I have long felt that our own history and the European roots of those who founded the United States have blinded us to the strength and depth of the cultures and history of China, and the rest of Asia. It is not so much that Asia is rising in importance. It is that it has always been there and we are episodic in paying suitable attention.
My son lived in Japan for three years and later traveled to many other Asian nations, including several trips to Taiwan. For five summers, he made trips to major cities in Mainland China for research. He speaks and writes in both Japanese and Chinese, so traveling with him is an extraordinary experience. One of our trips with him and his wife and children was to Taipei with an extended road trip into a mountainous region of Taiwan. The nation is beautiful. Taipei is a vibrant city. It was a joy to meet people on the streets, in restaurants, and in museums
I came back to post a second comment. The Forbidden City offers insight into the Chinese way of thought . Wester, European thought is so very different, we cannot imagine our leaders naming important places:
I have read your article on China three times and each time I have come away with a sense of hopelessness because of the immensity and complexity of the situation. An actual killing war with China would be a global disaster, which no doubt would have direct consequences on all peoples.
During my lifetime (90+ years), as with you Dan, I have seen so many conflicts, some of which were totally defensible, such as the Nazi regime. Others, such as Korea and Viet Nam have been tragically fought for much less defensible reasons. Note that I intentionally avoid the Middle East.
Our Nation has consistently sought to protect the peace and well-being of other nations and even small groups of human beings. We seem convinced that the United States of America must set standards of economic wealth, health, and happiness. Incomprehensibly, some of our citizens have considered us to be the World Policemen, despite the fact that we live with many unsolved problems, especially concerning race.
Returning to China, how many of our fellow citizens actually know the history of China, which is considerably lengthier than our own, and yet we feel empowered to decide the fate of Taiwan. Indeed, we need to act thoughtfully and prudently, before we offer our judgement. Only when there is mutual respect and unselfish understanding, will it be possible to invite China to our conference table and say with sincerity, "Come, let us reason together." Is it within our love of country and of our Earth that we will be able to do so? With you Dan, I can only Hope.
Even the idea of going to war with China is insane. The days when Americans would fight wars on blind faith alone are long over. The Vietnam draft divided us, and the all-volunteer military failed us. To stay in Iraq and Afghanistan, our soldiers were forced to serve as many as five tours of duty. This time, war will not unite us – I don’t think it ever will again.
China outnumbers us by a billion people. China’s technology matches ours. If we go to war with China, they are capable of bringing that war to our shores. China can send 340 million soldiers to the states and still have a billion people left to defend their own country. Only one of China’s 350 nuclear weapons needs to land on American soil to wipe us out for years to come.
Americans may live and breathe historical myths, but the Chinese will not suffer another 100 years of humiliation. As many as 25% of the Chinese people were addicted to opium when the emperor closed their borders to British ships importing opium. In response, Britain declared war – twice. China lost those wars and was forced to open its ports to British opium and Christian missionaries and surrender islands to the British. Adding insult to injury, Japan kicked China when it was down – painfully and cruelly.
The Christian missionaries found Confucianism utterly impenetrable. While Confucianism still orders Chinese thought – and culture - evangelical Christianity as practiced in America today, is completely alien to Chinese Christians.
Today, America is the addicted nation – the Opioid Crisis has weakened us economically, militarily and spiritually. The same rich and influential people who divided Americans, have divided Australians.
I have no illusions left. The next Republican who enters the White House will declare war on China. For that reason, keeping Republicans out of the White House is my singular political goal.
Again, I see the trend towards self-involvement at the forefront of our international relationships. As we have just seen in the time since 2016, this damages us internally and externally. As with the pandemic, some of our "leaders" think we are in the world alone, and hold all of the power. Think again. We had a bully on the playground. The results of letting the bully have his way are obvious and devastating. Not only did this split our country, but began to cut us off from the world. In the 60's and 70's we tried to get people to open their minds and hearts, which I believe led us to a greater understanding of the human race. The whole human race. Might we be able to take some of those same steps again if we are willing and open? I see one path or more leading to civil war here in our own home, and to WWIII. We are in control of our own destiny, and can we do it in a humane way? I don't know - that's up to us.
