The Illusion of Progress: China’s Electric Cargo Ship To Carry Coal
Another chapter in the long con that claims technology will solve our problems.
https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2017/12/08/Illusion-Of-Progress-Chinas-Electr...
China
Fri, 2017-12-08 18:36
#1
China
Fri, 2017-12-08 18:45
#2
Looks like we are about to find out how stupid Trudeau and his inner circle of Canadian adviserts really are!
Have they ever talked to another Canadian who actually has had to deal with China in a business matter? I doubt it.
Why don't they talk to union leaders who got the Canadian government shaft in their dealings with China in relation to a coal mine in Tumbler Ridge? Canadian workers got royally fucked like you would not believe!
Chinese Trade Deal Would Take Canada to the Cleaners
Engagement with China on Canadian terms is a fool’s errand.
Canada’s approach to China has always been marked by arrogance and a self-defeating air of moral superiority.
China, on the other hand — and especially since the Communist Party came to power in 1949 — has had a very clear idea of what Canada is worth and how easily it is duped.
For well over a decade, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service has been doing its best to warn successive Ottawa governments and the public about the infiltration of Canadian institutions by agents of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the party’s quest to influence public life.
And hosts of other people — outside the magic circle of the upper echelons of the Liberal party and its blood brothers and sisters in the Canada-China Business Council — have warned there is no compatibility between Canada’s view of the world and that of the CCP. All to no avail.
https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2017/12/07/Chinese-Trade-Deal-Take-Canada-Cle...
Fri, 2017-12-08 21:57
#3
Sat, 2017-12-09 02:32
#4
Sat, 2017-12-09 02:46
#5
China In No Rush To Boost Ties With Canada
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1078898.shtml
"The superiority and narcissism of the Canadian media that Canada is being pursued by China is beyond words...some people in Canada are still immersed in their long-term prejudice against China."
Yep.
Sun, 2018-02-11 11:29
#6
Sun, 2018-02-18 19:24
#7
Sun, 2018-02-18 21:43
#8
China Reiterates Non-First-Use Principle of Nuclear Weapons
"A senior Chinese diplomat said Saturday that China is committed to the principle of non-first-use of nuclear weapons, expressing concerns about the dangers of nuclear development at present, at the Munich Security Conference. Fu Ying, a veteran diplomat and new chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks at an MSC panel discussion about nuclear security, on which some participants expressed their concerns over nuclear proliferation at present..."
Mon, 2018-02-26 11:07
#9
It seems that the presidential term limit that was placed in the Chinese constitution in the 1980s has just been removed, clearing the way for Xi to be President for Life.
Mon, 2018-02-26 12:08
#10
So, good thing our fascists who run things, supported as always by Guardian-reading western 'progressives,' are determined and in preparation to take 'this monster' , (and Russia ) down, right?
Many western politicians don't have two-term limits and The Guardian doesn't warn of ' Putin-Plus - Dictator For Life'. The National People's Congress, China's highest body, which elected him has the power to remove him. As do the Chinese people of course, which history shows are quite up to the task of defeating tyrannies, foreign or domestic.
Mon, 2018-02-26 14:29
#11
This is one issue where culture is important. Xi may very well be doing this for the wrong reasons but the opposition in China would not be as one might expect in North America -- particularly the United States.
The reason is simple when you think about it: the US is focussed on the individual and the aspiration for the individual. One reason people like to see change is that it opens opportunity for others. They also individualize the role of the top. Yes, there is a cult of personality in other countries but the role of that cult is quite different than it is in more individualist cultures. I am not saying this change is a good thing -- but I am saying there are reasons the objections could be much more limited. China is very used to the concept of a stable single leader over time with a more group collective underneath that this leadership manages. The idea of constant ambition in a very individual way, I think is a bit more European.
The Chinese people are also aware of global uncertainty and challenges. They ahve been lead through such periods in the past by strong leaders and have seen weak ones fragment the country. Reaching for a strong leader is not as unnatural as some may think.
when it comes to strong leaders, the Chinese are used to them having few checks and balances than the present where there is the party and a somewhat independent economy presumably moderating.
My guess is that Chinese people, even if they are aware, are not in a panic.
