Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Monday, 29 November 2010
Sunday, 28 November 2010
on the ground in North China regarding Korea
a personal perspective on the current war-games the US and Korea are holding, from a correspondent in Northern China:
"So North Korean is putting its surface to surface missal aiming at south korean, once it happened, south korean capital city will be damaged, of course US and South Korean will fight back, but think about it: North Korean has no fear of being bombed, as it has nothing really, but South Korean is stupid to turn its land into a war field for US to show its power here."
"So North Korean is putting its surface to surface missal aiming at south korean, once it happened, south korean capital city will be damaged, of course US and South Korean will fight back, but think about it: North Korean has no fear of being bombed, as it has nothing really, but South Korean is stupid to turn its land into a war field for US to show its power here."
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Bangkok Post regarding Korea
N.Korea stages artillery drill, warns of war
Published: 26/11/2010 at 04:00 PM
Online news: World
North Korea staged an artillery firing drill on Friday near the South Korean border and warned that planned US-South Korean naval exercises at the weekend would bring the peninsula closer to war.
A South Korean Marine displays rocket casings left after shells were fired by North Korea at a S.Korean island on November 23. North Korea staged an artillery firing drill on Friday near the South Korean border and warned that planned US-South Korean naval exercises at the weekend would bring the peninsula closer to war.
The shelling sent residents of Yeonpyeong island, targeted in a deadly North Korean bombardment on Tuesday, scrambling for air raid shelters, but Seoul said it appeared to be an exercise and that no shells landed on its territory.
The latest incident came as Seoul grappled with the domestic political fallout of Tuesday's attack after the defence minister resigned over criticism that the South's response to the bombardment had been too weak.
A defence ministry spokesman told AFP explosions were heard several times between noon and 3 pm (0300-0600 GMT) and appeared to have come from the North.
"We assume North Korea carried out firing exercises," he said.
A military source quoted by YTN television said there were about 20 shells which apparently landed on the North's side.
A YTN correspondent on Yeonpyeong island, which was hit by the bombardment Tuesday, said those residents who have not already fled for the mainland were rushing to air raid shelters.
Tuesday's shelling killed four people, injured 18 and set some 20 buildings and forests ablaze.
A US aircraft carrier battle group was heading for the Yellow Sea for the four-day drill starting Sunday, a show of force designed to deter the North after Tuesday's strike rang alarm bells worldwide.
The North, unrepentant over its earlier barrage, criticised "the US imperialists and south Korean puppet war-like forces" for what it called an exercise in "sabre-rattling".
"The situation on the Korean peninsula is inching closer to the brink of war due to the reckless plan of those trigger-happy elements to stage again the war exercises targeted against the (North)," its official news agency said.
Pyongyang has used such language frequently in the past. It was unclear whether it would take any measures to try to disrupt the drill -- which has also been criticised by the North's sole major ally China.
The US military says the exercise is defensive and planned well before the North's "unprovoked artillery attack" but it demonstrates the US "commitment to regional stability through deterrence".
The North has said its firing Tuesday was retaliation, after South Korea had fired shells into its waters during an exercise. But South Korea expressed outrage at the first bombardment of its civilian areas since the 1950-53 war.
However its response to the attack was widely criticised as too soft and Defence Minister Kim Tae-Young resigned Thursday. The presidency said it was still screening candidates to replace Kim.
The South fired 80 shells at the North's coastal artillery positions Tuesday in response to the barrage, but says it did not call in air strikes to avoid escalating the situation.
Seoul military officials said that their firing had started fires and caved in trenches in the North. "We suspect the North also sustained considerable damage," one official said.
The South plans to send more troops and guns to five frontline islands and also said it would change the rules of engagement to let its military hit back harder in case of future attacks.
The North, in another statement Friday, vowed to stage such attacks if there is any further "provocation" by the South.
Accusing the South of confrontational tactics, it said the North is "getting fully ready to give a shower of dreadful fire and blow up the bulwark of the enemies if they dare to encroach again upon the (North's) dignity and sovereignty even in the least".
South Korea, the United States, Australia and other nations have pressed China -- the North's economic lifeline -- to rein in its unruly neighbour.
China has criticised plans for the US-South Korean war games but has failed to join international condemnation of the North's bombardment.
Parts of Yeonpyeong island resembled a war zone Friday, an AFP correspondent reported. Stray dogs in the streets begged for food after their owners joined an exodus of hundreds of villagers to the mainland.
