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.
Friday, July 29, 2005
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?
News of the Day (July 26)
“Open-ended” talks on SNK nuclear weapons begin: Uh oh. The U.S. plan for the six-way talks on Stalinist North Korea’s nuclear weapons, which begin today, was revealed by an unnamend “senior U.S. official” to the Washington Post: “stay in Beijing as long as necessary, seeking to find relatively easy points of agreement that would become a platform to launch further rounds of negotiations in the future.” There have already been bilateral talks between the U.S. and SNK (South Korea, Russia, Japan, and host Communist China are the other parties to the larger talks), and U.S. envoy Chirstopher Hill insisted, “We remain prepared to speak with the DPRK [North Korea] bilaterally in the context of these talks” (CNN). Hill also insisted the U.S. accepted the “fact” of a sovereign North Korea. The Stalinists had similar “conciliatory remarks” (BBC), not surprising given how much the U.S. had moved to their position before these talks began. There were whispers that these would be “make or break” talks (Cybercast News), and some concern from the Japanese press that the matter of their abducted citizens was being swept under the rug (BBC), but overall, there seems to be a lot of momentum for a deal, which, as always, forces this corner to ask: Will they never learn?
Taiwanese President wonders why so few focus on Communist China: Meanwhile, President Chen Shui-bian “accused the international community of double standards, for not taking the threat from China as seriously as the nuclear challenge posed by North Korea” (BBC). The elected leader of the island democracy noted the 700-plus Communist missiles pointed at his people “with 100 more being added each year.” However, “six-party talks are going on in Beijing to try to resolve the issue of North Korea's nuclear weapons while at the same time some European countries are trying to lift the embargo on selling arms to China.” However, Chen did give credit where it is due, “welcoming the efforts by the US and Japan to support Taiwan.”
Anti-Communist events in Washington: Last Thursday, Freedom House, Friends of Falun Gong and the Falun Dafa Associations jointly held a rally calling on the cadres to end the Falun Gong War (Epoch Times). The next day, Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-Colorado), Center for Security Policy Head Frank Gaffeny, and Canadian Opposition MP Rob Anders discussed the dangers of trading with Communist China (Epoch Times).
Reaction to the Communist currency move: Three pundits have already discounted Communist China’s miniature concession on its deliberrately devalued currency. John Tamny (National Review Online), blithely ignoring national security issues as always, actually prefers the old currency peg. Meanwhile Irwin M. Stelzer (Daily Standard) recognizes the Communists’ “overwhelming comparative advantage in labor costs that has enabled it to displace American products in many sectors,” but says nothing about the prison labor and lack of independent unions that creates such a condition. Robert Samuelson (Washington Post), melds Communist China with its neighbors in a column on the economies of Asia. All completely ignore national security issues.
On Unocal: Ben White, Washington Post, examines how Unocal’s board of directors decided to endorse Chevron’s merger bid over the plan from Communist-owned CNOOC, and what could happen before the stockholders decide on August 10. Meanwhile, Harvey Feldman, of The Heritage Foundation, explicitly ignores national security issues in his Washington Times column as he asks: “So are there reasons to object to the deal?” However, he still answers, “Yes, there are,” and lists them.
Communists facing coal shortage: At the present consumption rate, Communist China could literally run out of coal – its largest source of already insufficient energy (tenth, sixth and eighth items) – by 2020 (Central News Agency, Taiwan, via Epoch Times).
Suicide leading killer of young in Communist China: Among those in Communist China between the ages of 20 to 35, “suicide is the primary cause of death” (BBC). This makes suicide “the fifth major cause of death among China's 1.3 bn population, but the main cause of death for people aged between 20 and 35.” A psychiatrist cited “pressure and competition.” The effect of being in a Communist dictatorship was not discussed.
U.S. can stay in Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyz Defense Minister Ismail Isakov assured his American counterpart, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, that the U.S. military “can keep its airbase in Kyrgyzstan as long as it is needed for operations in Afghanistan” (BBC). Kyrgyzstan had previously joined a Shanghai Cooperation Organization call for an American pullout from Central Asia (third item).
Taiwanese President wonders why so few focus on Communist China: Meanwhile, President Chen Shui-bian “accused the international community of double standards, for not taking the threat from China as seriously as the nuclear challenge posed by North Korea” (BBC). The elected leader of the island democracy noted the 700-plus Communist missiles pointed at his people “with 100 more being added each year.” However, “six-party talks are going on in Beijing to try to resolve the issue of North Korea's nuclear weapons while at the same time some European countries are trying to lift the embargo on selling arms to China.” However, Chen did give credit where it is due, “welcoming the efforts by the US and Japan to support Taiwan.”
Anti-Communist events in Washington: Last Thursday, Freedom House, Friends of Falun Gong and the Falun Dafa Associations jointly held a rally calling on the cadres to end the Falun Gong War (Epoch Times). The next day, Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-Colorado), Center for Security Policy Head Frank Gaffeny, and Canadian Opposition MP Rob Anders discussed the dangers of trading with Communist China (Epoch Times).
Reaction to the Communist currency move: Three pundits have already discounted Communist China’s miniature concession on its deliberrately devalued currency. John Tamny (National Review Online), blithely ignoring national security issues as always, actually prefers the old currency peg. Meanwhile Irwin M. Stelzer (Daily Standard) recognizes the Communists’ “overwhelming comparative advantage in labor costs that has enabled it to displace American products in many sectors,” but says nothing about the prison labor and lack of independent unions that creates such a condition. Robert Samuelson (Washington Post), melds Communist China with its neighbors in a column on the economies of Asia. All completely ignore national security issues.
On Unocal: Ben White, Washington Post, examines how Unocal’s board of directors decided to endorse Chevron’s merger bid over the plan from Communist-owned CNOOC, and what could happen before the stockholders decide on August 10. Meanwhile, Harvey Feldman, of The Heritage Foundation, explicitly ignores national security issues in his Washington Times column as he asks: “So are there reasons to object to the deal?” However, he still answers, “Yes, there are,” and lists them.
Communists facing coal shortage: At the present consumption rate, Communist China could literally run out of coal – its largest source of already insufficient energy (tenth, sixth and eighth items) – by 2020 (Central News Agency, Taiwan, via Epoch Times).
Suicide leading killer of young in Communist China: Among those in Communist China between the ages of 20 to 35, “suicide is the primary cause of death” (BBC). This makes suicide “the fifth major cause of death among China's 1.3 bn population, but the main cause of death for people aged between 20 and 35.” A psychiatrist cited “pressure and competition.” The effect of being in a Communist dictatorship was not discussed.
U.S. can stay in Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyz Defense Minister Ismail Isakov assured his American counterpart, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, that the U.S. military “can keep its airbase in Kyrgyzstan as long as it is needed for operations in Afghanistan” (BBC). Kyrgyzstan had previously joined a Shanghai Cooperation Organization call for an American pullout from Central Asia (third item).
Monday, July 25, 2005
News of the Day (July 25)
Communist China inches its currency upward: Communist China “revalued its currency, the yuan, for the first time in a decade” (BBC), from 12 cents to 12⅓ cents, still well below the consensus market value of 15-16 cents. So while the Communists managed to get a boatload of praise for its actions (Stephen Roach and Michael Schuman of Time Asia, Eric Baculinao of MSNBC, and Roland Flamini of United Press Int’l via Washington Times), its new currency level will still damage American manufacturing and the export sectors of our Asian allies. It also provided another opportunity for the Communists to rip efforts to impose a currency-corrective tariff (UPI via Washington Times), joined by the annoying Larry Kudlow (National Review Online) and Tom Nuegnt (also of NRO). Meanwhile, NRO’s David Malpass and UPI’s Gregory Fossedal (via Washington Times) weigh in on the economic effects of this minimal action – neither touch upon national security, of course.
Communists rip Pentagon military report: It took months for the Pentagon report on Communist China’s military to see the light of day, but the cadres were able to accuse its authors of “scheming to use this as an excuse to sell advanced weapons to Taiwan” (Washington Post) within hours. Among those not inclined to buy the Communists’ line are the editors of the Washington Times and Newsmax’s Charles R. Smith.
House of Representatives call for General Zhu to be canned: The House amended an appropriations bill for the State Department to include a call for “for the sacking of the Chinese Communist Party’s Major-General Zhu Chenghu” (Epoch Times). General Zhu threatened a nuclear response if America came to Taiwan’s defense against a Communist invasion. Zhu insisted he was merely airing his own opinion, a notion Zi Ding and Zhao Dagong (both in the Epoch Times) find laughable.
Chen Yonglin testifies before Congress: The former consular Communist talked to the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations on Communist China’s massive espionage network and how it is used to, among other things, intimidate overseas ethnic Chinese communities (Epoch Times). Meanwhile, Tim Luard, BBC, examines the reaction to the defections from Communist China.
Guergis demands Canadian aid to Communist China stop: Helena Guergis, Canada’s Opposition critic for international aid (lead and fourth items), “says it's time to ‘turn off the tap’ of Canadian foreign aid to China” (CTV).
Zimbabwe’s Mugabe in Communist China for help: Robert Mugabe, the dictator of Zimbabwe, visited his best friend, Communist China, “to discuss financial aid and trade” (BBC). Communist China’s ties to Mugabe run long and deep (third and sixth items).
As Falun Gong War enters seventh year, a new battlefield in Belgium: He Lizhi, a Falun Gong practitioner and victim of Communist persecution, detailed his suffering to the Epoch Times; the paper also spoke to practitioners who marked the anniversary of the beginning of the crackdown in front of the Communist New York consulate. Meanwhile, the very intimidation Chen Yonglin described (see above) was the cause for “a complaint in the Brussels Justice Palace against four high-ranking Chinese Communist Party officials” (Epoch Times) after two practitioners were forced to endure “several waves of phone calls defaming Falun Gong and urging people to dissociate from the practice.”
