News of the Day (June 20)

From the China Freedom Blog Alliance: The Korea Liberator comments on the latest in South Korean dovishness (see also Newsweek Int'l) and begs the Stalinists to launch the Taepodong 2 (see also BBC, Bill Gertz - Washington Times, Daily NK, National Review Online, and the Washington Post).

South Koreans pray for their northern brethren outside Communist Chinese consulates: The Communist embassy in Seoul and the consulate in Pusan witnessed prayer meetings by human rights activists (Daily NK).

An embattled President Chen defends himself in nationwide address: President Chen Shui-bian denied the latest rumors, these surrounding his wife, and insisted that "Clean government is my highest principle" (BBC). Chen addressed the nation just before the pan-blue-controlled legislature began debate on a recall motion against him (tenth, fifth, seventh, seventh, nineteenth, last, eighth, seventh, and twelfth items).

Taiwanese democracy debated: The Communists are using current imbroglio on Taiwan "to assert that a freewheeling, democratic system is not suitable for Taiwan, and, by extension, for China" (Chiu Hei-yuan, who debunks that silliness in Time Asia). Meanwhile, Pepperdine University's Taiwan forum examined the political situation there (Epoch Times).

On Communist China and Russia: The Communist-owned oil firm "is buying 96.9 percent of OAO Udmurtneft from Russian oil major TNK-BP" (United Press Int'l via Washington Times). Meanwhile, Dmitry Kosyrev of the RIA Novosti news examines the Shanghai Cooperation Organization from Russia's point of view (UPI via Washington Times).

On the United States and India: Meghan A. O'Connell (UPI via Washington Times), examines elite opinion on the U.S.-India nuclear deal (second item).

On corruption in the Chinese Communist Party: He Qinglian, Epoch Times, details how local cadres are continuing to enrich themselves through land seizures, and recommends the following: "The only way to fundamentally solve the land enclosure problem is by giving land ownership to individuals. If land is privately owned, local government would be unable to get away with selling land for their own profit." Meanwhile, Du Zongyi, Cheng Ming Journal via Epoch Times, highlights another avenue for cadres to line their pockets - placing their rank and connections in the party as collateral for bank credit.