(No. A/46 - July 12, 2011) John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, will be travelling to China from July 16 to 20, 2011, for a bilateral visit, and to Bali, Indonesia from July 21 to 24, to attend the 44th ASEAN Ministerial Conference.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Lai Changxing may be returned to China on July 25
High-profile fugitive Lai Changxing has been arrested by Canadian Border Services agents and now faces possible deportation later this month to face smuggling and corruption charges in China.
He was taken into custody late last week, after Immigration Canada - following more than four years of deliberation - determined that Mr. Lai does not face a serious risk of torture from Chinese authorities.
Friday, July 08, 2011
New Book: The China Challenge: Sino-Canadian Relations in the 21st Century
The China Challenge: Sino-Canadian Relations in the 21st Century
Edited by Huhua Cao and Vivienne Poy:
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Very disturbing report in South China Morning Post
"Silence of the Chinese dissidents"
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Politics in China's Exam System
I highly recommend this report by Eric Fish in the Asia Times:
" Politics in China's Exam System"
North Korea Becomes UN Champion for Disarmament (!!)
Minister Baird Expresses Disappointment over North Korea's Chairmanship of UN Conference on Disarmament
(No. 186 - June 30, 2011 - 11 a.m. ET) John Baird, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, today issued the following statement regarding North Korea's appointment to the chair of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament:
"North Korea is simply not a credible chair of a disarmament body.
"The fact that it gets a turn chairing a United Nations committee focused on disarmament is unacceptable, given the North Korean regime's efforts in the exact opposite direction.
"We call on North Korea to pass the chair on to a credible country that will advance the disarmament agenda within the UN. Canada will be immediately reviewing our participation in this committee's activities.
"North Korea should also open its facilities to international inspections.
"In October 2010, Canada announced the adoption of a controlled engagement policy toward North Korea and the imposition of additional economic sanctions against the regime under the Special Economic Measures Act. These measures followed a commitment made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper after the sinking of the South Korean naval vesselCheonan, which claimed the lives of 46 sailors.
"Canada will continue to take strong and principled positions in support of the fundamental Canadian values of democracy, human rights and justice."
- 30 -
Monday, June 27, 2011
Munk Debate on China
Munk Debate on China
On June 17th, 2011, the Aurea Foundation held the seventh semi-annual Munk Debate in Toronto. The participants debated the question "Does the 21st century belong to China?" Historian and author Niall Fergusson and David Daokui Li from Tsinghua University's School of Economics and Management in Beijing argued for the resolution. Henry Kissinger, U.S. Secretary of State from 1973 to 1977, and Fareed Zakaria, CNN Host and Editor-at-Large of TIME Magazine, spoke against the resolution.
China and the West Spy Games
Interesting article about new program at Fudan University, my alma mater.
"China Steps Up Its Intelligence Operation With New Spy Schools"
Sunday, June 12, 2011
PM's Statement on Foreign Policy in a Speech Last Friday night
Prime Minister Harper said: "Power is shifting. New forces are coming to the fore. Some we will be pleased to work with. Some we must resist. In such a world, strength is not an option; it is a vital necessity. Moral ambiguity, moral equivalence are not options, they are dangerous illusions."
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Comment on News Report about Disappeared Associates of Ai Weiwei
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson has said that Ai Weiwei's detention has "nothing to do with human rights". In that case I do wonder: what or who is the source of this doubtful claim of "nothing to do with human rights" that the Chinese MFA has been directed to pass along to the world?
http://m.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/22/ai-weiwei-friends-missing?cat=world&type=article
http://m.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/22/ai-weiwei-friends-missing?cat=world&type=article
Related to this is Andrew Potter's article "Who is afraid of the Chinese government?" that was published on Friday, May 20, 2011: http://www2.macleans.ca/
Friday, May 20, 2011
My Appearance on TV Panel on Implications of Population Aging in China
I participated in a panel on “Revisiting China’s One-Child Policy” broadcast on the Business News Network program “Headline” on May 19, 2011. Part One can be viewed here: http://watch.bnn.ca/#clip469909. Part Two can be viewed here: http://watch.bnn.ca/#clip469910.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Internal Factors in the Decline of the Popularity of the Liberal Party of Canada
The dramatic decline in popular support of the Liberal Party of Canada in the recent election was not anticipated by most observers. But in the end only 18.9% of voters supported the Liberals. Taking into account that some of those 18.9% voted to support an incumbent that had served them well in the past, it seems likely that the core support for the Liberals may have dropped as low as 15% on May 2.
I am not convinced by the explanations that I have been reading in the commentary sections of the popular press that attribute the reduction of the Liberal Party to just 34 seats in the House of Commons to external factors. These include: First of all, the effectiveness of the Conservative Party attack ads against Michael Ignatieff which questioned Ignatieff's commitment to Canada. Secondly the "unexpected" rise of support for the NDP attributed to the collapse of the Bloc Quebecois that reduced numbers for the Liberals. And finally, the painstaking work of Jason Kenney in gaining Conservative support by "the ethnic vote" which tipped the balance away from the Liberals in ridings in the Greater Toronto Area.
The other explanation, mostly coming from embittered Liberals, has been to blame the ineffectiveness of the Liberal leader, Michael Ignatieff. But the assertion in an Op-Ed in the Toronto Star published May 5 that the "Liberal defeat had one cause: Michael Ignatieff" suggesting that things would have gone much better had Bob Rae been in charge does not convince me either. Many claim that did not listen to the advice of seasoned Liberal insiders on political strategy before and during the election. While this accusation may be well-based, I don’t find this an adequate explanation.
In my line of work as a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Brock University, I watch a lot of CPAC including broadcasts of Question Period in the House of Commmons. So I put in a lot of hours observing Michael Ignatieff's public statements in Parliament and at other events more of less daily since he became Leader of the Official Opposition in December 2008 ‘til he resigned earlier this month. On the face of it, Ignatieff was the kind of leader that I should have regarded as ideally suited to the position. He is very well-connected in London and Washington, a professor human rights at Harvard and author of a series of well-regarded books many on international affairs. One would have expected that he would have been a charismatic, articulate and insightful person of substance. But I agree with the characterization of Ignatieff by Tim Armstrong in that Op-Ed in the Toronto Star published May 5 that "his constant stridency in question period (when he was there) and in parliamentary debates was ineffective. On his bus forays across the country, he came across as professorial, condescending and insincere in asserting that he welcomed the opportunity to listen to — as opposed to lecture — Canadians." I took exception to his approach to his mode of responding to hostile questions from the press in the course of the election campaign. The image on the TV was of Ignatieff flanked by an assortment of Liberal candidates. At any challenging question he would smirk and produce an insincere tittering laugh chorused by the assembled entourage. It suggested am arrogant pettiness that rubbed me and I imagine other voters very wrong.
In general the Liberals didn't take being Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition seriously. They offered little in the way of innovative political alternatives. One felt that the Party leadership regarded program details as unimportant. That could be sorted out later. Main thing was that Canada should be governed by the Liberal Party elite. Government was their entitlement.
The decline of the Liberal Party of Canada does seem to follow the same sort of pattern that led to the decline of other once-great and solid Canadian institutions. For example only a few years ago Canada was the country of Eaton's, the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada "Red Tories," and Bell Canada. These were all supremely confident organizations with a strong sense of their own traditions and history, blithely unaware that they were becoming increasingly irrelevant in the face of changing modern conditions.