One child may trump "two systems": Ms. Hsuing, a Hong Kong resident visiting her family in Hunan Province, was nearly forced to abort her child as part of the hideous “one child” policy, before Hong Kong authorities got the cadres to beg off, for now. Hsuing has already seen three relatives “seized and forced to abort their unauthorized pregnancies. All were pregnant for the first time” (Epoch Times, emphasis added).
Resignations pass 3.2 million, issue reaches Washington: The mass renunciations from inspired by the Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party have caught the attention of the Washington Times, while Stockholm, Sweden, saw the first anti-CCP rally in Europe (Epoch Times). Xinfei, Epoch Times, discusses what the resignations mean for the West. Also reporting: Epoch Times
Communist wealth inequality passes “warning level”: The rampant corruption in Communist China has lede to an elite so wealthy that its “income disparity measured by the Gini coefficient has reached 0.465, higher than the internationally accepted warning level of 0.4” (Radio Free Asia via Epoch Times).
European Union shuts door on Communist sweaters: Remember the overhyped trade deal between the European Union and Communist China on textiles (sixth item)? Never mind: “The European Commission has blocked imports of sweaters made in China, after limits on imports were breached a month after a quota system was agreed” (BBC).
Communist auto firm buys Rover: Automaker MG Rover was bought by the CCP-owned Nanjing Automotive, completing the on-again, off-again Communist takeover of the British firm. At least some of Rover’s jobs will be sent to Communist China (BBC).
U.S./India nuclear deal wins praise and criticism: The U.S. offer of civilian nuclear technology and future weapons sales to India has run into criticism from many quarters – including a usual favorite of this quarter: Henry Sokolski (Weekly Standard), and Roland Flamini (UPI via Washington Times). The main concern is India’s possession of nuclear weapons and its refusal to sign the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (the document that has done wonderfully in keeping Iran and Stalinist North Korea nuclear-free). Of course the fact that India agreed to “nuclear controls that are in essence the same as those controls laid out in the NPT” (Voice of America via Epoch Times) seemed unimportant. Bush did win some praise from Jim Hoagland (Washington Post), who noted “this accord demonstrates the peaceful application of a national security strategy that holds that the nature of regimes, rather than the nature of the weapons they possess, will determine their relations with Washington.” Meanwhile, the Indian Communists also ripped the accord (Washington Times), but its expected to be easily approved in Parliament (UPI via Washington Times). Left almost entirely unmentioned was the greatest benefit of the deal – it largely ensured the Communist charm offensive (third item) with India would fail.
On Taiwan: Gary Schmitt, of the Project for the New American Century, and Dan Blumenthal, of the American Enterprise Institute, call for closer ties between the Taiwanese and American militaries. Meanwhile, the editors of the Epoch Times hold out hope for the new Kuomintang leader – Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou – based on who opposed him: James Soong (second item) and Lien Chan, and with enemies like those . . .
On Communist China and the United States: Dr. Jingduan Yang, Epoch Times, makes the case perfectly clear to American officials: “the US has a choice to make today – choosing to take sides with the Chinese communist regime, or with the Chinese people.” Albert Keidel, of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, chooses the regime in the Washington Post. Max Boot takes issue with that in a Los Angeles Times column that – very nearly – manages paint the entire, clear picture of Cold War II.
On Communist “academicians”: The next time you see a comment from a professor at a Communist university, remember this searing piece by Liu Fusan, Epoch Times, on the corruption and incompetence of the Communist academic community.
On Jiang Zemin: The editors of the Epoch Times release the next three chapters on their biography of the former Communist leader and author of the Falun Gong War.
Stalinist North Korea wants peace treaty: The Stalinist regime “has called for a peace treaty with the US, ahead of the resumption of talks aimed at ending the stand-off over its nuclear weapons” (BBC). SNK has previously demanded merely a “non-agression” statement as one of its conditions for its nuclear disarmament. The overhyped talks on SNK’s nuclear weapons being tomorrow. Also reporting: CNN
South Korea talks reunification without liberation: Anthony Faiola, Washington Post, examines the plans of the dovish South Korean government to provide electricity to SNK if it agrees to nuclear disarmament. Its supporters “described as the first part of a North Korean Marshall Plan” and “an essential investment in the future of Korean unification.” Will they never learn? How about liberating northern Korea first?
Communists rip Pentagon military report: It took months for the Pentagon report on Communist China’s military to see the light of day, but the cadres were able to accuse its authors of “scheming to use this as an excuse to sell advanced weapons to Taiwan” (Washington Post) within hours. Among those not inclined to buy the Communists’ line are the editors of the Washington Times and Newsmax’s Charles R. Smith.
House of Representatives call for General Zhu to be canned: The House amended an appropriations bill for the State Department to include a call for “for the sacking of the Chinese Communist Party’s Major-General Zhu Chenghu” (Epoch Times). General Zhu threatened a nuclear response if America came to Taiwan’s defense against a Communist invasion. Zhu insisted he was merely airing his own opinion, a notion Zi Ding and Zhao Dagong (both in the Epoch Times) find laughable.
Chen Yonglin testifies before Congress: The former consular Communist talked to the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations on Communist China’s massive espionage network and how it is used to, among other things, intimidate overseas ethnic Chinese communities (Epoch Times). Meanwhile, Tim Luard, BBC, examines the reaction to the defections from Communist China.
Guergis demands Canadian aid to Communist China stop: Helena Guergis, Canada’s Opposition critic for international aid (lead and fourth items), “says it's time to ‘turn off the tap’ of Canadian foreign aid to China” (CTV).
Zimbabwe’s Mugabe in Communist China for help: Robert Mugabe, the dictator of Zimbabwe, visited his best friend, Communist China, “to discuss financial aid and trade” (BBC). Communist China’s ties to Mugabe run long and deep (third and sixth items).
As Falun Gong War enters seventh year, a new battlefield in Belgium: He Lizhi, a Falun Gong practitioner and victim of Communist persecution, detailed his suffering to the Epoch Times; the paper also spoke to practitioners who marked the anniversary of the beginning of the crackdown in front of the Communist New York consulate. Meanwhile, the very intimidation Chen Yonglin described (see above) was the cause for “a complaint in the Brussels Justice Palace against four high-ranking Chinese Communist Party officials” (Epoch Times) after two practitioners were forced to endure “several waves of phone calls defaming Falun Gong and urging people to dissociate from the practice.”
One child may trump "two systems": Ms. Hsuing, a Hong Kong resident visiting her family in Hunan Province, was nearly forced to abort her child as part of the hideous “one child” policy, before Hong Kong authorities got the cadres to beg off, for now. Hsuing has already seen three relatives “seized and forced to abort their unauthorized pregnancies. All were pregnant for the first time” (Epoch Times, emphasis added).
Resignations pass 3.2 million, issue reaches Washington: The mass renunciations from inspired by the Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party have caught the attention of the Washington Times, while Stockholm, Sweden, saw the first anti-CCP rally in Europe (Epoch Times). Xinfei, Epoch Times, discusses what the resignations mean for the West. Also reporting: Epoch Times
Communist wealth inequality passes “warning level”: The rampant corruption in Communist China has lede to an elite so wealthy that its “income disparity measured by the Gini coefficient has reached 0.465, higher than the internationally accepted warning level of 0.4” (Radio Free Asia via Epoch Times).
European Union shuts door on Communist sweaters: Remember the overhyped trade deal between the European Union and Communist China on textiles (sixth item)? Never mind: “The European Commission has blocked imports of sweaters made in China, after limits on imports were breached a month after a quota system was agreed” (BBC).
Communist auto firm buys Rover: Automaker MG Rover was bought by the CCP-owned Nanjing Automotive, completing the on-again, off-again Communist takeover of the British firm. At least some of Rover’s jobs will be sent to Communist China (BBC).
U.S./India nuclear deal wins praise and criticism: The U.S. offer of civilian nuclear technology and future weapons sales to India has run into criticism from many quarters – including a usual favorite of this quarter: Henry Sokolski (Weekly Standard), and Roland Flamini (UPI via Washington Times). The main concern is India’s possession of nuclear weapons and its refusal to sign the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (the document that has done wonderfully in keeping Iran and Stalinist North Korea nuclear-free). Of course the fact that India agreed to “nuclear controls that are in essence the same as those controls laid out in the NPT” (Voice of America via Epoch Times) seemed unimportant. Bush did win some praise from Jim Hoagland (Washington Post), who noted “this accord demonstrates the peaceful application of a national security strategy that holds that the nature of regimes, rather than the nature of the weapons they possess, will determine their relations with Washington.” Meanwhile, the Indian Communists also ripped the accord (Washington Times), but its expected to be easily approved in Parliament (UPI via Washington Times). Left almost entirely unmentioned was the greatest benefit of the deal – it largely ensured the Communist charm offensive (third item) with India would fail.
On Taiwan: Gary Schmitt, of the Project for the New American Century, and Dan Blumenthal, of the American Enterprise Institute, call for closer ties between the Taiwanese and American militaries. Meanwhile, the editors of the Epoch Times hold out hope for the new Kuomintang leader – Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou – based on who opposed him: James Soong (second item) and Lien Chan, and with enemies like those . . .
On Communist China and the United States: Dr. Jingduan Yang, Epoch Times, makes the case perfectly clear to American officials: “the US has a choice to make today – choosing to take sides with the Chinese communist regime, or with the Chinese people.” Albert Keidel, of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, chooses the regime in the Washington Post. Max Boot takes issue with that in a Los Angeles Times column that – very nearly – manages paint the entire, clear picture of Cold War II.
On Communist “academicians”: The next time you see a comment from a professor at a Communist university, remember this searing piece by Liu Fusan, Epoch Times, on the corruption and incompetence of the Communist academic community.
