China: Xinhua reported today that at a study session with members of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Tuesday, President Xi Jinping called for efforts to learn more about and further manage maritime development.
SmartPlanet: China Invests $1.1B in Nigeria — While Others Destabilize Africa
02 China, 03 Economy, Commerce, Ethics, Government
China invests $1.1 billion in Nigerian infrastructure
Less than two weeks ago, U.S. President Barack Obama traveled to Africa where he announced a $7 billion energy plan and welcomed development competition on the continent. “I want everybody playing in Africa,” he said.
And it didn’t take long for China to show that it’s playing, and winning. On Wednesday China announced an investment of $1.1 billion in Nigeria’s infrastructure, in the form of low-interest loans. According to Al Jazeera, the loan will help pay for airport terminals in four cities, a light-rail line in the capital city of Abuja, roads, and energy infrastructure. And that’s on top of the $1.7 billion in contracts that Chinese companies have won to build up the country’s roads.
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John Frankenstein: Interpreting the “China Dream”
02 China, Commercial Intelligence, Cultural Intelligence
The “China Dream” is a slogan that can be interpreted at multiple levels. Here is one pretty good analysis:
What does Xi Jinping's China Dream mean? (BBC, 5 June 2013)
In my writing and lecturing I like to say that the Chinese leadership is trying to answer “4 basic questions”–
1. How to rule a large country with a large population from a single place
2. How to make China great again
3. If China is to become great again, how to transform the country and
4. How to deal with the outside world.
My short answers:
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NIGHTWATCH: China Manages North Korea
02 China, 08 Wild Cards, Ethics, Government, IO Deeds of Peace, Peace Intelligence
North Korea-China: Xinhua published remarks of Chinese State Councilor and former Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and North Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan, who held discussions today, 21 June.
“Yang said: Positive results have been achieved in the strategic dialogue between foreign affairs departments of the two countries. China is willing to work with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to promote the sound and stable development of relations between the two countries. China insists on actualizing non-nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, insists on maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, and insists on resolving issues through dialogue and consultation. Currently, an easing momentum has emerged in the situation on the peninsula, which is nevertheless still complex and sensitive. It is hoped that all parties will actively engage in dialogue and contact, push for the situation to continue to turn better, and seek an early resumption of the six-party talks.”
“Kim said: Friendship between the DPRK and China has a long history. It is hoped that the two sides will inherit it and carry it forward. Non-nuclearization of the peninsula is the instruction left behind by President Kim Il-song and General Secretary Kim Chong-il. The DPRK hopes the situation on the peninsula will ease, insists on resolving issues through dialogue, and is willing to take part in various forms of dialogue including the six-party talks.”
NIGHTWATCH: Karzai Refuses US-Taliban Talks, US Clueless & Still Shutting Pakistan Out
02 China, 03 India, 05 Iran, 06 Russia, 08 Wild Cards, Corruption, Government, Idiocy, Ineptitude, Military
Afghanistan: President Karzai's spokesman said Wednesday that Afghanistan has suspended Bilateral Security Agreement talks with the US and that Afghanistan will not pursue peace talks with the Taliban unless the United States steps out of the negotiations.
The spokesman explained President Karzai took the action because of a contradiction between what the US says and does.
Comment: The Afghan government judges it has been betrayed by the US in agreeing to talks with the Islamic Emirate. Afghanistan said no such entity exists. It was told the Doha office was only for negotiations.
Qatar said the Taliban betrayed their promise to open only a political office of the Taliban. Qatari authorities were persuaded to force the Taliban to take down their flag and their Islamic Emirate plaque. The US said the Afghan government had been kept fully informed.
Xi to Obama: This Is Me Being Inscrutable — LOL! + Snowden RECAP + US Cyber-Idiocy RECAP
02 China, Offbeat Fun
得到你們好！
Jon Rappoport: Is Ed Snowden a CIA Dangle to China?
02 China, Government
NSA leaker: are there serious cracks in Ed Snowden's story?
First, I'm not doubting the documents Ed Snowden has brought forward. I'm not doubting the illegal reach of the NSA in spying on Americans and the world.
But as to how this recent revelation happened, and whether Ed Snowden's history holds up…I have questions.
Could Snowden have been given extraordinary access to classified info as part of a larger scheme? Could he be a) an honest man and yet b) a guy who was set up to do what he's doing now?
If b) is true, then Snowden fits the bill perfectly. He wants to do what he's doing. He isn't lying about that. He means what he says.
Okay. Let's look at his history as reported by The Guardian.
Continue reading “Jon Rappoport: Is Ed Snowden a CIA Dangle to China?”