When it finallly became apparent that they were heading into difficulty they were too arrogantly set in their ways to effectively respond and up to the end were in denial that their institution once so vibrant "modern" and at the forefront of national life was about to crash, never to rise again.
The same process appears to be being repeated by the once dominant Liberal Party of Canada.
Anyway all things in life have a beginning, a middle and an end. It is time for Canadian politics to look forward, not back.
I am not convinced by the explanations that I have been reading in the commentary sections of the popular press that attribute the reduction of the Liberal Party to just 34 seats in the House of Commons to external factors. These include: First of all, the effectiveness of the Conservative Party attack ads against Michael Ignatieff which questioned Ignatieff's commitment to Canada. Secondly the "unexpected" rise of support for the NDP attributed to the collapse of the Bloc Quebecois that reduced numbers for the Liberals. And finally, the painstaking work of Jason Kenney in gaining Conservative support by "the ethnic vote" which tipped the balance away from the Liberals in ridings in the Greater Toronto Area.
The other explanation, mostly coming from embittered Liberals, has been to blame the ineffectiveness of the Liberal leader, Michael Ignatieff. But the assertion in an Op-Ed in the Toronto Star published May 5 that the "Liberal defeat had one cause: Michael Ignatieff" suggesting that things would have gone much better had Bob Rae been in charge does not convince me either. Many claim that did not listen to the advice of seasoned Liberal insiders on political strategy before and during the election. While this accusation may be well-based, I don’t find this an adequate explanation.
In my line of work as a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Brock University, I watch a lot of CPAC including broadcasts of Question Period in the House of Commmons. So I put in a lot of hours observing Michael Ignatieff's public statements in Parliament and at other events more of less daily since he became Leader of the Official Opposition in December 2008 ‘til he resigned earlier this month. On the face of it, Ignatieff was the kind of leader that I should have regarded as ideally suited to the position. He is very well-connected in London and Washington, a professor human rights at Harvard and author of a series of well-regarded books many on international affairs. One would have expected that he would have been a charismatic, articulate and insightful person of substance. But I agree with the characterization of Ignatieff by Tim Armstrong in that Op-Ed in the Toronto Star published May 5 that "his constant stridency in question period (when he was there) and in parliamentary debates was ineffective. On his bus forays across the country, he came across as professorial, condescending and insincere in asserting that he welcomed the opportunity to listen to — as opposed to lecture — Canadians." I took exception to his approach to his mode of responding to hostile questions from the press in the course of the election campaign. The image on the TV was of Ignatieff flanked by an assortment of Liberal candidates. At any challenging question he would smirk and produce an insincere tittering laugh chorused by the assembled entourage. It suggested am arrogant pettiness that rubbed me and I imagine other voters very wrong.
In general the Liberals didn't take being Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition seriously. They offered little in the way of innovative political alternatives. One felt that the Party leadership regarded program details as unimportant. That could be sorted out later. Main thing was that Canada should be governed by the Liberal Party elite. Government was their entitlement.
The decline of the Liberal Party of Canada does seem to follow the same sort of pattern that led to the decline of other once-great and solid Canadian institutions. For example only a few years ago Canada was the country of Eaton's, the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada "Red Tories," and Bell Canada. These were all supremely confident organizations with a strong sense of their own traditions and history, blithely unaware that they were becoming increasingly irrelevant in the face of changing modern conditions.
When it finallly became apparent that they were heading into difficulty they were too arrogantly set in their ways to effectively respond and up to the end were in denial that their institution once so vibrant "modern" and at the forefront of national life was about to crash, never to rise again.
The same process appears to be being repeated by the once dominant Liberal Party of Canada.
Anyway all things in life have a beginning, a middle and an end. It is time for Canadian politics to look forward, not back.
My Take on Mr. Baird's Appointment and the Reinvigoration of Canadian Foreign Policy
The appointment of John Baird to Minister of Foreign Affairs suggests that under a stable majority, the Government of Canada will be able to put renewed emphasis on promoting Canada's prosperity through trade and on realizing Canada's security interests in international relations.
Mr. Baird in his previous ministries has demonstrated a strong commitment to implementation of the Prime Minister's agenda. He is a strong leader who is not afraid to take strong action when necessary to ensure that the Government's purposes are fully realized in the programming of the departments under his administration.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has been a problematic ministry for the Harper Government due to long association of its senior civil servants with Liberal Party elitism through Liberal Party associated think tanks and other agencies. This has been particularly true in the case of the North Asian Relations Division.
But the function of the professional civil servants in Foreign Affairs is to implement the foreign policy agenda of the elected government, not attempt to subvert this agenda. This would include the new Office of Religious Freedom for which the Prime Minister clearly intends a central role in Canada's foreign affairs, immigration, and developmental aid programming.
Under Mr. Baird one can expect to see a rigorous approach to ensuring that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will genuinely represent the interests of Canada abroad as these interests are understood and articulated by the Government of Canada elected by Canadians on May 2.
Mr. Baird in his previous ministries has demonstrated a strong commitment to implementation of the Prime Minister's agenda. He is a strong leader who is not afraid to take strong action when necessary to ensure that the Government's purposes are fully realized in the programming of the departments under his administration.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has been a problematic ministry for the Harper Government due to long association of its senior civil servants with Liberal Party elitism through Liberal Party associated think tanks and other agencies. This has been particularly true in the case of the North Asian Relations Division.
But the function of the professional civil servants in Foreign Affairs is to implement the foreign policy agenda of the elected government, not attempt to subvert this agenda. This would include the new Office of Religious Freedom for which the Prime Minister clearly intends a central role in Canada's foreign affairs, immigration, and developmental aid programming.
Under Mr. Baird one can expect to see a rigorous approach to ensuring that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will genuinely represent the interests of Canada abroad as these interests are understood and articulated by the Government of Canada elected by Canadians on May 2.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Academic Exchanges and Foreign Embassy-Sponsored Activities in China Being Curtailed
"At least 60 activities organized by the United States Embassy in Beijing -- including cultural forums, school programs, ambassadorial visits -- were canceled between February and April because of interference by the Chinese authorities, and some European missions have been similarly pressured. Several university conferences involving foreigners have been canceled, and the Ministry of Education is stepping up warnings to Chinese scholars heading abroad that they not take part in "anti-China" activities or engage with groups that promote democracy."
--
Shared via RockMelt
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Some Thoughts on Implications of the Ai Weiwei Case
I am very concerned that while China signed the ICCPR in 1998, China is more and more flaunting the provisions of Article 14 and other articles with regard to citizens' entitlement to due process of law. Recently, there are more and more reports of people who support freedom of conscience and political democracy being incarcerated through arbitrary process by agents of the Chinese security apparatus without involvement of the police or judiciary. While we all question the validity of wide application of laws against "threats against state security," now Chinese people are being "disappeared" for political reasons without any charge being laid at all..
For example Ai Weiwei was taken away by persons unknown, evidently not police, and some days later we are told by the Foreign Ministry that he is being held in an undisclosed location while being investigated on suspicion of tax evasion and bigamy. One would expect a process of 1. investigation by the procuracy; 2. charges laid; 3. arrest; 4. open trial (as tax evasion and bigamy do not fall into matters of state security that would call for a closed trial).
Ai Weiwei is of course a high profile case, but there are dozens and dozens of reports of people similarly disappearing, most of them "human rights defender" lawyers.