On Jiang Zemin: The editors of the Epoch Times release the next three chapters on their biography of the former Communist leader and author of the Falun Gong War.
Stalinist North Korea wants peace treaty: The Stalinist regime “has called for a peace treaty with the US, ahead of the resumption of talks aimed at ending the stand-off over its nuclear weapons” (BBC). SNK has previously demanded merely a “non-agression” statement as one of its conditions for its nuclear disarmament. The overhyped talks on SNK’s nuclear weapons being tomorrow. Also reporting: CNN
South Korea talks reunification without liberation: Anthony Faiola, Washington Post, examines the plans of the dovish South Korean government to provide electricity to SNK if it agrees to nuclear disarmament. Its supporters “described as the first part of a North Korean Marshall Plan” and “an essential investment in the future of Korean unification.” Will they never learn? How about liberating northern Korea first?
Thursday, July 21, 2005
On London, again
A unique combination of virii - one in my stomach, a slew of others in my home computer - have put me out of commission today. I should be OK tomorrow, but a combination of home chores and DC events will likely mean the next News of the Day won't come until Monday (and it will probably be very long).
In the meantime, of course, there is the second terrorist attack on London. Assuming (as of 2PM EST) that it was al Qaeda again, all I can say about the attack has already been said, by me: here and here.
In the meantime, of course, there is the second terrorist attack on London. Assuming (as of 2PM EST) that it was al Qaeda again, all I can say about the attack has already been said, by me: here and here.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
News of the Day (July 20)
Pentagon report on Communist military finally released: Well, it took long enough – and the fact that it happened just as everyone was paying attentiont to the new Supreme Court nominee is disturbing, but the Defense Department’s report (here in pdf) on Communist China’s military is finally out. Among other things, the report notes that the cadres have over “between 650 and 730 short-range ballistic missiles in position opposite Taiwan, with 100 more being deployed every year” (BBC). Meanwhile, the conquest of the island democracy – rather than an end in itself, is “would enable the [People's Liberation Army's] Navy to move its maritime defensive perimeter further seaward and improve Beijing's ability to influence regional sea lines of communication” (Bill Gertz, Washington Times). The report also “warns of ‘serious and numerous’ consequences if the European Union lifts the arms embargo it has had in place against China since the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times), something Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld repeated in a press conference yesterday (Cybercast News). The plans to lift the emabrgo are largely dead (third item). Jonathan Marcus, BBC, examines what this report says about U.S. views on Communist China.
U.S. agrees to open up nuclear technology and advanced weapons to India: So much for the Communists’ charm offensive (third item), the Communists never came close to what President Bush did: “give India access to U.S. nuclear technology and conventional weapons systems” (Washington Post) as part of his plan “help position India . . . as a regional counterweight to China”. The deal must be approved by Congress, due to India’s refusal to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act, the same treaty that has been so effective in stopping Communist China from aiding Iran and Stalinist North Korea’s (second item) nuclear ambitions. In an address to Congress, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh emphasized his nation’s “solid non-proliferation track record” (UPI via Washington Times), insisting India – a possessor of nuclear weapons since 1998 – has “never been and will never be a source of proliferation of sensitive technologies . . . even though we have witnessed unchecked nuclear proliferation in our own neighborhood which has directly affected our security interests” (Cybercast News). Did you hear that Communist China? Meanwhile, Singh also reiterated his full support for the War on Terror, and went further in isnisting “We cannot be selective in this area” (UPI via Washington Times) – a pointed reference to Communist ally Pakistan’s history of backing terrorists in Kashmir (seventh and lead items). Naturally, India was ecstatic (UPI via Washington Times), but the editors of the Washington Post expressed unease.
Chen Yonglin to testify before Congress: A Congressional subcomittee invited former Communist political consul Chen Yonglin to testify on “about the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), how the CCP rules the Chinese people, and what has happened in China” (Epoch Times). We repeat our call for the U.S. to grant Hao Fengjun asylum.
The Maytag repairman can send the Mao suit back: Communist-owned Haier (seventh item) “dropped out of the battle for Maytag” (BBC).
Australian ban of Falun Gong protest goes to court: Practitioners in the Australian Capital Territory have sued Foreign Minister Alexander Downer to lift the ban on “holding banners or signs outside the Chinese Embassy” (Epoch Times).
Communist China insist economy is still white-hot: The cadres announced that “the economy grew 9.5% from a year earlier in the first half” (BBC). The Communists have a history of fudging numbers (tenth and fifteenth items), but what made this remarkable was that it came on the heels of a report that oil consumpiton in Communist China had fallen (fourth item) – a sure sign things are not as rosy as the cadres say they are.
Another Zhejiang plant polluting: Residents of Xinchang, home of the badly polluting Jingxin Pharmaceutical Company, have taken to the streets to shut the factory down after an explosion that “protesters allege . . . contaminated a local river” (BBC). Roughly 15,000 people “clashed with police” to keep it shut. Xinchang is in Zhejiang province, home of another polluting factory that saw a similar battle in April (next to last item).
Commentary On Communist China and the United States: Patrick Devenny, of the Center for Security Policy, exmaines the Central Asian theatre of the cold war between the U.S. and Communist China in Front Page Magazine. William R. Hawkins, of the U.S. Business and Industry Council, details how the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), could actaully damage Central America due to the voracious competition from Commuinst China in the Washington Times. Anne Applebaum, Washington Post, rips American hig-tech firms for their complicity in Communist China’s internet crackdown.
On Stalinist North Korea: As UN fired its special North Korea adviser Maurice Strong (CTV), Heda Bayron (Voice of America via Epoch Times) and Jong-Heon Lee (UPI via Washington Times) analyze the prospects for a deal in the nuclear talks that resume Tuesday. Meanwhile, dovish South Korea’s Ambassador to the U.S. insisted “that our alliance remains vital and comprehensive” (Washington Times, second item), while its Air Force chief of staff met with Communist Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan (UPI via Washington Times, third item).
U.S. agrees to open up nuclear technology and advanced weapons to India: So much for the Communists’ charm offensive (third item), the Communists never came close to what President Bush did: “give India access to U.S. nuclear technology and conventional weapons systems” (Washington Post) as part of his plan “help position India . . . as a regional counterweight to China”. The deal must be approved by Congress, due to India’s refusal to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act, the same treaty that has been so effective in stopping Communist China from aiding Iran and Stalinist North Korea’s (second item) nuclear ambitions. In an address to Congress, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh emphasized his nation’s “solid non-proliferation track record” (UPI via Washington Times), insisting India – a possessor of nuclear weapons since 1998 – has “never been and will never be a source of proliferation of sensitive technologies . . . even though we have witnessed unchecked nuclear proliferation in our own neighborhood which has directly affected our security interests” (Cybercast News). Did you hear that Communist China? Meanwhile, Singh also reiterated his full support for the War on Terror, and went further in isnisting “We cannot be selective in this area” (UPI via Washington Times) – a pointed reference to Communist ally Pakistan’s history of backing terrorists in Kashmir (seventh and lead items). Naturally, India was ecstatic (UPI via Washington Times), but the editors of the Washington Post expressed unease.
Chen Yonglin to testify before Congress: A Congressional subcomittee invited former Communist political consul Chen Yonglin to testify on “about the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), how the CCP rules the Chinese people, and what has happened in China” (Epoch Times). We repeat our call for the U.S. to grant Hao Fengjun asylum.
The Maytag repairman can send the Mao suit back: Communist-owned Haier (seventh item) “dropped out of the battle for Maytag” (BBC).
Australian ban of Falun Gong protest goes to court: Practitioners in the Australian Capital Territory have sued Foreign Minister Alexander Downer to lift the ban on “holding banners or signs outside the Chinese Embassy” (Epoch Times).
Communist China insist economy is still white-hot: The cadres announced that “the economy grew 9.5% from a year earlier in the first half” (BBC). The Communists have a history of fudging numbers (tenth and fifteenth items), but what made this remarkable was that it came on the heels of a report that oil consumpiton in Communist China had fallen (fourth item) – a sure sign things are not as rosy as the cadres say they are.
Another Zhejiang plant polluting: Residents of Xinchang, home of the badly polluting Jingxin Pharmaceutical Company, have taken to the streets to shut the factory down after an explosion that “protesters allege . . . contaminated a local river” (BBC). Roughly 15,000 people “clashed with police” to keep it shut. Xinchang is in Zhejiang province, home of another polluting factory that saw a similar battle in April (next to last item).
Commentary On Communist China and the United States: Patrick Devenny, of the Center for Security Policy, exmaines the Central Asian theatre of the cold war between the U.S. and Communist China in Front Page Magazine. William R. Hawkins, of the U.S. Business and Industry Council, details how the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), could actaully damage Central America due to the voracious competition from Commuinst China in the Washington Times. Anne Applebaum, Washington Post, rips American hig-tech firms for their complicity in Communist China’s internet crackdown.
On Stalinist North Korea: As UN fired its special North Korea adviser Maurice Strong (CTV), Heda Bayron (Voice of America via Epoch Times) and Jong-Heon Lee (UPI via Washington Times) analyze the prospects for a deal in the nuclear talks that resume Tuesday. Meanwhile, dovish South Korea’s Ambassador to the U.S. insisted “that our alliance remains vital and comprehensive” (Washington Times, second item), while its Air Force chief of staff met with Communist Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan (UPI via Washington Times, third item).
