Communist IPOs could create “China bubble”: A rash of initial public offerings (IPOs) by Communist firms in U.S. stock markets “could spark an asset bubble to rival the dot-com crash” (BBC). Sounding the alarm was Richard D'Amato, Chairman of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission: “I fear the Wall Street crowd that brought us the hi-tech bubble is now fast creating a new China bubble.” Of course, this time the losers would be U.S. investors, and the winners would be the Communists.
U.S. “hoping” for textile deal with Communists: Meanwhile, American negotiator David Spooner said he was hoping for “a long-time solution” (BBC) to the surge of Communist textile exports to the U.S. Communist textile exports rose dramatically after worldwide textile trade restrictions ended (fifth item), crowding out several nations who were supposed to benefit from the end of the trade curbs (fourth and second items).
Communists create internet addiction center: Communist China has created a center to address “internet addiction” (London Times). Left unsaid is the possibility that such a center can be a new front in the Communists’ battle against cyber-dissidents: the anti-addiction center is based in the Beijing Military Hospital. Communist China has already employed mental institutions against dissidents (fifth and fourth items).
Communist official admits telecommunications sector wastes $25 billion: Yang Xianzu, former head of China Unicom and currently a high-ranking cadre, acknowledged that the Communist-controlled telecommunication sector has wasted almost $25 billion “in useless construction projects” (United Press International via Washington Times).
On Communist China’s espionage and the Falun Gong War: In PDF form, here is the testimony of former Communist political consul Chen Yonglin before the House Int’l Relations Committee on the Communist espionage network in Australia and the U.S., and how the cadres use it to persecute Falun Gong practitioners outside Communist China.
Other commentary on Communist China: Lev Navrozov, Newsmax, has an excellent column in which he dissects Communist propaganda regarding Taiwan. The editors of the Epoch Times examine the Communists’ practice of “systematic brainwashing of children” into the Party’s Youth League and Young Pioneers groups.
Friday, August 12, 2005
Thursday, August 11, 2005
News of the Day (August 11)
Communists release Chen Shaowen: The internet essayist had been in jail since 2002 for writing what the cadres called “reactionary material” (tenth item). Report: Boxun
“Pig fever” hits the Pacific coast as Communist coverup continues: According to Boxun, the disease the Communists continue to insist is streptococcosis suis (“pig fever”) has hit Guangdong and Liaoning Provinces (Shenyang is the capital of the latter). The Communists have also been hiding the actual number of deaths from this disease, which is “at least 200” in Sichuan Province alone. The Communists are still refusing to let any outsiders in to examine this disease, which one doctor claimed is actually Ebola (fourth item), and are clearly in full disease-coverup mode.
Taiwanese major busted for spying for Commuist China: Major Chuang Po-hsin, who “worked in electronic surveillance” (BBC) was caught as part of a probe into credit card fraud. Taiwan said the information compromised “was not highly confidential.”
Mugabe turns down South African aid offer, says Communist China will save him: Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe “snubbed South Africa's financial rescue package and said the economy would be revived by assistance from China” (Cape Times, South Africa). South Africa’s offer included a call for talks with the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, something Communist China would never demand of Mugabe.
Yahoo hands cadres $1 billion for piece of Alibaba: Yahoo will buy a little over 1/3 of the Communist e-trading and auction firm Alibaba; as part of the deal, “Yahoo is to merge its Chinese search engine operations with Alibaba” (BBC). Edward Lanfranco, United Press Int’l (via Washington Times), has an interesing analysis of the role of Softbank in all of this, while Gavin Stamp, BBC, gives the lay of the land on the Communist internet market. Of course, national security and human rights are nowhere to be found in any of the pieces.
Communist “currency basket” leaves out the kitchen sink: Just about everything else was included in the currencies Communist China will use to “to measure its own yuan currency” (BBC): the dollar, the pound, the ruble, South Korea’s won, and the euro.
Ignorant Comment of the Day: No name came with this UPI (via Washington Times) piece on Communist plans for a “counter-terrorism law.” Here’s the whopper: “the country is home to a separatist rebellion by the Uighurs, many of who were captured in Afghanistan, adding to fears of an attack when Beijing plays host to the 2008 Olympics.” How many times do the people of occupied East Turkestan have to disprove the Communist slander that they are all bin Ladenite terrorists?
On Communist Chinese espionage: Jay Solomon, Wall Street Journal, talks to the FBI’s David Szady about Communist China’s espionage network in the U.S. (via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). Francis Harris, London Telegraph, also weighs in.
On Russia and Communist China: RIA Novosti’s Viktor Litovkin tries to put a positive spin on the upcoming joint Russia-Communist China “Peaceful Mission - 2005” military exercises (UPI via Washington Times).
On the Falun Gong War: Former Communist security officer Han Guangsheng details the horrible torture of Falun Gong practitioners in a speech reprinted by the Epoch Times.
More commentary on Communist China: You Sang-cheol, Asian news editor for South Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo, reminds readers that journalists in Communist China “have agreed not to touch” certain topics, “though this is never acknowledged.” Chen Pokong, a former Communist professor who became a pariah for his participation in the Tiananmen protests of 1989, talks about the recent wave of resignations from the Chinese Communist Party (Epoch Times). Jeffrey Sparshott, Washington Times, examines Communist China’s plans for buying up U.S. firms after Unocal.
On Stalinist North Korea: The Stalinists’ demand for a “peaceful” nuclear energy program has peeled dovish South Korea away from the U.S. position (BBC), and turned the discussion into one about SNK’s energy needs (Voice of America via Epoch Times) and, of course, money (UPI via Washington Times). Meanwhile, the Stalinists have managed to build on past concessions with a South Korean electricity offer (ninth item) and can continue to build and hide nuclear weapons without even a hint of consequences. Will they never learn? Meanwhille, there are still some who can see the Stalinists for who they really are, and Anthony Faiola (Washington Post via MSNBC) talked to them.
“Pig fever” hits the Pacific coast as Communist coverup continues: According to Boxun, the disease the Communists continue to insist is streptococcosis suis (“pig fever”) has hit Guangdong and Liaoning Provinces (Shenyang is the capital of the latter). The Communists have also been hiding the actual number of deaths from this disease, which is “at least 200” in Sichuan Province alone. The Communists are still refusing to let any outsiders in to examine this disease, which one doctor claimed is actually Ebola (fourth item), and are clearly in full disease-coverup mode.
Taiwanese major busted for spying for Commuist China: Major Chuang Po-hsin, who “worked in electronic surveillance” (BBC) was caught as part of a probe into credit card fraud. Taiwan said the information compromised “was not highly confidential.”
Mugabe turns down South African aid offer, says Communist China will save him: Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe “snubbed South Africa's financial rescue package and said the economy would be revived by assistance from China” (Cape Times, South Africa). South Africa’s offer included a call for talks with the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, something Communist China would never demand of Mugabe.
Yahoo hands cadres $1 billion for piece of Alibaba: Yahoo will buy a little over 1/3 of the Communist e-trading and auction firm Alibaba; as part of the deal, “Yahoo is to merge its Chinese search engine operations with Alibaba” (BBC). Edward Lanfranco, United Press Int’l (via Washington Times), has an interesing analysis of the role of Softbank in all of this, while Gavin Stamp, BBC, gives the lay of the land on the Communist internet market. Of course, national security and human rights are nowhere to be found in any of the pieces.
Communist “currency basket” leaves out the kitchen sink: Just about everything else was included in the currencies Communist China will use to “to measure its own yuan currency” (BBC): the dollar, the pound, the ruble, South Korea’s won, and the euro.
Ignorant Comment of the Day: No name came with this UPI (via Washington Times) piece on Communist plans for a “counter-terrorism law.” Here’s the whopper: “the country is home to a separatist rebellion by the Uighurs, many of who were captured in Afghanistan, adding to fears of an attack when Beijing plays host to the 2008 Olympics.” How many times do the people of occupied East Turkestan have to disprove the Communist slander that they are all bin Ladenite terrorists?
On Communist Chinese espionage: Jay Solomon, Wall Street Journal, talks to the FBI’s David Szady about Communist China’s espionage network in the U.S. (via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). Francis Harris, London Telegraph, also weighs in.
On Russia and Communist China: RIA Novosti’s Viktor Litovkin tries to put a positive spin on the upcoming joint Russia-Communist China “Peaceful Mission - 2005” military exercises (UPI via Washington Times).
On the Falun Gong War: Former Communist security officer Han Guangsheng details the horrible torture of Falun Gong practitioners in a speech reprinted by the Epoch Times.
More commentary on Communist China: You Sang-cheol, Asian news editor for South Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo, reminds readers that journalists in Communist China “have agreed not to touch” certain topics, “though this is never acknowledged.” Chen Pokong, a former Communist professor who became a pariah for his participation in the Tiananmen protests of 1989, talks about the recent wave of resignations from the Chinese Communist Party (Epoch Times). Jeffrey Sparshott, Washington Times, examines Communist China’s plans for buying up U.S. firms after Unocal.
On Stalinist North Korea: The Stalinists’ demand for a “peaceful” nuclear energy program has peeled dovish South Korea away from the U.S. position (BBC), and turned the discussion into one about SNK’s energy needs (Voice of America via Epoch Times) and, of course, money (UPI via Washington Times). Meanwhile, the Stalinists have managed to build on past concessions with a South Korean electricity offer (ninth item) and can continue to build and hide nuclear weapons without even a hint of consequences. Will they never learn? Meanwhille, there are still some who can see the Stalinists for who they really are, and Anthony Faiola (Washington Post via MSNBC) talked to them.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
News of the Day (August 10)
Canada sends Xiaoping Hu back to Communist China: The Canadian government sullied itself and besmirched its own countrymen by deporting Xiaoping Hu, a Falun Gong practitioner and victim of Communist torture (fourth item), back to Communist China. The shockingly callous treatment of this women led many “to express their despair and indignation” (Epoch Times) outside the offices of Immigration Minister Joe Volpe and Deputy Prime Minister/Public Safety Minister Anne McLellan. Government MPs, from Prime Minister Paul Martin on down, should hang their heads in shame.
Students from Communist China disrupt Chen Yonglin speech: An indication of how terrified the cadres have become at former consul Chen Yonglin came during a speech at Melbourne University. Chen’s speech was disrupted by unruly students from Communist China (Epoch Times). Anyone who thinks the students did this with no prodding should remember the last year’s outrage at the University of Minnesota (tenth item).
Mayor Ma rips Communists, but has high hopes for Hu Jintao: Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou, the new leader of the opposition Kuomintang Party, was hitting the right anti-Communist notes in his interview with China Times (cited by the Epoch Times). Then came this clunker: “He mentioned the redress of the Tiananmen Square Incident might occur in the future. ‘It is very likely to occur in Hu Jintao’s term.’” If Ma really thinks the author of the Hanyuan County massacre is looking to set the story straight on Tiananmen, he’s not nearly the improvement over Lien Chan that everyone thinks he is.
Communists make East China Sea move: Communist China is “laying pipes to prepare to tap the . . . huge gas resources” (BBC) of the East China Sea, according to Japanese Trade Minister Shoichi Nakagawa. The only trouble is, Japan also claims the area, and it is not happy. This comes as Japan prepares for an election in mid-September.
Protests against Communist China now at 74,000: The number of protests – that’s protests – by citizens of Communist China against the regime stood at 74,000 last year, involving over 3¾ million people, and this is just what the Communists will admit to themselves. One weakness in the Washington Post story: “police responding to riots have generally been equipped only with clubs, staffs and tear gas. There have been no reports of firearms being used.” What about the Hanyuan County massacre?
Straits Times shocked at Communist arrest of Ching Cheong: The Singapore Straits Times was “shocked” (Epoch Times) that one of its own, journalist Ching Cheong, was charged by espionage by Communist China. The Communists arrested Ching after he was hot on the trail for a book of interviews with deposed Communist leader Zhao Ziyang in which Zhao insisted the Tiananmen Sqaure protestors had the support of many cadres before they were gunned down and he, Zhao was put under house arrest, where he reamined for over fifteen years, until his death last January.
