Prelude to Conflict: Asia, February 23

Prelude

Some Muslims wanted attention… They got it. Japan authorized millions in aid to fight terrorism. Myanmar calls on China to help them fight against terrorist attacks, ostensibly being launched from inside China. Beijing may not like being asked to turn their attention away from the great threat it feels from Taiwan. But, the terrorists in Myanmar don’t have yellow umbrellas. And President Xi is internationally considered to be almost as “great” as Chairman Mao himself! So, Myanmar may not get as much attention as Hong Kong. China is also being asked to help with Afghanistan.

Taiwan’s economic relationship with Beijing may have been an attempt to exploit Beijing’s greed, biding their time and getting rich off of China until unification with Taiwan would work in Taiwan’s interest and against China’s—and probably never happen at all. Perhaps Beijing will learn: There is more to international magnanimity than targeting the most peaceful and defenseless of Pacific islets. Magnanimity requires bringing peace where there is conflict, rather than threatening conflict where there is peace.

Top Article:

Collision Course: The Looming U.S.-China Showdown Over Taiwan

China

Myanmar asks China for help to stop ‘terrorist’ attacks

…From inside China? Just when we thought news couldn’t be more entertaining.

Satellite images show China’s rapid Spratlys expansion

Q. and A.: Barnett Rubin on China’s Role in Afghanistan

Why China’s Xi Jinping Is Still Far From Chairman Mao Status

Japan

Japan unveils $15.5 million in new aid against Mideast terrorism

Hong Kong

Chinese government researcher warns of ‘radicalised’ Hongkongers in wake of Occupy

Taiwan

Premiere-Go-Round

…A look at how Taiwan’s Premiere seems to be the scape goat whenever the president is in trouble.

Taiwan-Japan Relations: Historical Perspective

Ko shrugs off latest death threat

…The Taipei mayor who thumbed his nose at Beijing