Charred ruined buildings could be seen along streets littered with glass and household items and draped with loose power lines. A liquor store displayed hundreds of shattered bottles.
Some residents fled the island for fear of more shelling from the North when the joint naval exercise starts, said policeman Kang Sang-Beom.
"My mission is to prevent possible looting as the village is virtually deserted," Kang said. "We are also looking for any more dead."
World powers are struggling to draw up a response to the latest actions by a regime that has in recent years staged two nuclear tests and fired long-range missiles.
It is also accused of sinking a South Korean warship in March with the loss of 46 lives, a charge it denies.
Many observers believe the attack was meant to highlight the military credentials of heir apparent Kim Jong-Un, youngest son of leader Kim Jong-Il.
Published: 26/11/2010 at 04:00 PM
Online news: World
North Korea staged an artillery firing drill on Friday near the South Korean border and warned that planned US-South Korean naval exercises at the weekend would bring the peninsula closer to war.
A South Korean Marine displays rocket casings left after shells were fired by North Korea at a S.Korean island on November 23. North Korea staged an artillery firing drill on Friday near the South Korean border and warned that planned US-South Korean naval exercises at the weekend would bring the peninsula closer to war.
The shelling sent residents of Yeonpyeong island, targeted in a deadly North Korean bombardment on Tuesday, scrambling for air raid shelters, but Seoul said it appeared to be an exercise and that no shells landed on its territory.
The latest incident came as Seoul grappled with the domestic political fallout of Tuesday's attack after the defence minister resigned over criticism that the South's response to the bombardment had been too weak.
A defence ministry spokesman told AFP explosions were heard several times between noon and 3 pm (0300-0600 GMT) and appeared to have come from the North.
"We assume North Korea carried out firing exercises," he said.
A military source quoted by YTN television said there were about 20 shells which apparently landed on the North's side.
A YTN correspondent on Yeonpyeong island, which was hit by the bombardment Tuesday, said those residents who have not already fled for the mainland were rushing to air raid shelters.
Tuesday's shelling killed four people, injured 18 and set some 20 buildings and forests ablaze.
A US aircraft carrier battle group was heading for the Yellow Sea for the four-day drill starting Sunday, a show of force designed to deter the North after Tuesday's strike rang alarm bells worldwide.
The North, unrepentant over its earlier barrage, criticised "the US imperialists and south Korean puppet war-like forces" for what it called an exercise in "sabre-rattling".
"The situation on the Korean peninsula is inching closer to the brink of war due to the reckless plan of those trigger-happy elements to stage again the war exercises targeted against the (North)," its official news agency said.
Pyongyang has used such language frequently in the past. It was unclear whether it would take any measures to try to disrupt the drill -- which has also been criticised by the North's sole major ally China.
The US military says the exercise is defensive and planned well before the North's "unprovoked artillery attack" but it demonstrates the US "commitment to regional stability through deterrence".
The North has said its firing Tuesday was retaliation, after South Korea had fired shells into its waters during an exercise. But South Korea expressed outrage at the first bombardment of its civilian areas since the 1950-53 war.
However its response to the attack was widely criticised as too soft and Defence Minister Kim Tae-Young resigned Thursday. The presidency said it was still screening candidates to replace Kim.
The South fired 80 shells at the North's coastal artillery positions Tuesday in response to the barrage, but says it did not call in air strikes to avoid escalating the situation.
Seoul military officials said that their firing had started fires and caved in trenches in the North. "We suspect the North also sustained considerable damage," one official said.
The South plans to send more troops and guns to five frontline islands and also said it would change the rules of engagement to let its military hit back harder in case of future attacks.
The North, in another statement Friday, vowed to stage such attacks if there is any further "provocation" by the South.
Accusing the South of confrontational tactics, it said the North is "getting fully ready to give a shower of dreadful fire and blow up the bulwark of the enemies if they dare to encroach again upon the (North's) dignity and sovereignty even in the least".
South Korea, the United States, Australia and other nations have pressed China -- the North's economic lifeline -- to rein in its unruly neighbour.
China has criticised plans for the US-South Korean war games but has failed to join international condemnation of the North's bombardment.
Parts of Yeonpyeong island resembled a war zone Friday, an AFP correspondent reported. Stray dogs in the streets begged for food after their owners joined an exodus of hundreds of villagers to the mainland.
Charred ruined buildings could be seen along streets littered with glass and household items and draped with loose power lines. A liquor store displayed hundreds of shattered bottles.