Guangzhou rations gasoline, Beijing running low on natural gas: The energy shortage in Communist China (tenth, sixth, eighth, and sixth items) hit Beijing’s natural gas supply, which “suffered from winter shortages last year” (UPI via Washington Times). Meanwhile, the gasoline shortage in Guangdong Province (ninth item) is so bad that its capital city, Guangzhou, has resorted to rationing (UPI via Washington Times).
Commentary on Communist China and the world: Former Communist law Professor Yuan Hongbin (lead and second items) warned of the Communists’ willingness to wage total war – including the use of nuclear weapons – to survive (Epoch Times), and cited Unrestricted Warfare. William Hawkins, of the U.S. Business and Industry Council, blasts the Communists’ corporate friends in America in a fabulous Washington Times column. Lior Kodner, Ha’aretz (Israel) examines the Communist reaction to the cancellation of several Israel-Communist arms deals.
On Stalinist North Korea: The United Nations World Food Program made another appeal for food aid for SNK, and those who reported the appeal (United Press Int’l via Washington Times) once again ignored concerns about the Stalinists stealing their food from their own people to feed themselves and their military (fifth, ninth, and fifth items). Meanwhile, the U.S. called the outcome of the recent nuclear talks “uncertain” (CNN), while Michael O'Hanlon, Brookings Institution, and Michael Horowitz, Hudson Institute, demanded human right also be a topic of discussion at the talks (Washington Times) and Russian retired Lieut. General Gennady Yevstafyev pined for a deal as “proof that non-confrontation policies, direct and serious political dialog, and involvement of the problem partner into broad economic cooperation are more effective instruments than the artificial isolation of states and labeling them ‘rogue countries.’” Will they never learn?
Students from Communist China disrupt Chen Yonglin speech: An indication of how terrified the cadres have become at former consul Chen Yonglin came during a speech at Melbourne University. Chen’s speech was disrupted by unruly students from Communist China (Epoch Times). Anyone who thinks the students did this with no prodding should remember the last year’s outrage at the University of Minnesota (tenth item).
Mayor Ma rips Communists, but has high hopes for Hu Jintao: Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou, the new leader of the opposition Kuomintang Party, was hitting the right anti-Communist notes in his interview with China Times (cited by the Epoch Times). Then came this clunker: “He mentioned the redress of the Tiananmen Square Incident might occur in the future. ‘It is very likely to occur in Hu Jintao’s term.’” If Ma really thinks the author of the Hanyuan County massacre is looking to set the story straight on Tiananmen, he’s not nearly the improvement over Lien Chan that everyone thinks he is.
Communists make East China Sea move: Communist China is “laying pipes to prepare to tap the . . . huge gas resources” (BBC) of the East China Sea, according to Japanese Trade Minister Shoichi Nakagawa. The only trouble is, Japan also claims the area, and it is not happy. This comes as Japan prepares for an election in mid-September.
Protests against Communist China now at 74,000: The number of protests – that’s protests – by citizens of Communist China against the regime stood at 74,000 last year, involving over 3¾ million people, and this is just what the Communists will admit to themselves. One weakness in the Washington Post story: “police responding to riots have generally been equipped only with clubs, staffs and tear gas. There have been no reports of firearms being used.” What about the Hanyuan County massacre?
Straits Times shocked at Communist arrest of Ching Cheong: The Singapore Straits Times was “shocked” (Epoch Times) that one of its own, journalist Ching Cheong, was charged by espionage by Communist China. The Communists arrested Ching after he was hot on the trail for a book of interviews with deposed Communist leader Zhao Ziyang in which Zhao insisted the Tiananmen Sqaure protestors had the support of many cadres before they were gunned down and he, Zhao was put under house arrest, where he reamined for over fifteen years, until his death last January.
Guangzhou rations gasoline, Beijing running low on natural gas: The energy shortage in Communist China (tenth, sixth, eighth, and sixth items) hit Beijing’s natural gas supply, which “suffered from winter shortages last year” (UPI via Washington Times). Meanwhile, the gasoline shortage in Guangdong Province (ninth item) is so bad that its capital city, Guangzhou, has resorted to rationing (UPI via Washington Times).
Commentary on Communist China and the world: Former Communist law Professor Yuan Hongbin (lead and second items) warned of the Communists’ willingness to wage total war – including the use of nuclear weapons – to survive (Epoch Times), and cited Unrestricted Warfare. William Hawkins, of the U.S. Business and Industry Council, blasts the Communists’ corporate friends in America in a fabulous Washington Times column. Lior Kodner, Ha’aretz (Israel) examines the Communist reaction to the cancellation of several Israel-Communist arms deals.
On Stalinist North Korea: The United Nations World Food Program made another appeal for food aid for SNK, and those who reported the appeal (United Press Int’l via Washington Times) once again ignored concerns about the Stalinists stealing their food from their own people to feed themselves and their military (fifth, ninth, and fifth items). Meanwhile, the U.S. called the outcome of the recent nuclear talks “uncertain” (CNN), while Michael O'Hanlon, Brookings Institution, and Michael Horowitz, Hudson Institute, demanded human right also be a topic of discussion at the talks (Washington Times) and Russian retired Lieut. General Gennady Yevstafyev pined for a deal as “proof that non-confrontation policies, direct and serious political dialog, and involvement of the problem partner into broad economic cooperation are more effective instruments than the artificial isolation of states and labeling them ‘rogue countries.’” Will they never learn?
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
News of the Day (August 9)
Communists rip Chen Shui-bian for honoring Lee Teng-hui: Chen Shui-bian, the elected President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), “attended the fourth anniversary of the Taiwan Solidarity Union, a political party founded by former Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times). Lee, the man who brought democracy to Taiwan, founded the TSU after leaving Kuomintang in disgust over its cozying to Communist China. Chen and Lee “have been mending political fences in preparation for elections scheduled for the end of the year.” The Communists called the whole thing “a meeting of a Taiwan independence organization.”
SNK talks scheduled to resume on August 29: The talks on Stalinist North Korea’s nucelar weapons will continue on Augst 29, and an unnamed U.S. official told UPI (via Washington Times) that the Stalinists have “no room for ambiguity.” The talks have already earned the Stalinists concessions without any end to its building and hiding of nucelar weapons, and if this unnamed UPI (via Washington Times) analysis is any indication, the fact of “dubious momentum” is finally starting to dawn on folks. However, Nicholas Eberstadt, American Enterprise Institute, stumbles badly in Time Asia when he calls for “mending the relationship with Seoul and establishing better rapport with Beijing, North Korea's two main financial backers.” Will they never learn?
As Communist energy inefficiencies mount, Australia comes to the rescue: Communist China’s ennergy shortage (tenth, sixth, eighth, sixth, and ninth items) is garnering more attention: the inefficiencies of its energy sector caught the eye of Peter S. Goodman (Washington Post via MSNBC). Unfortunately, Australia, the folks that tried to send Chen Yonglin back to the Communists, “plans to negotiate a nuclear cooperation agreement with China so uranium sales can begin” (CNN). Sigh.
U.S. attempts to resettle Uighurs wins praise: Tom Malinowski, Washington director for Human Rights Watch, praised the Bush Administration for its efforts to find a safe haven for Uighur detainees who would certainly be tortured – at the least – if they are returned to Communist-occupied East Turkestan (ninth item): “They are doing the right thing with the Uigurs . . . either find a third country or keep them” (Washington Post). That’s not eaxtly true, however, they can let the Uighurs come to the United States.
U.S. and India to engage in joint air force exercises: Whether this is a response to the Russia-Communist China joint exercises (fourth and third items) is not known, but Indian Air Chief Marshall S.P. Tyagi announced, “The United States Air Force will come here for joint exercises in November this year” (UPI via Washington Times, second item).
Americans among Christians rounded up by Communists in Hubei: Communists in Hubei province arrested 41 “underground” Christian pastors and an untold number of believers. Among those sent to prison – “where some of them were tortured” (World Net Daily) – were to Americans. The number of Catholics and Protestants who shun Communist-run churches so as nothing can come between themselves and their God are now believed to number 100 million (fifth item).
Communist “pig fever” claim netting more doubters: More outside analysts are casting doubt on Communist China’s claim that the epidemic in Sichuan province is a “pig fever” (Time Asia). One of them, Dr. Marcelo Gottschalk of the University of Montreal, publicly criticized the cadres for refusing any outside help with the disease, which at least one doctor says is actualy Ebola (fourth item). Can you say SARS-redux?
On Communist China and the United States: The Epoch Times reprints two chilling speeches from former Defense Minster and Central Military Commission vice-chairman Chi Hoatian on the prospect of war with the United States. Meanwhile, Carolyn Bartholomew, a member of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, laid out the dangers in the now-dead Communist bid for Unocal. Bill Powell, Time Asia, examines how said Unocal bid died.
On the Communist Chinese economy: Professor Hu Xingdou spoke to the Epoch Times about Communist China’s currency move and the smoke and mirrors in its economic statistics (tenth, sixth, and last items).
On Malaysia’s crackdown against the Epoch Times: Zeng Ni laments Malaysia’s continued attempts to keep the paper from its citizens (sixth and fifth items).
SNK talks scheduled to resume on August 29: The talks on Stalinist North Korea’s nucelar weapons will continue on Augst 29, and an unnamed U.S. official told UPI (via Washington Times) that the Stalinists have “no room for ambiguity.” The talks have already earned the Stalinists concessions without any end to its building and hiding of nucelar weapons, and if this unnamed UPI (via Washington Times) analysis is any indication, the fact of “dubious momentum” is finally starting to dawn on folks. However, Nicholas Eberstadt, American Enterprise Institute, stumbles badly in Time Asia when he calls for “mending the relationship with Seoul and establishing better rapport with Beijing, North Korea's two main financial backers.” Will they never learn?
As Communist energy inefficiencies mount, Australia comes to the rescue: Communist China’s ennergy shortage (tenth, sixth, eighth, sixth, and ninth items) is garnering more attention: the inefficiencies of its energy sector caught the eye of Peter S. Goodman (Washington Post via MSNBC). Unfortunately, Australia, the folks that tried to send Chen Yonglin back to the Communists, “plans to negotiate a nuclear cooperation agreement with China so uranium sales can begin” (CNN). Sigh.
U.S. attempts to resettle Uighurs wins praise: Tom Malinowski, Washington director for Human Rights Watch, praised the Bush Administration for its efforts to find a safe haven for Uighur detainees who would certainly be tortured – at the least – if they are returned to Communist-occupied East Turkestan (ninth item): “They are doing the right thing with the Uigurs . . . either find a third country or keep them” (Washington Post). That’s not eaxtly true, however, they can let the Uighurs come to the United States.
U.S. and India to engage in joint air force exercises: Whether this is a response to the Russia-Communist China joint exercises (fourth and third items) is not known, but Indian Air Chief Marshall S.P. Tyagi announced, “The United States Air Force will come here for joint exercises in November this year” (UPI via Washington Times, second item).
Americans among Christians rounded up by Communists in Hubei: Communists in Hubei province arrested 41 “underground” Christian pastors and an untold number of believers. Among those sent to prison – “where some of them were tortured” (World Net Daily) – were to Americans. The number of Catholics and Protestants who shun Communist-run churches so as nothing can come between themselves and their God are now believed to number 100 million (fifth item).
Communist “pig fever” claim netting more doubters: More outside analysts are casting doubt on Communist China’s claim that the epidemic in Sichuan province is a “pig fever” (Time Asia). One of them, Dr. Marcelo Gottschalk of the University of Montreal, publicly criticized the cadres for refusing any outside help with the disease, which at least one doctor says is actualy Ebola (fourth item). Can you say SARS-redux?
On Communist China and the United States: The Epoch Times reprints two chilling speeches from former Defense Minster and Central Military Commission vice-chairman Chi Hoatian on the prospect of war with the United States. Meanwhile, Carolyn Bartholomew, a member of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, laid out the dangers in the now-dead Communist bid for Unocal. Bill Powell, Time Asia, examines how said Unocal bid died.
On the Communist Chinese economy: Professor Hu Xingdou spoke to the Epoch Times about Communist China’s currency move and the smoke and mirrors in its economic statistics (tenth, sixth, and last items).
On Malaysia’s crackdown against the Epoch Times: Zeng Ni laments Malaysia’s continued attempts to keep the paper from its citizens (sixth and fifth items).
