SURVEY: China's action in the SE Asia -- acceptable or not?

[Scott]

There have been topics about Chinese actions and behavior in SE Asia.  The expansion of activities in the South China sea has been well covered and is most notable between the Philippines and China. Vietnam has also expressed concern about China's behavior in the area.

 

More recently, their was a Chines building collapse in Cambodia killing 28.    Which of the following statements best expresses your opinion on the matter.  

 

[alant]

Find it does not have the options of control and demonstrating that ASEAN does not work for the collective good.

[BobBKK]

Again three negative Qs and only one positive it really slants the result.

[Misterwhisper]

Look at what has happens in many Sub-Saharan African countries who welcomed Chinese investments with open arms. Their natural resources are being shamelessly and systematically plundered by what some economists have described as "new colonialism".

 

Yes, the short-term gains are luring. But the creeping domination and eventual wholesome reliance that Chinese involvement fosters in the long term, eventually only leaves one winner: China.  

[UnkleGoooose]

Well it's refreshing to have a survey that's not trying to vilify President Trump for a change.

[727Sky]

36 minutes ago, Misterwhisper said:

Look at what has happens in many Sub-Saharan African countries who welcomed Chinese investments with open arms. Their natural resources are being shamelessly and systematically plundered by what some economists have described as "new colonialism".

 

Yes, the short-term gains are luring. But the creeping domination and eventual wholesome reliance that Chinese involvement fosters in the long term, eventually only leaves one winner: China.  

 

I would say you hit that nail on the head. Another thing to consider IMO is look at the country you are dealing with and how they treat their own citizens not to mention their outrageous claims and demands in the South China sea.

 

Daddy used to say if you walk across a cow lot enough times you start smelling like a cow.

 

Before anyone gets into bed with the communist Chinese they might want to open their eyes and view a little past and current history.. Unfortunately there may be those in S.E. Asia who love the people control the Chinese exert over their population.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CGW]

Be a more interesting survey if the country name was changed from "China" to "USA"!

[Ireland32]

24 minutes ago, UnkleGoooose said:

Well it's refreshing to have a survey that's not trying to vilify President Trump for a change.

He should be Vilified, International Joke...

[Ireland32]

12 minutes ago, CGW said:

Be a more interesting survey if the country name was changed from "China" to "USA"!

Study your Mandarin, you like being controlled ask the Muslims in China 

[nickstav]

The question asked is "acceptable or not?". It's acceptable if those countries allow it, with welcome open arms. They're trying to influence countries from within those countries, as many powerful countries , including my own, try to do to less powerful countries. I agree with what 727Sky posted about how some SE Asian countries admire the people control China exerts over its own people. Thailand might fit into this category and might explain why we westerners are not so welcome any more, with our views on censorship, and governmental control.

[Pedrogaz]

I see the propaganda is working effectively. The big question for the future is: whose slave would you rather be? Do you want to be America's vassal or China's? America's grip is tightening considerably, and China's grip cannot be known at this time.

What it means is Thailand cannot be sovereign in the future as it was a just few years ago....if it sticks with he US, in the future it will no longer make its own decisions with respect to government purchases, say, of 5G equipment and the like. Donald is already turning on everyone, so even if Thailand sticks with vassalage to the US, the US and will turn on Thailand's trade arrangements soon with higher tariffs....don't believe me? Wait and see. No longer able to trade freely with anyone it wants to....and will miss out on the world's largest market, China. 

 

If it moves its allegiance to China, it will lose preferential access to the US market at the very attractive tariffs it currently enjoys...and with worse conditions that the new ones Trump will introduce.

[Thaidream]

17 minutes ago, Pedrogaz said:

hat it means is Thailand cannot be sovereign in the future as it was a just few years ago....if it sticks with he US, in the future it will no longer make its own decisions with respect to government purchases, say, of 5G equipment and the like. Donald is already turning on everyone, so even if Thailand sticks with vassalage to the US, the US and will turn on Thailand's trade arrangements soon with higher tariffs....don't believe me? Wait and see. No longer able to trade freely with anyone it wants to....and will miss out on the world's largest market, China. 

 

If it moves its allegiance to China, it will lose preferential access to the US market at the very attractive tariffs it currently enjoys...and with worse conditions that the new ones Trump will introduce.

Thailand has one thing that America needs and that is access to the military bases that the US built during the Vietnam War and the ports.  The Us is accorded that access and as long as Thailand gives it- the US will not go after trade with Thailand.

 

The US Embassy in Thailand is the second largest in the World= and both countries get plenty from the relationship.

[Isaan sailor]

China buys Thai bonds—and thus has brought western currencies down dramatically.  “Foreign inflows” Bank of Thailand claims—probably stem from China, with 1.2 trillion USD.

[Briggsy]

Sri Lanka and the Maldives say hi.

[Salerno]

"Acceptable" to whom?

[DrTuner]

Good to see at least the TVF crowd recognizes China's efforts to build their empire as what it is. Too bad many countries in SEA are for sale to the highest bidder, so matters sod all.

[DrTuner]

20 minutes ago, Isaan sailor said:

China buys Thai bonds

This made me curious. How many bonds has Thailand issued and are the buyers shown somewhere? 

