Cadet Killian Buckley's Blog

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/21/umbrella-movement-art_n_6019350.html

In class, we had a guest speaker and discussed the idea of the “Umbrella Movement” in Hong Kong.  The Mandarin word for the movement has very little meaning or significance.  However, the Hong Kong dialect version of the word, had a far stronger meaning that relates to a struggle.  The “Umbrella Movement” is a movement which emphasizes the importance of human rights and self determination.   The protest movement is one that originated in Hong Kong after the 1997 handover of the city of Hong Kong to China from British rule.   This movement has reoccurred every July 1st, as anniversary of the 1997 handover.  However, the movement has gained greater traction due to the dispute over the 2017 Chief Executive elections in Hong Kong.  Supporters of the protests and the movement argue that the elections are unfair and undemocratic due to the nomination process;  the fact that the central Beijing government will be “choosing” the candidates.  The protests are ongoing and a final agreement has yet to be settled.

In class, we were able to hold a skype class with an journalism class in a Hong Kong university.  This experience was extremely worthwhile and gave us an opportunity to ask the students, some of which may have been involved in the student protests, their viewpoints and ideas regarding the “Umbrella Movement”.  We found that viewpoints within their small class were vastly different.  Therefore, we could actually see how controversial and important this issue is to the people of Hong Kong.  There are many for and against the protests.  Their reasons are personal, political, and historical. The opportunity to ask questions and hear the actually viewpoints of the students was fascinated and offered us a chance to get personal interaction with those involved in what we are studying in class.  Opportunities, such as this, are unfortunately few and far between.

I have a tendency to watch TED Talks on my free time.  Since starting this blog, I have been more attracted to the talks regarding East Asia due to the course material and class discussions.  This talk caught my eye due to its discussion on the role that economics play in East Asian politics.  Economics plays a large role in politics in the United States.  Economic policy varies party to party and individual to individual.  However, as a whole, we have fairly stable economic policy.   Poor economic conditions can lead to a change in power within the United States democratic system. However, the economic status of the nation does not directly affect the legitimacy of the government system or the constitution.  Typically, Americans blame the economic policy on the decisions of politicians or policy.  We do not blame the constitution or the political system for our individual or national economic woes.

Western ideals regarding the relation of government and economics are vastly different than the ideals of many East Asian nations.  In many of these nations, when there is a down turn in economic policy, the actual system of government is put into question.  For this reason, the political leaders of these nations pay particular attention to maintaining a stable economy because it is directly related to the legitimacy of the government system.  Our discussions in class regarding this issue have expanded my viewpoint of the importance of economic policy in these nations.

In LTC Sanborn’s class, we discussed that in the United States, in particular, individual freedoms and rights are deemed more great famine, economic disaster, and extreme poverty.  Many East Asian nations, particularly China, has suffered horrible famine and poverty throughout history.  Therefore, economic stability is far more important than individual rights.  The citizens may be more willing to give up individual rights in return for modern comforts and stability.  This idea is vastly different than the viewpoints of many Americans.  But, then again, we are a young nation with a far different history than the nations of East Asia.  This historical memory of pain and suffering has influenced the ideals of the region and may be the reason why economic stability remains the key way for a government to have legitimacy.

Chinese Opera Presentation

On Thursday, October 30th,  Dr. Peng Xu gave a lecture titled “Chinese Opera and Chinese Language.  Dr. Peng Xu is an assistant professor of modern languages and cultures.  She is an “award-winning Chinese opera singer”.  She also has studied the art and linguistics of Chinese opera.  In her lecture, she described the differences between Western/European Opera and Chinese Opera.  She also connected and explained the linguistic reasons behind the difference.  In Chinese opera, pronunciation of words is far more important that the melody of the song.  This is extremely different from Western Opera.  She stressed that this was due to the “tone” of the Chinese language.  Her description was complicated for someone like me, who has no background in the Chinese language.  However, nevertheless, the topic was extremely interesting.

Her talk also covered the cultural aspect that Chinese opera plays.  In Chinese, one would say “I am going to go listen to the theater”.  While, in opposition to this, those of a western culture would say, “I am going to go watch theater”.  This is due to the fact the songs are much more important than the scenery.  The scenery is  precise and beautiful, however, it is all very scripted.  The songs and the pronunciation of the story is far more relevant and important to the audience.  Also, another reason is that, traditionally, theaters were tea houses in which the audience would be socializing while the play was occurring.