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
News of the Day (July 19)
Katrina Leung’s FBI handler gets house arrest: James J. Smith, the FBI official who was Katrina Leung’s handler, “was sentenced to three months in home confinement” (Agence France Press via Yahoo) for concealing the affair he had with Leung, an affair that allowed her to sneak out documents to her real superiors in Communist China. The FBI believes Leung may have messed up their counterintelligence on Communist China for at least twenty years. Despite this, Leung’s indictment was dismissed earlier this year by Judge Florence-Marie Cooper, who happened to be appointed by both Bill Clinton – whose national Democratic party received hundreds of thousands in Communist Chinese campaign contributions – and Pete Wilson – who as Governor of California was de facto leader of the Golden State GOP, for whom Leung raised untold sums of money. Judge Cooper also handed down the Smith sentence, turning down the prosecutor’s request that he be sent to jail for two months. The dismissal of Leung’s indictment is being appealed.
More on General Zhu’s nuke threat: Joseph Farah, founder of World Net Daily, rips President Bush for his silence on the threat from General Zhu Chenghu to use nuclear weapons against the U.S. if it comes to the aid of Taiwan against a Communist attack.
Communist China plans “anti-terrorism” organization: As part of its smokescreen on the War on Terror, Communist China “intends to set up a regional coordinating mechanism to fight terrorism” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times). Cadre Li Wei had the rhetoric down cold: “China should learn lessons from other countries, such as the United States and Britain, in this regard.” What we could teach them about slander against Taiwan and persecuting Uighurs and Tibetans is anyone’s guess.
Indian PM visits Washington: Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited President Bush in Washington for talks continuing “a real transformation of our relationship,” in Singh’s words (Voice of America via Epoch Times). President Bush has dramatically improved relations with India, something Bruce Fein (Washington Times) supports heartily. Of course, Communist China is embarking on a major charm offensive of its own in India (third item), but there is still Mao’s 1962 land seizure to get over.
Communist China making more inroads in Africa: By presenting itself as a friend to all dictators, Communist China continues to win partners in Africa. Sudan “exports 60 percent of its oil to China” (UPI via Washington Times), while Angola ships the cadres a quarter of its oil. Angola, meanwhile, will get “a next-generation network of fixed, mobile, data and optical systems” (UPI via Washington Times) from Communist-pwned firm ZTE – one of the builders of Saddam Hussein’s fiber-optice network (tenth item).
Communists force abortion on Falun Gong practitioner: Wang Jingui, a Falun Gong practitioner in Henan province, “was sent to the Huaiyang County Birth Control Center, where eight men held her down on an operating table and forcibly aborted her child” (Epoch Times). The Communists also sentenced her to five years in jail. Meanwhile, more learned about the harrowing persecution suffered by Falun Gong at a live exhibit depicting the torture in San Fransisco (Epoch Times).
Residents of Shengyou still forced to resist Communists: After a group of farmers protesting the seizure of their lands buy corrupt cadres looking to build a power plant were attacked by hired goons, the Communists played the public relations game and fired some cadres. However, their replacements “are detaining reporters and keeping them in a Dingzhou hotel” (UPI via Washington Times), including BBC reporter Bessie Du, who managed to smuggle out video of the assault (third item). Meanwhile, residents told Du that“the government had done nothing to redress their demands.”
Beijing power crunch worst in two decades: The Communists are now admitting the summer energy crunch in Beijing (sixth item) will be “its worst energy shortfall in 20 years” (UPI via Washington Times).
On the Nine Commentaries: As a forum on the Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party was held in The Hague (Epoch Times), those daring to even mention the document in Communist China face still face swift arrest (Epoch Times).
Other Commentary on Communist China: Ziyuan, Epoch Times, laments the “deceitful propaganda” that is the Communist-run China Central Television. Li Xiao, Renminbao (via Epoch Times), examines Polish exile Stanislaw Tymiński’s recent marriage to a former Shenzhen factory manager and his even more recent return to Polish politics emphasizing “the development of the relationship between Poland and China.”
“How Can I be Sold Like This?” That was the question of a woman who escaped Stalinist North Korea, only to become a nonperson in Communist China, which sends back every refugee it finds. As University of Rhode Island Professor Donna M. Hughes notes in National Review Online, the women who are not caught are sold – in many cases more than once – as concubines.
More on Stalinist North Korea: As the next round of nuclear talks were sent for a week from today (BBC), Bill Gertz (Washington Times) interviewed SNK escapee Kang Chol-hwan – who became a political prisoner of Kim Jong-il when he was ten years old.
More on General Zhu’s nuke threat: Joseph Farah, founder of World Net Daily, rips President Bush for his silence on the threat from General Zhu Chenghu to use nuclear weapons against the U.S. if it comes to the aid of Taiwan against a Communist attack.
Communist China plans “anti-terrorism” organization: As part of its smokescreen on the War on Terror, Communist China “intends to set up a regional coordinating mechanism to fight terrorism” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times). Cadre Li Wei had the rhetoric down cold: “China should learn lessons from other countries, such as the United States and Britain, in this regard.” What we could teach them about slander against Taiwan and persecuting Uighurs and Tibetans is anyone’s guess.
Indian PM visits Washington: Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited President Bush in Washington for talks continuing “a real transformation of our relationship,” in Singh’s words (Voice of America via Epoch Times). President Bush has dramatically improved relations with India, something Bruce Fein (Washington Times) supports heartily. Of course, Communist China is embarking on a major charm offensive of its own in India (third item), but there is still Mao’s 1962 land seizure to get over.
Communist China making more inroads in Africa: By presenting itself as a friend to all dictators, Communist China continues to win partners in Africa. Sudan “exports 60 percent of its oil to China” (UPI via Washington Times), while Angola ships the cadres a quarter of its oil. Angola, meanwhile, will get “a next-generation network of fixed, mobile, data and optical systems” (UPI via Washington Times) from Communist-pwned firm ZTE – one of the builders of Saddam Hussein’s fiber-optice network (tenth item).
Communists force abortion on Falun Gong practitioner: Wang Jingui, a Falun Gong practitioner in Henan province, “was sent to the Huaiyang County Birth Control Center, where eight men held her down on an operating table and forcibly aborted her child” (Epoch Times). The Communists also sentenced her to five years in jail. Meanwhile, more learned about the harrowing persecution suffered by Falun Gong at a live exhibit depicting the torture in San Fransisco (Epoch Times).
Residents of Shengyou still forced to resist Communists: After a group of farmers protesting the seizure of their lands buy corrupt cadres looking to build a power plant were attacked by hired goons, the Communists played the public relations game and fired some cadres. However, their replacements “are detaining reporters and keeping them in a Dingzhou hotel” (UPI via Washington Times), including BBC reporter Bessie Du, who managed to smuggle out video of the assault (third item). Meanwhile, residents told Du that“the government had done nothing to redress their demands.”
Beijing power crunch worst in two decades: The Communists are now admitting the summer energy crunch in Beijing (sixth item) will be “its worst energy shortfall in 20 years” (UPI via Washington Times).
On the Nine Commentaries: As a forum on the Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party was held in The Hague (Epoch Times), those daring to even mention the document in Communist China face still face swift arrest (Epoch Times).
Other Commentary on Communist China: Ziyuan, Epoch Times, laments the “deceitful propaganda” that is the Communist-run China Central Television. Li Xiao, Renminbao (via Epoch Times), examines Polish exile Stanislaw Tymiński’s recent marriage to a former Shenzhen factory manager and his even more recent return to Polish politics emphasizing “the development of the relationship between Poland and China.”
“How Can I be Sold Like This?” That was the question of a woman who escaped Stalinist North Korea, only to become a nonperson in Communist China, which sends back every refugee it finds. As University of Rhode Island Professor Donna M. Hughes notes in National Review Online, the women who are not caught are sold – in many cases more than once – as concubines.
More on Stalinist North Korea: As the next round of nuclear talks were sent for a week from today (BBC), Bill Gertz (Washington Times) interviewed SNK escapee Kang Chol-hwan – who became a political prisoner of Kim Jong-il when he was ten years old.
Monday, July 18, 2005
News of the Day (July 18)
We have a new feature: the Ignorant Comment of the Day. It will be as regular as the number of ignorant, silly, or naïve comments on Communist China are, which to say it can be expected every day.
On Communist China and the War on Terror: As the issue of Communist China’s support for our enemies in the war on terror finally gets some traction (Friendly Blog Shotgun), Cong Rong, Epoch Times, finds that Communist internet censors just happen to be very lenient on domestic posts loudly praising the July 7 terrorist attack in London: “People who don't know the situation in China might have the impression that they are visiting a Web site for terrorists.” Meanwhile, Samina Ahmed and Andrew Stroehlein,
of the International Crisis Group, find that the promises from longtime Communist ally Pakistan to crack down on the virulently pro-terrorist madrassas has largely rung hollow, and for good reason: Pakistani strongman Pervez Musharraf “needs the religious parties to bolster his military dictatorship against the democratic forces seeking to reverse his 1999 coup” (Washington Post). Finally, as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh comes to Washington, Patrick Goodenough (Cybercast News), details India’s common interests with the U.S. in both fighting terrorism and confronting Communist China.
Reaction to Communist general’s nuke threat: The United States ripped Communist General Zhu Chenghu’s threat to go nuclear against the U.S. should it come to Taiwan’s defense as “highly irresponsible” (Bill Gertz, Washington Times). Communist China responded by insisting Zhu’s comments were “personal” (Cybercast News), but it would not “allow anybody with any means to separate Taiwan from the motherland.” Of course, Zhu himself also insisted his views were “personal” at the time he made them (Time Asia), and his position as head of the Communist National Defense University's College of Defense Studies lead many to believe that “personal” means less than meets the eye. One of them is Charls R. Smith, who called Zhu’s words “a wake-up call” and ended his excellent Newsmax column thusly: “The policy of appeasement, feeding the dragon in the hopes it will not devour us, is a failure. It is time to show communist China for what it is: an "evil empire" bent on world domination.” Also reporting: BBC
EU leader says arms ban stays unless rights improve in Communist China: José Manuel Barroso, head of the European Commission, “urged China to take effective measures to improve human rights and begin a dialogue with Taiwan before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games” (AsiaNews). He went further to say “that the (arms) ban would stay in place until the country’s human rights situation is improved.” It was the strongest statement from a European official on the embargo, and a clear sign that Jacques Chirac and Gerhardt Schroeder’s bid to lift it has completely run aground. Also reporting: BBC
Communists seizing domestic oil ventures: Over a decade ago, counties in Communist China “sold mineral rights to citizens for around $10,000 per square kilometer” (Time Asia). In response, “Entire villages often pooled their money to invest in rights and rigs.” This being Communist China, it didn’t last long: “The State Council in 1999 declared the independent wells illegal and ordered a ‘rectification.’ Over the next several years, the wildcat wells were steadily taken over by the government.” Complaints about seizures and inadequate compensation were met with arrest – so much for “private” enterprise.
