Modern Chinese Wisdom
The People's Republic of China has been in the US news a lot lately, and not in a nice way. Pet food processed with a product purchased from the Chinese has poisoned a lot of cats and there is some question as to whether those illegal products have also entered human food. Just as importantly (and perhaps more so) China has allied itself with the interests of several nations the US is trying to pressure into better behavior, including but not limited to Iran, Venezuela, Sudan. China has also tested an anti-satellite missile which suggests that it is beginning to invest in technology to upgrade its huge military.
It should come as no surprise, then, that China would be one of the more vocal critics of the US and its plans for a missile defense system in Europe. A recent editorial in China's People's Daily on this issue, however, contains the following bit of sagacity:
History teaches us that the advancement of weapons technology, rather than eliminating warfare - only escalates it. In an era of missiles and nuclear weapons, war has begun to threaten the existence of the entire global community. Such an eventuality can only be avoided by relying on reason and the cooperation of all human beings.
At such a time, it would be better to reduce the number of spears rather than increase the number of shields; it is better to stop war than prepare for it; and it is better to seek collective rather than individual security.
Yes, this bit of wisdom is buried in a rather pointed screed against the US hypocrisy on the issue, and, yes, the editorial for the most part is laced with anti-American venom, but the point is well-taken and well-expressed.
The missile defense system is an enormously expensive bit of technology that may or may not work when needed. In response to such a system, other nations will be investing not only in their own shield systems, but also in new and improved missile systems to thwart the shields. The race will once again be on.
At a time when the entire planet is threatened with global warming, surely the money and energy should be directed elsewhere. Soon the most basic of human needs, potable water, sufficient and secure food sources, and breathable air will be so limited that the very concept of survival will be tested. Shouldn't our resources be addressing those needs before addressing ways for another man-made means for global annihilation?
Fewer spears means fewer shields. This seems like an easy concept to understand.
Do yourself a favor: go visit PaxAmericana.
It should come as no surprise, then, that China would be one of the more vocal critics of the US and its plans for a missile defense system in Europe. A recent editorial in China's People's Daily on this issue, however, contains the following bit of sagacity:
History teaches us that the advancement of weapons technology, rather than eliminating warfare - only escalates it. In an era of missiles and nuclear weapons, war has begun to threaten the existence of the entire global community. Such an eventuality can only be avoided by relying on reason and the cooperation of all human beings.
At such a time, it would be better to reduce the number of spears rather than increase the number of shields; it is better to stop war than prepare for it; and it is better to seek collective rather than individual security.
Yes, this bit of wisdom is buried in a rather pointed screed against the US hypocrisy on the issue, and, yes, the editorial for the most part is laced with anti-American venom, but the point is well-taken and well-expressed.
The missile defense system is an enormously expensive bit of technology that may or may not work when needed. In response to such a system, other nations will be investing not only in their own shield systems, but also in new and improved missile systems to thwart the shields. The race will once again be on.
At a time when the entire planet is threatened with global warming, surely the money and energy should be directed elsewhere. Soon the most basic of human needs, potable water, sufficient and secure food sources, and breathable air will be so limited that the very concept of survival will be tested. Shouldn't our resources be addressing those needs before addressing ways for another man-made means for global annihilation?
Fewer spears means fewer shields. This seems like an easy concept to understand.
Do yourself a favor: go visit PaxAmericana.
Labels: Peace
posted by Diane at 1:16 PM
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