News of the Day (March 10)

Forty-six years ago today, Communist China crushed the anti-Communist resistance in Tibet, consolidating its 1951 conquest of that country. Please take a moment to remember those brave souls who died on and since that day for Tibetan freedom.

Missiles aimed at Taiwan to hit 800 next year: The 700 missiles Communist China is pointing at Taiwan “is estimated to increase to 800 next year,” according to Taiwan Defense Minister Lee Jye (cited by Agence France Presse via Spacewar). Lee made the comments just after Communist China presented its odious “anti-secession law,” which would give the regime a “legal” excuse to conquer the island democracy.

Said “law” earned a well-written rebuke by Robert Kagan in the Washington Post. Meanwhile, the law’s target – Taiwan’s elected President Chen Shui-bian – talked to Newsweek (via MSNBC) about his vision for peace. He even mentions the possibility of reunification with the mainland – but only if it is democratic and prosperous.

U.S. OK’s Lenovo-IBM deal: Well, we lost this one. Despite our best efforts, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. approved the Communist-owned Lenovo’s deal with IBM for the latter’s personal computer arm. Report: BBC

PETA takes aim at Communist China: In a “first-ever exposé of Chinese fur farms” (Epoch Times), People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ripped the cadres for treating animals in a manner “cruel in the extreme and difficult to imagine for people from other countries.” This quarter welcomes PETA into the anti-Communist coalition.

Tung Chee-hwa makes it official: Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, citing a “punishing schedule” (BBC) and poor health (CNN), officially resigned, confirming earlier reports of his impending exit. The Communist-appointed panel that “elected” Tung is all-but-certain to choose acting Chief Donald Tsang (CNN profile) as the city’s new “leader,” although it is unclear if he will be granted a full five-year term. One thing on which everyone in the city agrees is that the issue “will be decided in Beijing” (BBC).

On the State of the Workers in the Workers’ State: Tony Cheng, BBC, examines the plight of factory workers in Huizhou who were poisoned on the job.

Is Communist China on the way up, or on the way out? Melinda Liu and John Barry of Newsweek (via MSNBC) examine Communist China’s increasing “soft power” in Asia. Parapundit founder Randall Parker (member since 2003), weighs in on the piece, and wonders what Communist China will do with its increasing power. Masha Loftus,
Epoch Times, wonders if the Communist Party will ever get to use that power before the weight of the truth – especially the widely popular Nine Commentaries – crushes it.

More commentary on Communist China: The BBC examines how the Communists’ demand for soya is transforming Argentina’s agriculture, not necessarily for the better. Mary Hennock, BBC, details the impact of the Communists’ thirst for oil on the globe.