Resignations pass 3 million: The Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party (reviewed by Bina Bektiati, Tempo via Epoch Times) has inspired over 3 million Party members to quit since its publication nine monthhs ago (Epoch Times).
Tibet Communist praises Buddhism, but disses Dalai Lama: Qiangba Puncog, head of Communist-occupied “Autonomous” Tibet, praised Buddhism as a faith that “could play a role in bringing harmony to Chinese society” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times). Of course, Communist China has its own “official” Buddhism that answers to the Party. As for Tibet’s Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama, the cadre has this to say: “Unless he gives up his efforts to split China there is no need to talk of his role in China.”
Taipei Mayor wins race to lead Kuomintang: Ma Ying-jeou, Mayor of Taipei, was elected leader of the Kuomintang (Nationalist) Party over the weekend. Ma has been critical of Communist China in the past, but he “would continue a process begun by the current chairman, Lien Chan, who made an historic visit to China in April and worked to push for closer ties with the mainland” (BBC). If Ma really mean to follow in Lien’s footseps, we can expect more failures for his party, which has lost millions of voters to President Chen Shui-bian’s anti-Communist Democratic Progressive Party (fourth item).
On Chen Yonglin and Hao Fengjun: The former Communist consular officer who defected with evidence of Communist overseas espionage and the ex-cop who worked in the anti-Falun Gong 610 office before he escaped (third and fifth items) spoke to Sarah Ferguson of MSN. Meanwhile, an anonymous Communist consular officer in Eastern Europe told Lin Chong and Yang Xiaomei (Epoch Times), that “many Chinese consulate workers . . . are just waiting for their chance to escape to freedom. None of them really wish to continue working for a government that is an enemy to its own people.” We repeat our call for the U.S. to grant Hao Fengjun asylum.
On Communist China and the United States: George Friedman, Stratfor, has a good piece in the Jewish World Review discussing the economic weakness in Communist China and how it has fueled the cadres’ saber-rattling on Taiwan. Meanwhile, Alan Reynolds, of the Cato Institute, has a far worse column on Communist China’s bid for Unocal in the Washington Times.
Ignorant Comment of the Day – On Communist China and Stalinist North Korea: Michael O’Hanlon, Time Asia, takes the newly minted China e-Lobby prize with this whopper: “North Korea needs to move the way Vietnam and China have in the past quarter-century—gradually liberalizing their economies and even their politics, cutting back on military forces, improving human rights.”
Members of Congress call for softer tone on SNK: Representatives Tom Lantos (Democrat – California) and Ron Paul (Republican – Texas) called for “U.S. negotiators to change their tone from the past when six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program resume July 25” (UPI via Washington Times). Unfortunately, they consider the last U.S. position to be too harsh. Will they never learn?
South Korea and SNK to hook up cables for video reunions: The dovish South Korean government agreed to “video reunions” for families separated by the Korean War. A Stalinist mouthpiece called the agreement “the foundation for accelerating inter-Korean exchanges” (BBC). There have been a few reunions in recent years, but now the Stalinists can milk all the emotions from them without risking any of the people under their thumb actually physically meeting any relative from the South outside their control.
On Communist China and the War on Terror: As the issue of Communist China’s support for our enemies in the war on terror finally gets some traction (Friendly Blog Shotgun), Cong Rong, Epoch Times, finds that Communist internet censors just happen to be very lenient on domestic posts loudly praising the July 7 terrorist attack in London: “People who don't know the situation in China might have the impression that they are visiting a Web site for terrorists.” Meanwhile, Samina Ahmed and Andrew Stroehlein,
of the International Crisis Group, find that the promises from longtime Communist ally Pakistan to crack down on the virulently pro-terrorist madrassas has largely rung hollow, and for good reason: Pakistani strongman Pervez Musharraf “needs the religious parties to bolster his military dictatorship against the democratic forces seeking to reverse his 1999 coup” (Washington Post). Finally, as Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh comes to Washington, Patrick Goodenough (Cybercast News), details India’s common interests with the U.S. in both fighting terrorism and confronting Communist China.
Reaction to Communist general’s nuke threat: The United States ripped Communist General Zhu Chenghu’s threat to go nuclear against the U.S. should it come to Taiwan’s defense as “highly irresponsible” (Bill Gertz, Washington Times). Communist China responded by insisting Zhu’s comments were “personal” (Cybercast News), but it would not “allow anybody with any means to separate Taiwan from the motherland.” Of course, Zhu himself also insisted his views were “personal” at the time he made them (Time Asia), and his position as head of the Communist National Defense University's College of Defense Studies lead many to believe that “personal” means less than meets the eye. One of them is Charls R. Smith, who called Zhu’s words “a wake-up call” and ended his excellent Newsmax column thusly: “The policy of appeasement, feeding the dragon in the hopes it will not devour us, is a failure. It is time to show communist China for what it is: an "evil empire" bent on world domination.” Also reporting: BBC
EU leader says arms ban stays unless rights improve in Communist China: José Manuel Barroso, head of the European Commission, “urged China to take effective measures to improve human rights and begin a dialogue with Taiwan before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games” (AsiaNews). He went further to say “that the (arms) ban would stay in place until the country’s human rights situation is improved.” It was the strongest statement from a European official on the embargo, and a clear sign that Jacques Chirac and Gerhardt Schroeder’s bid to lift it has completely run aground. Also reporting: BBC
Communists seizing domestic oil ventures: Over a decade ago, counties in Communist China “sold mineral rights to citizens for around $10,000 per square kilometer” (Time Asia). In response, “Entire villages often pooled their money to invest in rights and rigs.” This being Communist China, it didn’t last long: “The State Council in 1999 declared the independent wells illegal and ordered a ‘rectification.’ Over the next several years, the wildcat wells were steadily taken over by the government.” Complaints about seizures and inadequate compensation were met with arrest – so much for “private” enterprise.
Resignations pass 3 million: The Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party (reviewed by Bina Bektiati, Tempo via Epoch Times) has inspired over 3 million Party members to quit since its publication nine monthhs ago (Epoch Times).
Tibet Communist praises Buddhism, but disses Dalai Lama: Qiangba Puncog, head of Communist-occupied “Autonomous” Tibet, praised Buddhism as a faith that “could play a role in bringing harmony to Chinese society” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times). Of course, Communist China has its own “official” Buddhism that answers to the Party. As for Tibet’s Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama, the cadre has this to say: “Unless he gives up his efforts to split China there is no need to talk of his role in China.”
Taipei Mayor wins race to lead Kuomintang: Ma Ying-jeou, Mayor of Taipei, was elected leader of the Kuomintang (Nationalist) Party over the weekend. Ma has been critical of Communist China in the past, but he “would continue a process begun by the current chairman, Lien Chan, who made an historic visit to China in April and worked to push for closer ties with the mainland” (BBC). If Ma really mean to follow in Lien’s footseps, we can expect more failures for his party, which has lost millions of voters to President Chen Shui-bian’s anti-Communist Democratic Progressive Party (fourth item).
On Chen Yonglin and Hao Fengjun: The former Communist consular officer who defected with evidence of Communist overseas espionage and the ex-cop who worked in the anti-Falun Gong 610 office before he escaped (third and fifth items) spoke to Sarah Ferguson of MSN. Meanwhile, an anonymous Communist consular officer in Eastern Europe told Lin Chong and Yang Xiaomei (Epoch Times), that “many Chinese consulate workers . . . are just waiting for their chance to escape to freedom. None of them really wish to continue working for a government that is an enemy to its own people.” We repeat our call for the U.S. to grant Hao Fengjun asylum.
On Communist China and the United States: George Friedman, Stratfor, has a good piece in the Jewish World Review discussing the economic weakness in Communist China and how it has fueled the cadres’ saber-rattling on Taiwan. Meanwhile, Alan Reynolds, of the Cato Institute, has a far worse column on Communist China’s bid for Unocal in the Washington Times.
Ignorant Comment of the Day – On Communist China and Stalinist North Korea: Michael O’Hanlon, Time Asia, takes the newly minted China e-Lobby prize with this whopper: “North Korea needs to move the way Vietnam and China have in the past quarter-century—gradually liberalizing their economies and even their politics, cutting back on military forces, improving human rights.”
Members of Congress call for softer tone on SNK: Representatives Tom Lantos (Democrat – California) and Ron Paul (Republican – Texas) called for “U.S. negotiators to change their tone from the past when six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program resume July 25” (UPI via Washington Times). Unfortunately, they consider the last U.S. position to be too harsh. Will they never learn?
South Korea and SNK to hook up cables for video reunions: The dovish South Korean government agreed to “video reunions” for families separated by the Korean War. A Stalinist mouthpiece called the agreement “the foundation for accelerating inter-Korean exchanges” (BBC). There have been a few reunions in recent years, but now the Stalinists can milk all the emotions from them without risking any of the people under their thumb actually physically meeting any relative from the South outside their control.