There will be no war with China. The Chinese understand full well that it is in their interest to continue to improve the conditions of their massive population. And war does not play into that end game regardless of what western politicians and their arms building friends want us to believe.
Thank you so much for keeping us informed of situations that we may otherwise had missed. I've added Dan and the entire Steady Team to my Prayer List! I truly appreciate what you're doing! GOD bless and have a wonderful, Joyful and safe Thanksgiving holiday!
Thanks for this brilliant piece of writing, and it reminds me of something my mom said to me almost 45 years ago, that China will rule the world someday. That day is nigh...
The answer to democracy thriving lies with the safety and happiness of the children within that democracy. Children have to be free of slavery and oppression in order to do well. They have to know that they are loved and protected. One cannot force children to be a democracy they must choose that for themselves.
Dan, I have long been concerned about China. As I have broadly traveled, I have crossed paths with many people from different countries. Traveling is expensive and not for the needy - therefor, the people I meet are surely of means. Of all the international people I meet, the Chinese seem to be rude, pushy, and entitled. It is a large concern if this is the mind set of the ruling class.
We must employ more soft power and economic leverage in Asia. Turning away from the TPP was a gross error that we can correct. Fully staffing our agencies and embassies is critical, and I wish we could figure out how to pressure Republican senators to allow the approval of all of Biden’s many crucial, capable appointees. Our cadre of foreign experts is worryingly thin.
My son lived in Japan for three years and later traveled to many other Asian nations, including several trips to Taiwan. For five summers, he made trips to major cities in Mainland China for research. He speaks and writes in both Japanese and Chinese, so traveling with him is an extraordinary experience. One of our trips with him and his wife and children was to Taipei with an extended road trip into a mountainous region of Taiwan. The nation is beautiful. Taipei is a vibrant city. It was a joy to meet people on the streets, in restaurants, and in museums
I came back to post a second comment. The Forbidden City offers insight into the Chinese way of thought . Wester, European thought is so very different, we cannot imagine our leaders naming important places:
• Hall of Supreme Harmony
• Gate of Manifest Virtue
• Hall of Union
• Hall of Literary Glory
• Hall of Main Respect
• Hall of Mental Cultivation
• Palace of Heavenly Purity
• Palace of Tranquil Longevity
• Imperial Garden
• Glorious Gate
• The Gate of Divine Might
• The Meridian Gate
• Golden Water River
Will defending Taiwan be necessary to make a difference in the strength of China.
Hi Dan:
I have read your article on China three times and each time I have come away with a sense of hopelessness because of the immensity and complexity of the situation. An actual killing war with China would be a global disaster, which no doubt would have direct consequences on all peoples.
During my lifetime (90+ years), as with you Dan, I have seen so many conflicts, some of which were totally defensible, such as the Nazi regime. Others, such as Korea and Viet Nam have been tragically fought for much less defensible reasons. Note that I intentionally avoid the Middle East.
Our Nation has consistently sought to protect the peace and well-being of other nations and even small groups of human beings. We seem convinced that the United States of America must set standards of economic wealth, health, and happiness. Incomprehensibly, some of our citizens have considered us to be the World Policemen, despite the fact that we live with many unsolved problems, especially concerning race.
Returning to China, how many of our fellow citizens actually know the history of China, which is considerably lengthier than our own, and yet we feel empowered to decide the fate of Taiwan. Indeed, we need to act thoughtfully and prudently, before we offer our judgement. Only when there is mutual respect and unselfish understanding, will it be possible to invite China to our conference table and say with sincerity, "Come, let us reason together." Is it within our love of country and of our Earth that we will be able to do so? With you Dan, I can only Hope.