A more modest grab in the US should be expected to create a stronger reaction and yet it still seems that this is possible. One political scientist said that Trump could try to get away with cancelling the 2018 election using the pretext that the Russians could influence it. (Yes, ironic since others would say it would be locking in an influence from the previous election). I say this because it is important to recognize that political systems exist within a political culture and each system is judged in the context of other political cultures and that often is a mistake.
None of this is an endorsement of what Xi is doing, but I think context is very important.
Mon, 2018-02-26 16:16
#12
TRNN: A New Witch Hunt? FBI Calls Chinese Students A Threat (and vid)
http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21195:A-New-Witch-Hunt%3F-FBI-Calls-Chin...
"Calling China, 'a-whole-of-society threat', FBI Director Christopher Wray recently claimed that Chinese students in the US may be conducting espionage..."
Mon, 2018-02-26 16:22
#13
TRNN: A New Witch Hunt? FBI Calls Chinese Students A Threat (and vid)
http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21195:A-New-Witch-Hunt%3F-FBI-Calls-Chin...
"Calling China, 'a-whole-of-society threat', FBI Director Christopher Wray recently claimed that Chinese students in the US may be conducting espionage..."
I wonder how long before the Chinese answer -- "oh is that what your foreign students do?"
All of the major countries conduct spying. We know this. I sincerely doubt that any significant intel has ever come from students. Usually it is emplyees and key people paid off or compromised. However, if China really wants some intel on the next Frosh party plans I guess they could consider a student.
Sat, 2018-03-03 09:32
#14
TRNN: How Did Communist China Become a Capitalist Superpower? (and vid)
http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21218:How-Did-Communist-China-Become-a-C...
"Competing Economic Paradigms' in China..."
Sat, 2018-03-03 10:45
#15
Sat, 2018-03-03 15:09
#16
Only violence would dislodge him from power - some sort of extreme right-wing nationalist military coup that could bring a xenophobic expansionist regime even more hostile to Canadian interests than what we’re facing now.
I pasted this out of the link posted above to show how paranoid that link is.
Sat, 2018-03-03 18:43
#17
TRNN: How Did Communist China Become a Capitalist Superpower? (and vid)
Interesting article. +1 to TRNN for providing a transcript.
Most interestingly, while the author is neither Chinese nor a Marxist, he does seem to suggest that a move away from Marxist economics, toward a classical economics, both made sense, and was endorsed by China because the economics themselves were rational and made sense.
Sat, 2018-03-03 20:19
#18
TRNN: How Did Communist China Become a Capitalist Superpower? (and vid)Interesting article. +1 to TRNN for providing a transcript.
Most interestingly, while the author is neither Chinese nor a Marxist, he does seem to suggest that a move away from Marxist economics, toward a classical economics, both made sense, and was endorsed by China because the economics themselves were rational and made sense.
I agree, that was the way I interpreted it as well. It was an interesting and informative video for me. I'm one of the lazy ones who'd rather watch people speak than read the text.
Sun, 2018-03-04 09:32
#19
China Warns To 'Take Necessary Measures' If US Starts Trade War
"Beijing is not going to 'sit idly by' if Washington's actions damage Chinese interests, and will take 'necessary measures,' the spokesman for the National People's Congress has warned. The statement comes as US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose an import tax of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum earlier this week.
On Friday, Trump tweeted that 'trade wars are good and easy to win,' claiming that the US loses billions in disadvantageous deals with virtually every country it does business with.' [lol] Earlier, China's Ministry of Commerce condemned Trump's move saying it 'seriously damages' the mechanisms of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The ministry also vowed to work with 'other affected countries in taking measures to safeguard its own rights and interests,' according to head of the MoC trade remedy and investigation bureau, Wang Hejun, as cited by Xinhua."
Sun, 2018-03-11 11:56
#20
Chinese President Xi Jinping: What is his Background?
http://www.unz.com/article/chinese-president-xi-jinping-who-is-he/
"In a word, he is impressive..."
Sun, 2018-03-11 13:04
#21
"Activists fear that removing term limits may lead to a further tightening of already strict controls on media, civil society and religion, as Xi tries to impose his highly ideological vision of socialism on every aspect of society."
