Tuesday, December 3, 2024

#SOUTHKOREA--Abandoned -IN TAIWAN'S SHADOW


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#SouthKorea--Abandoned-12/04/24/0200PST: Seoul govt., lost in the shadow of #Taiwan, anti-#China poster child of Western hegemony interests in Asia, #martiallaw invalidated, DPRK observed through the field glasses allied with #Russia in #Ukraine.

(Image:  VP Harris caps Asia trip with stop at DMZ dividing South and North Korea)

taiwan is anti-china poster child

The dynamic between Taiwan and China is complex and multifaceted, and the concept of Taiwan being an "anti-China poster child" can be interpreted in several ways:

Historical Propaganda

Historically, Taiwan, under the Nationalist government (Kuomintang), has been a hub for anti-communist propaganda targeted against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). During the Chinese Civil War and after the Nationalists retreated to Taiwan, propaganda was extensively used to oppose the CCP and maintain a strong anti-communist stance. This included various forms of media, such as posters, films, and publications, aimed at legitimizing the Nationalist government and criticizing the CCP
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Current Political Stance

In contemporary times, Taiwan's democratic government, particularly under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led by President Tsai Ing-wen, has taken a strong stance against China's attempts to unify Taiwan under the "one country, two systems" formula. This stance is often seen as a defiance against Beijing's policies and has led to increased tensions between the two sides. Taiwan's emphasis on democracy and its opposition to unification under CCP terms can be viewed as a form of resistance or an "anti-China" posture
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International Perception

From an international perspective, Taiwan's democratic system and its resistance to Chinese pressure have made it a symbol of democratic resilience in the face of authoritarianism. This can be seen as Taiwan being a "poster child" for democracy and autonomy, particularly in the context of its relations with China
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Domestic Divisions

However, it's important to note that within Taiwan, there are significant divisions regarding the approach to China. The "Blue camp" (generally associated with the Kuomintang) and the "Green camp" (associated with the DPP) have different views on how to manage relations with China, with some factions more open to economic ties and others more cautious about Chinese intentions
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In summary, while Taiwan has historically been a center for anti-communist propaganda and currently maintains a strong stance against Chinese unification efforts, the term "anti-China poster child" captures only one aspect of the complex and nuanced relationship between Taiwan and China.


south korea abandoned by western interests



The fear of abandonment by Western interests, particularly the United States, has been a persistent concern for South Korea throughout its history. Here are some key points that highlight this issue:

Historical Context and Abandonment Fears

South Korea's fear of abandonment is rooted in historical events, such as the initial belief by North Korean leader Kim Il Sung in 1950 that the United States would not intervene in the Korean War. This fear has continued despite the strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance. The Nixon and Carter administrations' policies, for instance, exacerbated these fears. The Nixon administration's handling of the region and Carter's plan to withdraw U.S. troops from the Korean peninsula without consulting South Korea led to significant tensions and fears of abandonment
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U.S. Troop Withdrawal Plans

Several U.S. administrations have considered or announced plans to withdraw or redeploy troops from South Korea, which has consistently triggered fears of abandonment. For example, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's announcement in 2003 to withdraw or relocate U.S. forces by 2013, and the George W. Bush Administration's plan to redeploy troops to Iraq, both caused significant concern in South Korea
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Strategic and Security Implications

The presence of U.S. troops in South Korea serves as a "tripwire" function, ensuring U.S. involvement in the event of a North Korean invasion. Any reduction or withdrawal of these troops is perceived as a weakening of the U.S. security commitment, which could embolden North Korea and raise fears that South Korea might face the North Korean threat alone
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Current Concerns and Taiwan Contingencies

Recent discussions about U.S. involvement in potential military conflicts over Taiwan have also heightened South Korean concerns. South Koreans worry that U.S. actions in a Taiwan crisis could lead to Chinese attacks on South Korea, and any South Korean refusal to support U.S. operations could strain the alliance with the United States
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Political and Diplomatic Implications

The ongoing political polarization in South Korea, with differing views on how to handle relations with North Korea and China, further complicates the situation. A shift towards distancing itself from the U.S. and improving relations with Beijing and Pyongyang, as suggested by some South Korean opposition parties, could have significant repercussions for the U.S.-South Korea alliance
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In summary, South Korea's fear of abandonment by Western interests, particularly the United States, is deeply ingrained and influenced by historical events, ongoing security concerns, and the strategic importance of the U.S. military presence on the Korean peninsula.


(End Perplexity-AI)



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