News of the Day (March 8)

Anti-secession law finally introduced: Communist China’s rubber-stamp National People’s Congress has at last publicized its “anti-secession law,” aimed at, in their words, “protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity” (BBC). The “law” which is aimed squarely at the island democracy of Taiwan, allows for “non-peaceful means and other necessary measures” (Cybercast News), if “possibilities for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted” (United Press International via Washington Times). That deliberately vague statement is what has the island democracy so very nervous – the Taiwanese government called it “a blank check to attack” (CNN). Although Taiwan was once part of Nationalist China, the Communists have never controlled it; it has become a vibrant democracy despite repeated Communist threats to conquer it.

SNK “worst persecutor” of Christians, Communist China ninth worst: The rankings were composed by Open Doors International, an evangelical Christian group (World Net Daily). SNK considers Christianity “one of the greatest threats to the regime's power."

Over 100,000 quit the Chinese Communist Party after the Nine Commentaries: The seminal Epoch Times document that details the horrific crimes on the Communists have lead to “5,000 to 6,000 daily” resignations from the Party, and over 100,00 in total.

More from the BBC on Communist China: The BBC is airing a documentary on Communist China. Their website has four pieces based on the series: A surprisingly good piece on sham village “elections,” how its using its influence in Kazakhstan to crush Uighur opposition in occupied East Turkestan, the plight of political dissidents including the Tiananmen Mothers, and a somewhat weak Tim Luard piece on Taiwan.

Other commentary on Communist China: Center for Security Policy head Frank Gaffney, Jr., calls on the U.S. to reduce its dependence on foreign oil due to Communist China’s ties to “oil-exporting terrorist-sponsoring states like Iran, Sudan and Venezuela . . . with a view to denying them to us as well as meeting their own burgeoning demands” (Washington Times). Meanwhile, Hu Xingdou, Professor from Beijing Institute of Technology, risks his career (and worse) with a scathing indictment of the corruption in Communist China’s education system (Epoch Times).

John Bolton nominated UN Ambassador: John Bolton, once dubbed “human scum” by Stalinist North Korea (Cybercast News) – is President Bush’s nominee for Ambassador to the United Nations (UPI via Washington Times, Newsday). What effect he will have on overall foreign policy is unclear, but his appointment has already spooked Democratic Senators John Corzine (New Jersey) and John Kerry (Massachusetts) – both quotes cited by National Review Online’s “Beltway Buzz.” Susan E. Rice, Assistant Secretary of State during Bill Clinton’s final term, had this to say (Washington Post): “Once a paid consultant to the Taiwanese government, Bolton favors Taiwan's independence and its full U.N. membership” (that’s a bad thing?). Bolton has several supporters, namely Arizona Republican Senator John McCain (Newsmax), The aforementioned Frank Gaffney, Jr. (NRO), David Frum (also NRO), and of course, this quarter.