Monday, August 08, 2005
News of the Day (August 8)
SNK talks in “recess” as Japan mulls their own nuclear weapons: After nearly two weeks, the talks on Stalinist North Korea’s nucelar weapons are in a three-week “recess.” What held up the agreement to a “statement of principles” was “whether North Korea should be allowed civilian nuclear power after dismantling its weapons programs” (Cybercast News). Communist China, the Stalinists’ best friend and the host of the talks, insisted “mutual understanding, broader common ground and positive progress” (BBC) were achieved. Of course, given that the U.S. has already made huge concessions while the Stalinists – who still get to build and hide their nuclear weapons – haven’t budged, the Communists would see that as “positive progress” indeed. Meanwhile, dovish South Korea “vowed to make all-out diplomatic efforts during a three-week recess to bridge gaps over how to end the North Korea's nuclear weapons program” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times). We’ve asked before; we ask again: Will they never learn? The talks failure likely added the momentum in Japan to build its own nuclear deterrent, momentum noted by Lucille Craft (Washington Times). Also reporting: CNN
Communist China can hit U.S. cities, but Boeing still sells to them: One of the less-discussed parts of the Pentagon’s report on Communist China is the fact that the regime “has the capability of targeting nuclear weapons throughout most of the world, including the continental United States” (Epoch Times). This didn’t seem to phase Boeing, who sold over foty 787 “Drreamliners” to Communist China (BBC).
Communists kill 98 practitioners last month, get sued for actions in U.S.: According to Clearwisdom.net (cited by the Epoch Times), “from July 20, 1999 to July 2005 . . . there have been 2,739 confirmed cases of Falun Gong practitioners being tortured to death. 98 cases were confirmed in July 2005.” Meanwhile, the Communists’ efforts to watch and abuse Falun Gong practitioners here in the United States has led to a RICO lawsuit against the regime (Epoch Times). At a rally marking the sixth anniversary of the beginnging of the crackdown, Representatives Tom Lantos (D-California) and Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Florida) condemned the Communists (both reprinted by Epoch Times).
Woe Canada! Xiaoping Hu is a Falun Gong practitioner who has also “renounced communism” (Edmonton Sun) and has already suffered a stint of Communist torture before she escaped to Canada. Despite this, the Canadian government seems determined to send her back to Communist China – in fact, it may have done so already. David Kilgour, a Member of Parliamant who left the governing Liberal Party eariler this year, was livid: “I worry enormously that we place so much stress on our trade relationship with China that matters of human rights tend to get put aside” (Epoch Times).
Malaysia confiscates Epoch Times again: In order to “maintain the Malaysia-China relationship,” the Malaysian government has now banned the Epoch Times, again, and has resumed seizing the paper’s editions (see also sixth item).
“Pig disease” death rate up to 39: In the latest on the disease the Communists call “pig fever” and at least one doctor says is actualy Ebola (fourth item), “The number of human infections has risen to 214 cases and the death toll has hit 39” (Central News Agency, Taiwan, via Epoch Times). The World Health Organization continues to be shut out by the cadres, leading many to suspect a SARS-like coverup.
Resignations pass 3.5 million: The Epoch Times speaks to one of the oldest ex-Communists – Yu Lisheng, a former clerk in the Communist Air Force.
Ignorant Comment of the Day: Sebastian Mallaby, Washington Post, actually does a good job exposing Communist China’s ties to corrupt, resource-rich regimes (he uses Sudan and Zimbabwe as examples). However, he earned the prize by claiming the Communists are driven to do this due to “congressional bullying” about Unocal.
More on Communist China and the United States: Ellen Bork, of the Project for the New American Century, highlights and laments the plight of Uighur detainees in Guantanamo who have already been cleared by the U.S. military, but have nowhere to go. In the Weekly Standard, she calls for them to be granted asylum in the U.S. (we emphatically agree with her on this).
On the 2008 Olympic Games: Catherine Armitage, in the Australian, sees the Communists’ tyranny already getting in the way of a smoothly-run Olympiad – all the more reason the United States should not be there.
On Communist China and the rest of the world: Asahi Shimbun (cited by the Washington Times) calls on Japan to “pay sufficient attention to its home turf among Asian countries” to block Communist China’s power and ambitions. Meanwhile, Sam Logan and Ben Bain (ISN Security Watch – Switzerland) examine Communist China’s economic and geopolitical forays into South America.
Communist China can hit U.S. cities, but Boeing still sells to them: One of the less-discussed parts of the Pentagon’s report on Communist China is the fact that the regime “has the capability of targeting nuclear weapons throughout most of the world, including the continental United States” (Epoch Times). This didn’t seem to phase Boeing, who sold over foty 787 “Drreamliners” to Communist China (BBC).
Communists kill 98 practitioners last month, get sued for actions in U.S.: According to Clearwisdom.net (cited by the Epoch Times), “from July 20, 1999 to July 2005 . . . there have been 2,739 confirmed cases of Falun Gong practitioners being tortured to death. 98 cases were confirmed in July 2005.” Meanwhile, the Communists’ efforts to watch and abuse Falun Gong practitioners here in the United States has led to a RICO lawsuit against the regime (Epoch Times). At a rally marking the sixth anniversary of the beginnging of the crackdown, Representatives Tom Lantos (D-California) and Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Florida) condemned the Communists (both reprinted by Epoch Times).
Woe Canada! Xiaoping Hu is a Falun Gong practitioner who has also “renounced communism” (Edmonton Sun) and has already suffered a stint of Communist torture before she escaped to Canada. Despite this, the Canadian government seems determined to send her back to Communist China – in fact, it may have done so already. David Kilgour, a Member of Parliamant who left the governing Liberal Party eariler this year, was livid: “I worry enormously that we place so much stress on our trade relationship with China that matters of human rights tend to get put aside” (Epoch Times).
Malaysia confiscates Epoch Times again: In order to “maintain the Malaysia-China relationship,” the Malaysian government has now banned the Epoch Times, again, and has resumed seizing the paper’s editions (see also sixth item).
“Pig disease” death rate up to 39: In the latest on the disease the Communists call “pig fever” and at least one doctor says is actualy Ebola (fourth item), “The number of human infections has risen to 214 cases and the death toll has hit 39” (Central News Agency, Taiwan, via Epoch Times). The World Health Organization continues to be shut out by the cadres, leading many to suspect a SARS-like coverup.
Resignations pass 3.5 million: The Epoch Times speaks to one of the oldest ex-Communists – Yu Lisheng, a former clerk in the Communist Air Force.
Ignorant Comment of the Day: Sebastian Mallaby, Washington Post, actually does a good job exposing Communist China’s ties to corrupt, resource-rich regimes (he uses Sudan and Zimbabwe as examples). However, he earned the prize by claiming the Communists are driven to do this due to “congressional bullying” about Unocal.
More on Communist China and the United States: Ellen Bork, of the Project for the New American Century, highlights and laments the plight of Uighur detainees in Guantanamo who have already been cleared by the U.S. military, but have nowhere to go. In the Weekly Standard, she calls for them to be granted asylum in the U.S. (we emphatically agree with her on this).
On the 2008 Olympic Games: Catherine Armitage, in the Australian, sees the Communists’ tyranny already getting in the way of a smoothly-run Olympiad – all the more reason the United States should not be there.
On Communist China and the rest of the world: Asahi Shimbun (cited by the Washington Times) calls on Japan to “pay sufficient attention to its home turf among Asian countries” to block Communist China’s power and ambitions. Meanwhile, Sam Logan and Ben Bain (ISN Security Watch – Switzerland) examine Communist China’s economic and geopolitical forays into South America.
Friday, August 05, 2005
News of the Day (August 5)
How Communist China’s allies view the War on Terror: Pervez Musharraf, the leader of longtime Communist ally Pakistan, claims he finally “extremely serious” (Newsweek) about combatting the terrorists in his country, despite the fact that he has an alliance with their biggest supporters, the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (Washington Post). Meanwhile, Iran, recipient of nucelar aid and diplomatic support from Communist China, was caught sending roadside bombs into Iraq to be used against U.S. troops (MSNBC, Newsmax)
SNK talks stretch on: The talks between Stalinist North Korea and the U.S. on the former’s nuclear weapons program are into their eleventh day, albeit with “little sign of producing a common declaration of principles” (BBC). The latest sticking point is the Stalinists’s demand for “a civilian nuclear power capability” (Cybercast News). On this, each now claims the other four participants – Stalinist ally Communist China, Russia, Japan, and dovish South Korea – agree with them. Meanwhile, South Korea tried to bridge the gap with a joint Korean soccer match, but all the SNK coach could do was praise Stalinist-inc-chief Kim Jong-il (United Press Int’l via Washington Times).
Wisconsin couple banned from exports to Communist China after weapons sales: The Commerce Department has placed Ning Wen and his wife, Hailin Lin, “on a list of people banned from export licenses” (Newsmax) after they were caught selling “national security controlled items to the People's Republic of China,” in particular computer chips and electronics that “can be used by the Chinese military for advanced missiles, radar or military communications devices.”
Baidu on NASDAQ: Communist Chinese web search engine Baidu.com becomes the latest to fleece U.S. investors – ahem, land a spot on America’s stock exchanges (BBC).
Communist China likes U.S. opposition to Security Council expansion: Remember when Communist China pledged support for India’s bid for a United Nations Security Council seat? Well, never mind; after killing it privately in April (eighth item), the Communists have publicly shot it down again (BBC), this time hiding behind the U.S.
Indian PM says U.S. deal has nothing to do with Communist China: Indian Prime Minister insisted the new U.S.-India alliance (second item) would not be “at the cost of China or any other country” (UPI via Washington Times). It is believed he said that in large part to assuage left-wing parties who could bring down his government. Of course, the U.S. has publicly said nothing to conflict with Singh’s statement. Meanwhile, Larry Kudlow, he of the infamously silly comments on Communist China, finally gets it right with his examination of India’s future (National Review Online).
Alberta gives Communist hatemongers free pass: The government of Alberta has decided not to press hate-crime charges against Communist consular officials in Edmonton despite the police’s belief that virulently anti-Falun Gong pamphlets distributed by the officials “did constitute a breach of law” (Edmonton Sun).
Ching Cheong charged with spying: Over two months after arresting him, Communist China finally got around to charging Straits Times (Singapore) reporter Ching Cheong with spying (BBC). The Communists claim Ching was spying for Taiwan; in reality he was searching for a book of interviews with the late Zhao Ziyang in which the deposed Communist leader insisted many cadres wanted the same things the students of the Tiananmen Spring did – democracy – before they were gunned down and he was put under house arrest. Zhao refused to recant his opposition to the bloody crackdown, and reamined imprisoned in his own home for over fifteen years, until his death last January.
Gas shortage hits Guangdong: The energy shortage in Communist China (tenth, sixth, eighth, and sixth items) spread to hit drivers in Guangdong Province, which is now witness gas lines reminscent of the 1970s in the United States (BBC).
On Communist China and Brazil: The Economist sees the great Communist China-Brazil alliance coming a-cropper, although, being the Economist, the geopolitical implications of such souring are completely lost on the magazine.
SNK talks stretch on: The talks between Stalinist North Korea and the U.S. on the former’s nuclear weapons program are into their eleventh day, albeit with “little sign of producing a common declaration of principles” (BBC). The latest sticking point is the Stalinists’s demand for “a civilian nuclear power capability” (Cybercast News). On this, each now claims the other four participants – Stalinist ally Communist China, Russia, Japan, and dovish South Korea – agree with them. Meanwhile, South Korea tried to bridge the gap with a joint Korean soccer match, but all the SNK coach could do was praise Stalinist-inc-chief Kim Jong-il (United Press Int’l via Washington Times).
Wisconsin couple banned from exports to Communist China after weapons sales: The Commerce Department has placed Ning Wen and his wife, Hailin Lin, “on a list of people banned from export licenses” (Newsmax) after they were caught selling “national security controlled items to the People's Republic of China,” in particular computer chips and electronics that “can be used by the Chinese military for advanced missiles, radar or military communications devices.”
Baidu on NASDAQ: Communist Chinese web search engine Baidu.com becomes the latest to fleece U.S. investors – ahem, land a spot on America’s stock exchanges (BBC).