[Lacessit]

If it was something I could control or influence, I'd start thinking about it.

I believe it was Churchill who said the only difference between Nazism and Communism was whether it was the right boot or the left boot crushing you. There seems to be parallel concerns with the USA vs. China.

[Enoon]

3 hours ago, Misterwhisper said:

Look at what has happens in many Sub-Saharan African countries who welcomed Chinese investments with open arms. Their natural resources are being shamelessly and systematically plundered by what some economists have described as "new colonialism".

 

Yes, the short-term gains are luring. But the creeping domination and eventual wholesome reliance that Chinese involvement fosters in the long term, eventually only leaves one winner: China.  

 

Substitute the word "China" for Rome in the late Classical Period, various European countries in the Post Medieval period, or Russia and America in the 20th century and it all comes out the same:

 

Empire.

 

They come, they go, they rise, they fall.

 

China is back.

 

Enjoy the ride.

 

 

[Lenny Jones]

In case you haven't noticed - China has already invaded Thailand - Not with guns and tanks (directly) but with yuan.

 

The "Phoenix" tragedy is a classic example: A Chinese boat, built in an illegally-owned Chinese shipyard, owned and run by a Chinese-owned tour company  - for Chinese.  It was only the fact that the boat was ordered to sea against the skipper's wish by the Chinese owners that the tragedy occurred.

 

The level if infiltration of Chinese control in Thailand is subversive and frightening on many levels.

[the guest]

8 minutes ago, Lenny Jones said:

In case you haven't noticed - China has already invaded Thailand - Not with guns and tanks (directly) but with yuan.

 

The "Phoenix" tragedy is a classic example: A Chinese boat, built in an illegally-owned Chinese shipyard, owned and run by a Chinese-owned tour company  - for Chinese.  It was only the fact that the boat was ordered to sea against the skipper's wish by the Chinese owners that the tragedy occurred.

 

The level if infiltration of Chinese control in Thailand is subversive and frightening on many levels.

Thailand was colonized by the Chinese ions ago. There are in fact (approximately) between 11 and 26 million people of direct/indirect Chinese descent that live in Thailand. They control most of the important industry and have excelled themselves to high places of power, right to the top.

 

Essentially Thailand is China, why do you think foreigners get such a hard time?

[allanos]

China's Belt and Road encroachment policy is the thin end of the wedge, and China is prepared to wait for this new initiative to reach fruition.

 

Its bulging wallet spreads largesse to the political elite among the poorer countries it is pulling into its net, a form of "debt colonialism"; much of the borrowed money is being spent on questionable infrastructure projects which those countries will be unable to repay long-term, and they will be firmly in China's grip.

 

There is no such thing as a free lunch!

 

[Bluespunk]

To paraphrase Chaucer (and others)

 

When supping with China and its govt bring your long spoons. 

[Lacessit]

52 minutes ago, allanos said:

China's Belt and Road encroachment policy is the thin end of the wedge, and China is prepared to wait for this new initiative to reach fruition.

 

Its bulging wallet spreads largesse to the political elite among the poorer countries it is pulling into its net, a form of "debt colonialism"; much of the borrowed money is being spent on questionable infrastructure projects which those countries will be unable to repay long-term, and they will be firmly in China's grip.

 

There is no such thing as a free lunch!

 

The irony is, that bulging wallet is stuffed with American dollars.

[GreasyFingers]

3 hours ago, Enoon said:

 

Substitute the word "China" for Rome in the late Classical Period, various European countries in the Post Medieval period, or Russia and America in the 20th century and it all comes out the same:

 

Empire.

 

They come, they go, they rise, they fall.

 

China is back.

 

Enjoy the ride.

 

 

That will be the case later, or sooner if the Red Ponzi collapses.

[wwest5829]

The Peoples’ Republic of China should absolutely be opposed for its unilateral seizing of territory (same with Russia for the same reason). Knowing a bit of the history of China I do not find their economic and political moves at all surprising and in the same light definite caution needs to be taken by all affected. I favor all nations shipping through the international sea lanes abide by current international law and simply ignore Chinese claims and control demands. I would like to see international cooperation sailings through the area ignoring the Chinese claims. China knows well the influence of money in world affairs, she has only to look at British and US history (OK, Holland, Spain, French, etc. previously.

[seminomadic]

2 hours ago, Lacessit said:

The irony is, that bulging wallet is stuffed with American dollars.

True words.

 

I won't say who lest a flame war break out, but there is somebody trying to do something about that.

[wwest5829]

Just now, seminomadic said:

True words.

 

I won't say who lest a flame war break out, but there is somebody trying to do something about that.

Would that be the same guy who has cut taxes on the wealthy increasing the national debt with US bonds being bought by China?

[Kasane]

Trite survey. Who are expats to judge? Nevertheless, by 2030 China the most dominant (economically, militarily, influence wise) country worldwise closely followed by India. Sun is setting on the West, though it's been quite a run for the past 300-400 yrs.

[worgeordie]

I once read ,it's not the Russian's you should be worried

about ,but the yellow peril,the Chinese,they are spreading

their influence in many parts of the World,through their

wealth and economic power,Thailand been a prime example.

 regards worgeordie