Analysis of the Cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement between Taiwan and China
Memo #19 – On August 17th, 2010, the Taiwanese legislature passed the “Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement” (ECFA). This is an agreement between Taipei and Beijing, signed on June 29th, 2010, towards creating a cross-Strait free trade agreement. Some see economic integration as the precursor to political integration. But even after the ECFA’s successful ratification, the electoral strategies of Taiwanese political parties make cross-Strait normalization far from a forgone conclusion.
Dr. Andrew M. Fischer Discusses Development Issues in China and Tibet
Memo #17 – In a 5-part interview, Dr. Andrew M. Fischer talks about the significance of the International Association for Tibetan Studies (IATS). He underlines that the IATS creates a unique setting where Tibetans from China, India, and abroad can meet for academic and professional discussions. When discussing the Western Development Project and Tibet-related development, he emphasizes that China has been replicating the growth model of its coastal areas in its western areas. This model of focusing on growth poles resulted in phenomenal growth in the western areas, although a result may be intensified inequalities for those who live near the poles. Tibetans are fundamentally disadvantaged by economic developments that are centred in urban areas, as those areas are controlled by outside governments, companies, and investors. Fluent Chinese speakers with outside connections benefit most from the economic conditions.
65 Years After The Asia Pacific War: The End of History Politics?
Memo #15 – It is not that the contentious issues have been resolved, or that a general history lovefest has broken out across East Asia. But international exchanges over historical controversies have been toned down, especially between South Korea and Japan. The 65th anniversary of Japan’s surrender passed quietly on August 15th, 2010. The U.S. ambassador to Japan’s participation in the ceremony to commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6th was the most commented-on element of the anniversary.
The “Directed Public” of China’s Public Intellectuals
Memo #13 – Back in 2004, Guangzhou’s People Magazine Weekly listed their pick of China’s 50 top public intellectuals – writers, lawyers, and academics who lead on public issues. Not any more. Have China’s public intellectuals disappeared?
The Prospects for Tibetan Self-Rule
Memo #12 – The imprisonment of Tibetan environmentalists in June and July 2010 and the stalled negotiations between the Dalai Lama’s representatives and Beijing make it hard to imagine that more tolerant Chinese rule in Tibet is on the horizon.
Broad Gauge versus Narrow Gauge: The Politics of Dimension in Mongolia’s Railroad System
Memo #11 – The outcome of a debate over railway track dimensions, whether to use broad gauge to Russia, or narrow gauge to China, could determine the direction of Mongolian foreign policy. On one hand, the debate indicates the strength of Mongolia’s democracy. On the other hand, it is a clear example of a geo-economic contest where the standards of a former hegemonic power (Russia) are challenged by an emerging major power (China).
Media Narratives and North Korea: Content Convergence in (Mis)reporting on the Fate of the North Korean National Soccer Team Coach
Memo #10 – News and internet channels around the world reacted with indignation, pity, and outrage to reports that the coach of North Korea’s World Cup soccer team, Kim Chong-hun, had been sent to a labour mine and forced to work for 14 hours a day after a 6 hour public harangue of most of his team and staff.
Susan Ritchie speaks about the Canada-DPRK news service (CanKor), humanitarian aid, and the future of North Korea
Memo #9 – Susan Ritchie is the Founder of First Steps, a Christian humanitarian NGO addressing childhood malnutrition in North Korea. In this interview, she speaks about the usefulness of the newly launched CanKor blog for humanitarian work. She also discusses how CanKor is an important Canadian source for comprehensive analysis of the DPRK. The Canadian government’s approach to North Korea will only improve with a better understanding of the concerns of Korean Canadians. Overall, she is optimistic about North Korea’s future.
Clinton Signals a Major Change of Course in the South China Sea
Memo #7 – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s recent announcement that the long-standing sovereignty and jurisdictional disputes in the South China Sea affects the national interests of the United States will have angered some, worried others, and delighted many. It seems to signal an end to the position held by the United States that issues concerning the Spratly and Paracel Islands, and the ocean space around them, were matters for the contending states alone. Furthermore, it marks another step in the internationalization of these issues.
American Tutelage, Chinese Disillusion, and the “Turning Point” in Early 20th Century Chinese Journalism
Memo #6 – In recent years, at least three prominent Chinese news agencies, Xinhua, CCTV, and People’s Daily, have announced that they were “going global.” All of them are now providing news coverage in various languages to global audiences. The motivation behind the move is to provide what Chinese officials and intellectuals have described as “better” and “more objective” coverage, especially of China itself.