Communist China likes U.S. opposition to Security Council expansion: Remember when Communist China pledged support for India’s bid for a United Nations Security Council seat? Well, never mind; after killing it privately in April (eighth item), the Communists have publicly shot it down again (BBC), this time hiding behind the U.S.
Indian PM says U.S. deal has nothing to do with Communist China: Indian Prime Minister insisted the new U.S.-India alliance (second item) would not be “at the cost of China or any other country” (UPI via Washington Times). It is believed he said that in large part to assuage left-wing parties who could bring down his government. Of course, the U.S. has publicly said nothing to conflict with Singh’s statement. Meanwhile, Larry Kudlow, he of the infamously silly comments on Communist China, finally gets it right with his examination of India’s future (National Review Online).
Alberta gives Communist hatemongers free pass: The government of Alberta has decided not to press hate-crime charges against Communist consular officials in Edmonton despite the police’s belief that virulently anti-Falun Gong pamphlets distributed by the officials “did constitute a breach of law” (Edmonton Sun).
Ching Cheong charged with spying: Over two months after arresting him, Communist China finally got around to charging Straits Times (Singapore) reporter Ching Cheong with spying (BBC). The Communists claim Ching was spying for Taiwan; in reality he was searching for a book of interviews with the late Zhao Ziyang in which the deposed Communist leader insisted many cadres wanted the same things the students of the Tiananmen Spring did – democracy – before they were gunned down and he was put under house arrest. Zhao refused to recant his opposition to the bloody crackdown, and reamined imprisoned in his own home for over fifteen years, until his death last January.
Gas shortage hits Guangdong: The energy shortage in Communist China (tenth, sixth, eighth, and sixth items) spread to hit drivers in Guangdong Province, which is now witness gas lines reminscent of the 1970s in the United States (BBC).
On Communist China and Brazil: The Economist sees the great Communist China-Brazil alliance coming a-cropper, although, being the Economist, the geopolitical implications of such souring are completely lost on the magazine.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
News of the Day (August 4)
SNK talks – another day, another draft: Communist China sent around yet another draft version of “a statement of principle” (BBC), the piece of paper that is supposed to show that everyone at the six-party talks on Stalinist North Korea’s nuclear weapons (the U.S., SNK, Communist China, Russia, Japan, and South Korea) are on the same page, literally and figuratively. According to Christopher Hill – the head of the U.S. delegation at the talks, “North Korea is the lone holdout” (Voice of America via Epoch Times). Russia threw in a pledge to built a nuclear power plant in the Stalinist North “if North Korea will return to the treaty on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times, third item). Meanwhile, yours truly noted the timing of these talks, and how they managed to deflect the growing awareness in America about the Communist threat, in the Epoch Times.
Communists rip opposition to failed Unocal bid: The Communist-owned China Daily blasted American opposition to their attempt to buy Unocal, calling it “protectionism with political patronage” (Cybercast News). Here’s a healthy reminder of what really scared them about the opposition to their bid before it was withdrawn.
Washington will keep an eye on Russia-Communist China military drills: The U.S. military “will be watching closely as China and Russia prepare for unprecedented joint military exercises” (Washington Times). The joint drills are set for August 18.
Communist-built oil rig in Colorado: Colorado now has a Communist Chinese-built oil rig in its Piceance Basin field, although it’s not from the firm that had been considering it earlier (fourth item). Report: UPI via Washington Times
Benedict XVI welcomes bishops from Communist-run church: Sending another disturbing signal about his intentions, Pope Benedict XVI “gave a special welcome yesterday to a group of priests from China” (Washington Times). The priests “were members of Beijing's official church,” i.e., the Communist-run church. The Vatican has dropped hints of a rapprochement with Communist China – which would include breaking off diplomatic relations with the island democracy of Taiwan.
EU block on Communist sweaters lifted, sort of: The European Union has decided to lift its block on sweaters exported from Communist China (eleventh item) “to assist retailers who had already committed to buying stock” (BBC). However, “the additional exports allowed in 2005 would be deducted from the permitted quota in 2006.”
Foreign-owned satellite channels capped: Building on its crackdown against foreign media of all kinds last month, Communist China has proclaimed it would “refuse to allow any new foreign-owned television satellite channels into the country” (BBC). The 31 who have already made it into Communist China will face “tighten(ed) controls” in order to – check out this language – “safeguard national cultural safety.”
WHO watching “pig disease” from afar; locals angry at Communists: The World Health Organization “says at least 38 people have died and more than 200 infected from a swine-borne disease in China's Sichuan province” (UPI via Washington Times). What the WHO did not say is that they have still been shut out from the affected area by the Communists, who are in full SARS-redux mode about the “pig fever,” which according to one scientist is actually Ebola (fourth item). Meanwhile, Nick Mackie, BBC, managed to get into Sichuan Province to speak with the locals, and found the cadres “were clearly perturbed by the conversation and the presence of a foreign journalist.” The locals, meanwhile, took the cadres’ presence as an opportunity to rip them for “inaction.”
Zimbabwean exiles in UK protest Communist aid to Mugabe: A number of Zimbabwean exiles led by the Zimbabwe Vigil Coalition protested in front of the Communist Chinese Embassy in London (Epoch Times). The group was angry at Communist China’s recent offer of aid to the dictatorship of Robert Mugabe (third, sixth, sixth, and seventh, and sixth items). Meanwhile, Martin Croucher, also in the Epoch Times, puts the Zimbabwe deal in the context of the Communists’ general international policy of making the world safe for dictators.
Reaction to the Melbourne “seminar”: After exposing the Melbourne “large scale seminar” about him for the joke that it is (third item), Chen Yonglin talked to the Epoch Times about the Communist propaganda event he cheerfully reduced to a fiasco.
On the Falun Gong War: Congressman Dan Burton (R-Indiana) ripped Communist China for its persecution of the spiritual movement in a speech last month (Epoch Times).
On Communist China and the United States: San Renxing, Epoch Times, begins her examination into the Chinese Communist Party’s willingness to use nuclear weapons against us to preserve itself. Don Feder, Washington Times, notes lobbying firm Patton-Boggs’ new client: Communist China, and offers the regime “free advice on improving its image Stateside” (yes, that’s tongue-in-cheek, otherwise the Ignorant Comment of the Day would not have been vacant today).
Communists rip opposition to failed Unocal bid: The Communist-owned China Daily blasted American opposition to their attempt to buy Unocal, calling it “protectionism with political patronage” (Cybercast News). Here’s a healthy reminder of what really scared them about the opposition to their bid before it was withdrawn.
Washington will keep an eye on Russia-Communist China military drills: The U.S. military “will be watching closely as China and Russia prepare for unprecedented joint military exercises” (Washington Times). The joint drills are set for August 18.
Communist-built oil rig in Colorado: Colorado now has a Communist Chinese-built oil rig in its Piceance Basin field, although it’s not from the firm that had been considering it earlier (fourth item). Report: UPI via Washington Times
Benedict XVI welcomes bishops from Communist-run church: Sending another disturbing signal about his intentions, Pope Benedict XVI “gave a special welcome yesterday to a group of priests from China” (Washington Times). The priests “were members of Beijing's official church,” i.e., the Communist-run church. The Vatican has dropped hints of a rapprochement with Communist China – which would include breaking off diplomatic relations with the island democracy of Taiwan.
EU block on Communist sweaters lifted, sort of: The European Union has decided to lift its block on sweaters exported from Communist China (eleventh item) “to assist retailers who had already committed to buying stock” (BBC). However, “the additional exports allowed in 2005 would be deducted from the permitted quota in 2006.”
Foreign-owned satellite channels capped: Building on its crackdown against foreign media of all kinds last month, Communist China has proclaimed it would “refuse to allow any new foreign-owned television satellite channels into the country” (BBC). The 31 who have already made it into Communist China will face “tighten(ed) controls” in order to – check out this language – “safeguard national cultural safety.”
WHO watching “pig disease” from afar; locals angry at Communists: The World Health Organization “says at least 38 people have died and more than 200 infected from a swine-borne disease in China's Sichuan province” (UPI via Washington Times). What the WHO did not say is that they have still been shut out from the affected area by the Communists, who are in full SARS-redux mode about the “pig fever,” which according to one scientist is actually Ebola (fourth item). Meanwhile, Nick Mackie, BBC, managed to get into Sichuan Province to speak with the locals, and found the cadres “were clearly perturbed by the conversation and the presence of a foreign journalist.” The locals, meanwhile, took the cadres’ presence as an opportunity to rip them for “inaction.”
Zimbabwean exiles in UK protest Communist aid to Mugabe: A number of Zimbabwean exiles led by the Zimbabwe Vigil Coalition protested in front of the Communist Chinese Embassy in London (Epoch Times). The group was angry at Communist China’s recent offer of aid to the dictatorship of Robert Mugabe (third, sixth, sixth, and seventh, and sixth items). Meanwhile, Martin Croucher, also in the Epoch Times, puts the Zimbabwe deal in the context of the Communists’ general international policy of making the world safe for dictators.
Reaction to the Melbourne “seminar”: After exposing the Melbourne “large scale seminar” about him for the joke that it is (third item), Chen Yonglin talked to the Epoch Times about the Communist propaganda event he cheerfully reduced to a fiasco.
On the Falun Gong War: Congressman Dan Burton (R-Indiana) ripped Communist China for its persecution of the spiritual movement in a speech last month (Epoch Times).
On Communist China and the United States: San Renxing, Epoch Times, begins her examination into the Chinese Communist Party’s willingness to use nuclear weapons against us to preserve itself. Don Feder, Washington Times, notes lobbying firm Patton-Boggs’ new client: Communist China, and offers the regime “free advice on improving its image Stateside” (yes, that’s tongue-in-cheek, otherwise the Ignorant Comment of the Day would not have been vacant today).
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
News of the Day (August 3)
U.S. envoy says SNK talks are nearing “end-game”: Christopher Hill – the head of the U.S. delegation at the six-party talks on Stalinist North Korea’s nuclear weapons – said of the latest draft statement by Communist China (Russia, Japan, and South Korea are the other participants) for a joint communique: “I don't know whether we are getting to an agreed text, but we are getting to an end-game text” (Cybercast News). As this possible now or never point approaches (BBC), columnist Mona Charen rips the last deal the U.S. signed with the Stalinists – the 1994 Agreed Framework – in the Washington Times. However, not even Charen is willing to endorse – or even mention – liberation (Will they never learn?) Meanwhile, T. A. Frank, in The New Republic, finds that “Pyongyang's displeasure towards the United States has been uncharacteristically muted in the past couple of weeks.” Kim Jong-il has instead focused his venom on Japan.
Hu Jintao to visit U.S. and Canada: Communist leader Hu Jintao “will visit Canada and the U.S. in September” (Epoch Times). Is anyone going to ask him about the Hanyuan County massacre?
Chen Yonglin and Hao Fengjun crash “seminar” designed to smear them: The Shanghai General Business Committee, The Chinese Weekly (Melbourne, Australia), and the Chinese Union of Victoria held a “large-scale seminar” in Melbourne to discuss what they called “the Damage of the Chen Yonglin Incident to the Chinese People” (Epoch Times). The seminar was shut down in less then an hour after the former consular officer showed up to challenge the pro-Communist tone. Former cadre and 610 officer Hao Fengjun was also there. Hao also commented on Australia’s strange, to put it mildly (fifth item), treatment of practitioners demonstrating in front of the Communist Embassy in Canberra (Epoch Times).
Russia-Communist China military exercise to include 10,000 troops: Some details about the August 18 joint military exercise between Communist Chin and Russia came out: 10,000 troops, including “airborne, amphibious and logistical support units” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times). The Shanghai Cooperation Organization members also invited defense ministers from the other four SCO nations to observe. Adam Wolfe, in The Power and Interest News Report, examines how the SCO and the Communists’ make-the-world-safe-for-dictators policy is affecting the U.S. in Central Asia.
Non-Communist Christians may be over 100 million strong in Communist China: “Underground” Christian churches, i.e., house of worship that refuse to put the Communist Party between themselves and their God as the Communist-controlled “Patriotic” churches do, “are said to have up to 100 million members” (London Telegraph via Washington Times). That would easily surpass membership in the CCP.
