Our crazy North Korean Uncle

Lots of rivalry stuff in this article.

Cleaning Up the 20th Century

Asian history runs deep in the negotiations to disarm Kim Jong-il.
"History can be omnipresent or repressed in northeast Asia, but nearly everyone agrees it is festering and unresolved. Historic resentments and nationalist anger are volatile and easily inflamed, as evidenced by the outrage that followed recent comments by Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, about Korean “comfort women” in World War II. Yet, most often, that anger is compartmentalized to protect the hum of commerce. China and Japan conduct record bilateral trade even as public attitudes in both countries can range anywhere from mutual distrust to open loathing. North Korea is a bit like the crazy uncle whose refusal to stay locked and quiet in the region’s attic has forced everyone to the same table, with historic baggage and contemporary rivalries in tow."

China Speakers

All are extra credit options

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2007
Winter Quarter World Beyond the Headlines
The China Fantasy: How Our Leaders Explain Away Chinese Repression
James Mann, author
University of Chicago International House, Assembly Hall
1414 E. 59th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
Free Registration

Monday, April 9, 2007
ASIA IN CHICAGO
Beneath the Superpower Façade: China's Deepest Fears and the Avoidable Conflict with the United States
Susan L. Shirk, Professor of Political Science, University of California, San Diego; Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for China
Hilton Chicago
720 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
Members: $20
Nonmembers: $30

China's Military Buildup

Lots of China News lately. Just remember - they are not our enemy unless we make them our enemy.

Beijing Accelerates Its Military Spending

The increase prompted the U.S. to renew calls for more transparency about the intent of China’s arms buildup.


A review of recent news from Asia Times:
A Healthier - Better Armed - China
"In an apparent effort to placate the public and implement President Hu Jintao's plan to build a "harmonious society" and put "people first", Premier Wen Jiabao said he will sharply increase government spending on education and medical care to help the needy and to strengthen efforts to bring down housing prices. At the same time, the Chinese government also plans to increase its national-defense budget by 17.8% this year to step up the modernization of the country's military. "

But war could happen if Taiwan declares independence:

China Slams Taiwan's Independence Talk
"Seeking independence is not a dangerous step backward," he said. However, Chen has stopped short of formally declaring independence, a move that would cross the United States, which fears involvement in any potential cross-strait clash."
"Don't listen to local leaders," Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told Taiwan reporters in Beijing, a reference to China's view that Taiwan is a mere province. "Whoever wants to split away will become a criminal in history."