"“I think that during the past five years, he has been carrying out a soft coup, including making the Politburo a mere figurehead,” Chinese political commentator Wu Qiang told AFP, referring to the 25-member Communist Party body one level under the ruling council."
https://www.hongkongfp.com/2018/03/11/breaking-china-officially-scraps-p...
Sun, 2018-03-11 14:40
#22
I think the real story is getting twisted around here. This is about how the Chinese constitution can evolve and adapt. Not like the feeble US system and the little better Canadian.
Sun, 2018-03-11 16:11
#23
Wouldn't it be more admirable if it evolved for the better?
There's nothing better about a ruler for life, no matter how much of a fetish you might have for the guy.
Sun, 2018-03-11 17:39
#24
Wouldn't it be more admirable if it evolved for the better?
There's nothing better about a ruler for life, no matter how much of a fetish you might have for the guy.
Well, you can count me as someone who thinks abolishing term limits is a good idea. I've never supported them, and indeed our very own Westminster system has no use for them either. If voters want to keep electing the same guy over and over again, that should be their democratic right.
That said, it's not clear to me that the abolition of term-limits in China is really about expanding the freedom of voters to elect whom they want, rather than ensuring that one particular man stays in power for a longer period of time.
Sun, 2018-03-11 17:47
#25
Well, you can count me as someone who thinks abolishing term limits is a good idea.
There's a big part of me that agrees. Why should the voters be prevented from choosing a particular candidate solely because they feel that candidate served them well for 'X' years?
But my support for abolishing term limits does have to go hand-in-hand with my support for free elections.
Curiously, it seems to me -- anecdotally, and someone tell me if I'm totally wrong on this -- that governments who suddenly want to abolish term limits tend to be governments headed by popular strongmen who are in danger of reaching their term limits. When was the last time such a change was tabled by a government in their first year? If it's just a good idea whose time has come, why not?
In fact, I think I did suggest once that if a government really, really feels like abolishing term limits, then in the interest of ensuring it's not just an eleventh-hour power grab, it should only be enacted AFTER the current politician's limits expire. It would be just as fair and just as right then too, wouldn't it? And if it's about principle, and not ensuring that President Strongman can rule for life, it shouldn't be a problem.
Sun, 2018-03-11 17:49
#26
That said, it's not clear to me that the abolition of term-limits in China is really about expanding the freedom of voters to elect whom they want, rather than ensuring that one particular man stays in power for a longer period of time.
I'm no expert, but it appears to me that this is a choice in favour of rule by an autocrat for life, rather than rule by a somewhat collegial set of senior party officials who generally make decisions by consensus, with a chairman or other authority figure who is first among equals.
Sun, 2018-03-11 18:23
#27
I'm no expert, but it appears to me that this is a choice in favour of rule by an autocrat for life, rather than rule by a somewhat collegial set of senior party officials who generally make decisions by consensus, with a chairman or other authority figure who is first among equals.
Ya. And the Westminster system is kind of a weak example as well. Sure, the same person can be PM for more than 8 years, assuming their party wins at least three elections, and assuming the party membership wants them to continue as leader. But it's also important to note that while the PM of Canada might be the one giving the most speeches, and the one to represent us publicly, the PM does not have the power to personally veto a bill that s/he personally disagrees with, the PM is not the Commander-in-Chief of our military, the PM cannot issue "executive orders", etc. They're the "most important" Member of Parliament, perhaps, and they get a nice free house to live in, but the very nature of the Westminster system is about all the checks and balances we need to ensure that no PM can rule for life solely because they want to rule for life.
King served the longest, but he didn't rule for life, nor resign.
Sun, 2018-03-11 20:04
#28
Wouldn't it be more admirable if it evolved for the better?
There's nothing better about a ruler for life, no matter how much of a fetish you might have for the guy.
lol! Remember that other thread about the liberals already losing Re election in 2019?
Canadian constitution also clearly states anyone can run in politics. Ask Hazel McCallion how it worked out for her. No term limits in Canada. Xi Jin Ping still has to be elected the exact same way as before. But now that term limits have been removed, somehow someway, according to western media spin, Xi Jin Ping committed a military take over and its now 2025.