Study says developers making huge profits in Fuzhou real estate: The big winners in Communist China’s building craze are the builders themselves, who are making huge profits according to a study in Fuzhou city (Epoch Times). This should come as no surprise, as the developers are usually cadres or close friends of cadres – Zhou Zhengyi was such a favorite of Shanghai cadres that his eventual jail term for illegal evictions was the exactly the same as the attorney who exposed them (twenty-sixth item): three years.
Ignorant Comment of the Day: This was a close call, but the prize goes to the editors of the Washington Post, who incoherently lament the end of the Communists’ Unocal bid.
Runners-up: Lawrence J. Korb, and Peter Ogden, of the Center for American Progress, rip the U.S. nuclear deal with India (second item) in the Washington Post. They throw in the usual lines about the damage to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, while refusing to discuss its complete ineffectiveness in Iran and Stalinist North Korea. Then there’s this whopper: “what is to stop China from offering the same support to its allies?” Um, do they mean something like this? Or perhaps, this (second item)? Meanwhile, Harlan Ullman, Washington Times, likes the India deal a lot, but worries about “the risk is this new relationship turning China into a foe or competitor, either by miscalculation or design,” and then pleads about the need to keep the Communists onside for dealing with Stalinist North Korea’s nuclear weapons. Will they never learn?
More On the failed bid for Unocal: Many analysts were pleased to see the Communist bid for Unocal thwarted, as Patrick Goodenough (Cybercast News) discovered. John W. Schoen, MSNBC, examines the Communists’ international asset buying spree.
On Communist China and the United States: Evelyn Iritani, Los Angeles Times, details the Communist-owned Haier firm’s charm offensive and investments in South Carolina. Edward Lanfranco, UPI (via Washington Times), interviews Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick, the pointman on “strategic dialogue” talks between the U.S. and Communist China (much of what Zoellick said, had he put in an Op-ed, could have made the Ignorant Comment of the Day). Jude Wanniski sees the Communists’ miniscule currency move as a step towards fixed its currency to gold, which he feels could be catastrophic for the U.S.
On the crimes of the Chinese Communist Party: M. Grangier, of Epoch Times International, reminds the Administration of Justice of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights at the United Nations about the tens of millions killed by the Chinese Communist Party. Peter Ebertz spoke on behalf of Swedish Parliamentarian Göran Linblad in the July 22 Nine Commentaries Forum. The Epoch Times reprinted the remarks.
On Communist China and Canada: Peter Worthington, Toronto Sun, comments on the defection of Yang Jianhua and his family (second item). Kevin Steel, of the Friendly Site Western Standard, examines the controversy brewing in Canada over the Taiwan Affairs Act, a bill by Tory MP Jim Abbott to improve relations between Canada and Taiwan.
On Communist China and Poland: Former East European dissident Peter Zvagulis, in the Epoch Times, joins those who see Communist scheming, rather than Cinderella romance, behind the recent marriage of Polish presidential candidate Stanislaw Tymiński and Shenzhen laborer Wu Mulan (tenth item).
Hu Jintao to visit U.S. and Canada: Communist leader Hu Jintao “will visit Canada and the U.S. in September” (Epoch Times). Is anyone going to ask him about the Hanyuan County massacre?
Chen Yonglin and Hao Fengjun crash “seminar” designed to smear them: The Shanghai General Business Committee, The Chinese Weekly (Melbourne, Australia), and the Chinese Union of Victoria held a “large-scale seminar” in Melbourne to discuss what they called “the Damage of the Chen Yonglin Incident to the Chinese People” (Epoch Times). The seminar was shut down in less then an hour after the former consular officer showed up to challenge the pro-Communist tone. Former cadre and 610 officer Hao Fengjun was also there. Hao also commented on Australia’s strange, to put it mildly (fifth item), treatment of practitioners demonstrating in front of the Communist Embassy in Canberra (Epoch Times).
Russia-Communist China military exercise to include 10,000 troops: Some details about the August 18 joint military exercise between Communist Chin and Russia came out: 10,000 troops, including “airborne, amphibious and logistical support units” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times). The Shanghai Cooperation Organization members also invited defense ministers from the other four SCO nations to observe. Adam Wolfe, in The Power and Interest News Report, examines how the SCO and the Communists’ make-the-world-safe-for-dictators policy is affecting the U.S. in Central Asia.
Non-Communist Christians may be over 100 million strong in Communist China: “Underground” Christian churches, i.e., house of worship that refuse to put the Communist Party between themselves and their God as the Communist-controlled “Patriotic” churches do, “are said to have up to 100 million members” (London Telegraph via Washington Times). That would easily surpass membership in the CCP.
Study says developers making huge profits in Fuzhou real estate: The big winners in Communist China’s building craze are the builders themselves, who are making huge profits according to a study in Fuzhou city (Epoch Times). This should come as no surprise, as the developers are usually cadres or close friends of cadres – Zhou Zhengyi was such a favorite of Shanghai cadres that his eventual jail term for illegal evictions was the exactly the same as the attorney who exposed them (twenty-sixth item): three years.
Ignorant Comment of the Day: This was a close call, but the prize goes to the editors of the Washington Post, who incoherently lament the end of the Communists’ Unocal bid.
Runners-up: Lawrence J. Korb, and Peter Ogden, of the Center for American Progress, rip the U.S. nuclear deal with India (second item) in the Washington Post. They throw in the usual lines about the damage to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, while refusing to discuss its complete ineffectiveness in Iran and Stalinist North Korea. Then there’s this whopper: “what is to stop China from offering the same support to its allies?” Um, do they mean something like this? Or perhaps, this (second item)? Meanwhile, Harlan Ullman, Washington Times, likes the India deal a lot, but worries about “the risk is this new relationship turning China into a foe or competitor, either by miscalculation or design,” and then pleads about the need to keep the Communists onside for dealing with Stalinist North Korea’s nuclear weapons. Will they never learn?
More On the failed bid for Unocal: Many analysts were pleased to see the Communist bid for Unocal thwarted, as Patrick Goodenough (Cybercast News) discovered. John W. Schoen, MSNBC, examines the Communists’ international asset buying spree.
On Communist China and the United States: Evelyn Iritani, Los Angeles Times, details the Communist-owned Haier firm’s charm offensive and investments in South Carolina. Edward Lanfranco, UPI (via Washington Times), interviews Deputy Secretary of State Robert B. Zoellick, the pointman on “strategic dialogue” talks between the U.S. and Communist China (much of what Zoellick said, had he put in an Op-ed, could have made the Ignorant Comment of the Day). Jude Wanniski sees the Communists’ miniscule currency move as a step towards fixed its currency to gold, which he feels could be catastrophic for the U.S.
On the crimes of the Chinese Communist Party: M. Grangier, of Epoch Times International, reminds the Administration of Justice of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights at the United Nations about the tens of millions killed by the Chinese Communist Party. Peter Ebertz spoke on behalf of Swedish Parliamentarian Göran Linblad in the July 22 Nine Commentaries Forum. The Epoch Times reprinted the remarks.
On Communist China and Canada: Peter Worthington, Toronto Sun, comments on the defection of Yang Jianhua and his family (second item). Kevin Steel, of the Friendly Site Western Standard, examines the controversy brewing in Canada over the Taiwan Affairs Act, a bill by Tory MP Jim Abbott to improve relations between Canada and Taiwan.
On Communist China and Poland: Former East European dissident Peter Zvagulis, in the Epoch Times, joins those who see Communist scheming, rather than Cinderella romance, behind the recent marriage of Polish presidential candidate Stanislaw Tymiński and Shenzhen laborer Wu Mulan (tenth item).
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Communists Drop Unocal Bid
Normally, I'd wait for the next News of the Day, but good and important news like this can't wait. The Communist-owned China National Offshore Oil Company "abandoned its rival bid for California-based oil and natural gas provider Unocal Corp." (Washington Post). The Communists' attempt to take over the American oil firm ran into trouble when rival bidder Chevron's offer was endorsed by Unocal's board of directors. The Communists could have thrown more money into their bid; in fact, they say they "would have done so but for the political environment in the U.S." By that, they probably mean this: fourth, seventh, and second items.
Keep in mind, no piece of legislation actually passed, no action was actually taken by the Administration. A few hearings in Congress, a bunch of editorials, and some blogs (OK, perhaps that's just an ego-stroking stretch) managed to scare of the Communists. That's how hypersensitive the Communists are right now. Rather than risk a political tangle that could last long enough for the anti-Communist right and the anti-Communist left to form a lasting alliance - and that is the one thing in the American political arena that scares Zhongnanhai more than anything else - they will pull back and let everything die down.
Now we can see how well pressure works in Canada, where the Communist-owned China Shipping Group is going after CP Limited Ships. Like Unocal, CP has other bidders, including France's CMA CGM. As observers of Canadian politics (and nearly all Canadian readers of this blog) know, Canada's government is more malleable to the Communists than America's. However, the opposition in the Great White North has quietly become the most anti-Communist party in the democratic world. With enough pressure from either side of the 49th parallel, Communist China will face a choice. Do they go ahead and had the opposition an issue (selling off of Canadian firms to a hostile foreign power) that could very well do what nothing else seems to have done: namely, get them elected to government? Or do we back off, save our buddies in Ottowa the headache, and try again when no one is watching?
Now, I've been waiting for an election in any democratic nation where Communist China is the top issue (or at least one of them) for years, and Canada is the best shot we have for that. Still, at the very least, the Unocal victory tells us that the Communists can indeed by stopped. There's no reason not to try to stop them again.
Keep in mind, no piece of legislation actually passed, no action was actually taken by the Administration. A few hearings in Congress, a bunch of editorials, and some blogs (OK, perhaps that's just an ego-stroking stretch) managed to scare of the Communists. That's how hypersensitive the Communists are right now. Rather than risk a political tangle that could last long enough for the anti-Communist right and the anti-Communist left to form a lasting alliance - and that is the one thing in the American political arena that scares Zhongnanhai more than anything else - they will pull back and let everything die down.
Now we can see how well pressure works in Canada, where the Communist-owned China Shipping Group is going after CP Limited Ships. Like Unocal, CP has other bidders, including France's CMA CGM. As observers of Canadian politics (and nearly all Canadian readers of this blog) know, Canada's government is more malleable to the Communists than America's. However, the opposition in the Great White North has quietly become the most anti-Communist party in the democratic world. With enough pressure from either side of the 49th parallel, Communist China will face a choice. Do they go ahead and had the opposition an issue (selling off of Canadian firms to a hostile foreign power) that could very well do what nothing else seems to have done: namely, get them elected to government? Or do we back off, save our buddies in Ottowa the headache, and try again when no one is watching?
Now, I've been waiting for an election in any democratic nation where Communist China is the top issue (or at least one of them) for years, and Canada is the best shot we have for that. Still, at the very least, the Unocal victory tells us that the Communists can indeed by stopped. There's no reason not to try to stop them again.
News of the Day (August 2)
Stalinists souring on nuclear talks: Stalinist North Korea’s envoy to the six-party talks on its nuclear weapons called the prospect for a joint statement “bad” (BBC), meaning even that incredibly low bar may be missed. These talks are the longest since Russia, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, SNK, and its Communist Chinese allies first met on the sbuject – a fact some are spinning as a success in itself (Epoch Times). Will they never learn?
Communist military concerns officials in U.S. and Japan: The continuing Communist military buildup has caused concern in Japan, where the Defense Ministry called for “more accurate information about (Communist China’s) defense spending and military capabilities” (BBC). Several American experts are also worried about the Communist military, and expressed them to the House Armed Services Committee (Epoch Times).
Communist-owned oil firm opens oil field in Kazakhstan: A subsidiary of the Communist-owned China National Petroleum Corporation opened a new oil field in Kazakhstan (United Press International via Washington Times).
WHO questions Communists’ “pig fever” diagnosis; one doctor claims it’s Ebola: The World Health Organization “urged China to carry out further tests on the disease, saying the high mortality rate could mean other factors were involved as well as streptococcus suis” (BBC). It is the first time the WHO – still banned by the Communists from coming anywhere near the afflicted area (eighth item) – publicly challenged the cadres’ assertion that the disease that has killed over 30 is “pig fever.” Meanwhile, the Free China Forum, an internet BBS, “posted an interview transcript with Doctor Wang” (Epoch Times). She examined the virus and actually found it to be Ebola.