Some residents fled the island for fear of more shelling from the North when the joint naval exercise starts, said policeman Kang Sang-Beom.
"My mission is to prevent possible looting as the village is virtually deserted," Kang said. "We are also looking for any more dead."
World powers are struggling to draw up a response to the latest actions by a regime that has in recent years staged two nuclear tests and fired long-range missiles.
It is also accused of sinking a South Korean warship in March with the loss of 46 lives, a charge it denies.
Many observers believe the attack was meant to highlight the military credentials of heir apparent Kim Jong-Un, youngest son of leader Kim Jong-Il.
Chinese FM talks with DPRK, ROK, U.S. diplomats on Korean Peninsular situation
English.news.cn 2010-11-26 22:00:26 FeedbackPrintRSS
BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Chi Jae Ryong, Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to China, and held phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and ROK Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan on Friday.
They exchanged views on issues including the situation of the Korean Peninsula, according to a statement released Friday night by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Yang said China gives utmost attention to the exchange of fire between the DPRK and the ROK which happened days ago, and is very concerned about the development of the situation.
The DPRK and the ROK should exercise calm and restraint, engage in contacts as soon as possible, and solve problems through negotiations and dialogue, Yang said.
"The pressing task now is to put the situation under control and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents," he said.
Parties related should actively work for peace and facilitate talks, jointly safeguard peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula while adopting responsible attitudes, Yang said.
Parties involved should work together for an early restart of the six-party talks, and push forward denuclearization process of the Korean Peninsula, Yang said.
The DPRK, the ROK and the U.S. sides elaborated on their views on the current situation, and expressed the importance they attached to China's stance and their willingness to maintain contacts with the Chinese side.
The ROK and the DPRK exchanged artillery fire Tuesday in waters off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, leaving four people dead.
China on Friday also voiced its opposition to any military acts in its exclusive economic zone without permission, days before a joint military exercise between United States and ROK on the Yellow Sea.
"We hold a consistent and clear-cut stance on the issue. We oppose any party to take any military acts in our exclusive economic zone without permission," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a statement Friday.
Editor: Deng Shasha
BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with Chi Jae Ryong, Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to China, and held phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and ROK Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan on Friday.
They exchanged views on issues including the situation of the Korean Peninsula, according to a statement released Friday night by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Yang said China gives utmost attention to the exchange of fire between the DPRK and the ROK which happened days ago, and is very concerned about the development of the situation.
The DPRK and the ROK should exercise calm and restraint, engage in contacts as soon as possible, and solve problems through negotiations and dialogue, Yang said.
"The pressing task now is to put the situation under control and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents," he said.
Parties related should actively work for peace and facilitate talks, jointly safeguard peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula while adopting responsible attitudes, Yang said.
Parties involved should work together for an early restart of the six-party talks, and push forward denuclearization process of the Korean Peninsula, Yang said.
The DPRK, the ROK and the U.S. sides elaborated on their views on the current situation, and expressed the importance they attached to China's stance and their willingness to maintain contacts with the Chinese side.
The ROK and the DPRK exchanged artillery fire Tuesday in waters off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, leaving four people dead.
China on Friday also voiced its opposition to any military acts in its exclusive economic zone without permission, days before a joint military exercise between United States and ROK on the Yellow Sea.
"We hold a consistent and clear-cut stance on the issue. We oppose any party to take any military acts in our exclusive economic zone without permission," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said in a statement Friday.
Editor: Deng Shasha
Friday, 26 November 2010
The problem with Myanmar and the problem with Aung Saan Suu Kyi
For many years economic sanctions have been applied to Myanmar due to the presence of the Military Junta...which is not a government per se, just some individuals who make a lot of profit, don't manage or govern etc except through military threat and the usual methodologies.
Whilst UN sanctions have been appplied, Myanmar still exports huge stocks of oil and gas, timber and rubies every day to neighbouring countries. The oil and gas is bought 'under the counter' at very very low prices...the world oil-gas price 25 years ago. Very cheap energy on a massive scale. This oil and gas totally fuels quite a few SE Asian countries...their road transport, taxis, buses, etc and their mechanised farming, distribution etc as well as highly mechanised motor vehicle production plants, ship building concerns, high-rise development, school building, fuel for huge fishing fleets etc.