Friday, July 15, 2005
News of the Day (July 15)
Communist major general says U.S. should expect nuclear war over Taiwan: So how does Communist China intend to keep the United States on the sidelines for its invasion of Taiwan (sometime between 2007 and 2012)? Here’s how: “A Chinese general said Friday China will use nuclear weapons against the United States if it attacks his country over Taiwan” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times). Communist Major General Zhu Chenghu also helpfully noted “that China's definition of its territory included warships and aircraft” (Financial Times, UK). Of course, Zhu quickly tried to downplay his own words – “my assessment, not the policy of the government” (BBC), but it’s not the first time a Communist general has pulled the nuclear card regarding American support for the island democracy (World Net Daily). Also reporting: Cybercast News
U.S. general rips Russian and Communist “bullies”: The call by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for an American military withdrawal from Central Asia (third item) drew a harsh response from General Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Myers accused Russia and Communist China – the big players in the SCO – of “trying to bully some smaller countries” (Washington Post), in particular Uzebkistan and Kyrgyzstan, the only two SCO members with American military bases.
Russia falls over toward Communist China on oil: “Leans” just wouldn’t cut it, as Russian President Vladimir Putin “said Moscow will give China priority when supplying crude to Asian markets in the next decade” (UPI via Washington Times).
Republicans and Democrats offer competing bill against Communist imports: House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Thomas (R-California) “threw his weight behind legislation that would allow U.S. companies to seek duties on goods found to be subsidized by the Chinese government” (Washington Post). Democrats almost immediately derided the move as weaker than their own bill, which would “amend trade laws ‘to allow U.S. action against currency manipulation and would define it as a trade violation.’” Normally, this is nothing more than hot air – the Senate has always been where curbs on Communist imports go to die, or enter suspended animation (fourth item).
Resignations approach 3 million: As the number of ex-Communists reaches the three million mark, Ukrainians lined up tp express their support for the exodus (Epoch Times).
Power shortages hitting more cities: The power shortage that forced Shanghai to ration electricity (tenth item) has spread to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Dongguan. In the Communist capital, over 5,000 businesses have been forced “to arrange special holidays for employees during the peak summer month” (China Post, Taiwan).
Next Communist space launch set for October: Communist China announced plans for an October manned space launch, which “will send two astronauts into space and they will orbit the Earth for five or six days” (BBC). The regime “hopes to set up a space station within five years and wants to land an unmanned probe on the moon by 2010.”
Don’t they read the Epoch Times? It took nearly three weeks for the BBC to notice Henan vice-governor Lu Debin’s plot to murder his wife (eleventh item).
On the long arm of Communist tyranny: Chen Yonglin went into detail on the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to monitor and suppress dissent outside Communist China (Epoch Times). We repeat our call for the U.S. to grant Hao Fengjun asylum.
On Communist China and the United States: Fu Chengyu, head of CNOOC, tries to convince Time Asia that his Communist-owned oil firm’s bid for Unocal is harmless. Admiral Walter F. Doran talks to the Richard Halloran, Washington Times, about his tenure as commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Janaki Kremmer, Christian Science Monitor, examines how “Australia's ever-closer relationship with China is causing no small discomfort at the White House.”
On Jiang Zemin: The Epoch Times present Chapter 5 of Anything for Power.
Woe Canada! In response to the mass outrage at Microsoft’s willingness to censor its blogs for Communist China (second and sixth items), Gary Reid, Canada Free Press, reminds his fellow Canadians to remember their own firms’ involvement in Communist China’s repression of the internet – such as Nortel role in the Golden Shield project.
On Communist China and Stalinist North Korea: Edward Lanfranco (UPI via Washington Times) has what amounts to a puff piece on Communist China and its supposed efforts to get its Stalinist ally to disarm (Will they never learn?). Meanwhile, Nicholas Kralev, also in the Washington Times, gauges U.S. expectiations for the talks.
U.S. general rips Russian and Communist “bullies”: The call by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for an American military withdrawal from Central Asia (third item) drew a harsh response from General Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Myers accused Russia and Communist China – the big players in the SCO – of “trying to bully some smaller countries” (Washington Post), in particular Uzebkistan and Kyrgyzstan, the only two SCO members with American military bases.
Russia falls over toward Communist China on oil: “Leans” just wouldn’t cut it, as Russian President Vladimir Putin “said Moscow will give China priority when supplying crude to Asian markets in the next decade” (UPI via Washington Times).
Republicans and Democrats offer competing bill against Communist imports: House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Thomas (R-California) “threw his weight behind legislation that would allow U.S. companies to seek duties on goods found to be subsidized by the Chinese government” (Washington Post). Democrats almost immediately derided the move as weaker than their own bill, which would “amend trade laws ‘to allow U.S. action against currency manipulation and would define it as a trade violation.’” Normally, this is nothing more than hot air – the Senate has always been where curbs on Communist imports go to die, or enter suspended animation (fourth item).
Resignations approach 3 million: As the number of ex-Communists reaches the three million mark, Ukrainians lined up tp express their support for the exodus (Epoch Times).
Power shortages hitting more cities: The power shortage that forced Shanghai to ration electricity (tenth item) has spread to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Dongguan. In the Communist capital, over 5,000 businesses have been forced “to arrange special holidays for employees during the peak summer month” (China Post, Taiwan).
Next Communist space launch set for October: Communist China announced plans for an October manned space launch, which “will send two astronauts into space and they will orbit the Earth for five or six days” (BBC). The regime “hopes to set up a space station within five years and wants to land an unmanned probe on the moon by 2010.”
Don’t they read the Epoch Times? It took nearly three weeks for the BBC to notice Henan vice-governor Lu Debin’s plot to murder his wife (eleventh item).
On the long arm of Communist tyranny: Chen Yonglin went into detail on the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to monitor and suppress dissent outside Communist China (Epoch Times). We repeat our call for the U.S. to grant Hao Fengjun asylum.
On Communist China and the United States: Fu Chengyu, head of CNOOC, tries to convince Time Asia that his Communist-owned oil firm’s bid for Unocal is harmless. Admiral Walter F. Doran talks to the Richard Halloran, Washington Times, about his tenure as commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Janaki Kremmer, Christian Science Monitor, examines how “Australia's ever-closer relationship with China is causing no small discomfort at the White House.”
On Jiang Zemin: The Epoch Times present Chapter 5 of Anything for Power.
Woe Canada! In response to the mass outrage at Microsoft’s willingness to censor its blogs for Communist China (second and sixth items), Gary Reid, Canada Free Press, reminds his fellow Canadians to remember their own firms’ involvement in Communist China’s repression of the internet – such as Nortel role in the Golden Shield project.
On Communist China and Stalinist North Korea: Edward Lanfranco (UPI via Washington Times) has what amounts to a puff piece on Communist China and its supposed efforts to get its Stalinist ally to disarm (Will they never learn?). Meanwhile, Nicholas Kralev, also in the Washington Times, gauges U.S. expectiations for the talks.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
News of the Day (July 14)
Hu Jintao bans people of Color, closes publishers to maintain Communist power: Ok, that was a word twist – the “Color” is actually a reference to the Color Revolutions that hit Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia. The order came directly from Communist leader Hu Jintao, who also “ordered strict media control and censorship” (Epoch Times), “instructed county governments to closely monitor those who promoted the liberalization of the capitalist class, those who promoted human rights, Falun Gong practitioners, and all non-governmental organizations,” and “ordered a comprehensive clean up of all publishing groups.” Over fifty publishing houses were promptly shut down.
Media joint ventures halted: Echoing Hu’s order sbove, Communist China effectively shut the door on any foreign media ventures, specifically stating, “all local TV and radio stations should not rent their channels to foreign companies and also should not co-operate with foreign companies in running channels” (BBC).
Han Guangsheng reveals details of Falun Gong war: Han Guangsheng, the cadre who is trying to defect to Canada (third item), provided details of Communist China’s persecution of Falun Gong to the Epoch Times. In addition to confirm much of Hao Fengjun’s information on the anti-Falun Gong 610 office (we repeat our call to grant Hao asylum in the U.S., and add Han to that call), he (Han) also detailed how Communist labor camps treated practitioners, and the punishment deemed out to local cadres by Zhongnanhai if practitioners from their areas keep reaching Beijing.
Foreign investment falls again, as does oil consumption: Direct foreign investment in Communist China fell for the fourth straight month and is now “down 22 per cent from a year earlier” (Epoch Times). Meanwhile, oil consumption in Communist China also fell (Small Dead Animals) – a key indicator implying that the cadres’ claims of white-hot economic growth are bogus (tenth item, fifteenth item).
Chen Yonglin worried about Brisbane consulate: Former cadre diplomat Chen Yonglin “revealed that the Chinese Government’s new consulate in Brisbane, that opened on Tuesday July 12, was established so its officials could pressure local Queensland Governments and monitor the Taiwanese community, Chinese dissidents and Falun Gong practitioners” (Epoch Times). Meanwhile, Australia – which granted Chen a protection visa nearly two months after he defected, and is still quiet on Hao Fengjun – is finally debriefing him (United Press Int’l via Washington Times).
Pakistan military signs deal for Communist frigates: Pakistan’s military will receive four F-22 P frigates from Communist China over the next eight years as part of what Pakistani Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karimullah called “a new era of friendship and cooperation” (UPI via Washington Times, second item). Pakistan, which supported the Taliban for years before 9/11/01, is a half-century-plus Communist ally.
Japan awards drilling contract in disputed zone: Japan awarded Teikoku Oil the right to drill in East China Sea waters also claimed by Communist China. Report: BBC
Communist auto firm tries again to get MG Rover: Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation “signed an agreement with Martin Leach, ex-head of Ford of Europe, to rescue MG Rover” (BBC). It is the latest attempt by the Communist-owned auto firm to buy MG Rover (seventh and sixth items).
