snowboarding. China’s chances at the short track speed skating gold are dim now that star Wang Meng will miss Sochi 2014 with an ankle injury. China won five gold, two silver and four bronze medals at the 2010 Vancouver games.

                                             Republic of Korea

Korea will send 64 athletes and 49 officials to Sochi. This is the highest ever for Korea, which will be represented in every sport but ice hockey. Korea has finished in the top 10 medal winning countries in the past six winter games, and aims for four gold medals this time. 

                                          Chinese Taipei

Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) will be represented by two male athletes, one in short track speed skating and one in speed skating.

                                                   India

 India will be represented three athletes, including Shiva Keshavan in luge. Indian athletes will be entered as independents because of a dispute between the IOA and IOC.

                                               Tajikistan

Tajikistan will enter one athlete in alpine skii

                                              Kazakhstan

 Kazakhstan will be represented by athletes in 10 sports.

 

                                           Eastern China December 2013 (Photo: NASA)

                                                       by David Parmer

This week, Asian Development Bank president Takehiko Nakao urged Japan and China to put aside their difference and find common ground in protecting the environment. Channel News Asia reported on Nakao’s remarks at the Asian Financial Forum meeting held in Hong Kong on 13-14 January 2014. Nakao said that Japan has much experience in dealing with its own pollution problems in the 1970s and 1980s  and could share such expertise. Recent political tensions, particularly the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands problem have overshadowed the environmental problems of the region, which in the long run could be far more devastating than increased territorial tensions.

One of the biggest causes of regional pollution is the burning of coal for energy. China is not alone here as Mongolia and The Republic of Korea also burn coal.

China has taken and continues to take measures to curb pollution which has reached record, “off the charts” levels in Beijing this year. Counter-measures include setting limits on the burning of coal, regulating automobile ownership and use, and clean energy plants. One of the more promising initiatives is the Chinese government’s requirements for the online reporting of air emissions, waste water and noise levels by major industries.

However there is real concern in Japan that air containing hazardous 2.5 fine particles could arrive there by spring 2015.

For the sake of peoples’ health, commerce and the sustainability of regional resources it is imperative that real cooperation among the stakeholders in the region take place as soon as possible, and that workable long-term solutions are planned and put into effect.