One of these countries is the world's largest rice exporter. What the sanctions, in effect, do is to provide a few countries with very very cheap oil and gas which keeps the production, distribution and export cost of rice, vegetables, fish, meat etc at a low price. These countries also produce cars for the world market: Toyotas and Hondas and most other brands.If the world rice price goes up, millions suffer...malnutrition and starvation, and the unit cost price of cars across the world goes up.
If Aung Saan Sui Kyi came to power leading a democratic government and all sanctions were removed, Myanmar could sell its products at world-parity prices and the world rice price would skyrocket and many millions would suffer. The SE Asian economies, many of them leading-light democracies, would dive as would the world economy, per se. Who on earth will pay quite a few highly-peopled nations massive ongoing compensation to enable Myanmar to be free? 50 million Myanmar folk benefit at the cost of 65 million Thais? How many Laotians? Cambodians? Chinese? Vietnamese? Malaysians? Pakistanis?
The probably well-intentioned sanctions make it in the neighbours' best interests that the military Junta continues in power in Myanmar. It also provides ongoing opportunity for neighbour states to bully the Junta to get the best prices possible.This is why the Junta can easily afford to free Aung Saan Sui Kyi now without any worry at all. She has been made powerless, in fact, by the very sanctions put in place to pressure the Junta to empower her. She doesn't matter anymore. It's business as usual. Business is business and South East Asia, as well as we in the West, depend upon this staus quo.
Whilst UN sanctions have been appplied, Myanmar still exports huge stocks of oil and gas, timber and rubies every day to neighbouring countries. The oil and gas is bought 'under the counter' at very very low prices...the world oil-gas price 25 years ago. Very cheap energy on a massive scale. This oil and gas totally fuels quite a few SE Asian countries...their road transport, taxis, buses, etc and their mechanised farming, distribution etc as well as highly mechanised motor vehicle production plants, ship building concerns, high-rise development, school building, fuel for huge fishing fleets etc.
One of these countries is the world's largest rice exporter. What the sanctions, in effect, do is to provide a few countries with very very cheap oil and gas which keeps the production, distribution and export cost of rice, vegetables, fish, meat etc at a low price. These countries also produce cars for the world market: Toyotas and Hondas and most other brands.If the world rice price goes up, millions suffer...malnutrition and starvation, and the unit cost price of cars across the world goes up.
If Aung Saan Sui Kyi came to power leading a democratic government and all sanctions were removed, Myanmar could sell its products at world-parity prices and the world rice price would skyrocket and many millions would suffer. The SE Asian economies, many of them leading-light democracies, would dive as would the world economy, per se. Who on earth will pay quite a few highly-peopled nations massive ongoing compensation to enable Myanmar to be free? 50 million Myanmar folk benefit at the cost of 65 million Thais? How many Laotians? Cambodians? Chinese? Vietnamese? Malaysians? Pakistanis?
The probably well-intentioned sanctions make it in the neighbours' best interests that the military Junta continues in power in Myanmar. It also provides ongoing opportunity for neighbour states to bully the Junta to get the best prices possible.This is why the Junta can easily afford to free Aung Saan Sui Kyi now without any worry at all. She has been made powerless, in fact, by the very sanctions put in place to pressure the Junta to empower her. She doesn't matter anymore. It's business as usual. Business is business and South East Asia, as well as we in the West, depend upon this staus quo.
From CNN regarding today's resignation of the South Korean Defence Minister
State-run North Korean broadcaster KCTV reported Thursday that South Korea had stated its plan to "fire towards our territorial waters with their Yeonpyeong-based artillery on November 22." The North said it asked "the puppet South" not to do so, but it persisted, and the North fired back in self-defense.
"If the U.S. truly wishes to ease the tension in the Chosun [Korean] peninsula, rather than protecting the puppet South, they should control the South, so the South will not hang on to maintaining the NLL [Northern Limit Line] by invading territorial waters and firing artilleries," KCTV said. "This incident shows that the acutal offender of the armistice is the puppet South and it is the U.S. which created tension in the Chosun west sea."
Earlier Thursday, state media said North Korea will launch additional attacks on South Korea if the South continues "reckless military provocation."
Pyongyang "will deal without hesitation the second and third strong physical retaliatory blow" if provoked, its KCNA news agency said.
As an example of provocation, it indirectly referred to a military drill that South Korea and the United States plan to hold in the Yellow Sea starting Sunday.
Meanwhile, South Korea said Thursday that it will strengthen and supplement its rules of engagement in the Yellow Sea, following the incident on Yeonpyeong Island.
