Prelude to Conflict: Asia, June 23

I lieu of Beijing’s diplomatic envoy to Vietnam last week over “oil tensions”, it seems that Beijing may be secretly planning to send many more envoys to many more places over many more “tensions”. According to one wired blogger, “tension” is not merely a RESULT of Beijing’s policy—“tension” IS Beijing’s policy. This tension always seems to indicate what Beijing fears may be stronger than their Confucian version of Communism.

The spike in tensions between Beijing and Hong Kong, especially in recent weeks, is not merely about Beijing v Hong Kong, but about how Britain could become involved, and by implication the US. Britain still has a dog in that fight and the crown can flex its English muscles if Beijing demonstrates that they broke their promise: that Hong Kong would remain autonomous for 50 years following the 1997 return to Chinese sovereignty.

The recent privately organized and unofficial online “voting” in Hong Kong received a significant cyber attack—implicating Beijing. There are reportedly 15 physical polling booths in addition to the online system. After three days polls taken 650k of the 3.47 million voters as of press time Sunday night, the polls will remain open until next Sunday. Beijing is irate.

The bigger issue is that China and Russia are negotiating oil. Nothing happens with China’s oil rigs in the Southeast Pacific without there being implications for Russia. And Russia always has its own implications.

Hong Kong Voting

A Showdown Is Looming Between Hong Kong And China

…And everyone else

Hong Kongers defy Beijing, cast votes in ‘illegal’ referendum

…Lots of numbers and information

More than 400,000 Vote in Hong Kong Electoral Reform Poll

…Shows a British-Hong Kong colonial flag at the election poll in Hong Kong, more on-the-ground information

Oil

China sends four oil rigs to South China Sea amid regional tensions

US Experts Throw Beijing a Helping Hand

…Blogger: tension is Beijing’s policy.

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