Overall, there are various differences between Chinese opera and Western opera.  Prior to Dr. Peng Xu’s lecture, I did not even know that Chinese opera existed or its cultural significance.  Now, after the lecture, I have a greater appreciation for it. Dr. Peng Xu’s lecture was excellent; interactive and engaging.  She even sang for the audience.   As an artist, she portrayed her enthusiasm for the subject matter.  If I was granted more time as an undergraduate student, a class in Chinese or about Chinese art would be attractive to add to my course load.

I recently saw this video on TED by Eric X. Li in regards to the Chinese political system.  The talk in a continuation of Li’s icontroversial New York Times OP-ED in which he questioned traditional Western beliefs regarding China’s political system.  The article, titled “Why China’s Political Model is Superior”, raised questions within the Western media.  However, Li’s Ted Talk seemed convincing to the mainly Western audience whom applauded his explanation of his nation’s political system.  Li is considered a Chinese entrepreneur and has obviously benefited from the system.  Therefore, his viewpoint may differ from the many that have not benefited from this authoritarian system.

In his Op-Ed, Li claims that “America today is similar to the old Soviet Union, which also viewed its political system as the ultimate end.”  Obviously this claim had the potential to raise eyebrows in the West.  Regardless of what one thinks regarding Li’s politics or beliefs, his charisma and good nature seem to win over the mainly Western audience in this Ted Talk, which in itself makes it a worthy watch.

Picture Above:  Hong Kong protester dressed in British military fatigues (click for source)

There have been several accounts of Chinese newspapers claiming that there are strong Western ties and influences in the Hong Kong protests.  There have been officials in Beijing that have claimed the same.  They claim that Western influences are providing funding and influence to these student protesters. However, in reality, the United States has released official statements which support the right for the students to protest but still recognize the fact that Hong Kong remains a territory of the People’s Republic of China. There seems to be a fear within the Beijing source of power over the protests and the potential extent of them.  According to Alex Chow, the “secretary general” of the student protests, ” It has always been Beijing’s inner demon easily falling into its own fears.”   His statement was in regards to the ethos from the Beijing government regarding the protests.  There seems to also be a greater fear within China over the spread of these protests and the ideals of the protests as well.  For example, the Chinese government decided to block the BBC website for fear of outside or Hong Kong sympathizer media influence within mainland China.   This fear may show a weakness within the Chinese government; a fear of Western influence in the guise of Chinese citizen protesters.  This fear may alert Chinese officials and lead to a stronger use of force or crackdown against the student protesters than what might occur without the existence of this fear.  As the protests continue, we will see if the Chinese officials in Beijing make decisions to do as such.

When viewing the Hong Kong University Press website, you can see a list of books for sale from the publisher.  There are titles such as “Electing Hong Kong’s Chief Executive” and “Re-positioning the Hong Kong Government: Social Foundations and Political Challenges” .  Titles, such as these, from a publishing agency attached to a Hong Kong university, clearly denote a freer press that can be find in China.  While Hong Kong is still part of China, it is clear that the rules and regulations are different within the city.  The city of Hong Kong manages itself in an autonomous fashion.  The intellectuals, professors, and students are granted freedom to criticize, to a degree, the government and institution.  This free press and freedom of speech is far less available and legal within the rest of China.  This freedom granted to the intellectuals has created the environment that allows for voices of discontent, such as the student led protests that are currently happening in Hong Kong as I write this post.  How will these protests affect the freedom of speech issue throughout China?  Will China begin to tighten its control over Hong Kong’s press and media? As the protests escalate, will stronger actions be taken by the central government of China?

In LTC Sanborn’s “Politics in East Asia” course, this week, we discussed the ongoing student protests in Hong Kong against the Chinese government.  Currently, the students of the universities of Hong Kong are boycotting class and protesting in the name of Democracy.  The protests have expanded further than just students to intellectuals and working people.  While Hong Kong remains a part of the People’s Republic of China, many Hong Kong residents are upset regarding the organization of the elections.  Hong Kong was promised free elections by China.  However, while the elections are free, the process by which the potential candidates is controlled by the central government.  The protests in Hong Kong are a result of the displeasure of the population, particularly the students, over the organization of the election process.

Unlike China, Hong Kong has a relatively free press which allows them free access to the internet, particularly unlimited access to social media. This has given the rest of the world a glimpse in to the protests in the city.  This has helped gain sympathy for the protesters, particularly from democratic nations.  The question is, how will China react to these protests?  Currently, the protests are being controlled by the Hong Kong police force. However, as tensions rise, will the regional police force be able to maintain control.  Will China have to step in and make a stand with the protesters? What will this look like and how will it impact the Chinese government?