South Korea was holding annual military exercises near North Korea when Pyongyang started shelling Tuesday. Shells from the South's exercises landed in North Korean waters, KCNA said.
KCNA on Thursday continued its verbal offensive against the South Korean-U.S. military drill.
"The U.S. and the South Korean puppet forces are foolishly contemplating an additional provocation aimed to orchestrate another farce and charade such as the 'Cheonan' case while kicking up rows and holding confabs one after another such as the declaration of a 'state of emergency' and 'a meeting of ministers in charge of security,' far from drawing due lesson from the recent shelling," KCNA said.
The aircraft carrier USS George Washington on Wednesday sailed toward the Yellow Sea for the drill, which was billed as defensive.
"It is a long-planned exercise," said Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.
"That said, it is meant to send a very strong signal of deterrence and also work with our very close allies in South Korea," Mullen said on CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS."
"We're very focused on restraint -- not letting this thing get out of control. The South Koreans so far have responded that way. Nobody wants this thing to turn into a conflict."
On Thursday morning, Lee and his economic and security ministers met in Seoul.
The meeting began with a moment of silence for the Yeonpyeong victims. After the meeting, South Korea said it would boost its rules of engagement in the Yellow Sea.
South Korean marine forces based in five islands near North Korea and the disputed Northern Limit Line also will be reinforced, a government spokesman said.
The tense maritime border between the two Koreas has become the major military flash point on the Korean peninsula in recent years.
The Yeonpyeong attack also will lead to a plan for civilian safety on the five islands in the Yellow Sea, the government spokesman said. No details were immediately offered about the plan, but Lee on Wednesday ordered the strengthening of civilian shelters on the islands.
The islands include Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong, off which the South Korean warship Cheonan was sunk in March, killing 46 sailors. Seoul blamed Pyongyang for the torpedo attack, which the North has denied.
The Lee administration also will continue to closely monitor capital markets and foreign exchange rates, prepared to take preventative measures as needed, the spokesman said. The Yeonpyeong shelling sent ripples through South Korea's stock market, which has rebounded.
South Korea's economic and security ministries will cooperate closely, and the administration will publicize developments in real time to address major concerns and squelch rumors, the spokesman said.
The Yeonpyeong attack was the first direct artillery assault on South Korea since the Korean War ended in 1953.
"If the U.S. truly wishes to ease the tension in the Chosun [Korean] peninsula, rather than protecting the puppet South, they should control the South, so the South will not hang on to maintaining the NLL [Northern Limit Line] by invading territorial waters and firing artilleries," KCTV said. "This incident shows that the acutal offender of the armistice is the puppet South and it is the U.S. which created tension in the Chosun west sea."
Earlier Thursday, state media said North Korea will launch additional attacks on South Korea if the South continues "reckless military provocation."
Pyongyang "will deal without hesitation the second and third strong physical retaliatory blow" if provoked, its KCNA news agency said.
As an example of provocation, it indirectly referred to a military drill that South Korea and the United States plan to hold in the Yellow Sea starting Sunday.
Meanwhile, South Korea said Thursday that it will strengthen and supplement its rules of engagement in the Yellow Sea, following the incident on Yeonpyeong Island.
South Korea was holding annual military exercises near North Korea when Pyongyang started shelling Tuesday. Shells from the South's exercises landed in North Korean waters, KCNA said.
KCNA on Thursday continued its verbal offensive against the South Korean-U.S. military drill.
"The U.S. and the South Korean puppet forces are foolishly contemplating an additional provocation aimed to orchestrate another farce and charade such as the 'Cheonan' case while kicking up rows and holding confabs one after another such as the declaration of a 'state of emergency' and 'a meeting of ministers in charge of security,' far from drawing due lesson from the recent shelling," KCNA said.
The aircraft carrier USS George Washington on Wednesday sailed toward the Yellow Sea for the drill, which was billed as defensive.
"It is a long-planned exercise," said Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.
"That said, it is meant to send a very strong signal of deterrence and also work with our very close allies in South Korea," Mullen said on CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS."
"We're very focused on restraint -- not letting this thing get out of control. The South Koreans so far have responded that way. Nobody wants this thing to turn into a conflict."
On Thursday morning, Lee and his economic and security ministers met in Seoul.
The meeting began with a moment of silence for the Yeonpyeong victims. After the meeting, South Korea said it would boost its rules of engagement in the Yellow Sea.
