Stitch: Just a brief follow-up...
-- I read recently that China has dismantled slightly over half of the state enterprises, with a high unemployment rate as a result of course. The rest will only add to the problem. Unfortunately China has not instituted much in the way of retraining programs which I suspect are high on Mr. Zhu's list.
I hadn't realised it was that far along. Also had hoped that some of the unemployed would be working, a la FDR's public works program, on infrastructure projects -- airfields, schools, hospitals, smaller roadways and bridges. They could be, I suppose. Though I haven't seen any news to that effect.
-- A review of the history of the South China coast....since long before the Western world was little more then a few barbaric tribes feuding with each other and long before Socratic thought was, well,..thought.
Fine commentary, Stitch.
Herodotus made mention of a Greek called Aristeas of Preconnesus who traveled to Central Asia in the 5th century BC. It was there he heard of a people called the Hyperboreans "who reach to the sea." Aristeas also discovered that all of the peoples he encountered encroached upon their neighbors. All but the Hyperboreans.
I wonder, who were the people "who reach to the sea?"
-- Dalien will be the Eastern jewel in China's modernization.
I'll have to know more about the development at Dalien.
-- ...I think Singapore has been also prompted by the extreme rise in
piracy incidents (cases thus far in 1998 are almost equal to all of last year in the South China Seas)....
Piracy! I'd forgotten all about it. It's not a wonder, I guess. The only pirates I'm exposed to with any frequency are from Pittsburgh.
I should also have mentioned that it struck me more than coincidence that the U.S. Seventh Fleet decision came so quickly on the heels of SM Lee's announcement, that for reasons of some differences w/ President Lee, he could no longer mediate PRC/ROC issues.
Thanks very much, as always.
And you're welcome. |