U.S. Swimming coach suggests Communists are hiding swimmers from drug tests: U.S. men's team coach Dave Salo had a very good World Championships event, but the lack of a presence from Communist China “raises suspicions” (Washington Post). Salo suggested the cadres were hiding their better swimmers in order to slip them by the Olympic drug testers, who tests at random but only center around known swimmers.
On Communist China and the United States: Economist-turned-dissident He Qinglian tells the Epoch Times that Communist China’s decision to inch its currency upward was to “bargain with the US government, in the same way that it uses political dissidents as bargaining chips.” John LeBoutillier, Newsmax, calls for the U.S. to maintain and extend its space program, in no small part to stay ahead of Communist China.
On Zimbabwe: Roger Bate, American Enterprise Institute, says Communist China’s embrace of Robert Mugabe has its limits – a major deal with Mugabe “was torn up last week” (Weekly Standard) to keep the wealthier and more powerful South Africa happy.
On land seizures: Daniel Griffiths, BBC, details and examines Communist China’s spate of land seizures, and the fury it has unleashed in the impoverished rural interior. One thing missing: there was only a passing reference to the Hanyuan County Massacre.
Communist military concerns officials in U.S. and Japan: The continuing Communist military buildup has caused concern in Japan, where the Defense Ministry called for “more accurate information about (Communist China’s) defense spending and military capabilities” (BBC). Several American experts are also worried about the Communist military, and expressed them to the House Armed Services Committee (Epoch Times).
Communist-owned oil firm opens oil field in Kazakhstan: A subsidiary of the Communist-owned China National Petroleum Corporation opened a new oil field in Kazakhstan (United Press International via Washington Times).
WHO questions Communists’ “pig fever” diagnosis; one doctor claims it’s Ebola: The World Health Organization “urged China to carry out further tests on the disease, saying the high mortality rate could mean other factors were involved as well as streptococcus suis” (BBC). It is the first time the WHO – still banned by the Communists from coming anywhere near the afflicted area (eighth item) – publicly challenged the cadres’ assertion that the disease that has killed over 30 is “pig fever.” Meanwhile, the Free China Forum, an internet BBS, “posted an interview transcript with Doctor Wang” (Epoch Times). She examined the virus and actually found it to be Ebola.
U.S. Swimming coach suggests Communists are hiding swimmers from drug tests: U.S. men's team coach Dave Salo had a very good World Championships event, but the lack of a presence from Communist China “raises suspicions” (Washington Post). Salo suggested the cadres were hiding their better swimmers in order to slip them by the Olympic drug testers, who tests at random but only center around known swimmers.
On Communist China and the United States: Economist-turned-dissident He Qinglian tells the Epoch Times that Communist China’s decision to inch its currency upward was to “bargain with the US government, in the same way that it uses political dissidents as bargaining chips.” John LeBoutillier, Newsmax, calls for the U.S. to maintain and extend its space program, in no small part to stay ahead of Communist China.
On Zimbabwe: Roger Bate, American Enterprise Institute, says Communist China’s embrace of Robert Mugabe has its limits – a major deal with Mugabe “was torn up last week” (Weekly Standard) to keep the wealthier and more powerful South Africa happy.
On land seizures: Daniel Griffiths, BBC, details and examines Communist China’s spate of land seizures, and the fury it has unleashed in the impoverished rural interior. One thing missing: there was only a passing reference to the Hanyuan County Massacre.
Monday, August 01, 2005
News of the Day (August 1)
Talks on SNK’s nuclear weapons centering around draft statement: The six-party talks on Stalinist North Korea’s nuclear weapons is now a week old, and the goal of this round appears to be agreement on a “draft of basic principles” (BBC). The biggest holdup is “North Korea's demand for swift compensation for a commitment to dismantle its nuclear weapons program and U.S. insistence that inspections and dismantling actually begin before compensation is delivered” (Washington Post). Note that the U.S. is now merely demanding that “dismlantling” begin, not be completed. Making matters worse, Christopher Hill, the head of the U.S. delegation, said it was all coming down to “wordsmithing.” In other words, while the Stalinist regime continues to develop more nuclear weapons, it can engage in wordplay with the U.S., Russia, Japan, South Korea, and Communist China (not that the fifty-plus year Stalinist ally minds all that much) over the timing of aid they can receive before a single nuclear weapon is destroyed. Freelance correspondent Richard Halloran (Washington Times) sees this as going nowhere; yours truly is more afraid a deal will go down (Epoch Times). Will they never learn? Meanwhile, Lieut. Colenol Gordon Cucullu, Front Page Magazine, is rightly incensed that the well-being of the people of northern Korea is not being discussed at the talks.
Hao Fengjun gets protection visa as embassy worker defects in Canada: Hao Fengjun, the former 610 official who defected to Australia and brought with him evidence of Communist espionage in Canada and elsewhere, was finally granted a protection visa today (BBC). Meanwhile, in Canada itself, Yang Jianhua, a hairdresser with the Communist Embassy, defected with his wife and son, and is now hiding “in an eastern Canada city” (Epoch Times).
Woe Canada! All is not well in the Great White North. The shipping giant CP Limited Ships is considering a takeover bid from the Communist-owned China Shipping Group (United Press Int’l via Washington Times, second item). France's CMA CGM is the only obstacle between the cadres and their latest Canadian prize (fourth item).
U.S. to send military officer to de facto embassy in Taiwan: The Bush Administration will reverse twenty-seven years of (bad) history and send an Army colonel to Taiwan to “take up the post of liaison affairs officer – essentially a military attache” (Cybercast News) at the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto U.S. Embassy there for the first time since the U.S. closed its embassy in Taiwan in 1979. Naturally, the Communists were furious, but nuke-wielding General Zhu Chenghu was silent. Meanwhile, John Derbyshire, National Review Online, called Zhu “stark gibbering insane.”
Administration takes blasé attitude toward Communist thrust into Africa: Not all is well in the Bush Administration either. The Communist charge into Africa for economic resources and political friends seems to be of no concern to principal deputy assistant secretary of State for African Affairs Michael E. Ranneberger, who actually said this to a Congressional subcommittee: “this can work to advance our goals in Africa to the extent that it serves to increase prosperity and stability and thereby contributes to increased respect for human rights and individual freedom” (UPI via Washington Times) and “it can increase the potential for collaboration between the United States and China as part of a broader, constructive bilateral relationship.” I think I’m going to be sick again.
Cisco faces shareholder revolt for its complicity in Great Red Firewall: Cisco’s role in helping Communist China crackdown on cyberdissidents (eighth item) has gotten the firm into trouble with its own shareholders, some of whom are calling for “the company to adopt a comprehensive human rights policy for its dealings with the Chinese government, and with other states practicing political censorship of the internet” (Wired).
Bush grants Bolton recess appointment: President Bush bypassed the U.S. Senate and appointed John Bolton Ambassador to the United Nations in a “recess apppointment” (MSNBC, Fox News) Bolton had majority support in the Senate, but his nomination had been filibustered due to, among other things, his toughness on Communist China and Stalinist North Korea (fifth item). Bolton may serve until January 2007, unless the Senate rejects the nomination when it reconvenes.
“Pig fever” continues to spread, but Communist blackout spreads more quickly: Communist China has acknowledged 163 cases of what it calls streptococcus suis (the BBC dubbed it “pig fever”), but outside experts are skeptical of the diagnosis, noting that the bacteria in question rarely infects humans (Central News Agency, Taiwan, via Epoch Times). The Communists continue to deny the World Health Organization access to Sichuan (origin of the epidemic), and have also banned all press from covering it. If that sounds familiar to anyone, it should.
Nine Commentaries owner murdered by Communist police as resignations increase: Guo Lifang, of Hunan province, was taken for interrogation by local police after they found a copy of the Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party in her home. She later died of “unnatural causes” (Epoch Times), i.e., she was strangled.
More on the Nine Commentaries: The Epoch Times reprinted the remarks of Chinese-language editor-in-chief Annette Guo, Congressman Tom Tancredo, and Frank Gaffney of the Center for Security Policy at the National Press Club forum on the Commentaries.
Ignorant Comment of the Day: The prize goes to James McGregor, former chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China. In the Washington Post, MacGregor slams American politics, takes pot shots at democracy in general, calls for Communist-owned firms to get chucks of the U.S. economy, supports the loosening of export controls, and treats counterfeiting like it’s something the Communists don’t want. He also presents himself as “a patriotic American who has lived in Beijing for 15 years – and as a person who respects the Chinese people and what they are accomplishing.” What they are accomplishing? Anyone looking for a clear-eyed view of the situation might want to check out Losing the New China, by Ethan Guttmen (Member since 2004).
Our Runner-up is the London Daily Telegraph (via Washington Times), whose analysis of the Communists’ infinitesimal currency action is beyond silly.
More commentary on Communist China and the United States: Gary Schmitt, of the Project for the New American Century, and Dan Blumenthal, of the American Enterprise Institute, praise the “substantive merit” (Weekly Standard) in the Pentagon’s report on the Communist military, but lament the authors’ unwillingness to act upon it. Thomas Donnelly and Melissa Wisner, both from AEI, discuss the Communist bid for Unocal in the Daily Standard. William Kristol, deputy director of the Project for the New American Century, calls for the U.S. to form a “community of democracies” in Asia. Finally, the Epoch Times reprints the testimony of its English-language chairman, Stephen Gregory, on Communist abuses against its enemies here in the United States.
Other Commentary on Communist China: Edward Cody, Washington Post (via MSNBC) examines a violent incident at Chizhou, where the local populace witnessed a young man being beaten by a hospital official’s bodyguards, confused the bodyguard with a nouveau riche cadre, and revolted against “the increasingly intimate connection in modern China between big money and Communist government.” Meanwhile, Søren Espersen, Member of Parliament for Copenhagen (Denmark), talks to New Tang Dynasty Television (via Epoch Times), about the European Union arms embargo (third item) and Communist China’s attempts to block the seminar he attended.
Hao Fengjun gets protection visa as embassy worker defects in Canada: Hao Fengjun, the former 610 official who defected to Australia and brought with him evidence of Communist espionage in Canada and elsewhere, was finally granted a protection visa today (BBC). Meanwhile, in Canada itself, Yang Jianhua, a hairdresser with the Communist Embassy, defected with his wife and son, and is now hiding “in an eastern Canada city” (Epoch Times).
Woe Canada! All is not well in the Great White North. The shipping giant CP Limited Ships is considering a takeover bid from the Communist-owned China Shipping Group (United Press Int’l via Washington Times, second item). France's CMA CGM is the only obstacle between the cadres and their latest Canadian prize (fourth item).
U.S. to send military officer to de facto embassy in Taiwan: The Bush Administration will reverse twenty-seven years of (bad) history and send an Army colonel to Taiwan to “take up the post of liaison affairs officer – essentially a military attache” (Cybercast News) at the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto U.S. Embassy there for the first time since the U.S. closed its embassy in Taiwan in 1979. Naturally, the Communists were furious, but nuke-wielding General Zhu Chenghu was silent. Meanwhile, John Derbyshire, National Review Online, called Zhu “stark gibbering insane.”
Administration takes blasé attitude toward Communist thrust into Africa: Not all is well in the Bush Administration either. The Communist charge into Africa for economic resources and political friends seems to be of no concern to principal deputy assistant secretary of State for African Affairs Michael E. Ranneberger, who actually said this to a Congressional subcommittee: “this can work to advance our goals in Africa to the extent that it serves to increase prosperity and stability and thereby contributes to increased respect for human rights and individual freedom” (UPI via Washington Times) and “it can increase the potential for collaboration between the United States and China as part of a broader, constructive bilateral relationship.” I think I’m going to be sick again.
Cisco faces shareholder revolt for its complicity in Great Red Firewall: Cisco’s role in helping Communist China crackdown on cyberdissidents (eighth item) has gotten the firm into trouble with its own shareholders, some of whom are calling for “the company to adopt a comprehensive human rights policy for its dealings with the Chinese government, and with other states practicing political censorship of the internet” (Wired).
