Only by absorbing the essence of modern civilisation can they rise above it, and only by standing on the peak of Western civilisation can they go on to the next level, says East Asian Institute senior research fellow Lance Gore. When one scans the terrain of Chinese public opinion and even academia, we see that very little remains of the constructive mentality once prevalent from the late Qing dynasty onwards — i.e., the spirit of humbly learning from the West for self-strengthening. Instead, we see "cultural self-confidence" that is not substantiated by proper analysis. Furthermore, political reform cannot always revolve around the consolidation of the ruling party’s position, and not make plans with the long-term interests of the Chinese people in mind.
Politics
Politics
A possible concern on the military use of AI in China, where the party controls the People’s Liberation Army, is that political rationality may take precedence over military rationality. This could heighten the risks of accidental escalation or a lack of assurance of control and safety when using such technology. Japanese academic Masaaki Yatsuzuka delves into the issue.
Politics
Both Hamas and Israel have framed their war over Palestinian national independence as religious and civilisational, says academic Ma Haiyun. This seems to fit into Samuel Huntington’s “clash of civilisations” theory, even though to define Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a cultural fault line war is historically, religiously and intellectually untrue. Such rhetoric is dangerous, especially when talk of religious wars is turning into reality, and the US’s “Israel first” policy is undermining US diplomacy, soft power, reputation, and most importantly, international institutions such as the UN that the US has sustained after World War II.
Politics
As the Taiwan presidential election day nears, Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han takes a look at the three presidential hopefuls, their stances and how the voters are responding. Meanwhile, cross-strait tensions will be high even after the election results, as major powers will attempt to influence the content of the new president’s inaugural address.
Politics
Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate William Lai may not have the trust of the US or mainland China when it comes to cross-strait relations, says East Asian Institute senior research fellow Qi Dongtao. Hence, China and the US would do well to work together to ensure that there is no repeat of a threat of a movement torwards a radical Taiwan independence that was seen during the Chen Shui-bian administration.
Politics
Professor Walter Woon says that Singapore’s close relationship with both the West and China gives it a unique advantage as a more neutral interpreter of China for the Western world. The country is also well-placed to help reduce tensions between the US and China.
Politics
Academic Antonio Hsiang examines the evidence and concludes that Henry Kissinger probably knew more of what was going on in Latin America — specifically Chile — than he let on. Seen in that light, some may surmise that the former US secretary of state was just as culpable as former Chilean President Augusto Pinochet.
Politics
Academic Wu Guo notes that if Chinese academics in the West are unable to get out of their narrow-minded “box stuffed with Chinese-ness” worldview and stop evaluating individuals based on the sole criterion of improving China-US relations, it may be difficult to have a truly insightful global dialogue.
Politics
Evidently caught between the two major powers, Vietnam has shown adept skill at diplomacy in recent years, along with its soft handling of China and the US, allowing Vietnam to benefit from both sides even amid geopolitical conflict. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong takes us through how Vietnam uses "bamboo diplomacy" to develop and reassure its diplomatic relations.