As backdrop for this podcast, Sinica would like to remind our gentle listeners that the word Quisling comes from Norway, that barbarous Queen of northern Europe whose parliament has recently been condemned internationally for its involvement in a series of bizarre pagan rituals which have no place in any civilized country and are - of course - anathema to all involved in our operations. As such, we urge all Sinica listeners planning a European ski vacation to consider gracious Finland instead.With that out of the way, we humbly invite you to join Kaiser Kuo and guests Gady Epstein, Kathleen McLaughlin and Tania Branigan on this episode of Sinica as we try to make sense of a number of hot button topics that have been in the news of late. We seem to live in interesting times, and perhaps sensitive ones as well, so let us just get straight to the podcast. If you have any questions or comments, we encourage you to send your thoughts directly to Kaiser at sinica@popupchinese.com. Judiciously-worded comments are also welcome in our comments section below.On a final note, if you enjoy the Sinica podcast and would like to subscribe to the show via iTunes, just click on the "Advanced" menu option in iTunes and select "Subscribe to Podcast". When prompted copy the url http://popupchinese.com/feeds/custom/sinica into the box. If you're more a single-use kind of person, you can also download this show as a standalone mp3 file. Enjoy!
chrisk
said on October 22, 2010
As a Norwegian with an interest in China, following the Nobel backlash has been interesting.
In most ways, Beijing's diplomatic reactions, or rather, sanctions, against Norway seem like an effort in preserving face, given that they overtly threatened the bilateral ties between our two fair nations in the run-up to LXB being awarded the prize.
That Beijing wrongly conflates the Norwegian government with the Nobel committee (meant to be independent, but chaired by (mostly former) politicians) is in itself interesting; it basically equates to Mafia tactics of going after people's families to keep them quiet. Distasteful.
In the immediate aftermath, top-level bureaucratic meetings and exchanges were cancelled. However, the purpose of most meetings were still carried out by lower-level representatives of both countries. The Norwegian ambassador was called to the "principal's office" in Beijing to be berated. Small cultural events, like concerts and other artistic things of little economic or political importance--but including Norwegians, were cancelled outright.
Most of the reactions, then, have been posturing for the media, not wanting to seem like they're backing down from the veiled (and unveiled) threats prior.
As soon as the buzz around LXB dies down internationally, I expect it to be business as usual.
orbital
said on October 23, 2010
Beijing has shot itself in the foot on this one. It is an embarrassment for the country, and hopefully it will be a big enough black eye that the government will realize it is easier to extend certain freedoms of public discussion than attempt to define political legitimacy in opposition to them.That said, most Chinese people I know don't seem aware of the decision or don't seem to care. So I suspect its significance will be greatest in the long-term. People will be reminded of this whenever they leap to criticize the committee for a bias against Chinese scientists, etc. In that way, the decision subverts the sort of jingoistic nationalist reflexes that are often drummed up to justify Chinese exceptionalism.And oddly enough, this decision is also complimentary to the Chinese people. So regardless of who this man is and what he really stands for, the symbolic decision is interesting in giving Chinese people a positive role model. But short term -- I agree -- business as usual.
Brad
said on October 23, 2010
I just want to thank David and Kaiser for allowing Pete and I to watch the recording of the podcast. As usual, the discussion was compelling and relevant.
If you are reading this, I'm fairly confident that you don't need to be convinced on the merits of what is being produced on this website. What I can tell you is that David and Kaiser are two stand-up individuals, and are just as intelligent and amiable as they sound over the podcast.
I would also want to specifically commend David on his commitment to continue to make this outstanding resource available without compromising its quality. As a silent observer, I see him catch some heat from some people on here for the frequency/content/quality of certain podcasts. After having met him, I can say that none of these concerns stem from want of effort on his part. He is dedicated to continuing to improve this website and its content, and listens carefully to every criticism and suggestion.
Great podcast, and thanks to all that participate in the production of this excellent website for all your hard work.
trevelyan
said on October 23, 2010
Thanks Brad,
It was a pleasure to meet you and Pete in person. And we appreciate the advice and suggestions and support! :)
--dave