South Korean marine forces based in five islands near North Korea and the disputed Northern Limit Line also will be reinforced, a government spokesman said.
The tense maritime border between the two Koreas has become the major military flash point on the Korean peninsula in recent years.
The Yeonpyeong attack also will lead to a plan for civilian safety on the five islands in the Yellow Sea, the government spokesman said. No details were immediately offered about the plan, but Lee on Wednesday ordered the strengthening of civilian shelters on the islands.
The islands include Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong, off which the South Korean warship Cheonan was sunk in March, killing 46 sailors. Seoul blamed Pyongyang for the torpedo attack, which the North has denied.
The Lee administration also will continue to closely monitor capital markets and foreign exchange rates, prepared to take preventative measures as needed, the spokesman said. The Yeonpyeong shelling sent ripples through South Korea's stock market, which has rebounded.
South Korea's economic and security ministries will cooperate closely, and the administration will publicize developments in real time to address major concerns and squelch rumors, the spokesman said.
The Yeonpyeong attack was the first direct artillery assault on South Korea since the Korean War ended in 1953.
Studying the Leadership in North Korea
The following site gives a good picture of the North Korean personalities at play in the present times: http://nkleadershipwatch.wordpress.com/kim-family/
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Myanmar / Burma and Aung San Sui Kyi
Read Widely
The News Sources I usually use are: Xinhua China, SBS Australia, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, CNN, BBC and Radio France Internationale. These are my 'standard' info sources although the China Daily, The Bangkok Post and smaller info services from South East and North Asia are sometimes used, as are first-hand reports from people I know in SE Asia and in NE China. I'll usually mention the source.
Radio France Internationale regarding the rationale for the North Korean approach
Radio France Internationale - English Service This week's NKorean shelling came after Pyongyang's troops got jittery because of a US-SKorea military exercise, including four hours of live shelling, according to S Korean analyst Noh Jong-soon whose view varies from the predominant media coverage.
from Xinhua regarding the escalation between DPRK and ROK
DPRK accuses U.S. of misrepresenting shelling incident, warns of retaliation against S.Korea
English.news.cn 2010-11-25 12:03:59 FeedbackPrintRSS
PYONGYANG, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The military of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday blamed the United States for "misrepresenting" the shelling incident, warning of retaliations if there are more "military provocations" by South Korea.
"Korean People's Army will deal without hesitation the second and third strong physical retaliatory blow" in that case, the Panmunjom Mission of the Korean People's Army said in a notice sent to the U.S.forces in South Korea, according to the official KCNA news agency.
The KCNA blamed the United States for its attempt to misrepresent the shelling incident, "while thoughtlessly shielding the south Korean puppet forces who dared make a preempt shelling at the DPRK."
The exchange of artillery fire on Tuesday between the two sides killed four people.
In the notice, the DPRK army said the situation goes to prove that it is the South Korean forces "which actually violated the Armistice Agreement and it was none other than the U.S. which sparked off the conflict in the above-said waters."
The United States has publicly voiced support for South Korea after the shellings, pledging to protect South Korea and would stand "shoulder to shoulder" with the Asian ally.
The shelling incident has escalated the already-tense situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Pyongyang and Seoul have blamed each other for setting off the artillery attacks.
In the notice, the DPRK military reiterated its claim that it's South Korea fired shells into DPRK territories without announcement while staging military exercises, straining the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
South Korea has reinforced the security forces in the area and ordered extra troops deployed on islands near the DPRK side on Thursday.
The latest clash was seen as an omen of further deterioration of the situation on the Peninsula following a longtime stall of the six-party talks and the sinking of a South Korean warship in late March.
English.news.cn 2010-11-25 12:03:59 FeedbackPrintRSS
PYONGYANG, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The military of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday blamed the United States for "misrepresenting" the shelling incident, warning of retaliations if there are more "military provocations" by South Korea.
"Korean People's Army will deal without hesitation the second and third strong physical retaliatory blow" in that case, the Panmunjom Mission of the Korean People's Army said in a notice sent to the U.S.forces in South Korea, according to the official KCNA news agency.
The KCNA blamed the United States for its attempt to misrepresent the shelling incident, "while thoughtlessly shielding the south Korean puppet forces who dared make a preempt shelling at the DPRK."
The exchange of artillery fire on Tuesday between the two sides killed four people.
In the notice, the DPRK army said the situation goes to prove that it is the South Korean forces "which actually violated the Armistice Agreement and it was none other than the U.S. which sparked off the conflict in the above-said waters."