Bush grants Bolton recess appointment: President Bush bypassed the U.S. Senate and appointed John Bolton Ambassador to the United Nations in a “recess apppointment” (MSNBC, Fox News) Bolton had majority support in the Senate, but his nomination had been filibustered due to, among other things, his toughness on Communist China and Stalinist North Korea (fifth item). Bolton may serve until January 2007, unless the Senate rejects the nomination when it reconvenes.
“Pig fever” continues to spread, but Communist blackout spreads more quickly: Communist China has acknowledged 163 cases of what it calls streptococcus suis (the BBC dubbed it “pig fever”), but outside experts are skeptical of the diagnosis, noting that the bacteria in question rarely infects humans (Central News Agency, Taiwan, via Epoch Times). The Communists continue to deny the World Health Organization access to Sichuan (origin of the epidemic), and have also banned all press from covering it. If that sounds familiar to anyone, it should.
Nine Commentaries owner murdered by Communist police as resignations increase: Guo Lifang, of Hunan province, was taken for interrogation by local police after they found a copy of the Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party in her home. She later died of “unnatural causes” (Epoch Times), i.e., she was strangled.
More on the Nine Commentaries: The Epoch Times reprinted the remarks of Chinese-language editor-in-chief Annette Guo, Congressman Tom Tancredo, and Frank Gaffney of the Center for Security Policy at the National Press Club forum on the Commentaries.
Ignorant Comment of the Day: The prize goes to James McGregor, former chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China. In the Washington Post, MacGregor slams American politics, takes pot shots at democracy in general, calls for Communist-owned firms to get chucks of the U.S. economy, supports the loosening of export controls, and treats counterfeiting like it’s something the Communists don’t want. He also presents himself as “a patriotic American who has lived in Beijing for 15 years – and as a person who respects the Chinese people and what they are accomplishing.” What they are accomplishing? Anyone looking for a clear-eyed view of the situation might want to check out Losing the New China, by Ethan Guttmen (Member since 2004).
Our Runner-up is the London Daily Telegraph (via Washington Times), whose analysis of the Communists’ infinitesimal currency action is beyond silly.
More commentary on Communist China and the United States: Gary Schmitt, of the Project for the New American Century, and Dan Blumenthal, of the American Enterprise Institute, praise the “substantive merit” (Weekly Standard) in the Pentagon’s report on the Communist military, but lament the authors’ unwillingness to act upon it. Thomas Donnelly and Melissa Wisner, both from AEI, discuss the Communist bid for Unocal in the Daily Standard. William Kristol, deputy director of the Project for the New American Century, calls for the U.S. to form a “community of democracies” in Asia. Finally, the Epoch Times reprints the testimony of its English-language chairman, Stephen Gregory, on Communist abuses against its enemies here in the United States.
Other Commentary on Communist China: Edward Cody, Washington Post (via MSNBC) examines a violent incident at Chizhou, where the local populace witnessed a young man being beaten by a hospital official’s bodyguards, confused the bodyguard with a nouveau riche cadre, and revolted against “the increasingly intimate connection in modern China between big money and Communist government.” Meanwhile, Søren Espersen, Member of Parliament for Copenhagen (Denmark), talks to New Tang Dynasty Television (via Epoch Times), about the European Union arms embargo (third item) and Communist China’s attempts to block the seminar he attended.
Friday, July 29, 2005
News of the Day (July 29)
Hao Fengjun reveals worldwide espionage network: Hao Fengjun, the former Communist cop who is still seeking asylum in Australia, revealed plans from the anti-Falun Gong 610 office "that required its operatives in all major cities around the globe to have a complete monitoring system in place within the next three years" (Epoch Times). Hao also noted that the largest number of Communist spies are in Japan, Australia, and North America, and that many in the 610 office "simply waiting for their chance to defect" and are a watching his case to see if he will b protected - all the more reason for the U.S. to grant Hao asylum now.
Talks on SNK nuclear weapons stretch on: The U.S. and Stalinist North Korea "have begun a fourth round of bilateral talks" (BBC) over the latter's nuclear weapons program. The talks, which also include Russia, South Korea, Japan, and host Communist China, may even go into next week. The continuing willingness to talk is a sign that the battle within the Bush Administration on the Stalinist regime appears to be settled - with the dealmakers in control (Washington Times). Will they never learn?
Chen Yonglin says Communists are building nuclear stockpile to confront U.S.: Meanwhile, Communist China is already "building up its nuclear forces as part of a secret strategy targeting the United States," according to ex-Communist consul Chen Yonglin, who spoke to Bill Gertz (Washington Times). Chen also disputes the estimate of 20 nuclear missiles in Communist China, saying the exact number is known to only the highest ranking cadres.
Communist China may drop Unocal bid: Amid "political pressure in the U.S." (Market Watch) that "makes the takeover impossible," Communist China could end its bid for Unocal "as early as next week." According to the Japanese Yomiuri Shimbun, the bid is already dead. Unocal's board of directors recommended shareholders reject the Communist bid in favor of a revised Chevron merger deal (fifth item).
Communist China launches charm offensive in Washington as Charles Lee suffers in jail: Communist China has hired the Patton Boggs lobbying firm to help "counter U.S. criticism of its growing economic and military power" (Newsmax). One person Patton Boggs will likely not have in its files on its new client is Charles Lee, the American citizen and Falun Gong practitioner who has spent two and a half years in a Communist jail. The Communists are "threatening to cut off all communication with Dr. Lee, including diplomatic visits, if he keeps studying and practicing . . . Falun Gong" (Epoch Times).
Communist "pig bacteria" deaths pass 30: What the Communists are still calling a "pig-borne bacterial disease" (Newsmax) has now infected over 150 and killed 31 people. Already, questions about the nature of the disease, and the Communists refusal to answer them, are reminding observers of the SARS coverup that enabled that disease to encircle the globe.
On Jiang Zemin: The editors of the Epoch Times release Chapter Nine of the autobiography.
O Canada! Rob Anders, Member of Parliament from Calgary West (Alberta), spoke on Communist China's persecution at home - and abroad - at a Nine Commentaries forum. He ought to know about the latter: Communist embassy officials once accosted him outside of the Canadian Parliament. Report: Epoch Times
On Pakistan and the War on Terror (again): We have even more accounts of Pakistani strongman Pervez Musharraf's checkered policies on terrorism (lead and ninth items), this one from Wilson John, of the Observer Research Foundation, in the Washington Times.
Talks on SNK nuclear weapons stretch on: The U.S. and Stalinist North Korea "have begun a fourth round of bilateral talks" (BBC) over the latter's nuclear weapons program. The talks, which also include Russia, South Korea, Japan, and host Communist China, may even go into next week. The continuing willingness to talk is a sign that the battle within the Bush Administration on the Stalinist regime appears to be settled - with the dealmakers in control (Washington Times). Will they never learn?
Chen Yonglin says Communists are building nuclear stockpile to confront U.S.: Meanwhile, Communist China is already "building up its nuclear forces as part of a secret strategy targeting the United States," according to ex-Communist consul Chen Yonglin, who spoke to Bill Gertz (Washington Times). Chen also disputes the estimate of 20 nuclear missiles in Communist China, saying the exact number is known to only the highest ranking cadres.
Communist China may drop Unocal bid: Amid "political pressure in the U.S." (Market Watch) that "makes the takeover impossible," Communist China could end its bid for Unocal "as early as next week." According to the Japanese Yomiuri Shimbun, the bid is already dead. Unocal's board of directors recommended shareholders reject the Communist bid in favor of a revised Chevron merger deal (fifth item).
Communist China launches charm offensive in Washington as Charles Lee suffers in jail: Communist China has hired the Patton Boggs lobbying firm to help "counter U.S. criticism of its growing economic and military power" (Newsmax). One person Patton Boggs will likely not have in its files on its new client is Charles Lee, the American citizen and Falun Gong practitioner who has spent two and a half years in a Communist jail. The Communists are "threatening to cut off all communication with Dr. Lee, including diplomatic visits, if he keeps studying and practicing . . . Falun Gong" (Epoch Times).
Communist "pig bacteria" deaths pass 30: What the Communists are still calling a "pig-borne bacterial disease" (Newsmax) has now infected over 150 and killed 31 people. Already, questions about the nature of the disease, and the Communists refusal to answer them, are reminding observers of the SARS coverup that enabled that disease to encircle the globe.
On Jiang Zemin: The editors of the Epoch Times release Chapter Nine of the autobiography.
O Canada! Rob Anders, Member of Parliament from Calgary West (Alberta), spoke on Communist China's persecution at home - and abroad - at a Nine Commentaries forum. He ought to know about the latter: Communist embassy officials once accosted him outside of the Canadian Parliament. Report: Epoch Times
On Pakistan and the War on Terror (again): We have even more accounts of Pakistani strongman Pervez Musharraf's checkered policies on terrorism (lead and ninth items), this one from Wilson John, of the Observer Research Foundation, in the Washington Times.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
News of the Day (July 28)
Stalinist North Korea wants end to “nuclear umbrella” over South: As reported earlier (second item), the Stalinists are indeed demanding the U.S. “remove its nuclear umbrella protecting South Korea” (Cybercast News), i.e., stop stationing American vessels capable of hitting the Stalinists with nuclear weapons and leave the democratic South with no nuclear deterrent-protection from a Stalinist invasion. It should be noted, that Communist China has a de facto “nuclear umbrella” of its own protecting the Stalinists (third item). Meanwhile, the U.S. held more bilateral talks with the Stalinist regime (South Korea, Japan, Russsia, and host Communist China are the other parties in the six-way talks) and “trying to draft a list of agreed principles to give new life to the deadlocked diplomacy” (BBC). Will they never learn?
Communist China may zoom past the U.S. in submarines: Communist China “already has more attack submarines that the United States” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times) and could have “a three-to-one advantage by 2025.” John Tkacik, of the Heritage Foundation, called the submarine gap a “home-field advantage” against the U.S. in East Asia, and noted that the regime “has already purchased four Russian Kilo-class boats, including the super-quiet Type-636 variant, and has eight additional boats on order.”
Communist China-Russia war games set for next month: Speaking of Russia – still Communist China’s largest arms supplier – the two militaries will conduct joint military excercises in Vladivostok, starting on August 18 (UPI via Washington Times).
Bush Administration considering curbs on high-tech exports to Communist China: A policy battle between “national security officials concerned about China's military threat and American companies increasingly dependent on overseas markets” (Bloomberg News) may get in the way of new export restrictions to Communist China. The Administration “plans to issue new rules by year's end imposing stricter limits on the export of civilian technology that can be exploited for military use,” for now.
U.S. and Communist China agree to “complement” Kyoto accord: Along with India, South Korea, Japan and Australia, Communist China and the U.S. “have announced a surprise pact to cut greenhouse gases which falls outside the Kyoto Protocol on climate change” (BBC). The deal calls for “collaboration” (Cybercast News) on several energy issues, such as “‘clean coal,’ carbon capture and storage, methane capture and use, civilian nuclear power, hydrpower, wind power and solar power.” While a number of environmentalists ripped the deal for its lack of hard-targets on emission reduction, this corner would like to know why helping the Communists become more efficient in energy production is anything but trouble for the U.S. and her allies in the future.
Communist China tries to block UN discussion of Zimbabwe: Communist China re-affirmed the importance of Zimbabwe strongman Robert Mugabe (third, sixth, sixth, and seventh items) in its policy to make the world safe for dictators by trying to block a United Nations report on Mugabe’s vicious “slum clearance” policy, “saying the body should not interfere in Zimbabwe's internal affairs” (Cybercast News). Roger Bate, of the American Enterprise Institute, examine the effects of the Communist embrace of Mugabe in the Daily Standard, as does Jill McGivering of the BBC.
As possible recess appointment nears, Democrats open new angle against Bolton: Two Senate Democrats are demanding to know if and when UN Ambassador-designate John Bolton testified before the grand jury investigate the leak of CIA employee Valerie Plame (Fox News). Meanwhile, two Senate Republicans called for President Bush to grant Bolton – who has engendered opposition in part for his toughness on Communist China and Stalinist North Korea (fifth item) – a recess appointment (Washington Times).
More on Communist China and the United States: Heide B. Malhotra, Epoch Times, examines the Communist China trade restriction bill by Representative Phil English (Republican – Pennsylvania), and finds it leaves a lot to be desired. Meanwhile, Rich Miller, Business Week, doesn’t see much change in Communist China’s currency.
