カテゴリー: 議論の場

                                U.S. and Iran Representatives To Nuclear Talks ( Gov.State)

The Iran nuclear talks are still ongoing with a deadline of March 24 fast approaching. The question is: will a deal be reached?  For everyone’s sake we hope so. These negotiations might be likened to the early treaties between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. at the height of the Cold War. The stakes are high for the world, not because of the kind of mutual destruction prevented by the arms limitation talks, but rather because of a not-to-be missed chance to bring Iran back into the community of nations. A strong and prosperous Iran can act as a stabilizing force in its neighborhood and legitimately and openly work with world partners for world peace. On the other hand, a further isolated Iran controlled by hard-liners is in no one’s interest. Please log in and give us your thoughts n this topic.

 

 

   Indonesian Troops on Parade (Photo: ASEAN Update)

Should ASEAN nations look to their own collective defense, or should they work with the US to further ensure their safety and security?

The U.S. has made its so called “pivot to Asia” recently, focusing on an area that got less than full attention during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. What does the U.S. offer to the alliance, and how much cooperation should independent ASEAN nations have with Washington?  In today’s climate is there any neutrality, or must everyone take sides? Please log in and give us your thoughts.

 

                                           Jin Jiang Grosvenor House

                                                 by David Parmer/Tokyo

After his historic meeting with Chairman Mao Zedong, and sightseeing in North China, President Richard M. Nixon returned to Shanghai to continue meetings with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. On February 28, 1972 as the capstone of the trip and meetings, a joint statement by the U.S and PRC, the Shanghai Communiqué, was issued.

 The venue for this meeting was Shanghai’s classic JinJiang Hotel. The hotel is located on Maoming Road in the former French Concession across the street from the former French Club.

The hotel complex is an oasis of green with over 10,000 square meters of gardens, and in many ways resembles  a university campus. The hotel’s four buildings include the Cathay Building, commissioned by property magnate Sir Victor Sassoon (1929) the Grosvner House (1935) and the new south building, now the Cathay Garden (1965). On the Maoming Road side is the three-story Jun Ling Building which houses offices and of course the Jin Jiang Grand Hall where the Shanghai Communiqué was signed.

                                                       Jin Jiang Grand Hall

This four star hotel has hosted a long list of foreign dignitaries and heads of state and is one of Shanghai’s finest. It still preserves a sense of Shanghai’s long and colorful history.

 

 Jin Jiang Hotel VIPs And Heads of State: 

http://jj.jinjianghotels.com/portal/jinjiang_en/jjhistory.aspx?did=477&catalogId=83

 RG 21 report and full text here:

http://research-group21.com/admin/mt.cgi?__mode=view&_type=entry&blog_id=2&id=131

 

                              Evening Cool At Shijokawara ( Hiroshige)

In 2015, if you said that Japan is the best tourist destination on Earth, you would have a strong case. For already in the first quarter of 2015 we have seen the cities of the world that were once dream vacation destinations become the sites of political unrest and acts of terrorism. Romantic Paris? Quaint Copenhagen? Historic London? It seems their days of popularity are severely compromised if not over to a great extent. And Japan? Safe, clean, and cool with low crime and affordable prices- if you know where to look. For tourists there are also Japanese products to consider-high quality, well designed and safe. Tradition culture and futuristic trends mix in Japan in 2015. So what do you think: is Japan really the best tourist destination for 2015. Please log in and let us know your thoughts.

 “Boat People at Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea”

                   (Photo: Vito Manzari )

What problems will Europe face in 2015? Certainly the economy, terrorism and immigration. So far terrorism (thanks to the Paris attacks) has taken center stage. And the Greek elections in January have put the economy on page one, but what of immigration? Will immigration in Europe be the leading story this year? Switzerland, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Germany all have immigration issues. And Scandinavia has its share of immigrant communities. So what will happen in 2015? Will governments already stressed by the immigration problem react in such a way to limit or even eliminate immigration?  What will Europe’s short and long terms solutions be?  Please log in and give us your thoughts on this question.

 

 

             East China Sea (Photo: T. Kuboki/Wikimedia)

 Early January 2015. The East China Sea is quiet. There is no unusual activity and no incidents have occurred recently. Calm. But the area is in dispute, and Japan and China have very different ideas about their interests and rights in the area. While there is ongoing bickering and accusations are made by both sides neither party has escalated its activities to the point of provoking a major incident. So the question is how long will this relative calm continue in 2015? In the East China Sea will we see calm waters in 2015, or will the sea boil over? Please log in and give us your thoughts on this matter.

 

    ISIS Japanese Hostages ( Hindustan Times)

Friday January 23rd is the deadline for the Japanese government to pay a $200 million ransom for two of its citizens, Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa held by the Islamic State. Reports say the Japanese government is trying to come up with a solution to the crisis. But the situation does not look promising: If Japan pays ransom for the hostages, then Japanese citizens become targets all over the world for kidnapping and ransom. And the Japanese government will be seen as giving in to terrorists. Moreover, ISIS has never publically backed down concerning its treats. So, is there any hope or any solution to this problem?  Please log in and post your comments.

 

 

       Li Keqiang WEF 2010 (Photo: WEF)

Among the heads of state and government representatives heading to the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters Switzerland from January 21-24, 2015 will be China’s Premier Li Keqiang. Premier Li is no stranger to the WEF, having made one of his first appearances on the world stage in 2010 at Davos. Li presented China’s vision for long-term development touching on topics like sustainable development, green energy and modernization of key strategic industries. He got very positive reviews for his presentation. More recently he appeared at the 2013 “Summer Davos” and gave the keynote address at the at that event in Tianjin in 2014. Premier Li is a trained lawyer with advanced studies in economics. Speculation is that his Davos speech this year will focus on foreign investment in China. This week’s question is: Will Premier Li Keqiang make any new or dramatic announcements during the conference? What do you think he will have to offer about China’s economic future both short and long term? Please log in and give us your thoughts.

 Premier Li Keqing’s visit to Switzerland

http://www.icrosschina.com/news/2015/0116/7783.shtml

 

                                                          (Photo: Wikimedia)

2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the close of WWII. There will certainly be much made of this, and events held to mark the occasion will go on throughout the year. Surviving veterans will be asked to remember those days and politicians and heads of government will make speeches. The world has undergone tremendous social, political and technological changes since 1945, and yet “peace” has still not become universal on Earth. What thoughts do you have about this anniversary, and what do you think is the right way to remember 1945? Please log in and post your comments below.