Stitch,
The rest of Asia are tolerating, and even indeed, wishing for a strong Japan at this point in time, but out of self-interest. And even Dr. Mahathir will not mortgage Malaysia further to the Japanese. The 30B Asia Fund being proposed by Japan is purely out of selfish reasons, not out of any esoteric sense of good or concern for the well-being of fellow Asians.
Remember, there is one huge difference between Japan and the other Asian ailing economies. The rest are suffering, and mortgaged up to their eyeballs. The Japanes are suffering, but they are one of the principal mortgagees.
On the topic of the Chinese psych, I agree with you on the empirical evidence to date. I would only support the notion of a strong China if the people in charge have a different psych to the current one, because otherwise it is a recipe for disaster, both for the Chinese and its neighbors.
That is not to say I do not want the Chinese (and the rest of Asia) to improve their lots. I have lived in 4 countries in Asia, and have emotional or familial ties to all four, and my fondest hopes are that Asia gets out of this mess asap.
Best,
Steve.
(PS. Chinese businessmen have contributed (financially) to Islam causes in Indonesia - unfortunately it is, as you say, almost all business related deals.) |