For example Ai Weiwei was taken away by persons unknown, evidently not police, and some days later we are told by the Foreign Ministry that he is being held in an undisclosed location while being investigated on suspicion of tax evasion and bigamy. One would expect a process of 1. investigation by the procuracy; 2. charges laid; 3. arrest; 4. open trial (as tax evasion and bigamy do not fall into matters of state security that would call for a closed trial).
Ai Weiwei is of course a high profile case, but there are dozens and dozens of reports of people similarly disappearing, most of them "human rights defender" lawyers.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Beijing officials 'laughed off' Australian concerns over human rights | smh.com.au
Confidential briefings provided by Australian diplomats to their American counterparts reveal that Australia's human rights dialogue with China has been characterised by persistent Chinese denials of rights abuses and ''boilerplate'' responses to concerns raised by Australia.
http://m.smh.com.au/national/beijing-officials-laughed-off-australian-concerns-20110426-1dv7a.html
http://m.smh.com.au/national/beijing-officials-laughed-off-australian-concerns-20110426-1dv7a.html
Saturday, April 23, 2011
PM Proposes New Office Of Religious Freedom To Promote Religious Freedom Around The World
Today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that a re-elected Conservative Government will create an Office of Religious Freedom to ensure that defending persecuted religious minorities is a priority of Canada's foreign policy.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Michael Ignatieff Supports Office for Religious Freedom Proposal
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff told reporters in Toronto the office is "the kind of thing that ought to have the support of all sides in politics," before referring to many of the aforementioned groups that have a presence in Canada.
"When you see in Egypt peaceful members of the Coptic community being attacked," he said, "when you see Baha'is being persecuted in Iran, when you see Jews being persecuted, when you see Christians unable to practice their religion freely in China, I think all Canadians believe in the importance of both defending religious freedom at home, but also defending religious freedom abroad."
Tragic Death of Liu Qian
I do feel so deeply sorry about this. My heart goes out to Professor Liu Jianhui of the Central Party School and to all Ms. Liu's family, And to all my friends in China who have children studying abroad who worry enough about them being so far from home already and now this.
--
Shared via RockMelt
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Editorial in Globe and Mail on Canada's China Policy
"Along with trade, the Canadian government should negotiate for independent legal representation of Canadians who get into legal trouble and consular access to them. Similarly, there should be an extradition treaty between Canada and China that embodies liberal principles of due process and human rights. Such arrangements could well have a wider good influence in China, beyond cases involving Canadians."
--
Shared via RockMelt
Monday, April 18, 2011
Interview with me in Ming Pao 明報新聞網海外版 - 加西版(溫哥華) -
http://www.mingpaovan.com/htm/News/20110417/vaa2.htm
Slightly longer version of my interview with Ming Pao on the election and China policy: http://www.mingpaotor.com/htm/News/20110417/tab1.htm#
Slightly longer version of my interview with Ming Pao on the election and China policy: http://www.mingpaotor.com/htm/News/20110417/tab1.htm#
Friday, April 15, 2011
Excellent article in The Economist on New Political Crackdown in China
China's repressive new rulers
China's crackdown
The vindictiveness of China's rulers betrays their nervousness
The vindictiveness of China's rulers betrays their nervousness
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Neil Desai and I published an Op-Ed in The Globe and Mail this Morning
My Op-Ed with Neil Desai: "Promoting pluralism abroad must be a foreign policy pillar" http://tgam.ca/CA9E
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Farewell speech by outgoing US ambassador Jon Huntsman in Shanghai
"Today's leaders may struggle with the legacy of outdated ideologies or past differences, but the next generation in both countries will carry with them a profoundly more global outlook."
--
Shared via RockMelt
Thursday, April 07, 2011
My take on Ai Weiwei
To me Ai Weiwei represents best of the "salt of the earth" type of northern Chinese --- scrupulously honest, unpretentious, very warm, open, humorous and sincerely identifies with the common man.
PBS 17 minute long documentary "Who's Afraid of Ai Weiwei?": http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/ai-wei-wei/?utm_campaign=viewpage&utm_medium=grid&utm_source=grid
PBS 17 minute long documentary "Who's Afraid of Ai Weiwei?": http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/ai-wei-wei/?utm_campaign=viewpage&utm_medium=grid&utm_source=grid
"Hurricane" - A song not sung by Bob Dylan at his show in Beijing yesterday
Now all the criminals in their coats and their ties
Are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise
While Rubin sits like Buddha in a ten-foot cell
An innocent man in a living hell
Are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise
While Rubin sits like Buddha in a ten-foot cell
An innocent man in a living hell
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
US Envoy Defends Detained Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei
"SHANGHAI (AFP) – US ambassador Jon Huntsman Wednesday defended detained Chinese artist Ai Weiwei for challenging Beijing to better serve the people, in his final public speech before a possible presidential bid.
Huntsman also urged the Chinese government not to use the Internet to create distrust and warned misperceptions in the United States and China threaten to lead to policies that could undermine their relationship."
--
Shared via RockMelt
Huntsman also urged the Chinese government not to use the Internet to create distrust and warned misperceptions in the United States and China threaten to lead to policies that could undermine their relationship."
--
Shared via RockMelt
Monday, April 04, 2011
My Take On MinMetals Hostile Takeover of Equinox
This bid is for a Canadian company that controls mines outside of Canada. It offers shareholders a significant premium over the current listed share price. I am at a loss as to any legitimate basis for Industry Canada to block this takeover.
Development in Wu Yuren Case
@KPinChina: Breaking News: Wu Yuren Released on Parole April 3rd, Still Pending Sentence: http://on.fb.me/dOUfKW via @addthis
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Ai Weiwei in custody and studio raided by Chinese police
Mr. Ai is well known in China due to his designing of the Olympic Bird's Nest Stadium. He is the son of prominent 20th century literary figure, Ai Qing. Presently Ai Weiwei has a favourably reviewed exhibit at the Tate Gallery.
His arrest can be seen as a milestone in the Chinese authorities' suppression of dissent due to Mr. Ai's prominence and very good reputation among most Chinese people in China.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/china-blocks-well-known-artist-ai-weiwei-from-taking-flight-to-hong-kong/2011/04/03/AFNRW9SC_story.html
Insightful article about Mr. Ai in New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/06/arts/design/ai-weiwei-takes-role-of-chinas-conscience.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print
Very powerful video statement by Mr. Ai:
His arrest can be seen as a milestone in the Chinese authorities' suppression of dissent due to Mr. Ai's prominence and very good reputation among most Chinese people in China.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/china-blocks-well-known-artist-ai-weiwei-from-taking-flight-to-hong-kong/2011/04/03/AFNRW9SC_story.html
Insightful article about Mr. Ai in New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/06/arts/design/ai-weiwei-takes-role-of-chinas-conscience.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print
Very powerful video statement by Mr. Ai:
Thursday, March 24, 2011
North Korea Suggests Libya Should Have Kept Nuclear Program
Very scary. So much for the Six-Party Talks now!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
U.S. firms frustrated by increasing Chinese red tape
"The number-one challenge that our members listed this year is bureaucracy," Ted Dean, AmCham's chairman in China, told reporters at a briefing. "Members are saying that licensing procedures have become more difficult."
China Denies Google's Claims That They're Blocking Gmail
Wish they had the courage to be honest about what they do. Seems they deny it because they are ashamed.
