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Yeah, but Russia is so isolated these days that pitting anything non-Russian vs. something else non-Russian is almost guaranteed to be advantageous to Russia.
by starfallg 6y ago
Yeah, but Russia is so isolated these days that pitting anything non-Russian vs. something else non-Russian is almost guaranteed to be advantageous to Russia.
That also doesn't change the fact that long term, China is the biggest threat to liberal democracies. In terms of geopolitics, Russia is actually quite complementary to China due to its large area having an abundance of resources to feed Chinese factories and both countries being authoritarian governments.
- FooBarWidget 6y agoWhy would China be a threat to liberal democracies? I get that people don't like the fact that China is not democratic, but how does that suddenly turn into a threat?
- metavrsl 6y agoPeople are being drummed up into a cold war mentality left right and center. Its become increasingly obvious recently.
- threeseed 6y agoI suspect the people of Hong Kong or the Uyghurs will have a different view.
- FooBarWidget 6y agoEven if those people have a beef with the CCP, and even if Adrian Zenz’ stories about Uyghurs are true (which still remain to be seen, as there are many flaws in his methodology), what does that have to do with the rest of the world? Do you think that the US’s Hong Kong “Human rights” bill really does anything to help the ordinary citizen of Hong Kong?
- vkou 6y agoIf you really want to help the Uyghurs, offer them passports, or refugee status, instead of using them as an excuse to start another cold war. They'd appreciate it more, it would be cheaper, and it would be far less likely to escalate into a shooting war. But given how Syria went, we know that given the option between bombing a place for some geopolitical aim, or taking Muslim refugees, the US would take the first option every time it presents itself. That's because nine times out of ten, the humanitarian plight is the excuse for war, not the end to itself.
- vkou 6y agoBecause we need to focus on an external enemy to divert our attention from our domestic problems.
- threeseed 6y agoBecause China is buying compliance. Australia recently pushed for an investigation into COVID-19 and allowed Hong Kong citizens to obtain permanent residency. Both of which China strongly opposed. As retaliation they imposed tariffs on Australian imports, issued travel advisories telling students not to travel there and directly told the government to comply. Now a country like Australia which is heavily dependent on China for trade and overseas students has in this case had to choose between ethics and economics. And China is doing the same thing with countries all around the world with smaller ones being forced to comply or risk severe economic harm.
- FooBarWidget 6y agoAustralia has been drumming rhetoric about China for a long time now. They’ve been talking about decoupling. And now China is actually decoupling. Shouldn’t Australia be happy that they’re getting what they want? Why did it suddenly turn into “China is bullying us with tariffs”? As for Hong Kong, are you aware that most of the protesters are young people with poor backgrounds and without higher education? And that many protesters are not so peaceful, and rioted? Yet Australia announced the other day that they will only accept people without a criminal record, and only people who are highly skilled. What?? Is Australia genuine in wanting to help Hong Kong citizen? Do you believe Australia’s push for COVID-19 is genuine? Yes China did make mistakes in the beginning, but for more than a month after the Wuhan lockdown, at which point countries outside China had almost no cases, various countries neglected to take action despite obvious warning signs. So if an investigation is to be initiated, it should not only be about China’s mistakes, but everybody else’s mistakes too. Why does Australia not talk about investigating everybody? Do you think Australia would accept a bidirectional investigation? Is Australia really as innocent as you believe? Does China have no right to disagree?
- AnimalMuppet 6y agoChina is trying very hard to shut down all criticism of China and/or the CCP, worldwide. That makes China a threat to free speech worldwide.
- FooBarWidget 6y agoDoes freedom of speech mean freedom from consequences? If you are my supplier, and I accuse you of various crimes (which may or may not be true), and as a result you stop supplying me, then are you shutting down my free speech? Do you have an obligation to keep doing business with me no matter what I say?
- ksec 6y ago> consequences That is on the assumption of there is an accusation. Australia will simply be doing anything not in China's interest, that does not mean it oppose China nor accusing China or anything but China would immediately retaliate. Which in reality means if you are a major business partner to China you are ultimately controlled by China. And you are right, no one has obligation to do business with anyone. And that is why some people has decided not to do business with China.
- FooBarWidget 6y agoAll right. But one thing I don't understand. Australia has been talking about decoupling for a long time now. Now China is actually decoupling, shouldn't Australia be happy that they are getting what they want? Why did it suddenly turn into 'China is bullying us' the moment their wish came true?