As the joke goes, pity the Muslims if a Chinese politician insults Islam, because nobody can afford to boycott Chinese goods. And so the situation is in this case. The Tibet crackdown has had many NGOs all over the world huffing, but with China in mind, they can do nothing but belch air.
The EU are already talking about boycotting the Olympics Opening Ceremony. It is, of course, questionable to take the Olympics into account. The Olympics held in Nazi Germany wasn't boycotted (except for some Jewish athletes who refused to participate), and there's no reason why the one in China should be.
Some might say though, that targeting the Chinese Olympics would be where it hurts the most- which is questionable. But still, there is little doubt that it attracts the most attention.
China, of course, know that they can't act freely and cover things up anymore. Thanks to none other than globalization (that evil thing), the world can easily watch what happens. Their reputation is at stake, along with maybe some foreign investments. But ah, that's if this thing gets out of hand. Looking at them, they've been efficient enough. The monetary compensation for each person killed is a nice touch.
Still, there's no doubt some- if not most- Tibetans want China out of there. The Chinese would say that Tibetans are better off with them (China does, after all, have a pretty nifty economy).
Those wanting independence would state that Tibet by right (which is the truth, since it was invaded and conquered) belongs to Tibetans. The Dalai Lama, with his good ol' Middle Way philosophy suggests that China keeps Tibet minus the religious and cultural aspects (of which Tibet will get the autonomy). The hardcores might want more than that, of course. Full independence or...
Either way, China has to address the psychological tension. If propaganda doesn't work then "cleansing" is necessary. Hehe. Just kidding. Well, I'm amateur in these areas, so I'm probably off mark with most of my comments. But ah, in the words of Quintus from Gladiator, "People should know when they are conquered."
Sometimes resistance is futile. And the West, guardians of freedom and democracy, can only flail in vain. That would be one dark outcome indeed. But truth be told, I see no other option. The decision lies with the People's Republic. Let's hope the people know what's the right thing.
The EU are already talking about boycotting the Olympics Opening Ceremony. It is, of course, questionable to take the Olympics into account. The Olympics held in Nazi Germany wasn't boycotted (except for some Jewish athletes who refused to participate), and there's no reason why the one in China should be.
Some might say though, that targeting the Chinese Olympics would be where it hurts the most- which is questionable. But still, there is little doubt that it attracts the most attention.
China, of course, know that they can't act freely and cover things up anymore. Thanks to none other than globalization (that evil thing), the world can easily watch what happens. Their reputation is at stake, along with maybe some foreign investments. But ah, that's if this thing gets out of hand. Looking at them, they've been efficient enough. The monetary compensation for each person killed is a nice touch.
Still, there's no doubt some- if not most- Tibetans want China out of there. The Chinese would say that Tibetans are better off with them (China does, after all, have a pretty nifty economy).
Those wanting independence would state that Tibet by right (which is the truth, since it was invaded and conquered) belongs to Tibetans. The Dalai Lama, with his good ol' Middle Way philosophy suggests that China keeps Tibet minus the religious and cultural aspects (of which Tibet will get the autonomy). The hardcores might want more than that, of course. Full independence or...
Either way, China has to address the psychological tension. If propaganda doesn't work then "cleansing" is necessary. Hehe. Just kidding. Well, I'm amateur in these areas, so I'm probably off mark with most of my comments. But ah, in the words of Quintus from Gladiator, "People should know when they are conquered."
Sometimes resistance is futile. And the West, guardians of freedom and democracy, can only flail in vain. That would be one dark outcome indeed. But truth be told, I see no other option. The decision lies with the People's Republic. Let's hope the people know what's the right thing.
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