Sun, 2018-03-11 20:16
#29
Xi Jin Ping still has to be elected the exact same way as before.
That's exactly the problem.
Sun, 2018-03-11 20:21
#30
Congress voted on eliminating term limits. Not just Xi Jin Ping.
China will do what China feels it is best for China. I suspect that the communist party of China wants to tackle some serious issues like pay equity, climate change and tackling poverty among probably another dozen lesser issues as observed by us westerners. And they want to use Xi’s established statesmanship and charisma to see it through.
I said it before and I’ll say it again, Xi Jin Ping is the best politician going right now in the world. He’s a huge force for world peace and socialism. Probably the best voice those two causes have right now!
Sun, 2018-03-11 20:26
#31
Xi Jin Ping still has to be elected the exact same way as before.That's exactly the problem.
lol. Say that to Justin trump and Harper! When a political system promotes its best and produces winners, somehow you make excuses for western repeating failures.
Theres a saying for this, sour grapes!
Sun, 2018-03-11 20:55
#32
I suspect that the communist party of China wants to tackle some serious issues like pay equity, climate change and tackling poverty among probably another dozen lesser issues as observed by us westerners.
Don't forget "... and ensuring that the reins of power are always and forever held by the Communist Party of China".
Anyhoo, don't you have a statue to carve?
Sun, 2018-03-11 23:03
#33
China will do what China feels it is best for China. I suspect that the communist party of China wants to tackle some serious issues like pay equity, climate change and tackling poverty among probably another dozen lesser issues as observed by us westerners. And they want to use Xi’s established statesmanship and charisma to see it through.
I said it before and I’ll say it again, Xi Jin Ping is the best politician going right now in the world. He’s a huge force for world peace and socialism. Probably the best voice those two causes have right now!
Wow propaganda at its finest.
I think we should read this and shut down all political commentary as governments will do what they think is best.
After all China is not sentient and able to speak for itself. The poeple are not voting on the measure. The government is making a decision and it is reasonable on a political site to criticise that government AND every other government in the world especially our own. And you know what -- we do that.
I find it really offensive to see these posts criticising critisism on principle rather than defending decisions on merits and that is what this post makes clear. (With a dose of deflection -- oh look over here.)
Mon, 2018-03-12 05:47
#34
Given that both China and Russia are top of the US shit-list, we can expect Canadian 'progressives' will do their part. They always do. The anti-China offensive is just beginning. Expect more to come.
Mon, 2018-03-12 03:04
#35
WWWTT wrote:
Theres a saying for this, sour grapes!
You seriously think that the reason people here are criticizing the Chinese political system is that they secretly LIKE the system and are jealous?
That reminds me of Albertans who respond to environmentalists' criticism of the tarsands with "Oh, they're just jealous of our hard-working entreprenurial spirit and no sales tax!"
Mon, 2018-03-12 16:20
#36
Given that both China and Russia are top of the US shit-list, we can expect Canadian 'progressives' will do their part. They always do. The anti-China offensive is just beginning. Expect more to come.
Real progressives are going to pretend not to notice China's dirty laundry. They always do. That's how we'll be able to tell the real from the faux.
Mon, 2018-03-12 18:34
#37
No, we do not have to accept this binary crap that airing a criticism of a single policy of China's means supporting the US. This type of argument shows the utter bankruptcy of your position.
It is very clear that there are a couple people here who cannot see the world except through a cold war lens that means that any criticism of Russia or China means some loyalty to the US.
It is possible to understand the positions of China and Russia in the context of US aggression and to criticize the US and to disagree with these policies. This is a discussion site not some international war where we have to take one side or the other.
Mon, 2018-03-12 20:49
#38
Ya I don’t know where you’re going with this? Sounds like you’re making things unnecessarily more complicated than need be.
Mon, 2018-03-12 20:58
#39
Ya I don’t know where you’re going with this? Sounds like you’re making things unnecessarily more complicated than need be.
Nope -- for or against is an over simplification.
Mon, 2018-03-12 21:01
#40
You seriously think that the reason people here are criticizing the Chinese political system is that they secretly LIKE the system and are jealous?