On Communist China and the United States: The Communists’ attempt to buy Unocal has incensed John Farmer (Star Ledger). Gary Andres (Washington Times) seems less disturbed by it; nor does the cadres’ devaluation of their currency bother him – like many opponents of the currency tariff, he treats the fact that “boosting the currency would only decrease PRC imports into this country and raise them from other Asian nations” is irrelevant, rather than of the major purposes of the tariff. Finally, exiled dissident Wei Jingsheng talks about the Communist China-U.S. minuet to the Epoch Times.
Other Commentary on Communist China: George Wehrfritz, Newsweek, examines the bad debt that threatens to drown Communist China’s banking system, but says nothing of value about the corruption that has created it. Jing Xibing, Epoch Times, details the Communist disinformation campaign against the Chinese people and Western media.
On Taiwan: Caroline Gluck, BBC, profiles the two candidates in the race to lead Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang Party. The party vote will take place Saturday.
A harrowing tale of hiding from the Stalinists and their Communist allies: To couples who escaped Stalinist North Korea were forced to dig holes in the mountains of Communist China “to hide from police . . . for years despite bitter cold and the constant threat of starvation” (Radio Free Asia). Communist China sends back all SNK refugees it finds – forcing them to live as nonperson and risked being “raped, trafficked, and otherwise abused in China.”
Is a deal on SNK nukes in the offing? This is just a guess by yours truly, but with Glenn Kessler Washington Post, taking about U.S. envoy Christopher Hill thinking “he has won significant leeway to negotiate a deal,” and Stalinist-in-chief Kim Jong-il talking about “the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula” (CNN), the impression is that the next round of talks may reach an agreement similar to last year’s U.S. surrender – ahem, offer – never mind that the regime has already busted through the last deal (although Jonathan Beale, BBC, is skeptical). Meanwhile, officials from the U.S., South Korea, and Japan met to discuss “how to address North Korea's energy needs and to persuade Pyongyang to dismantle its nuclear weapons programs.” Will they never learn?
Media joint ventures halted: Echoing Hu’s order sbove, Communist China effectively shut the door on any foreign media ventures, specifically stating, “all local TV and radio stations should not rent their channels to foreign companies and also should not co-operate with foreign companies in running channels” (BBC).
Han Guangsheng reveals details of Falun Gong war: Han Guangsheng, the cadre who is trying to defect to Canada (third item), provided details of Communist China’s persecution of Falun Gong to the Epoch Times. In addition to confirm much of Hao Fengjun’s information on the anti-Falun Gong 610 office (we repeat our call to grant Hao asylum in the U.S., and add Han to that call), he (Han) also detailed how Communist labor camps treated practitioners, and the punishment deemed out to local cadres by Zhongnanhai if practitioners from their areas keep reaching Beijing.
Foreign investment falls again, as does oil consumption: Direct foreign investment in Communist China fell for the fourth straight month and is now “down 22 per cent from a year earlier” (Epoch Times). Meanwhile, oil consumption in Communist China also fell (Small Dead Animals) – a key indicator implying that the cadres’ claims of white-hot economic growth are bogus (tenth item, fifteenth item).
Chen Yonglin worried about Brisbane consulate: Former cadre diplomat Chen Yonglin “revealed that the Chinese Government’s new consulate in Brisbane, that opened on Tuesday July 12, was established so its officials could pressure local Queensland Governments and monitor the Taiwanese community, Chinese dissidents and Falun Gong practitioners” (Epoch Times). Meanwhile, Australia – which granted Chen a protection visa nearly two months after he defected, and is still quiet on Hao Fengjun – is finally debriefing him (United Press Int’l via Washington Times).
Pakistan military signs deal for Communist frigates: Pakistan’s military will receive four F-22 P frigates from Communist China over the next eight years as part of what Pakistani Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Shahid Karimullah called “a new era of friendship and cooperation” (UPI via Washington Times, second item). Pakistan, which supported the Taliban for years before 9/11/01, is a half-century-plus Communist ally.
Japan awards drilling contract in disputed zone: Japan awarded Teikoku Oil the right to drill in East China Sea waters also claimed by Communist China. Report: BBC
Communist auto firm tries again to get MG Rover: Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation “signed an agreement with Martin Leach, ex-head of Ford of Europe, to rescue MG Rover” (BBC). It is the latest attempt by the Communist-owned auto firm to buy MG Rover (seventh and sixth items).
On Communist China and the United States: The Communists’ attempt to buy Unocal has incensed John Farmer (Star Ledger). Gary Andres (Washington Times) seems less disturbed by it; nor does the cadres’ devaluation of their currency bother him – like many opponents of the currency tariff, he treats the fact that “boosting the currency would only decrease PRC imports into this country and raise them from other Asian nations” is irrelevant, rather than of the major purposes of the tariff. Finally, exiled dissident Wei Jingsheng talks about the Communist China-U.S. minuet to the Epoch Times.
Other Commentary on Communist China: George Wehrfritz, Newsweek, examines the bad debt that threatens to drown Communist China’s banking system, but says nothing of value about the corruption that has created it. Jing Xibing, Epoch Times, details the Communist disinformation campaign against the Chinese people and Western media.
On Taiwan: Caroline Gluck, BBC, profiles the two candidates in the race to lead Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang Party. The party vote will take place Saturday.
A harrowing tale of hiding from the Stalinists and their Communist allies: To couples who escaped Stalinist North Korea were forced to dig holes in the mountains of Communist China “to hide from police . . . for years despite bitter cold and the constant threat of starvation” (Radio Free Asia). Communist China sends back all SNK refugees it finds – forcing them to live as nonperson and risked being “raped, trafficked, and otherwise abused in China.”
Is a deal on SNK nukes in the offing? This is just a guess by yours truly, but with Glenn Kessler Washington Post, taking about U.S. envoy Christopher Hill thinking “he has won significant leeway to negotiate a deal,” and Stalinist-in-chief Kim Jong-il talking about “the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula” (CNN), the impression is that the next round of talks may reach an agreement similar to last year’s U.S. surrender – ahem, offer – never mind that the regime has already busted through the last deal (although Jonathan Beale, BBC, is skeptical). Meanwhile, officials from the U.S., South Korea, and Japan met to discuss “how to address North Korea's energy needs and to persuade Pyongyang to dismantle its nuclear weapons programs.” Will they never learn?
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
News of the Day (July 13)
Communist China had $1.3 billion oil deal with Saddam Hussein: As part of its efforts to feed its voracious appetite for energy, Communist China had acquired access to “the Al-Ahdab field in central Iraq, under a $1.3 billion contract signed in 1997 by its largest state-owned firm, China National Petroleum Corp.” (Washington Post), which could have delivered “90,000 barrels a day” of oil. The regime was also “pursuing rights to a far bigger prize – the Halfayah field, which could produce 300,000 barrels a day.”
Leading Bush advisor’s law firm lobbying for CNOOC: James C. Langdon Jr., chairman of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, “met last winter with investment bankers in China to help secure his law firm's role in lobbying for a state-run Chinese energy firm and its bid for the U.S. oil company Unocal” (Washington Post). The news comes as the bid by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) to buy Unocal (second, third, third, third, fourth, seventh, and second items) continues to take heat from members of Congress (Fox News).
Saudis looking to help Communists refine oil: The Communist-owned Sinopec is in talks with Saudi Aramco for a joint venture “in China's refinery industry in the northern port city of Qingdao” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times). Communist-owned firms will, of course, maintain majority control of the venture. The Saudis are “investing in China's refineries to help guarantee a market in the country by building capacity to process its heavier crude as well as opportunities to sign long-term supply agreements.”
Bolton may get recess appointment: UN Ambassador-designate John Bolton may end up with a recess appointment to his post “unless the administration and Senate Democrats can resolve differences that have held up the confirmation for four months” (Washington Post). A recess appointment would mean Bolton would remain at his post until the end of next year – unless the Senate filibuster blocking his confirmation ends. Some Bolton opponents have cited his willingness to speak the truth on Stalinist North Korea and his tough stand on Communist Chinese weapons proliferation (fifth item) as reasons why.
Unsafe dams in Communist China number in the tens of thousands: That is no typo: “It has been reported that around 30,000 dams have safety concerns, which threatens over 400 cities and 146 million people” (Central News Agency, Taiwan, via Epoch Times). Over the last half-decade, nearly 3,500 dams have collapsed.
Chen Yonglin speaks: At the press conference where former Communist political consul Chen Yonglin presented documents detailing Communist espionage in Australia (fourth item), he also discussed what led him to defect (Epoch Times). We repeat our call for the United States to grant Hao Fengjun asylum.
On Communist China and the United States: Yours truly has a column in the Epoch Times on Communist China and terrorism. Martin Sieff, UPI (via Washington Times), examines the cadres’ diplomatic gains in Central Asia (thanks to their Shanghai Cooperation Organization) in. Maryland Professor Peter Morici says Communist China should want to revalue its currency “if it wants foreign capital worth having” (Washington Times). Arnold Beichman, also in the Washington Times laments the racism in Communist China that came full force at Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Meanwhile, on Stalinist North Korea . . .
Rice hopeful for nuclear deal, praises South Korea electricity offer: Speaking of Secretary of State Rice, she said she was “very optimistic that our joint efforts to improve the security situation on the Korean peninsula could indeed bear fruit” (Epoch Times). The “joint efforts” was a reference to the resurrected talks on SNK’s nuclear arsenal. The next round of talks begins in less than two weeks. Meanwhile, Rice had high praise for dovish South Korea’s offer (ninth item) to provide the Stalinists electricity, calling the idea “useful and creative” (BBC). The offer was made as the South Korean government signed a twelve-point economic agreement with SNK for “combining each other's economic factors – resources, capital and technology – for a balanced development of national economy,” to use the words of South Korean Unification Ministry spokeperson Kim Hong-jae (UPI via Washington Times). Will they never learn?
