What Would Chinese Hegemony Look Like?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

The manufacturing workers steal the handbags when they are somewhat finished, then a random tailor adds on the part that was missing, then they ship them to wherever (Chinatown, US) to be sold on the street.

Chinese manufacture workers also steal US patents a lot. So if the worker becomes privy to a secret by virtue of having a job, they sell their knowledge to whomever would buy it.

I disdain the morality of getting a cheap and quick buck over everything else.

I also disdain finding a single scapegoat to execute for a large crime that involves many people.

Edited February 10, 2014 by Harpa Timsah

[mota bhai 2,675]

You should disdain less. You'll be happier.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You should disdain less. You'll be happier.

[GandD 5,966]

At some point the entire world will be in debt to itself. Then, the magic happens.

[Removed030114 48]

Strangely, the author of the article you posted is Robert E. Kelly. It can sometimes be interesting to see how a white-faced Westerner views China, but not in this case. The content is typical and predictable.

[mota bhai 2,675]

Not just your run of the mill white-faced Westerner, my ChiCom friend.

He is qualified to speak on these matters. He is "associate professor of international relations in the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Pusan National University" in Korea.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

At some point the entire world will be in debt to itself. Then, the magic happens.

I read a great article recently about the virtue of forgiving debt, historically speaking. About how Germany was able to become the economic powerhouse it is because the US forgave their debt. And how they aren't doing the same for Greece now. Etc. The lender should take a risk that the debtor won't pay.

[Removed030114 48]

Not just your run of the mill white-faced Westerner, my ChiCom friend.

He is qualified to speak on these matters. He is "associate professor of international relations in the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Pusan National University" in Korea.

No slight against your friend, but after living in China for six years I learned a lot about the people and culture. There are very few Westerners, regardless of background who can see China through un-biased eyes. Sorry to say he's another example. The cultures are just too different. For example, the Diaoyu islands is completely controversial. For those unfamiliar with the Diaoyu islands, that is the Chinese name for the string of islands to which both China and Japan claim to be theirs. The Western view is to always side with the Japanese. A better viewpoint can be obtained by seeking out and reading from educated Chinese born people who have live or currently live in the West. It's a contrast that can never be mixed.

[mota bhai 2,675]

interesting what just happened there...

[DavenRoxy 1,073]

The manufacturing workers steal the handbags when they are somewhat finished, then a random tailor adds on the part that was missing, then they ship them to wherever (Chinatown, US) to be sold on the street.

Chinese manufacture workers also steal US patents a lot. So if the worker becomes privy to a secret by virtue of having a job, they sell their knowledge to whomever would buy it.

I disdain the morality of getting a cheap and quick buck over everything else.

I also disdain finding a single scapegoat to execute for a large crime that involves many people.

Not saying they don't do that, but... one can buy those $1500 and up handbags right outside the factory in China for $20-50. They don't bother with the other tailor nor the shipping.

But if people want to pay thousands for a name brand plus import taxes, more power to them.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Not saying they don't do that, but... one can buy those $1500 and up handbags right outside the factory in China for $20-50. They don't bother with the other tailor nor the shipping.

But if people want to pay thousands for a name brand plus import taxes, more power to them.

Those are stolen and/or/knockoffs.

I read a family story about someone who used to work at the Dixon-Ticonderoga pencil factory. This person's job was to add the metal ring on the pencil, and the next person would add the eraser. The story was that in this person's house, they had no shortage of pencils with rings but no erasers.

It's like that.

edit: If it's $20 then it is just a plain fake. A stolen, mostly finished (and therefore partially real) handbag would sell for like $600 still.

Edited February 10, 2014 by Harpa Timsah

[JohnR! 5,495]

Chinese hegemony may be something interesting to discuss but in practical terms it will remain a daunting task. The biggest impediment being the lack of a single cultural identity amongst the people of Asia.

In comparison to America, China lacks Hollywood, simply put. There are no Chinese values, akin to American ideals, that speak to the masses, across oceans and cultures. There is no Chinese propaganda machine selling the Chinese dream to spectators and audiences around the world. Despite its military and economic power, China lacks the necessary gravitational pull required to bring people together. You need not look further than the former USSR or current Russian Federation to realize you need more than a common language, military might and currency to successfully establish an empire.

What many fail to realize is that America is successful because of its diversity which makes it a microcosm of the world. In addition, American hegemony in the world was possible because people welcomed, sought and longed for it.

The only reason the American empire is possible is because it is an irresistible idea, and that is what made us rich and powerful, rather than the other way around.

Edited February 10, 2014 by Gegel

[Sousuke 1,214]

No slight against your friend, but after living in China for six years I learned a lot about the people and culture. There are very few Westerners, regardless of background who can see China through un-biased eyes. Sorry to say he's another example. The cultures are just too different. For example, the Diaoyu islands is completely controversial. For those unfamiliar with the Diaoyu islands, that is the Chinese name for the string of islands to which both China and Japan claim to be theirs. The Western view is to always side with the Japanese. A better viewpoint can be obtained by seeking out and reading from educated Chinese born people who have live or currently live in the West. It's a contrast that can never be mixed.

Perhaps western culture likes when claims are written down.

Chinese texts make reference to islands for hundreds of years but don't actually place a claim on them. They are noted as "navigational markers". In 1895, Japan makes a legal documented claim.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

interesting what just happened there...

Isn't Korea part of China, at least in the mind of educated Chinese?

[Pooky 3,847]

Isn't Korea part of China, at least in the mind of educated Chinese?

If it isn't now, there's nothing to say that it won't be in the future.