OR many people in the west are tired of the same old same old crappie go no where leaders western nations keep cranking out with no end in sight. And since this isn’t going to slow down anytime soon, better jump on anything remotely plausible to give that old western ego a boost not seen since the good old days of colonialism.
Mon, 2018-03-12 21:09
#41
You seriously think that the reason people here are criticizing the Chinese political system is that they secretly LIKE the system and are jealous?
OR many people in the west are tired of the same old same old crappie go no where leaders western nations keep cranking out with no end in sight. And since this isn’t going to slow down anytime soon, better jump on anything remotely plausible to give that old western ego a boost not seen since the good old days of colonialism.
No. I seriously think that your analysis is a joke. I also think that you put out steady propaganda responses that do not look like independent thought.
Mon, 2018-03-12 21:09
#42
OR many people in the west are tired of the same old same old crappie go no where leaders western nations keep cranking out with no end in sight. And since this isn’t going to slow down anytime soon, better jump on anything remotely plausible to give that old western ego a boost not seen since the good old days of colonialism.
You just made sentences the same way a handful of "Magnetic Poetry" fridge magnets would. More words than meaning
People are criticizing China because they didn't do the right thing. Not because we're jealous, or colonialist, or wouldn't know a progressive idea if we saw one.
Mon, 2018-03-12 23:47
#43
From Mr. Magoo:
People are criticizing China because they didn't do the right thing.
My understanding is that they just removed term limits. There are no term limits in Canada, so I'm not sure what the problem with it is.
If someone argues that the way leaders are elected in China is 'not the right thing', then make that argument. Term limits are another thing, and I think an argument can be made that term limits are undemocratic.
Mon, 2018-03-12 23:52
#44
From Mr. Magoo:
People are criticizing China because they didn't do the right thing.
My understanding is that they just removed term limits. There are no term limits in Canada, so I'm not sure what the problem with it is.
If someone argues that the way leaders are elected in China is 'not the right thing', then make that argument. Term limits are another thing, and I think an argument can be made that term limits are undemocratic.
Canada has different checks and balances and does not centralize as much power in the same way.
Tue, 2018-03-13 21:25
#45
No. I seriously think that your analysis is a joke. I also think that you put out steady propaganda responses that do not look like independent thought.
Possibly? More likely I’m looking for a simple logical explanation.
Should also point out that if you find my comments/opinions offensive, you should just report them to the moderators and ignore to respond back. I don’t bother reporting myself, but the ignoring part works great for me!
Tue, 2018-03-13 21:41
#46
It's not against babble rules to carve a statue of Xi Jinping.
You good, bro.
Tue, 2018-03-13 22:44
#47
No. I seriously think that your analysis is a joke. I also think that you put out steady propaganda responses that do not look like independent thought.
Possibly? More likely I’m looking for a simple logical explanation.
Should also point out that if you find my comments/opinions offensive, you should just report them to the moderators and ignore to respond back. I don’t bother reporting myself, but the ignoring part works great for me!
I did not say they were against policy here. But people will argue what they disagree with...
Sat, 2018-03-24 10:19
#48
China Warns Trade War Will Directly Hit US Consumers and Financial Markets
Sat, 2018-03-24 11:07
#49
I think China can absorb an international economic downturn much more easily than the US can.
Sat, 2018-03-24 14:25
#50
Trump Officially Declares Trade War on China Days Before Launch To Petroyuan
http://www.eurasiafuture.com/2018/03/22/breaking-trump-officially-declar...
"By invoking the Trade Act of 1974,Trump has bypassed the Congress to take unilateral actions in a trade war that most of the Congress and the US Chamber of Commerce does not support. Trump's move could usher in a pivot away from the US on the part of wider international trading, including in the all important areas of currency and among commodities markets.
On the 26th of March, China will formally introduce the Petroyuan. The issuing of oil futures contracts in China's national currency looks to threaten the longterm efficacy of the Petro-dollar...
Sat, 2018-03-24 14:44
#51
The weakening of or better yet the eliminstion of the US dollar as being the world's reserve currency would be a very good thing.
The world's need for dollars has allowed the United States government as well as Americans to borrow at lower costs, granting them an advantage in excess of $100 billion per year.