"Unsurprisingly, China Denies Google's Claims That They're Blocking Gmail" http://bit.ly/ezkGUu
http://m.gizmodo.com//5784322/unsurprisingly-china-denies-googles-claims-that-theyre-blocking-gmail
"Unsurprisingly, China Denies Google's Claims That They're Blocking Gmail" http://bit.ly/ezkGUu
http://m.gizmodo.com//5784322/unsurprisingly-china-denies-googles-claims-that-theyre-blocking-gmail
NYT: China Tightens Electronic Censorship
This really is chilling and truly Orwellian:
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/world/asia/22china.xml
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/world/asia/22china.xml
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
PRESS RELEASE: UK-China Human Rights Dialogue an empty ritual?
PRESS RELEASE
[1 March, London] Thirteen human rights organisations and groups have issued a joint Statement on the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue that calls attention to deep-seated concerns held on the Dialogue process and urges the British government to review ways in which the Dialogue can meaningfully make progress.
Philippa Carrick, CEO of Tibet Society, one of the 13 signatories to the statement, commented, "Despite world focus being on Libya and the Middle East, it must not be forgotten that China's human rights record, adherence to internationally accepted human rights norms and its upholding of the rule of law do not bear scrutiny. The Foreign Secretary has issued very robust statements on Libya and, previously, on the people's actions in Egypt. When in Kuwait, the Prime Minister also reiterated the British government's commitment to upholding the values of right to peaceful protest, in freedom of speech and the Internet, in freedom of assembly and the rule of law. It is to be hoped that David Cameron's assertion that, 'As recent events have confirmed, denying people their basic rights does not preserve stability, rather the reverse. But these are not just our values, but the entitlement of people everywhere; of people in Tahrir Square as much as Trafalgar Square' (1), presages greater openness and meaningful intent in seeking freedoms and rights for those suffering suppression in China, Xinjiang and Tibet."
A statement on the process of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue from Human Rights groups working in the UK to the Foreign Secretary William Hague.
March 2011
On January 13-14, 2011, the UK government held its 19th round of annual UK-China Human Rights Dialogue in the UK. As specialists in human rights, China, Tibet and Xinjiang, we are concerned that these annual dialogues have become an all-too familiar and empty ritual that ultimately are not resulting in positive change on the ground. Worse, they can even be counter-productive in that they allow the Chinese government to claim an “achievement” on human rights when in fact no progress has been made. We support engagement with China, but believe that it is time for a new and more robust approach together with other dialogue partners based on achieving real, short-term goals. We outline some recommendations in this statement.
After a generation of economic development and numerous rounds of similar human rights dialogues with countries including the US, Canada, Australia and Japan, as well as with the EU, the human rights situation in China and Tibet has actually deteriorated. This is not a new conclusion; as far back as November, 2000, the cross-party Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee, briefed by some of the signatories of this letter, said there had been a “serious deterioration” in the human rights situation in China in the past two years since the UK government began its dialogue in 1998. This lack of progress has been noted by the FCO who, in 2008, acknowledged to the Foreign Affairs Committee that: “China has made little progress towards greater respect for human rights in 2008” (Clause 177, http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmfaff/557/55710.htm#a48).
Since then and despite millions of pounds of assistance to promote ‘rule of law’ in China, the Chinese government has engaged in a systematic attack on the rule of law and civil society, has developed the world’s most sophisticated internet censorship system, has intensified religious repression particularly in Tibet and Xinjiang, and characterises two prominent Nobel Peace Prize winners, the Dalai Lama and Liu Xiaobo, as “criminals”.
The need to address this is urgent because human rights underpin almost all of the issues that the UK and other governments face with China today.
Our recommendations are as follows:
• The UK-China human rights dialogue should be transparent; maintaining opacity has enabled the Chinese authorities to misrepresent the process and to undermine essential follow-up of discussions that took place behind closed doors. The dialogue should involve participation with expert NGOs and representatives from civil society and, ideally, also with representatives of the Tibetan and Uyghur communities in exile. When the dialogue is taking place in the UK, the UK should set and share specific benchmarks for what would constitute progress, and both substance of the dialogue and benchmarks should be specific and publicly known. Following the dialogue, UK officials should offer to do interviews via the UK-based media outlets with Chinese-language services, and arrange for their remarks to be translated and circulated inside China, this would help to prevent the Chinese government’s attempts to prevent its citizens from knowing what the UK says about human rights.
• Each round of dialogue should be based on realistic and tangible short-term goals. For example, these could include the release of specific prisoners; the agreement on a date for further dialogue between the Dalai Lama’s envoys and the Chinese authorities; progress towards the repeal of dangerously ambiguous ‘state secrets’ and ‘subversion’ laws; the lifting of restrictions on weiquan (rights protection) lawyers. Discussions to further progress should be continued outside the context of the official meetings.
• UK HMG Dialogues with China have done nothing to significantly improve the Chinese people’s access to justice or the establishment of an independent judicial system. Programmes to assist ‘rule of law’ reforms and to facilitate exchanges of ‘legal experts’ should be designed to address specific structural, administrative and legal problems in China that lead to human rights abuses. Legal programmes would be best directed towards addressing problems such as widespread torture, strengthening protection for defence lawyers who face disbarment when defending political cases and lack of due process. There should be a geographical spread incorporating Tibetan and Uyghur areas when allocating funding for legal training, with a particular emphasis on empowering lawyers in these ‘minority’ areas. Attention should be paid to the need to make lawyers’ associations fully independent, insulated from interference by Party officials, security officials, and the Ministry of Justice, and repealing aspects of annual bar registration for lawyers which allow judicial system authorities to put pressure on and arbitrarily retaliate against lawyers for political and other reasons.
• Dialogue topics should not focus only on abuses of social and economic rights but should assert the importance of addressing violations of civil and political rights. Exchanges on specific prisoners should not be sidelined to the margins of the discussion but affirmed as part of the main agenda and information shared with multilateral partners, particularly the EU. Follow-up based on specific, up-to-date information is critical. The UN Human Rights Council should be used to advance human rights principles and thematic issues.
• Civil society in China, Xinjiang and Tibet should be supported both diplomatically and financially. UK Ministers and senior staff should take every opportunity to meet human rights defenders, lawyers, writers and others who are taking personal risks to promote human rights and the rule of law. Private dialogue should always be accompanied by strong and clear public statements in support of these individuals. Engagement between Tibetan, Uyghur and Chinese scholars and representatives from civil society on key issues such as autonomy and governance should be facilitated and encouraged where possible, for instance in round-table discussions.
• The issue of human rights should not be an addendum or after-thought. Prior to any formal engagement with Chinese leaders, a public statement setting the tone of the encounter and referring to the importance of human rights should be made. Human rights must not be allowed to be ‘ring-fenced’ to only be publicly raised within the official bilateral dialogue framework. Rather, rights issues should be integrated into the agendas of the full wide array of bilateral engagements. Issues such as tainted powdered milk and lead-painted toys should give rise to voicing concerns about the denial of a free, investigative press in China as much as they do about implications to standards of trade and commerce.
• Each round of dialogue should be followed with an open discussion of impact and progress towards bench-marked practical goals. Dialogue should be resumed only if mechanisms are put into place that build upon these areas and if some measurable progress appears to have been made. Decision-making needs to be set within the context of a longer-term strategy to tackle the issues at stake and not based on consequences that could be perceived to risk progress in the short-term, for instance a suspension of the dialogue from the Chinese side.