Leading Bush advisor’s law firm lobbying for CNOOC: James C. Langdon Jr., chairman of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, “met last winter with investment bankers in China to help secure his law firm's role in lobbying for a state-run Chinese energy firm and its bid for the U.S. oil company Unocal” (Washington Post). The news comes as the bid by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) to buy Unocal (second, third, third, third, fourth, seventh, and second items) continues to take heat from members of Congress (Fox News).
Saudis looking to help Communists refine oil: The Communist-owned Sinopec is in talks with Saudi Aramco for a joint venture “in China's refinery industry in the northern port city of Qingdao” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times). Communist-owned firms will, of course, maintain majority control of the venture. The Saudis are “investing in China's refineries to help guarantee a market in the country by building capacity to process its heavier crude as well as opportunities to sign long-term supply agreements.”
Bolton may get recess appointment: UN Ambassador-designate John Bolton may end up with a recess appointment to his post “unless the administration and Senate Democrats can resolve differences that have held up the confirmation for four months” (Washington Post). A recess appointment would mean Bolton would remain at his post until the end of next year – unless the Senate filibuster blocking his confirmation ends. Some Bolton opponents have cited his willingness to speak the truth on Stalinist North Korea and his tough stand on Communist Chinese weapons proliferation (fifth item) as reasons why.
Unsafe dams in Communist China number in the tens of thousands: That is no typo: “It has been reported that around 30,000 dams have safety concerns, which threatens over 400 cities and 146 million people” (Central News Agency, Taiwan, via Epoch Times). Over the last half-decade, nearly 3,500 dams have collapsed.
Chen Yonglin speaks: At the press conference where former Communist political consul Chen Yonglin presented documents detailing Communist espionage in Australia (fourth item), he also discussed what led him to defect (Epoch Times). We repeat our call for the United States to grant Hao Fengjun asylum.
On Communist China and the United States: Yours truly has a column in the Epoch Times on Communist China and terrorism. Martin Sieff, UPI (via Washington Times), examines the cadres’ diplomatic gains in Central Asia (thanks to their Shanghai Cooperation Organization) in. Maryland Professor Peter Morici says Communist China should want to revalue its currency “if it wants foreign capital worth having” (Washington Times). Arnold Beichman, also in the Washington Times laments the racism in Communist China that came full force at Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Meanwhile, on Stalinist North Korea . . .
Rice hopeful for nuclear deal, praises South Korea electricity offer: Speaking of Secretary of State Rice, she said she was “very optimistic that our joint efforts to improve the security situation on the Korean peninsula could indeed bear fruit” (Epoch Times). The “joint efforts” was a reference to the resurrected talks on SNK’s nuclear arsenal. The next round of talks begins in less than two weeks. Meanwhile, Rice had high praise for dovish South Korea’s offer (ninth item) to provide the Stalinists electricity, calling the idea “useful and creative” (BBC). The offer was made as the South Korean government signed a twelve-point economic agreement with SNK for “combining each other's economic factors – resources, capital and technology – for a balanced development of national economy,” to use the words of South Korean Unification Ministry spokeperson Kim Hong-jae (UPI via Washington Times). Will they never learn?
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
News of the Day (July 12)
Secretary of State won’t call Communist China a threat: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was asked: “does the United States consider China as a serious threat?” She answered, in part, “There is no doubt we have concerns about the size and pace of the Chinese military build up and it's not just the Pentagon. I've made it clear to people that this is a view held by the U.S. government; that does not mean that we view China as a ‘threat.’ We just take note of the fact that there is a significant military build up going on” (United Press Int’l via Washington Times). We just take note?!
Communist China wants telecom firms to follow CNOOC: Lu Yang, a cadre in the Ministry of Information, told the Communist-run Xinhua News Agency that the regime is “encouraging telecom companies to invest globally” (UPI via Washington Times). The kind of “encouragement” one can anticipate was revealed by Newsweek in reference to the Communist-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation’s attempt to buy Unocal (third, third, third, fourth, seventh, and second items): a zero-interest loan from the Communists valued at “$9.50 per Unocal share” far more than the difference between CNOOC’s bid and that of rival Chevron.
As WTO talks begin in Communist China, PNTR comes under scrutiny: World Trade Organization talks resumed in Dalian, Communist China (BBC). Meanwhile, retired U.S. Army officer and current national security analyst Robert Maginnis, details how Communist China’s military has benefited from Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) – at the expense of the U.S. – in the Washington Times.
More on Communist China and the United States: Dr. Michael A. Weinstein, a professor at Purdue University, examines how Communist China is using the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (third item) to build a Central Asian anti-U.S. alliance (PINR). Charles R. Smith, Newsmax, reveals a sickening business deal – air radar systems sold by an American company (New York-based Telephonics) to Communist China’s military.
Tibetan pageant contestant quits after Communists meddle with title: Miss Tibet “has withdrawn from an international pageant in Malaysia after the Chinese embassy insisted that she compete as ‘Miss Tibet-China’” (London Telegraph).
On Jiang Zemin: The Epoch Times releases chapters three and four of its biography on the biggest beneficiary of the Tiananmen massacre and author of the Falun Gong war.
On Communist China’s rural interior: Peter S. Goodman, Washington Post, has a clear-eyed look at the Communist China that the Party, its enablers, and “engagement” supporters don’t want anyone to see – the impoverished rural interior.
Meanwhile, on Stalinist North Korea . . .
U.S. and Japan support each other on talks agenda: As Communist China, the U.S., Japan, Russia, South Korea, and Stalinist North Korea prepare for the resumption of talks on the Stalinists’ nuclear weapons programs, Secretary of State Rice expressed support for Japan’s demand the matter of its citizens abducted by SNK – who still assert, without any evidence, that all abductees not returned are dead – be resolved, while Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura “told reporters that the six-way talks must produce concrete results concerning North Korea's nuclear weapons programs” (Voice of America via Epoch Times). Rice herself insisted that the Stalinists must be “ready to give up their nuclear weapons because without that these talks cannot be successful” (CNN).
South Korea offers electricity to SNK, calls on others to give security guarantee: Meanwhile, the dovish government of South Korea announced it would “provide electricity to the North if it gives up its nuclear-weapons capabilities” (VOA via Epoch Times). The electricity grid “could be ready by 2008.” South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, who announced the proposal, also called on “other parties” (BBC) – read the U.S. and Japan – to give the Stalinist regime the security guarantees it craves. The South will also send half a million tons of rice to the Stalinists.
Not a good editorial, but it could have been worse: The editors of the Washington Post still believe the last, hole-filled position the Bush Administration took at the negotiating table “is sound” (Will they never learn?), but at least they recognized that the Stalinists have “yet to accept” a complete dismantling of its nuclear program/arsenal.
Communist China wants telecom firms to follow CNOOC: Lu Yang, a cadre in the Ministry of Information, told the Communist-run Xinhua News Agency that the regime is “encouraging telecom companies to invest globally” (UPI via Washington Times). The kind of “encouragement” one can anticipate was revealed by Newsweek in reference to the Communist-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation’s attempt to buy Unocal (third, third, third, fourth, seventh, and second items): a zero-interest loan from the Communists valued at “$9.50 per Unocal share” far more than the difference between CNOOC’s bid and that of rival Chevron.
As WTO talks begin in Communist China, PNTR comes under scrutiny: World Trade Organization talks resumed in Dalian, Communist China (BBC). Meanwhile, retired U.S. Army officer and current national security analyst Robert Maginnis, details how Communist China’s military has benefited from Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) – at the expense of the U.S. – in the Washington Times.
More on Communist China and the United States: Dr. Michael A. Weinstein, a professor at Purdue University, examines how Communist China is using the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (third item) to build a Central Asian anti-U.S. alliance (PINR). Charles R. Smith, Newsmax, reveals a sickening business deal – air radar systems sold by an American company (New York-based Telephonics) to Communist China’s military.
Tibetan pageant contestant quits after Communists meddle with title: Miss Tibet “has withdrawn from an international pageant in Malaysia after the Chinese embassy insisted that she compete as ‘Miss Tibet-China’” (London Telegraph).
On Jiang Zemin: The Epoch Times releases chapters three and four of its biography on the biggest beneficiary of the Tiananmen massacre and author of the Falun Gong war.
On Communist China’s rural interior: Peter S. Goodman, Washington Post, has a clear-eyed look at the Communist China that the Party, its enablers, and “engagement” supporters don’t want anyone to see – the impoverished rural interior.
Meanwhile, on Stalinist North Korea . . .
U.S. and Japan support each other on talks agenda: As Communist China, the U.S., Japan, Russia, South Korea, and Stalinist North Korea prepare for the resumption of talks on the Stalinists’ nuclear weapons programs, Secretary of State Rice expressed support for Japan’s demand the matter of its citizens abducted by SNK – who still assert, without any evidence, that all abductees not returned are dead – be resolved, while Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura “told reporters that the six-way talks must produce concrete results concerning North Korea's nuclear weapons programs” (Voice of America via Epoch Times). Rice herself insisted that the Stalinists must be “ready to give up their nuclear weapons because without that these talks cannot be successful” (CNN).
South Korea offers electricity to SNK, calls on others to give security guarantee: Meanwhile, the dovish government of South Korea announced it would “provide electricity to the North if it gives up its nuclear-weapons capabilities” (VOA via Epoch Times). The electricity grid “could be ready by 2008.” South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, who announced the proposal, also called on “other parties” (BBC) – read the U.S. and Japan – to give the Stalinist regime the security guarantees it craves. The South will also send half a million tons of rice to the Stalinists.
Not a good editorial, but it could have been worse: The editors of the Washington Post still believe the last, hole-filled position the Bush Administration took at the negotiating table “is sound” (Will they never learn?), but at least they recognized that the Stalinists have “yet to accept” a complete dismantling of its nuclear program/arsenal.
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