In class, this past week, we discussed food and table etiquette.  Particularly we discussed how important table etiquette appears to be in many East Asian cultures in comparison to American culture.  In American culture, our love of fast food makes a utensil-less meal acceptable.   Therefore, we often feel that cultures with strict table manners are “up tight”.  On the contrary, table manners honor a sense of tradition in many of these cultures.  The table manners often originate from a standpoint of hygiene.  For example, in Japanese culture, it is considered rude to blow your nose at a table and it is common to receive a hot towel to cleanse your hands before eating.   Also, there is a particular focus on portion control and not wasting food.

American culture is much younger than these East Asian cultures.  East Asian cultures were developed in a time when cleanliness and not wasting resources, especially in terms of food, was a life or death situation.  On the other hand, the more modern American culture of food, particularly fast food culture, was developed in the time of modern health care and indoor plumbing.  The time period at which these cultures were truly developed affects the traditions within them.  It is easy for many Americans, including myself, to forget how new our culture truly is.  The cultures of many of these East Asian nations are ancient and have developed over the course of thousands of years.

In the United States, household cats and dogs are thought of as companions and an essential part of many American families.  Up until recently, this was unheard of in China.  China, much like many cultures, do not hold cats and dogs to the same esteem that Americans do.  Many cultures see them as a nuisance or even dangerous.  Before the 1980’s, having a furry friends in a household was against the law in Beijing.  Pets were not culturally acceptable in Communist China because keeping pets was thought of a luxury.  The idea of keeping and feeding an animal as part of the family was seen as elitist. This was particularly true during the period of the “one child policy”.  If a family could only have one child, keeping a pet seemed extravagant and unacceptable both legally and culturally.

In the early 1990’s, after a change in the “one child policy” and overall cultural change, the laws that limited pet ownership were lightened.  As of 2012, there were currently 1 million registered dogs.  In the city, dogs must be registered and must fit within a certain height limit to be considered legal.  There is an official “Beijing Small Animal Veterinary Association” and there is a growing industry related to this spike in pet ownership.  There was over 7.84 billion Yuan spent on cat and dog care in China.  While the government is still wary of the increasing number of pets and has released negative rhetoric in regards to pet ownership, it is, never-the-less continuing to grow.  Sadly, however, there is also a growing issue of stray domesticated animals due to the lack of spraying and neutering of pets by the new owners.

This small cultural change gives us insight into the overall change in Chinese society.   The youth and people want the finer things in life; they want the newer technology and to have a animal as a pet.  While, in American culture, this seems like it would be a normal generational shift. However, it is, in fact, a huge cultural change and, more likely than not, a part of globalization and, in some cases, westernization.

Personally, it was insane to think that people would go to dog bakeries or take photographs of his or her pets in American culture.  However, it is now happening world-wide, including China and Brazil.  Perhaps, it is just human nature to want to coddle our furry friends.

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-08-21/chinas-skyrocketing-pet-population

Map of “Territorial Disputes in the Waters Near China” from the New York Times

There are numerous territorial disputes in the region of East Asia. Specifically, there are disputes over maritime boarders in the South China Seas.  A majority of these disputes are between China and its neighbors.  These maritime boarder disputes are a question of sovereignty and access to resources; such as fishing and underwater oil extraction.  China is seeking to control these boarders to increase their power within the region. ‘They are a hegemonic power within the region due to their economic power, size, resources, and population.  China is seeking to maintain their hegemonic power in the region through these strategic and economically essential maritime boarders.

For example, there was a dispute between the Vietnamese and the Chinese regarding the Chinese oil rig named HD 981.  This rig was once placed near, or according to the Vietnamese, within a Vietnamese maritime territory. This maritime territory was utilized by the Vietnamese as strictly an economic zone. Therefore, an issue occurred when it was thought that China was intruding upon this area for their own economic gains from the HD 981. Eventually, the rig was moved closer to Chinese islands.  However, this was not before the Vietnamese ships completed operations and “rammed” several Chinese commercial vessels over 1,400 times. On the other hand, Vietnam had 30 destroyed ships from these operations.

In conclusion, the situation over maritime territories is tense and will continue to be for the near future. The region will continue to struggle with this issue as China seeks to expand its power, particularly its maritime power.  The future of this issue remains uncertain. However, what is certain is that China will continue this push forward in search of greater control of the waterways and the resources that these waterways offer.

Sources:

http://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/bitstream/handle/10635/15352/MASHAOHUATHESIS.pdf?sequence=1

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/10/world/asia/a-view-from-the-sea-as-china-flexes-muscle.html?_r=0