• Given the UK’s unique historic connection with Tibet, we welcome the UK government’s affirmation of the importance of dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government. We are disappointed that the Prime Minister did not raise the coalition government’s position on this issue strongly during his visit to China on 8-11 November 2010, particularly in the light of his earlier discussions directly with the Dalai Lama on May 21, 2008 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qXCQjz6CF0). We recommend that strong statements on this matter are made at the highest levels at every opportunity and not just within the context of the human rights dialogue; and that these statements are reiterated in public both inside China when the occasion arises and elsewhere.
• We welcome the UK’s strong position on not lifting the EU arms embargo on China and encourage UK officials to urge its EU partners to follow the same approach.
We would like to conclude by citing the findings of the Foreign Affairs Committee report in 2008, which stated: “We conclude that there remains little evidence that the British Government’s policy of constructive dialogue with China has led to any significant improvements in the human rights situation. We recommend that the Government sets benchmarks and specific targets for making progress in this dialogue; these should take account of but not be restricted to the time-specific commitments given by China itself during its Universal Periodic Review process.”
(http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmfaff/557/55710.htm#a48).
Signed:
Tibet Society, Philippa Carrick, CEO
International Campaign for Tibet, Kate Saunders
Chinese Solidarity Campaign, Dr. Stephen NG
Christian Solidarity Worldwide
English PEN, Gillian Slovo, President
English PEN Writers in Prison Committee, Salil Tripathi, Chair
Federation for Democratic China (UK), Lucy Jin
Free Tibet, Stephanie Brigden, Director
Human Rights Watch, Sophie Richardson, Asia Advocacy Director
Shao Jiang, Independent, (participant of Tiananmen Square protest in 1989)
Students for a Free Tibet UK, Liam Allmark, Political Lobbying Co-ordinator
Tibetan Community in Britain, Pempa Lobsang, Chair
Tibetan Youth UK, Karma Chura-tsang, Director
Uighur UK Association, Enver Tohti Bugda
[Ends]
UK-China Human Rights Dialogue an empty ritual?Human Rights Groups call on Foreign Secretary to take a more robust approach for tangible outcomes
"Denying people their basic rights does not preserve stability," David Cameron[1 March, London] Thirteen human rights organisations and groups have issued a joint Statement on the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue that calls attention to deep-seated concerns held on the Dialogue process and urges the British government to review ways in which the Dialogue can meaningfully make progress.
Philippa Carrick, CEO of Tibet Society, one of the 13 signatories to the statement, commented, "Despite world focus being on Libya and the Middle East, it must not be forgotten that China's human rights record, adherence to internationally accepted human rights norms and its upholding of the rule of law do not bear scrutiny. The Foreign Secretary has issued very robust statements on Libya and, previously, on the people's actions in Egypt. When in Kuwait, the Prime Minister also reiterated the British government's commitment to upholding the values of right to peaceful protest, in freedom of speech and the Internet, in freedom of assembly and the rule of law. It is to be hoped that David Cameron's assertion that, 'As recent events have confirmed, denying people their basic rights does not preserve stability, rather the reverse. But these are not just our values, but the entitlement of people everywhere; of people in Tahrir Square as much as Trafalgar Square' (1), presages greater openness and meaningful intent in seeking freedoms and rights for those suffering suppression in China, Xinjiang and Tibet."
A statement on the process of the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue from Human Rights groups working in the UK to the Foreign Secretary William Hague.
March 2011
On January 13-14, 2011, the UK government held its 19th round of annual UK-China Human Rights Dialogue in the UK. As specialists in human rights, China, Tibet and Xinjiang, we are concerned that these annual dialogues have become an all-too familiar and empty ritual that ultimately are not resulting in positive change on the ground. Worse, they can even be counter-productive in that they allow the Chinese government to claim an “achievement” on human rights when in fact no progress has been made. We support engagement with China, but believe that it is time for a new and more robust approach together with other dialogue partners based on achieving real, short-term goals. We outline some recommendations in this statement.
After a generation of economic development and numerous rounds of similar human rights dialogues with countries including the US, Canada, Australia and Japan, as well as with the EU, the human rights situation in China and Tibet has actually deteriorated. This is not a new conclusion; as far back as November, 2000, the cross-party Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee, briefed by some of the signatories of this letter, said there had been a “serious deterioration” in the human rights situation in China in the past two years since the UK government began its dialogue in 1998. This lack of progress has been noted by the FCO who, in 2008, acknowledged to the Foreign Affairs Committee that: “China has made little progress towards greater respect for human rights in 2008” (Clause 177, http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmfaff/557/55710.htm#a48).
Since then and despite millions of pounds of assistance to promote ‘rule of law’ in China, the Chinese government has engaged in a systematic attack on the rule of law and civil society, has developed the world’s most sophisticated internet censorship system, has intensified religious repression particularly in Tibet and Xinjiang, and characterises two prominent Nobel Peace Prize winners, the Dalai Lama and Liu Xiaobo, as “criminals”.
The need to address this is urgent because human rights underpin almost all of the issues that the UK and other governments face with China today.
Our recommendations are as follows:
• The UK-China human rights dialogue should be transparent; maintaining opacity has enabled the Chinese authorities to misrepresent the process and to undermine essential follow-up of discussions that took place behind closed doors. The dialogue should involve participation with expert NGOs and representatives from civil society and, ideally, also with representatives of the Tibetan and Uyghur communities in exile. When the dialogue is taking place in the UK, the UK should set and share specific benchmarks for what would constitute progress, and both substance of the dialogue and benchmarks should be specific and publicly known. Following the dialogue, UK officials should offer to do interviews via the UK-based media outlets with Chinese-language services, and arrange for their remarks to be translated and circulated inside China, this would help to prevent the Chinese government’s attempts to prevent its citizens from knowing what the UK says about human rights.
• Each round of dialogue should be based on realistic and tangible short-term goals. For example, these could include the release of specific prisoners; the agreement on a date for further dialogue between the Dalai Lama’s envoys and the Chinese authorities; progress towards the repeal of dangerously ambiguous ‘state secrets’ and ‘subversion’ laws; the lifting of restrictions on weiquan (rights protection) lawyers. Discussions to further progress should be continued outside the context of the official meetings.
• UK HMG Dialogues with China have done nothing to significantly improve the Chinese people’s access to justice or the establishment of an independent judicial system. Programmes to assist ‘rule of law’ reforms and to facilitate exchanges of ‘legal experts’ should be designed to address specific structural, administrative and legal problems in China that lead to human rights abuses. Legal programmes would be best directed towards addressing problems such as widespread torture, strengthening protection for defence lawyers who face disbarment when defending political cases and lack of due process. There should be a geographical spread incorporating Tibetan and Uyghur areas when allocating funding for legal training, with a particular emphasis on empowering lawyers in these ‘minority’ areas. Attention should be paid to the need to make lawyers’ associations fully independent, insulated from interference by Party officials, security officials, and the Ministry of Justice, and repealing aspects of annual bar registration for lawyers which allow judicial system authorities to put pressure on and arbitrarily retaliate against lawyers for political and other reasons.
