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中国語2013 Was a good year for Chinese Russian relations with cooperation in the areas of trade, energy, military ties and people-to-people exchanges. Moreover, the presidents of both countries have a cordial personal and professional relationship. Things look good for two countries with a long history of involvement with each other that range from fraternal to frosty. So what does the future hold? Look into your crystal ball and tell us what you think will happen in 2014 and beyond as these two giants again focus on better relations.
カテゴリー: 議論の場
Kim Jong Un Eliminates Possible Rival
This week Kim Jong Un moved quickly to eliminate any threat to his power by dismissing, arresting and executing his uncle Jang Song Thaek. Jang was thought to favor a more progressive economic model similar to the Chinese one. He was accused of all sorts of crimes including treason and womanizing. The North Korean press vilified him, and his hasty execution is thought to be a stern warning to like-minded persons within the DPRK leadership. Sources say the purging of Jang will be followed by similar purges of his followers. So, the question once again is: What is going on in Pyongyang? How will this effect the whole equation of North Korean politics? How will this affect North Korea’s approach to key issues like Six Party nuclear talks and relations with it neighbors to the south. Post your comments below.
Are Educational Rankings Useful?
This week saw the publications of the results for the 2012 PISA rankings for 15-year-old high school students worldwide. Testing was held in math, science and reading. The top seven spots were taken by Asian countries/economies. This week’s question is: Are such tests really worthwhile? Are they a valid test of ability and creativity? Is there such a thing as too much testing? Post your thoughts below.
HISTORIC AGREEMENT IN GENEVA
November 24, 2013
An historic agreement concerning Iran’s nuclear program has been reached between the world powers (P5+1=Permanent members of the UN Security Council + Germany) and Iran. Negotiators working overtime in Geneva came to a deal where Iran would halt certain nuclear development and permit inspection in exchange for the partial lifting of sanctions. The time frame is six months. It is hoped that a broader agreement can be reached during that time. As expected, both Israel and Saudi Arabia have voiced strong opposition to the agreement. The question is what long-term effects will come of this agreement? Will Iran again join the wider community of nations? Will its economy significantly improve? Is this deal a blessing, or something to worry about?Please give us your thougths on this matter.
21st Century Asia-Headed Where?
Which way is Asia headed in the twenty-first century? Will we see greater economic cooperation, or will we see greater competition? Will Asian countries, particularly Central Asian countries move more toward democracy and transparency? Will Central Asia experience its own version of the “Arab Spring”? And will racial and ethnic tensions be resolved so that all levels of society can enjoy prosperity? So, what do you think the future will look like? Post your comments below.
Should Developing Countries Have Space Programs?
India’s recent launch of its Mars satellite mission drew criticism from some quarters stating that the money could have been better spent eradicating poverty on Earth, specifically in India. They said India could not afford such a costly venture. The price tag was a relatively modest USD 73 million (see linked article). Still could funds be better spent either directly in eradicating poverty or in doing research on Earth? If space programs are simply a matter of pride, how much is pride worth? What is your opinion-do space programs return enough benefits to developing countries to justify the cost? Please post below.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/elements/2013/11/a-mission-to-mars-on-the-cheap.html
Japan China War of Words–For Now
by David Parmer
China has lodged a strong protest with Japan claiming interference with its naval drills that ran from October 24, 2013 to November 1, 2013. The Chinese side claims that Japanese vessels entered waters where the Chinese were conducting announced military drills. Japan claims that it was conducting normal surveillance. This type of activity is reminiscent of the cold war, when the U.S. and Soviet military assets shadowed each other, and the nuclear stakes were high indeed. Now China and Japan seem to both be engaged on a similar course of action. Fortunately the cold war game of cat and mouse did not result in shooting incidents or loss of life. But what about the present situation? Emotions and national pride are on display in the Pacific waters. Can this go on for some time to come, or will it come to a head and a shooting incident (s) occur? What do you think? Post your opinion below
China MOD protests: http://eng.mod.gov.cn/Press/2013-11/01/content_4473429.htm
Japan denies incurion: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/01/national/japan-denies-disrupting-china-drills/#.UnToH5TUaN4
Photo: China Military Online
China’s Xi : Things Can’t Go On Forever Vis-à-Vis Taiwan
At the recent APEC meeting on the Indonesian island of Bali, China’s President Xi Jinping told Taiwan’s representative that the political question should not be passed on from generation to generation. His remarks suggested that a sense of urgency should be introduced into the equation. Taiwan’s president Ma Ying-jeou answered Xi’s remarks in a long interview with the Washington Post, in which he stated that there was not yet consensus, and that, in fact, very important work in cross strait relations was ongoing and highly positive. Ma restated the KMT position: no unification, no independence, no use of force. So what is happening? Why is President Xi applying some gentle pressure, and will the pressure be increased if Ma and Taiwan maintain their position? Post your comments below.
Photo: thierry ehrmann via flickr
N. Korea Vows Nuclear Retaliation
In a statement on the Korea Central News agency website on 12 October 2013, North Korea media says U.S.-Japan-ROK maneuvers are a provocative act, and that if attacked the DPRK will marshal its forces including nuclear capabilities to deal a counter-blow. (http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm). This is pretty strong rhetoric and suggests that the North might want to hold on to its nuclear capability for a long time to come. So are there really any chances for re-starting the Six Party Talks? And if so, could the North be trusted to disclose and disarm? Post you thoughts below.
Q4-2013 Prospects-Good or Bad For Asia Pacific?
The fourth quarter of 2013 is already here. There are only 81 days remaining this year. There is quiet on the Korean peninsula (or a lowered state of tension at least), and the Diayou-Senkaku issue has also receded a bit from the headlines. So our question this week is: Will the APEC region continue quiet until the end of the year, or will 2013 bow out with tensions again heightened as earlier in the year? Please post your thoughts below.