These days, Taiwan is the perfect poster boy in China bashing. Yes, China needs to be confronted. No, China can’t own the world. Yes, China wants to own the world. Yes, China responds to anything and everything like a friendless student carrying a Grandiosity complex. But, that doesn’t mean mindless China bashing will help.
We are engaged in mindless China bashing.
Learn from Germany. WWII developed because the free world punished and insulted Germany after WWI. We need healing, gentle leadership, and grace. Trouble maker countries must be coached and guided, not merely insulted and smeared. Whatever conflict we see with China on the horizon, it will only grow back with a vengeance if we fail to handle it correctly now.
In the China bashing narrative, Taiwan is the perfect innocent—the victim everyone pities. Poor little Taiwan struggles to stay afloat with the tsunami of Chinese conflict. But, as part of that narrative, don’t deify the poster boy.
Taiwan has many of its own problems that go unreported. It’s people are friendly in many ways, but also oblivious. Success with the pneumoniavirus developed a Royalty complex, where Taiwan has a higher regard for itself without understanding the foreign nations that struggle with relations, investment, and trade in these times. There is a growing reputation Taiwan’s government continues to set for itself and Taiwan will need to face that sooner or later.
Taiwan’s troubles are not uninvited. But, when we over-simplify global conflicts, brainwashed thinking wants pure villains attacking pure victims. There is no such thing. And, a peaceful future requires us to stop living a news narrative of fantasy.
China
China’s Communist Party is a threat to the world, says former elite insider // CNN
South China Sea: Asean states set course for Beijing’s red line // SCMP
Why Did a Chinese Diplomat Walk All Over People on a Pacific Island? // NY Times
Former CIA officer charged with spying for China // NBC News
China’s Xi Jinping facing widespread opposition in his own party, insider claims // Guardian
Taiwan
Destroyer makes Navy’s 10th trip through Taiwan Strait this year // Stripes
Basketball star Jeremy Lin has obtained Taiwan passport // Taiwan News
U.S. Tries to Bolster Taiwan’s Status, Short of Recognizing Sovereignty // NY Times
US boosts Taiwan’s status without recognizing sovereignty // Taiwan News
Taiwan to alter emergency energy guidelines amid escalated cross-strait tensions // Taiwan News
Hong Kong
US suspends Hong Kong extradition treaty over new security law // CNN