On Pakistan and the terrorist war: Security analyst Kaushik Kapisthalam takes aim at Pakistan’s support for terrorism in the dispute Kashmir region, and calls on the U.S. and its allies to press the Communist Chinese ally to cut it out (UPI via Washington Times).
On the Falun Gong War: Li Zhen, Epoch Times, laments the continuing Communist persecution against Falun Gong, not only for the abuse done to practitioners but also for the resultant moral erosion of the Chinese people.
Communist China may zoom past the U.S. in submarines: Communist China “already has more attack submarines that the United States” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times) and could have “a three-to-one advantage by 2025.” John Tkacik, of the Heritage Foundation, called the submarine gap a “home-field advantage” against the U.S. in East Asia, and noted that the regime “has already purchased four Russian Kilo-class boats, including the super-quiet Type-636 variant, and has eight additional boats on order.”
Communist China-Russia war games set for next month: Speaking of Russia – still Communist China’s largest arms supplier – the two militaries will conduct joint military excercises in Vladivostok, starting on August 18 (UPI via Washington Times).
Bush Administration considering curbs on high-tech exports to Communist China: A policy battle between “national security officials concerned about China's military threat and American companies increasingly dependent on overseas markets” (Bloomberg News) may get in the way of new export restrictions to Communist China. The Administration “plans to issue new rules by year's end imposing stricter limits on the export of civilian technology that can be exploited for military use,” for now.
U.S. and Communist China agree to “complement” Kyoto accord: Along with India, South Korea, Japan and Australia, Communist China and the U.S. “have announced a surprise pact to cut greenhouse gases which falls outside the Kyoto Protocol on climate change” (BBC). The deal calls for “collaboration” (Cybercast News) on several energy issues, such as “‘clean coal,’ carbon capture and storage, methane capture and use, civilian nuclear power, hydrpower, wind power and solar power.” While a number of environmentalists ripped the deal for its lack of hard-targets on emission reduction, this corner would like to know why helping the Communists become more efficient in energy production is anything but trouble for the U.S. and her allies in the future.
Communist China tries to block UN discussion of Zimbabwe: Communist China re-affirmed the importance of Zimbabwe strongman Robert Mugabe (third, sixth, sixth, and seventh items) in its policy to make the world safe for dictators by trying to block a United Nations report on Mugabe’s vicious “slum clearance” policy, “saying the body should not interfere in Zimbabwe's internal affairs” (Cybercast News). Roger Bate, of the American Enterprise Institute, examine the effects of the Communist embrace of Mugabe in the Daily Standard, as does Jill McGivering of the BBC.
As possible recess appointment nears, Democrats open new angle against Bolton: Two Senate Democrats are demanding to know if and when UN Ambassador-designate John Bolton testified before the grand jury investigate the leak of CIA employee Valerie Plame (Fox News). Meanwhile, two Senate Republicans called for President Bush to grant Bolton – who has engendered opposition in part for his toughness on Communist China and Stalinist North Korea (fifth item) – a recess appointment (Washington Times).
More on Communist China and the United States: Heide B. Malhotra, Epoch Times, examines the Communist China trade restriction bill by Representative Phil English (Republican – Pennsylvania), and finds it leaves a lot to be desired. Meanwhile, Rich Miller, Business Week, doesn’t see much change in Communist China’s currency.
On Pakistan and the terrorist war: Security analyst Kaushik Kapisthalam takes aim at Pakistan’s support for terrorism in the dispute Kashmir region, and calls on the U.S. and its allies to press the Communist Chinese ally to cut it out (UPI via Washington Times).
On the Falun Gong War: Li Zhen, Epoch Times, laments the continuing Communist persecution against Falun Gong, not only for the abuse done to practitioners but also for the resultant moral erosion of the Chinese people.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
News of the Day (July 27)
Communist China’s ties to Iran growing deeper: In an attempt to challenge what they consider “a hegemonist run amok” (Washington Times) – i.e., the United States – Communist China and Iran’s already close alliance is flourishing.
Stalinist North Korea makes demands of U.S. at talks: The Stalinist regime demanded that “the US to remove its own nuclear arsenal from South Korea” (BBC) and establish diplomatic relations in exchange for pledging to end its own nuclear weapons program. The former is likely a reference to American naval vessels that swing by South Korea (and possibly Japan). All at the negotiating table are “are determined to move forward and make progress” at the talks, begging the question, again: Will they never learn?
Chen Yonglin attends DC rally and testifies to Australian Senate: Chen Yonglin, the former Communist consular officer in Sydney, Australia, attended the anti-CCP rally in Washington, DC, on Friday (Epoch Times, China Support Network). This week, he also testified before an Australian Senate committee inquiry on his harrowing ordeal with Australian authorities during his first attempt to defect (Epoch Times). We repeat our call for the U.S. to grant Hao Fengjun asylum.
Communists arrest 100 in Bible study: A Bible study in Hebei Province came to an abrupt end as Communist police stormed it “and arrested everyone present” (World Net Daily). It was the latest in the Communist crackdown against the tens of millions of Christians who refuse to worship in Communist-controlled “churches.”
More lies about a disease outbreak? Communist China is feeling the heat, again, amid an outbreak of what it claims is a pig-based bacterial infection that has already killed two dozen people in Sichuan Province. Already, we now know that the regime “knew of the first cases on 24 June but it only allowed the story out on 25 July” (BBC). However, experts cited by the Epoch Times “suggest that a swine bacterium is an unlikely cause.” The Communists “offered neither the raw data nor the samples that would be required to do a credible genetic assessment.” A similar cadre coverup allowed SARS to fester in Communist China for months and spread throughout the world.
U.S. wants more assurances from Israel on Communist China arms: The United States “has refused to rescind sanctions against Israel until the latter proves it has increased its monitoring of security-related exports” (Ha’aretz, Israel). The U.S. “wants to see Knesset legislation enacted within 18 months tightening oversight of military exports” plus “a written apology from Israel and (Defense Minster) Mofaz.” The latest flap “erupted over Israel's sale to China of replacement parts for Harpy attack drones.” That sale was subsequently cancelled (sixth and fifth items).
Mugabe gets aid and support from Communist China: Communist China continued its policy of making the world safe for dictators with a new agreement with one of its favorites: Zimbabwe strongman Robert Mugabe (third, sixth, and sixth items). The deal nets Mugabe “loans in exchange for trade and mineral concessions” (BBC). Moreover, according to Mugabe, the Communists “will never allow” the United Nations Security Council to make any statement on his massive “slum clearance,” which has wiped out nearly a quarter of a million homes.
Clinton to attend Communist internet summit: Former President Bill Clinton “be the keynote speaker at the 2005 China Internet Summit” (Newsmax) in September. The summit “will address the key issues facing China's Internet industry, including globalization strategies, the future of online gaming and the development of e-commerce,” but apparently not the cadres’ continuing crackdown on cyberdissidents.
On Communist China and the United States: The editors of the Washington Times react to Communist China’s pint-sized currency move with a distressing free-trade rant. Paul Craig Roberts, Newsmax, takes aim at the willingness of so many Americans to sned jobs and factories to Communist China, but even his economics-only argument ignores the national security issue (except on Navy shipbuilding). Sarah Shenker,
BBC, examines the geopolitical chess game over American troops in Kyrgyzstan.
Stalinist North Korea makes demands of U.S. at talks: The Stalinist regime demanded that “the US to remove its own nuclear arsenal from South Korea” (BBC) and establish diplomatic relations in exchange for pledging to end its own nuclear weapons program. The former is likely a reference to American naval vessels that swing by South Korea (and possibly Japan). All at the negotiating table are “are determined to move forward and make progress” at the talks, begging the question, again: Will they never learn?
Chen Yonglin attends DC rally and testifies to Australian Senate: Chen Yonglin, the former Communist consular officer in Sydney, Australia, attended the anti-CCP rally in Washington, DC, on Friday (Epoch Times, China Support Network). This week, he also testified before an Australian Senate committee inquiry on his harrowing ordeal with Australian authorities during his first attempt to defect (Epoch Times). We repeat our call for the U.S. to grant Hao Fengjun asylum.
Communists arrest 100 in Bible study: A Bible study in Hebei Province came to an abrupt end as Communist police stormed it “and arrested everyone present” (World Net Daily). It was the latest in the Communist crackdown against the tens of millions of Christians who refuse to worship in Communist-controlled “churches.”
More lies about a disease outbreak? Communist China is feeling the heat, again, amid an outbreak of what it claims is a pig-based bacterial infection that has already killed two dozen people in Sichuan Province. Already, we now know that the regime “knew of the first cases on 24 June but it only allowed the story out on 25 July” (BBC). However, experts cited by the Epoch Times “suggest that a swine bacterium is an unlikely cause.” The Communists “offered neither the raw data nor the samples that would be required to do a credible genetic assessment.” A similar cadre coverup allowed SARS to fester in Communist China for months and spread throughout the world.
U.S. wants more assurances from Israel on Communist China arms: The United States “has refused to rescind sanctions against Israel until the latter proves it has increased its monitoring of security-related exports” (Ha’aretz, Israel). The U.S. “wants to see Knesset legislation enacted within 18 months tightening oversight of military exports” plus “a written apology from Israel and (Defense Minster) Mofaz.” The latest flap “erupted over Israel's sale to China of replacement parts for Harpy attack drones.” That sale was subsequently cancelled (sixth and fifth items).
Mugabe gets aid and support from Communist China: Communist China continued its policy of making the world safe for dictators with a new agreement with one of its favorites: Zimbabwe strongman Robert Mugabe (third, sixth, and sixth items). The deal nets Mugabe “loans in exchange for trade and mineral concessions” (BBC). Moreover, according to Mugabe, the Communists “will never allow” the United Nations Security Council to make any statement on his massive “slum clearance,” which has wiped out nearly a quarter of a million homes.
Clinton to attend Communist internet summit: Former President Bill Clinton “be the keynote speaker at the 2005 China Internet Summit” (Newsmax) in September. The summit “will address the key issues facing China's Internet industry, including globalization strategies, the future of online gaming and the development of e-commerce,” but apparently not the cadres’ continuing crackdown on cyberdissidents.
On Communist China and the United States: The editors of the Washington Times react to Communist China’s pint-sized currency move with a distressing free-trade rant. Paul Craig Roberts, Newsmax, takes aim at the willingness of so many Americans to sned jobs and factories to Communist China, but even his economics-only argument ignores the national security issue (except on Navy shipbuilding). Sarah Shenker,
BBC, examines the geopolitical chess game over American troops in Kyrgyzstan.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
That’s when the duck hit me on the head.
As I was writing a column in reaction to the opening of the talks on Stalinist North Korea’s nuclear weapons, I noted the fact that much of the recent discussions about Unocal, the Communist military buildup, and the overseas espionage network will likely be shoved to the background as the “engagement” crowd peddles the “good cop” image of Communist China, i.e., without the cooperation of the Chinese Communist regime, we may never get the Stalinists to agree to stop breaking their promise to agree to stop breaking their promise not to develop nuclear weapons. No, that wasn’t a text-copy typo, the Stalinists agreed not to develop nukes in 1985. In 1993, they went back on their word; next year under the Agreed Framework they promised to reverse their 1993 reversal.
Anyhow, it was in my pondering of the near-perfect storm of rising debate on Communist China that – as we like to say here – the duck hit me on the head. I quickly went back to find out when the Stalinists – allies of Communist China for over fifty years and dependent upon it for their very survival – agreed to the new round of talks. Wouldn’t you know it? The talks were officially on again three days after Australia granted a protection visa to Chen Yonglin, and less than two weeks after Bill Gertz’s exposé on the Communist military buildup. Does anyone really think that was purely coincidental?
Anyhow, it was in my pondering of the near-perfect storm of rising debate on Communist China that – as we like to say here – the duck hit me on the head. I quickly went back to find out when the Stalinists – allies of Communist China for over fifty years and dependent upon it for their very survival – agreed to the new round of talks. Wouldn’t you know it? The talks were officially on again three days after Australia granted a protection visa to Chen Yonglin, and less than two weeks after Bill Gertz’s exposé on the Communist military buildup. Does anyone really think that was purely coincidental?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)