Even the idea of going to war with China is insane. The days when Americans would fight wars on blind faith alone are long over. The Vietnam draft divided us, and the all-volunteer military failed us. To stay in Iraq and Afghanistan, our soldiers were forced to serve as many as five tours of duty. This time, war will not unite us – I don’t think it ever will again.
China outnumbers us by a billion people. China’s technology matches ours. If we go to war with China, they are capable of bringing that war to our shores. China can send 340 million soldiers to the states and still have a billion people left to defend their own country. Only one of China’s 350 nuclear weapons needs to land on American soil to wipe us out for years to come.
Americans may live and breathe historical myths, but the Chinese will not suffer another 100 years of humiliation. As many as 25% of the Chinese people were addicted to opium when the emperor closed their borders to British ships importing opium. In response, Britain declared war – twice. China lost those wars and was forced to open its ports to British opium and Christian missionaries and surrender islands to the British. Adding insult to injury, Japan kicked China when it was down – painfully and cruelly.
The Christian missionaries found Confucianism utterly impenetrable. While Confucianism still orders Chinese thought – and culture - evangelical Christianity as practiced in America today, is completely alien to Chinese Christians.
Today, America is the addicted nation – the Opioid Crisis has weakened us economically, militarily and spiritually. The same rich and influential people who divided Americans, have divided Australians.
I have no illusions left. The next Republican who enters the White House will declare war on China. For that reason, keeping Republicans out of the White House is my singular political goal.
Again, I see the trend towards self-involvement at the forefront of our international relationships. As we have just seen in the time since 2016, this damages us internally and externally. As with the pandemic, some of our "leaders" think we are in the world alone, and hold all of the power. Think again. We had a bully on the playground. The results of letting the bully have his way are obvious and devastating. Not only did this split our country, but began to cut us off from the world. In the 60's and 70's we tried to get people to open their minds and hearts, which I believe led us to a greater understanding of the human race. The whole human race. Might we be able to take some of those same steps again if we are willing and open? I see one path or more leading to civil war here in our own home, and to WWIII. We are in control of our own destiny, and can we do it in a humane way? I don't know - that's up to us.
There will be no war with China. The Chinese understand full well that it is in their interest to continue to improve the conditions of their massive population. And war does not play into that end game regardless of what western politicians and their arms building friends want us to believe.
Thank you so much for keeping us informed of situations that we may otherwise had missed. I've added Dan and the entire Steady Team to my Prayer List! I truly appreciate what you're doing! GOD bless and have a wonderful, Joyful and safe Thanksgiving holiday!
Thanks for this brilliant piece of writing, and it reminds me of something my mom said to me almost 45 years ago, that China will rule the world someday. That day is nigh...
There are so many issues to be outraged about. I find it difficult to face them all in light of losing our democracy.
@DanRather #DanRather 💜💜💜💜So true, Dan. So true. And also let us not forget who brought us TaiChi. 🦄🤠
The answer to democracy thriving lies with the safety and happiness of the children within that democracy. Children have to be free of slavery and oppression in order to do well. They have to know that they are loved and protected. One cannot force children to be a democracy they must choose that for themselves.
Dan, I have long been concerned about China. As I have broadly traveled, I have crossed paths with many people from different countries. Traveling is expensive and not for the needy - therefor, the people I meet are surely of means. Of all the international people I meet, the Chinese seem to be rude, pushy, and entitled. It is a large concern if this is the mind set of the ruling class.
I just subscribed to be able to express how grateful I am for your brilliant perspectives! Thank you!
Saddens me that even Dan didn't mention China's Silk Road Initiative. It's worth looking into and how it is a long term plan for them.
We must employ more soft power and economic leverage in Asia. Turning away from the TPP was a gross error that we can correct. Fully staffing our agencies and embassies is critical, and I wish we could figure out how to pressure Republican senators to allow the approval of all of Biden’s many crucial, capable appointees. Our cadre of foreign experts is worryingly thin.