16 Comments

Our grotesque government once again taking the coward's way out by abstaining.

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...and when China ventures overseas, they do it using philanthropy, instead of bombs and warfare, building roads, medical facilities, schools, power and clean water facilities, etc.

Appreciated more by the indigenous population. Much friendlier.

Compare that to European colonialism which still lingers.

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Hi George, Are you referring the BRI? The vast majority of the money is in the form of loans not aid. And is fundamentally opaque and self serving. The BRI is scandalous, indebting poor countries so they are under the thumb of china. China has no qualm who they lone money to and the money props up dictators. It is a long, long way from Philanthropy, but may tern out to be good diplomacy (or the worlds biggest whit elephant). All the best Sam

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No, Sam, I was referring to the building of infrastructure in Africa. Something, long, neglected by the various European colonists, unless, of course, it fitted in with their own commercial plans for the plunder of respective countries natural resources.

Of course, there's a price to pay. The Chinese will to want to see - some - return, but isn't that better than the European alternative. We need only look at the devastation caused by oil exploration/exploitation in Nigeria.

In regard to exploration/exploitation, some African countries are starting to tell companies to sling their hook if they don't think the deals offered are fair to the host country. Not before time.

Supply and demand. How much do these companies want the raw materials? What are they prepared to pay? How much are they prepared to put into the host country?

How much of these new riches and resources get shared around is an internal matter for each country.

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Sorry George slight cross wires I think. The BRI IS the the Chinese initiative for infrastructure in Africa (and other pleases). The Belt and Road program is what I was referring to as being opaque, self-serving, propping up dictators and definitely not philanthropy. And no I think its significantly worse then the Wester Alternative - The Wold Bank, the IMF, the UN, direct investment or aid. All are less corrupt, less opaque and with fewer risks and strings. Cheers Sam

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You need to read Claire Provost and Matt Kennard's book - 'Silent Coup' - if you think The World Bank, and the IMF are benign philanthropists

The book has topped bestseller lists, without once having been reviewed by an MSM publication.

Been translated into Spanish and, just today, been published in French.

'...significantly worse than the Western Alternative...' would be introducing nuclear weaponry, instead of the namby-pamby weaponry the West have been using up until now.

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"if you think The World Bank, and the IMF are benign philanthropists" - Where did you get this from? I never said anything of the sort. Only that they are better then the BRI.

"would be introducing nuclear weaponry, instead of the namby-pamby weaponry the West have been using up until now." - I have no idea what you are getting at here, please could you explain a little further what you are drive at?

'Silent Coup' - Thank you, I am always on the look out for book recommendations - I will take a look now.

Have a good Friday, Sam

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"As European empires crumbled in the 20th century, the power structures that had dominated the world for centuries were up for renegotiation. Yet instead of a rebirth for democracy, what emerged was a silent coup against its very core – namely, the unstoppable rise of global corporate power.

Exposing the origins of this epic power grab as well as its present-day consequences, Silent Coup is the result of investigative journalists Claire Provost and Matt Kennard’s reports from 30 countries around the world. It provides an explosive guide to the rise of a corporate empire that now dictates how resources are allocated, how territories are governed, and how justice is defined." - Love it! Some light holiday reading for my, many thanks

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China's "occupation" of Tibet dates back to the mid eighteenth century. There is no evidence that the great majority of Tibetans do not prefer rule by the communist party to enslavement by lamas. As to Taiwan it is a part of China-somethibg recognized, diplomatically by all western governments. China's 'design' is to re-integrate it with the rest of China peacefully and consensually. The US and its vassals want to see a war, just as they wanted in Ukraine, and are both arming Taiwan and encouraging/bribing elites ready to put the empire above the obvious interests of their country.

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Wow! 98 words of total bollock Bevin my man. That is one dense, fibber rich turd of a position to take. Good effort.

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Thank you for your contribution. Its intellectual worth is exceeded only by your courtesy.

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Take a look at my exchange with George above, I am sure that George and I profoundly disagree on almost all things political and economic, yet the exchange has been courteous, polite and I got a book recommendation to boot! I do, however, save a little bile for the likes of your propaganda bollocks. I did start to write a response about the fact that Tibet was independent between 1368 and subjugation by the Qing Dynasty in 1720; and again between the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912 and its incorporation into the PRC in 1951. And that a referendum could resolve the issue, but the RPC will not hold one because they know they would loose. I was going to talk mention the 85,5000 who died in 59 fighting for independence. Or point out that pro China unification party's have lost every election in Taiwan's history or.... I could go on but you get the point. But as I was writing it I thought what's the point? Any one that writes what you have are not interested in a debate. I wondered if you are a bott? Where are you based out on interest? Happy Friday Sam

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*85,000* - sorry typo

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The fall of the Qing dynasty in 1912 is the key here. It fell because the country was under attack by western imperialism.

Among the many reasons why the PRC re-claimed Tibet was the use to which the lames allowed it to her put to advance the geo-strategic aim of the imperialists. They intervened in Korea for similar reasons.

Don't trouble yourself correcting the 'casualty 'figures from 1959- the entire enterprise was designed by the CIA and carried out to weaken China. That in itself was justification for China's refusal to allow an enemy base to be established on its western border. As to referenda- do you imagine that the lamas ever held them to justify their rule?

Perhaps it is my ability ro spell simple English words such as 'lose' and employ expressions like "out of interest."

It's none of your business but I am a Canadian living in France.

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I apologise for my spelling, I'm dyslexic and tend to miss mistakes in my work and over reply on spell check. Always nice to play the man and not the ball, nice one. I asked where you where based because you write like a Chinese propaganda farm. I always love the old CIA gambit, it's always the Americans fault. Lots more to say but on a train and looking forward to a beer. Have a good weekend my Propaganda Friend.

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They're going to be in a great position when the US collapses in the near future. Hopefully CA is able to keep financial ties..

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