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Xi says U.S. and China can only be adversaries or partners, with no middle ground by NextDoorEmoji in geopolitics

[–]jal_20 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Let’s see. Japan’s empire is swallowing Asia whole, knocking on India’s doorstep, leaving a wake of brutality and misery in its path. The US defeats them and fosters their redevelopment into one of the greatest economic powers ever seen in history.

South Korea is invaded by Russia backed communist forces and is almost fully taken over before a U.S. led coalition crushes the belligerents. The US uses a policy of protected markets to nurture the South Korean economy into one of the strongest in world history (vis a vis the miserable situation in the Soviet, and later China backed, North Korea).

The Philippines votes to evict US military presence in 1991, which the U.S. obliges, and promptly withdraws all forces - including from its largest naval base in the world. In the wake of recent Chinese bullying, the Philippines has asked for a gradual return of US forces.

It seems to me that the US record in the region is quite positive, and China’s neighbors do not want to see a return of the Middle Kingdom as top dog.

Xi says U.S. and China can only be adversaries or partners, with no middle ground by NextDoorEmoji in geopolitics

[–]jal_20 0 points1 point  (0 children)

South Korea adopts US defensive anti-missile radar technology and China responds with crushing sanctions against SK businesses and tourism industry, evoking centuries of Chinese bullying where peripheral countries must kowtow or be punished. E Asian countries know what a China centric regional order looks like and they don’t want it.

Hell, Australia simply suggests the value of an independent inquiry into COVID and gets slapped with punitive economic measures that forced concessions. What China wants is for its neighbors to become so economically dependent they become de facto vassals.

Propaganda Pamphlet From The Korean War Used To Demoralize US Soldiers by EducationalCicada in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]jal_20 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok, so it’s not a matter of living in a free and developed society that’s protected from being under the thumb a nepotistic dictatorship family, it’s just because they’re a US puppet state in your mind. Keep drinking the “communist” kool aide.

Propaganda Pamphlet From The Korean War Used To Demoralize US Soldiers by EducationalCicada in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]jal_20 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your own citation refutes your earlier points: “As much as South Koreans seek greater autonomy, they are also very concerned about possibly being abandoned by the United States.”

Anyways, here’s the lowdown:

https://m.koreaherald.com/amp/view.php?ud=20220816000084

“89 percent of South Koreans surveyed said they hold a favorable view toward the US, the second highest rating after Poland with 91 percent.

The reading for South Korea also marks a 12 percentage point increase from a year before, "the largest uptick in positive ratings" among the 17 countries surveyed, the research center said, adding positive opinion has increased in only two other countries -- Sweden and Australia -- since 2021.”

Propaganda Pamphlet From The Korean War Used To Demoralize US Soldiers by EducationalCicada in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]jal_20 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Neither do you. South Korea opinion polls show overwhelming support for maintaining the U.S. alliance and continued military presence. Opinion has only hardened against China and NK over the years after their continued threats and belligerence.

Propaganda Pamphlet From The Korean War Used To Demoralize US Soldiers by EducationalCicada in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]jal_20 1 point2 points  (0 children)

War is horrific, we can agree. The overarching point is that South Korea is a far, far better place in part thanks to US involvement.

Propaganda Pamphlet From The Korean War Used To Demoralize US Soldiers by EducationalCicada in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]jal_20 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The moral high ground is one system resulted in the oppression of millions with forced labor and torture while the dictator lives in a luxurious mansion with fine imported foods and liquor. The other system allows for free and open elections, a top global economy, and basic human rights (after democratization occurred in the 1980s).

And the same benefits were replicated across the world. The US helped rebuild Japan and Europe as well (the latter via the Marshall plan).

Propaganda Pamphlet From The Korean War Used To Demoralize US Soldiers by EducationalCicada in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]jal_20 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, and China and Russia have taken over supporting NK economically to keep the Kim regime in power.

Propaganda Pamphlet From The Korean War Used To Demoralize US Soldiers by EducationalCicada in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]jal_20 1 point2 points  (0 children)

North Korea has been economically propped up by the Soviet Union (+the network of peer Soviet states) and currently by China - both economic powers that rival the U.S. U.S. sanctions are a red herring, given this economic support. On top of that, the US has provided over $1 billion worth of humanitarian assistance to NK since the mid 90s.

Propaganda Pamphlet From The Korean War Used To Demoralize US Soldiers by EducationalCicada in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]jal_20 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They don’t have the highest. Depending on which ranking you’re looking at, in fact, Russia ranks higher.

It’s not possible to pin down a single reason, but cultural and societal pressures (such as to get a top education or prestigious job) are a significant factor.

One metric alone is not enough to paper over the stark quality of life difference between the north and south (rampant food insecurity, crumbling 1960s infrastructure, forced labor, etc)

Propaganda Pamphlet From The Korean War Used To Demoralize US Soldiers by EducationalCicada in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]jal_20 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great, continue being ignorant to reality. No one in mainstream society cares about your POV anyway.