The United States has publicly voiced support for South Korea after the shellings, pledging to protect South Korea and would stand "shoulder to shoulder" with the Asian ally.
The shelling incident has escalated the already-tense situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Pyongyang and Seoul have blamed each other for setting off the artillery attacks.
In the notice, the DPRK military reiterated its claim that it's South Korea fired shells into DPRK territories without announcement while staging military exercises, straining the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
South Korea has reinforced the security forces in the area and ordered extra troops deployed on islands near the DPRK side on Thursday.
The latest clash was seen as an omen of further deterioration of the situation on the Peninsula following a longtime stall of the six-party talks and the sinking of a South Korean warship in late March.
Balance and Non-Intervention
I think the important thing with the current escalation of angst between the DPRK North and the ROK South of Korea is that this is old business between very angry brothers who have a long history of strife. Both sides look towards a future unification and perhaps this unification can only arise after some awful struggle. If the other players (US/Japan and China) keep some distance and just let these guys work things out, well, that would be best. The last time East-West got involved it just created a broken hateful situation which persists to this day. You don't unite by division. I hope the Koreans work this out -it's their job and it's their business, and no one elses.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Warning from Russia
MOSCOW, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Russia said Tuesday it was important to prevent any escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula following news reports on exchange of fires between Pyongyang and Seoul.
"Importantly, this should not escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula," an unnamed foreign ministry official was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying.
So far all related news reports were originated from South Korea, said the official, and one should wait until the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) makes official comments on the issue.
Earlier in the day, South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the DPRK fired scores of artillery onto a South Korean island and also into waters off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula near a tense maritime border. Media reports said one South Korean soldier had been killed by the artillery fire, and South Korea fired back in response.
The exchange of fire came when South Korea was engaged in massive annual military exercises involving some 70,000 troops, launched Monday and scheduled to last through Nov. 30.
Editor: Xiong Tong
"Importantly, this should not escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula," an unnamed foreign ministry official was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying.
So far all related news reports were originated from South Korea, said the official, and one should wait until the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) makes official comments on the issue.
Earlier in the day, South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the DPRK fired scores of artillery onto a South Korean island and also into waters off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula near a tense maritime border. Media reports said one South Korean soldier had been killed by the artillery fire, and South Korea fired back in response.
The exchange of fire came when South Korea was engaged in massive annual military exercises involving some 70,000 troops, launched Monday and scheduled to last through Nov. 30.
Editor: Xiong Tong
DPRK and ROK exchange fire
BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said China has noticed reports about the allegedly exchange of fire between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Tuesday, urging related sides to do things conducive to peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula.
"We have noticed related reports and are concerned about the issue. The real situation needs to be confirmed," said spokesman Hong Lei at a regular briefing.
"We hope related parties to do things conductive to peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula," Hong Lei said.
One ROK soldier was killed and 13 others were injured when the DPRK fired Tuesday scores of artillery onto a ROK island and also into waters off the west coast of the Korean peninsula near a tense maritime border, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.
Reportedly fired at 2:34 p.m. local time, some shells landed on ROK's Yeonpyeong Island and local residents are currently moving to shelters.
ROK fired back in response, and the military is now put on a heightened alert, officials said. It also deployed fighter jets to the west sea, according to Seoul's Yonhap News Agency.
"We have noticed related reports and are concerned about the issue. The real situation needs to be confirmed," said spokesman Hong Lei at a regular briefing.
"We hope related parties to do things conductive to peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula," Hong Lei said.
One ROK soldier was killed and 13 others were injured when the DPRK fired Tuesday scores of artillery onto a ROK island and also into waters off the west coast of the Korean peninsula near a tense maritime border, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.
Reportedly fired at 2:34 p.m. local time, some shells landed on ROK's Yeonpyeong Island and local residents are currently moving to shelters.
ROK fired back in response, and the military is now put on a heightened alert, officials said. It also deployed fighter jets to the west sea, according to Seoul's Yonhap News Agency.
clash
real clash in north asia: brothers from north and south korea have begun to fight again. this can very easily change the whole world.
Monday, 22 November 2010
Frogs
Some people seek to belong so much, so deeply, that they begin to live in small spaces that accommodate this desire completely.
The small minded frog in the dark well looking up at the sky says: 'This is all mine, so I belong here.'