• Dialogue topics should not focus only on abuses of social and economic rights but should assert the importance of addressing violations of civil and political rights. Exchanges on specific prisoners should not be sidelined to the margins of the discussion but affirmed as part of the main agenda and information shared with multilateral partners, particularly the EU. Follow-up based on specific, up-to-date information is critical. The UN Human Rights Council should be used to advance human rights principles and thematic issues.
• Civil society in China, Xinjiang and Tibet should be supported both diplomatically and financially. UK Ministers and senior staff should take every opportunity to meet human rights defenders, lawyers, writers and others who are taking personal risks to promote human rights and the rule of law. Private dialogue should always be accompanied by strong and clear public statements in support of these individuals. Engagement between Tibetan, Uyghur and Chinese scholars and representatives from civil society on key issues such as autonomy and governance should be facilitated and encouraged where possible, for instance in round-table discussions.
• The issue of human rights should not be an addendum or after-thought. Prior to any formal engagement with Chinese leaders, a public statement setting the tone of the encounter and referring to the importance of human rights should be made. Human rights must not be allowed to be ‘ring-fenced’ to only be publicly raised within the official bilateral dialogue framework. Rather, rights issues should be integrated into the agendas of the full wide array of bilateral engagements. Issues such as tainted powdered milk and lead-painted toys should give rise to voicing concerns about the denial of a free, investigative press in China as much as they do about implications to standards of trade and commerce.
• Each round of dialogue should be followed with an open discussion of impact and progress towards bench-marked practical goals. Dialogue should be resumed only if mechanisms are put into place that build upon these areas and if some measurable progress appears to have been made. Decision-making needs to be set within the context of a longer-term strategy to tackle the issues at stake and not based on consequences that could be perceived to risk progress in the short-term, for instance a suspension of the dialogue from the Chinese side.
• Given the UK’s unique historic connection with Tibet, we welcome the UK government’s affirmation of the importance of dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government. We are disappointed that the Prime Minister did not raise the coalition government’s position on this issue strongly during his visit to China on 8-11 November 2010, particularly in the light of his earlier discussions directly with the Dalai Lama on May 21, 2008 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qXCQjz6CF0). We recommend that strong statements on this matter are made at the highest levels at every opportunity and not just within the context of the human rights dialogue; and that these statements are reiterated in public both inside China when the occasion arises and elsewhere.
• We welcome the UK’s strong position on not lifting the EU arms embargo on China and encourage UK officials to urge its EU partners to follow the same approach.
We would like to conclude by citing the findings of the Foreign Affairs Committee report in 2008, which stated: “We conclude that there remains little evidence that the British Government’s policy of constructive dialogue with China has led to any significant improvements in the human rights situation. We recommend that the Government sets benchmarks and specific targets for making progress in this dialogue; these should take account of but not be restricted to the time-specific commitments given by China itself during its Universal Periodic Review process.”
(http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmfaff/557/55710.htm#a48).
Signed:
Tibet Society, Philippa Carrick, CEO
International Campaign for Tibet, Kate Saunders
Chinese Solidarity Campaign, Dr. Stephen NG
Christian Solidarity Worldwide
English PEN, Gillian Slovo, President
English PEN Writers in Prison Committee, Salil Tripathi, Chair
Federation for Democratic China (UK), Lucy Jin
Free Tibet, Stephanie Brigden, Director
Human Rights Watch, Sophie Richardson, Asia Advocacy Director
Shao Jiang, Independent, (participant of Tiananmen Square protest in 1989)
Students for a Free Tibet UK, Liam Allmark, Political Lobbying Co-ordinator
Tibetan Community in Britain, Pempa Lobsang, Chair
Tibetan Youth UK, Karma Chura-tsang, Director
Uighur UK Association, Enver Tohti Bugda
[Ends]
Report on Student campaign for Huseyin Celil
@cburton001: Student campaign for Huseyin Celil: http://bit.ly/gWY31f
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Should Canadian foreign aid go to China? | Canada | News | Ottawa Sun
"Last year, we delivered a $36-million helping hand — even though the recipient country could easily wipe out our own national debt with the money it has in U.S. Treasury Bonds alone. It boasts a foreign trade reserve of $2.8-trillion and its military is so vast, including reserve members, it could post a soldier in two-thirds of Canadian homes."
"Canada does not provide funding to the Chinese government," said CIDA spokeswoman Emilie Milroy. "Canada’s funding is provided to ethnic minorities' human rights and environmental management projects delivered by Canadian and international organizations, such as universities and professional associations."
http://www.ottawasun.com/news/canada/2011/02/24/17395936.html
"Canada does not provide funding to the Chinese government," said CIDA spokeswoman Emilie Milroy. "Canada’s funding is provided to ethnic minorities' human rights and environmental management projects delivered by Canadian and international organizations, such as universities and professional associations."
http://www.ottawasun.com/news/canada/2011/02/24/17395936.html
Friday, February 25, 2011
Lawrence Cannon intends to move on on extradition treaty with China
NEW YORK - Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon expressed hopes on Wednesday that extradition matters with China will be advanced as quickly as possible.
Feb 28: @markmackinnon: Seems to me Lawrence Cannon can say whatever he wants to the China Daily. Mr. Lai's fate is up to the courts, not Dept of Foreign Affairs.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Evidence of Gerard Latulippe to Foreign Affairs C'tee 09FEB11 Has Been Released
Evidence of Gerard Latulippe to Foreign Affairs C'tee 09FEB11:
Friday, February 18, 2011
China blocks U.N. report on N.Korea nuclear breaches
"Diplomats say it is emblematic of China's increasingly self-confident approach to international diplomacy as it seeks to protect states like North Korea to which it has close ties."
http://ca.mobile.reuters.com/m/FullArticle/p.rdt/CTOPCA/ntopNews_uCATRE71G75U20110217
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Cyber attack targets government departments
Two federal government departments say there have been "unauthorized" attempts to gain access to their computer networks, which hold confidential information, in an unprecedented cyber attack that reportedly traces back to China.
http://www.nationalpost.com/m/news/Cyber+attack+targets+governement+departments/4298187/story.html
http://www.nationalpost.com/m/news/Cyber+attack+targets+governement+departments/4298187/story.html
Monday, February 14, 2011
Aurel Braun now not appearing before Foreign Affairs Committee Wednesday as Originally Announced
Aurel Braun now not appearing before Foreign Affairs Committee Wednesday as originally announced
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=4959358&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=3
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=4959358&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=3
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Chinese media stress need for stability in Egypt
"Social stability should be of overriding importance," the English-language China Daily said in an editorial, adding that protests calling for President Hosni Mubarak to go had caused "havoc" and disrupted people's daily lives.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1110304/1/.html
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1110304/1/.html
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
M. Gérard Latulippe fera une visite à Ottawa
AVIS AUX MÉDIAS - Droits et Démocratie (http://www.newswire.ca/fr/releases/archive/February2011/08/c9032.html)
MONTRÉAL, le 8 févr. /CNW Telbec/ - Le président de Droits et démocratie, M. Gérard Latulippe fera une visite à Ottawa demain, le 9 février 2011. À cette occasion, il prononcera une allocution et répondra aux questions des membres du Comité permanent des Affaires étrangères et du Développement international.
Cette comparution fait suite à la demande particulière exprimée par M. Latulippe. Au cours de son allocution, M. Latulippe traitera des sujets suivants :
- Présenter le rapport final de la vérification diligente concernant certaines problématiques potentielles soulevées par la firme Sirco;
- Faire état des mesures prises par Droits et démocratie à la suite de la crise qui a secoué l'organisation;
- Présenter les perspectives d'avenir de Droits et démocratie ainsi que les défis à relever.