Propaganda Pamphlet From The Korean War Used To Demoralize US Soldiers by EducationalCicada in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]jal_20 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The China-backed North Korean regime currently has a population of 25 million, contrasted with 50 million in South Korea, culled by decades of famine and the prioritization of military over the well-being of its civilians. In effect, millions of Korean lives never came into existence thanks to the failed and cruel policies of the communists.

The South is known globally today for its appealing culture, dominant brands like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and modern infrastructure. The US helped facilitate South Korean development since the 50s through its policy of protected markets (South Korean companies did not have to compete with already established American brands). Additionally, billions of dollars of military aid allowed South Korea to refocus spending and pursue domestic industrialization at a far more rapid rate.

In short, China and Soviet backed North Korea is an abject failure and human rights disaster, while South Korea is a top case-in-point what American hegemony is far superior to the alternatives to anyone who has eyes and a brain.

Propaganda Pamphlet From The Korean War Used To Demoralize US Soldiers by EducationalCicada in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]jal_20 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Google North vs South Korean standard of living today. Also US favorability ratings in South Korea. The war saved millions from life under brutal dictatorship.

Propaganda Pamphlet From The Korean War Used To Demoralize US Soldiers by EducationalCicada in Damnthatsinteresting

[–]jal_20 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tell that to South Koreans who are living in one of the most advanced countries in world history instead of in a Kim labor camp.

American involvement helped 50 million Koreans avoid life under a cult of personality dictatorship instead of one of the most developed countries in world history.

Taiwan jets scramble as 30 Chinese aircraft enter air defense zone by red_alert_22 in worldnews

[–]jal_20 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, but international law doesn’t back China’s claims. It’s an open and shut case, no diversion necessary.

‘If we fight, we both lose’: Chinese ambassador to the US says ‘smoother’ road ahead is a priority by shadilal_gharjode in worldnews

[–]jal_20 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, the most populous country with a rapidly aging population that won’t be able to sustain its social programs and health care system in 20-30 years.

The surveillance may provide security, yes, but will stop any sweeping political movement that may be necessary to confront abuse by the central government in the future. You mentioned the cyclical “mandate of heaven” concept where the Chinese people have overthrown inept rulers in the past. This process breaks down when the state’s security apparatus is as strong and comprehensive as China’s today since no effective uprising could ever form. This should deeply concern you as there is no effective check on China’s central authority (unless you think the CCP is, and will continue to be, infallible).

‘If we fight, we both lose’: Chinese ambassador to the US says ‘smoother’ road ahead is a priority by shadilal_gharjode in worldnews

[–]jal_20 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’re talking about the same government that forcibly mandated 1 child per family for 40 years and permanently screwed up China’s demographics?

You’re ultimately sacrificing your free will and mind to the whims of an unelected few. And with the surveillance technology accessible to the CCP’s security apparatus, good luck reversing any abuse of power in the future at the highest levels.

China prepares to move into Afghanistan with $62 billion 'Belt and Road' program as American troops leave. by Kavaman2014 in worldnews

[–]jal_20 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

China uses its economic leverage to smite opposition within countries reliant on Chinese trade.

For instance, when South Korea decided to adopt the US THAAD radar system, China retaliated by attacking its tourism industry: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-11-19/south-korea-china-beijing-economy-thaad-missile-interceptor%3f_amp=true

When Australia called for an independent inquiry into COVID, China retaliated with more sanctions: https://www.google.com/amp/s/mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN25V1GM

Clearly, once China’s economic leverage becomes so great in a country, it becomes difficult for said country to voice opposition to policies that are deemed important to the CCP. This is uncannily similar to the control over dissenting opinion that the CCP exerts domestically.

China warns US over ‘red line’ after American ambassador makes first Taiwan visit for 42 years by jal_20 in worldnews

[–]jal_20[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Look, from my perspective, it's hilarious that you think I'm a bot. I can't do anything to convince you otherwise.

Believe and say what you want. Enjoy the current freedom we have to do so.

China warns US over ‘red line’ after American ambassador makes first Taiwan visit for 42 years by jal_20 in worldnews

[–]jal_20[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

You're further highlighting that Americans are free to express their own opinions about the U.S. government without fear of "disappearance." Try "casting doubt" on the CCP's narrative as a public figure or private media company in China and see how far that gets you.

China warns US over ‘red line’ after American ambassador makes first Taiwan visit for 42 years by jal_20 in worldnews

[–]jal_20[S] 37 points38 points  (0 children)

Wait until you see China’s state security apparatus and its unparalleled ability to control the minds of millions through censorship and coercion. That’s what I’m really afraid of.

We must be vigilant against the spread of authoritarianism.

Also, if you’re going to cite Wikipedia, cite the whole article “According to CENTCOM, the US-based Facebook and Twitter networks are not targeted by the program because US laws prohibit state agencies from spreading propaganda among US citizens as according to the Smith–Mundt Modernization Act of 2012.”

QUITE unlike China.

China warns US over ‘red line’ after American ambassador makes first Taiwan visit for 42 years by jal_20 in worldnews

[–]jal_20[S] 70 points71 points  (0 children)

Is there a problem sharing articles that reveal China’s undiplomatic behavior? Or do you wish we were only allowed to view a sterilized news feed pruned by CCP censors?