The open minded frog who has escaped the narrow well by choice and suctioned action says: 'None of this is mine; so I belong anywhere I choose.'
Still, we are all frogs.
The small minded frog in the dark well looking up at the sky says: 'This is all mine, so I belong here.'
The open minded frog who has escaped the narrow well by choice and suctioned action says: 'None of this is mine; so I belong anywhere I choose.'
Still, we are all frogs.
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Monday, 1 November 2010
Information about the Communist Party of China
Organizations of the Communist Party of China
Political Bureau:
Members of Standing Committee of Political Bureau: Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xijinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang, Zhou Yongkang.
Members of Political Bureau (alphabetically listed): Bo Xilai, Guo Boxiong, He Guoqiang, Hu Jintao, Hui Liangyu, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Li Keqiang, Li Yuanchao, Liu Qi, Liu Yandong (female), Liu Yunshan, Wang Gang, Wang Lequan, Wang Qishan, Wang Yang, Wang Zhaoguo, Wen Jiabao, Wu Bangguo, Xi Jinping, Xu Caihou, Yu Zhengsheng, Zhang Dejiang, Zhang Gaoli, Zhou Yongkang.
Central Military Commission: Chairman: Hu Jintao; Vice Chairmen: Xi Jinping, Jinping, Guo Boxiong, Xu Caihou; Members: Liang Guanglie, Chen Bingde, Li Jinai, Liao Xilong, Chang Wanquan, Jing Zhiyuan, Wu Shengli, Xu Qiliang.
Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC: ?
Central Committee of the CPC
Total Members of Central Committee: 204 (Full List)
Total Alternate Members of Central Committee: 167 (Full List)
Total Members of Central Disciplinary Committee: 127 (Full List)
Total Members of CPC in 2007: 73.36 million (Among these members 71.8% under 35 years old, 31.9% are female members; 7.1% Ethnic Minorities, (Data collected in Oct. 2007)
The Major Organizations Under Central Committee:
International Liaison Department (Chief: Wang Jiarui)
United Front Work Department (Chief: DU Qinglin ) (website is in Chinese)
Organization Department (Chief: Li Yuanchao)
Propaganda Department (Chief: Liu Yunshan)
Party Central Academy (President: Zeng Qinghong)
Total Number of Branches: Over 3.3 millions (grass-roots branches)
Political Bureau:
Members of Standing Committee of Political Bureau: Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xijinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang, Zhou Yongkang.
Members of Political Bureau (alphabetically listed): Bo Xilai, Guo Boxiong, He Guoqiang, Hu Jintao, Hui Liangyu, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Li Keqiang, Li Yuanchao, Liu Qi, Liu Yandong (female), Liu Yunshan, Wang Gang, Wang Lequan, Wang Qishan, Wang Yang, Wang Zhaoguo, Wen Jiabao, Wu Bangguo, Xi Jinping, Xu Caihou, Yu Zhengsheng, Zhang Dejiang, Zhang Gaoli, Zhou Yongkang.
Central Military Commission: Chairman: Hu Jintao; Vice Chairmen: Xi Jinping, Jinping, Guo Boxiong, Xu Caihou; Members: Liang Guanglie, Chen Bingde, Li Jinai, Liao Xilong, Chang Wanquan, Jing Zhiyuan, Wu Shengli, Xu Qiliang.
Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC: ?
Central Committee of the CPC
Total Members of Central Committee: 204 (Full List)
Total Alternate Members of Central Committee: 167 (Full List)
Total Members of Central Disciplinary Committee: 127 (Full List)
Total Members of CPC in 2007: 73.36 million (Among these members 71.8% under 35 years old, 31.9% are female members; 7.1% Ethnic Minorities, (Data collected in Oct. 2007)
The Major Organizations Under Central Committee:
International Liaison Department (Chief: Wang Jiarui)
United Front Work Department (Chief: DU Qinglin ) (website is in Chinese)
Organization Department (Chief: Li Yuanchao)
Propaganda Department (Chief: Liu Yunshan)
Party Central Academy (President: Zeng Qinghong)
Total Number of Branches: Over 3.3 millions (grass-roots branches)
Mishima's Spring Snow.27 pages into Spring Snow, the first of Yukio Mishima's Cycle of Novels under the banner The Sea of Fertility. He's a lovely writer of the lost time and cultures he knew and loved so well. He shows the etiquette and form whilst also bringing through the underlying passions of the experience of 'being'. I'll comment more as time and pages go by.
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