Détails de l'événement :
| Endroit : | Pièce 268, édifice de La Promenade, Parlement du Canada 151, rue Sparks, Ottawa. |
| Date : | Mercredi 9 février 2011 à 15 h 30 |
Extremely Serious Drought in China Very Worrying
"The drought is the worst in 60 years in Shandong, the nation's second-biggest wheat producer, where rainfall in recent months has been 85 percent below normal.
Hebei province in northern China was already channeling large amounts of water from the Yellow River, and was poised to divert more to affected areas, the China Daily reported.
World food prices reached their highest-ever level in January and are set to keep rising for months, the FAO said last week, warning that the hardest-hit countries could face turmoil."
Hebei province in northern China was already channeling large amounts of water from the Yellow River, and was poised to divert more to affected areas, the China Daily reported.
World food prices reached their highest-ever level in January and are set to keep rising for months, the FAO said last week, warning that the hardest-hit countries could face turmoil."
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Minister Cannon Announces Creation of John Diefenbaker Defender of Human Rights and Freedom Award
Minister Cannon Announces Creation of John Diefenbaker Defender of Human Rights and Freedom Award
"I am pleased to announce the John Diefenbaker Defender of Human Rights and Freedom Award, which will honour individuals and groups who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in defending human rights and freedom," said Minister Cannon. "Human rights are the cornerstone of the Canadian value system and the mainstay of society."
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2011/056.aspx
"I am pleased to announce the John Diefenbaker Defender of Human Rights and Freedom Award, which will honour individuals and groups who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in defending human rights and freedom," said Minister Cannon. "Human rights are the cornerstone of the Canadian value system and the mainstay of society."
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2011/056.aspx
Saturday, February 05, 2011
My Comment on "U.S. report finds Chinese currency gains too slow"
"In refusing to cite China, Treasury said Chinese President Hu Jintao had assured President Barack Obama during a visit to Washington last month that China would intensify its efforts to 'further enhance exchange rate stability.'"
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/20110205/us-currency-manipulation-report-110205/
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/World/20110205/us-currency-manipulation-report-110205/
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Rights and Democracy to keep board members
"Opposition parties want the federal government to reconsider reappointing two board members at government-funded Rights and Democracy who were in the thick of controversies at the Montreal-based organization.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon sent short letters to opposition leaders last week advising them of his intention to reappoint Jacques Gauthier and Elliot Tepper to the board.
None of them supported the move."
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon sent short letters to opposition leaders last week advising them of his intention to reappoint Jacques Gauthier and Elliot Tepper to the board.
None of them supported the move."
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Factors In China that Parallel Causes for Unrest in Middle East
Objectively speaking there are many comparable factors between conditions for ordinary people under China’s authoritarian regime and the causes for the current political unrest in the Middle East.
China like Egypt is a society lacking in social justice. Official corruption is pervasive and growing among the political-business elite. The gap between rich and poor widens at an alarming rate. Food prices, especially the price of grain are suddenly going up by double-digit rates causing significant discontent. Young people have serious frustration over the lack of jobs for university graduates. The cost of housing has become so high that it is very difficult for young couples to find an affordable place to live which makes it hard to marry and start a family. People lack civil freedoms in China and Egypt. Both are police states. Both censor the internet and harass political dissidents ignoring the niceties of rule of law.
The main difference is that China has no viable political alternative to the rule of the Chinese Communist Party available waiting in the wings. Egypt on the other hand has a well-organized and hopefully religiously moderate alternative in the Muslim Brotherhood. The Brotherhood offers promise of a an less corrupt and transparent political alternative that will extend more social welfare to people in need.
The Chinese press has reported on the current disorder in Egypt and on the Chinese government’s measures to evacuate its nationals to safety. But has not reported on the reasons for hundreds of thousands of people to take to the streets demanding that the current leader step down.
Peaceful political protest in a main square of a capital that has gained sympathy from elements within the police and army that may end in violence and army tanks still puts a chill into the hearts of China’s leadership. The Egyptian calls for Mubarek to resign resonate with similar calls from Tian’anmen in June 1989.
But it is the eve of the Year of the Rabbit today. This is no time for civil protest. Let us celebrate the festival together with our families and leave politics to another day. Happy Rabbit Year everybody!
My related interview with Chinese Service of Radio Canada International on situation in Egypt broadcast February 2, 2011: http://www.rcinet.ca/radio/index.php?language=zh&type=program&media=audio&id=521
China like Egypt is a society lacking in social justice. Official corruption is pervasive and growing among the political-business elite. The gap between rich and poor widens at an alarming rate. Food prices, especially the price of grain are suddenly going up by double-digit rates causing significant discontent. Young people have serious frustration over the lack of jobs for university graduates. The cost of housing has become so high that it is very difficult for young couples to find an affordable place to live which makes it hard to marry and start a family. People lack civil freedoms in China and Egypt. Both are police states. Both censor the internet and harass political dissidents ignoring the niceties of rule of law.
The main difference is that China has no viable political alternative to the rule of the Chinese Communist Party available waiting in the wings. Egypt on the other hand has a well-organized and hopefully religiously moderate alternative in the Muslim Brotherhood. The Brotherhood offers promise of a an less corrupt and transparent political alternative that will extend more social welfare to people in need.
The Chinese press has reported on the current disorder in Egypt and on the Chinese government’s measures to evacuate its nationals to safety. But has not reported on the reasons for hundreds of thousands of people to take to the streets demanding that the current leader step down.
Peaceful political protest in a main square of a capital that has gained sympathy from elements within the police and army that may end in violence and army tanks still puts a chill into the hearts of China’s leadership. The Egyptian calls for Mubarek to resign resonate with similar calls from Tian’anmen in June 1989.
But it is the eve of the Year of the Rabbit today. This is no time for civil protest. Let us celebrate the festival together with our families and leave politics to another day. Happy Rabbit Year everybody!
My related interview with Chinese Service of Radio Canada International on situation in Egypt broadcast February 2, 2011: http://www.rcinet.ca/radio/index.php?language=zh&type=program&media=audio&id=521
Saturday, January 29, 2011
China's baby steps toward world currency domination
"The government has also started to allow yuan to leave the country, with qualified Chinese enterprises directing investments overseas. The three U.S. branches of the state-owned Bank of China are also now offering yuan accounts to its American customers.
The much-maligned currency regime, meanwhile, has allowed the yuan to rise to a 17-year high.
The amount of trading under these new programs is minimal. But China's first tentative steps toward the globalization of its currency are perceived as signs of fundamental progress, said Charles Burton, a former counsellor at the Canadian embassy in Beijing.
"They're able to engage in measures that provide reassurance to the West that they are genuinely intending to move towards market regulation of the currency exchange rate," said Mr. Burton, who is also a research associate at the Canadian International Council and an associate professor at Brock University."
The much-maligned currency regime, meanwhile, has allowed the yuan to rise to a 17-year high.
The amount of trading under these new programs is minimal. But China's first tentative steps toward the globalization of its currency are perceived as signs of fundamental progress, said Charles Burton, a former counsellor at the Canadian embassy in Beijing.
"They're able to engage in measures that provide reassurance to the West that they are genuinely intending to move towards market regulation of the currency exchange rate," said Mr. Burton, who is also a research associate at the Canadian International Council and an associate professor at Brock University."
Monday, January 24, 2011
Human Rights Watch on China: Making points at the state dinner for President Hu Jintao - latimes.com
At the recent state dinner for Chinese President Hu Jintao, human rights had a place at the table.
Friday, January 21, 2011
My interview with Radio Canada International on China-West relations
My interview with Radio Canada International on China-West relations broadcast today
China to Rein In North Korea, U.S. Official Says - NYTimes.com
President Obama warned President Hu Jintao that if China did not step up its pressure on North Korea, the United States would have to redeploy its forces in Asia to protect itself from a potential North Korean strike on American soil, a senior administration official said Thursday.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
My Op-Ed on China Policy in Globe and Mail this Morning
"Hu Jintao is President of the People's Republic of China, chairman of the Chinese Communist Party and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Unlike leaders in the West, he is not constrained by his national constitution or the rule of law. He does not answer to a democratic legislature, or to public opinion as articulated by a free press. One would think that Mr. Hu would therefore be an autocratic dictator who has the final word on everything.
But the reality is quite different from our own Prime Minister, for whom it can truly be said the "buck stops here" for all aspects of Canadian government programming, domestic or foreign."
But the reality is quite different from our own Prime Minister, for whom it can truly be said the "buck stops here" for all aspects of Canadian government programming, domestic or foreign."
Monday, January 17, 2011
The "weakest leader" of China's Communist era?
I agree with this analysis from the New York Times:
@markmackinnon: The "weakest leader" of China's Communist era? NYT on the limits of Hu Jintao: http://mobile.nytimes.com/2011/01/17/world/asia/17china.xml
@markmackinnon: The "weakest leader" of China's Communist era? NYT on the limits of Hu Jintao: http://mobile.nytimes.com/2011/01/17/world/asia/17china.xml
Thursday, January 13, 2011
China Opens Investment Office in Toronto with Help from David Emerson
Notice prominent role of David Emerson, cabinet minister of two Federal Parties in this venture. He has been described as "son-in-law of China" in some Chinese language media.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/chinas-sovereign-wealth-fund-sets-up-shop-in-toronto/article1867917/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/chinas-sovereign-wealth-fund-sets-up-shop-in-toronto/article1867917/
My Interview on CBC TV on China allowing imports of edible seal products from Canada
My interview on CBC Lang and O'Leary Exchange about selling seal meat in China broadcast on January 12, 2010: (starts at about 42 minutes in): http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/TV_Shows/Lang_&_O'Leary_Exchange/1308689786/ID=1739979147
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Shift of Values for the Children of Post-1980 Affluent China - NYTimes.com
I highly recommend this article. It very much accords with my discussions with Chinese young people in their 20s.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
US Concerned About DPRK Missile Program
@markmackinnon: RT @BBCWorld: North Korea could develop inter-continental ballistic missile in five years: US Secretary for Defense Robert Gates
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110111/pl_nm/us_usa_korea_gates
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110111/pl_nm/us_usa_korea_gates
Monday, January 10, 2011
Gates’s Misconceived Trip to Beijing - Gordon G. Chang
Chang makes the point that the Chinese Government perceives conciliatory gestures by Western powers as signs of weakness. They do not elicit reciprocity as intended.
Gordon Chang "Gates's Misconceived Trip to Beijing"
http://blogs.forbes.com/gordonchang/2011/01/09/gatess-misconceived-trip-to-beijing/?boxes=financechannelforbes
Gordon Chang "Gates's Misconceived Trip to Beijing"
http://blogs.forbes.com/gordonchang/2011/01/09/gatess-misconceived-trip-to-beijing/?boxes=financechannelforbes
Friday, January 07, 2011
Chinese media have been warned against using the term "civil society"
The Chinese Communist Party is very worried that "the masses" will start to realize that they are in fact citizens of China with entitlement to protection of universal human rights. People yearn to be free from unelected imposed arbitrary authority. The powerful idea of a society of citizens threatens the future of the current privileged authoritarian elite in China.
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/media-01062011151409.html
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Globe and Mail says I have been Wikileaked
An interview with me is quoted in Campbell Clark's report "China turns chilly on human rights dialogue" published in the Globe and Mail on January 6, 2010: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/asia-pacific/china-turns-chilly-on-human-rights-dialogue/article1860772/. It makes reference to a Wikileaked cable that discusses my analysis of human rights dialogues with China: http://www.aftenposten.no/spesial/wikileaksdokumenter/article3960156.ece
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
PCO: "LIST OF MINISTERS TO ACT FOR THE PRIME MINISTER IN THE EVENT OF HIS BEING UNABLE TO PERFORM THE FUNCTIONS OF HIS OFFICE"
Interesting order of precedence:
LIST OF MINISTERS TO ACT FOR THE PRIME MINISTER
IN THE EVENT OF HIS BEING UNABLE TO PERFORM THE FUNCTIONS OF HIS OFFICE
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon,
Vice-Chair, Priorities and Planning Committee and Chair, Afghanistan Committee
The Honourable John Baird,
Chair, Operations Committee
The Honourable Diane Finley,
Chair, Social Affairs Committee
The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay,
Chair, Foreign Affairs and Security Committee
The Honourable Stockwell Day,
Chair, Treasury Board
The Honourable Christian Paradis,
Chair, Environment and Energy Security Committee
The Honourable Tony Clement,
Chair, Economic Growth and Long-term Prosperity Committee
The Honourable Robert Douglas Nicholson
The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
The Honourable Marjory LeBreton
The Honourable Chuck Strahl
The Honourable Vic Toews
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
The Honourable Beverley J. Oda
The Honourable James Michael Flaherty
The Honourable Josée Verner
The Honourable Peter Van Loan
The Honourable Gerry Ritz
The Honourable Jason Kenney
The Honourable James Moore
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
The Honourable Lisa Raitt
The Honourable Gail Shea
The Honourable Keith Ashfield
The Honourable John Duncan
The Honourable Gary Lunn
The Honourable Gordon O’Connor
Bad News on Xi Jinping in US Wikileaked Tel
This account seems quite credible but does not bode at all well for China's future:
http://www.nationalpost.com/Next leader seen dull princeling/4054806/story.html
Sunday, January 02, 2011
John Fraser Who Opened the Canadian Embassy in Beijing Has Passed Away
| FRASER, JOHN MACLEOD Died peacefully at home in Ottawa on Wednesday, December 29, 2010. Born in Montreal, February 12, 1935, he was a Rhodes Scholar before joining the Department of External Affairs in 1958. He had a long and distinguished Foreign Service career, ending as Ambassador to Poland in 1980 and Yugoslavia in 1984. A high point of his career was opening the Canadian Embassy in Beijing in 1971. He leaves his wife, Deborah, his brother and sister-in-law Graham Fraser and Barbara Uteck, his two nephews Malcolm and Nicholas Fraser, four step-children and seven step-grandchildren. No flowers please, contributions to the Ottawa Humane Society would be welcome. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Bartholomew's Church, 125 MacKay Street, on Thursday, January 6 at 11:30am | |
Published in the Ottawa Citizen on 12/31/2010 |
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Origin of Santa's Gifts
@cburton001: My 7 year-old wants to know why the Christmas gifts given by Santa Claus say "Made in China" not "Made in North Pole". Does anybody know?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)