China Betrays Kokang, Ignoring Kokang Chinese Seeking Its Help

[Bussard Ramjet]

Let me just recite here one particular instance of a similar case.

I had an online friend, who is a third generation Indonesian Chinese. His grandfather came to Indonesia in 30s as a young man. When the Japan waged war on China, he like many other Overseas Chinese in the region, sent whatever they could to help the Chinese army. Not only this they felt proud when China detonated her atomic bomb. But, in Indonesia they started being persecuted. They had to change names, forget their "Chineseness" and get assimilated. They hoped that China would intervene, nothing happened (Or atleast they thought nothing happened). They were stuck. Finally, one of the worse riots happened in 1998. Loads of Chinese were killed, and the PRC didn't do anything. Not a word. My friend was furious. He considered it a betrayal. He thought he was Chinese. He thought that if PRC is the inheritor of Chinese land and culture, it should work for all Chinese, even the ones abroad. He thought they did nothing ( I am not commenting on the correctness of the belief. ) Now he always remembers that. After Suharto's regime, their is more openness. He is trying to assimilate in Indonesia, because he thinks no one is their to watch his back.

One thing I would like to ask the members here is; Do they really, in their heart of hearts, expect nothing from an overseas Chinese? Do they not feel close to him/her? Are they totally comfortable when an overseas Chinese behaves like a total foreigner and works for his native country's interests which may be at odds with China?

Somehow I think that many people do feel and expect something from overseas Chinese. If that is the case, shouldn't that also be true in the opposite direction? Won't overseas Chinese require something from PRC?

Till now I have not given any opinions, just presented a story, a narrative and asked some questions.
My own humble opinion is that if PRC wants to really inherit the Chinese culture and be its guardian, it must inherit all responsibilities that come with it. China is not a normal country, based on citizenship with nothing else to go on. Even India does more for its overseas diaspora.
At the very least, all diaspora must be given free entry and exit, without visa, and free rights to return back to the country if they want to (that is granting citizenship.)

Humanitarian relief is being provided for those who are displaced. Beyond that, China is seeking political solution to the crisis. China respects and fully recognizes Myanmar's territorial integrity. It will never intervene in another nation's internal affairs. China is a government and Myanmar is a government. China's addressee is the government, not some rebel groups.

You see, it is so easy and convenient to adopt a US-style interventionist policy when a (minor) crisis hits a country/region. But, China, due to its historical practice and foreign policy conceptualization, will continue to take the high road, that is, non-intervention.

The situation might be humanely agitating. But who really needs to make a tragedy from another tragedy? Remember the images of the crying Libyan girl on global Western media that led to the destruction of a nation and becoming a stronghold of Al Qaeda then, and ISIS, now. Can you see the result of humanitarian/ethnic intervention?

Lux De Veritas brings about the Turks in terms of Xinjiang. Well, they are jumping up and down online, but, what else are they really capable of doing? It is not like Syria where they can support ISIS and Nusra terrorists, sending weapons inside ambulances and using their humanitarian agency to supply the terrorists.

Get used to China's distinct foreign policy, folks. It has always been so, but, only when China becomes stronger (relatively), then some people rise in anticipation that China will become just another US in terms of its foreign policy. No. Give up already on your anticipation. China's foreign policy is emancipatory, not interventionist.

And the Chinese government has made clear its stance on the Myanmar issue.

***

North Myanmar peace imperative for China
Source:Global Times Published: 2015-2-16 0:18:02

Clashes between the Kokang ethnic army and government troops were renewed in northern Myanmar's Kokang region on February 9. Kokang leader Pheung Kya-shin published an open letter, appealing to Chinese people everywhere that they should offer a helping hand to the Kokang Chinese. Some in the Western media and on the Chinese Internet likened Kokang to Crimea, which spurred much speculation. As Kokang borders China's Yunnan Province, refugees often rush to China when conflicts break out in northern Myanmar. Many of them are Kokang people, an ethnic Chinese minority in Myanmar, thus drawing heightened public attention.

It's not an easy task for China to deal with the northern Myanmar situation. We now are facing a diplomatic challenge. Varied forces in Chinese society should stay sober and avoid any premature stance or interference in northern Myanmar affairs, so as not to affect the government's diplomacy.

It's necessary to make it clear to the public that there are no territorial issues between China and Myanmar. As early as 1897, Kokang was integrated into British India when Burma was part of it. The Kokang are an ethnic group of Myanmar, but as close as they are to Chinese, they are not citizens of the People's Republic of China.

There are no grounds for comparing Kokang to Crimea. Those who are stuck in such comparisons are either spouting nonsense, or have ulterior motives. Peace and stability in the border regions are in China's utmost interest. China should play a role in fostering peace in northern Myanmar and persuading Myanmar government troops and ethnic armed forces to solve the problem through negotiations. A swarm of refugees pouring into China is detrimental to the border stability of China. Therefore, Chinese efforts to urge the peace process are imperative.

China should bolster the friendship that it has established with the Myanmar government and varied social groups. At no time should China get involved in Myanmar's domestic conflicts. Forces, whether in China or Myanmar, should not drive the situation in this direction. To solve the northern Myanmar conundrum requires both fortitude and wisdom. Clashes that have plagued the region since the end of last year have caused mass casualties and plunged the people into misery and suffering. Myanmar will hold general elections late this year, and we hope these will pave the way for national reconciliation and that ethnic conflicts won't affect the voting.

China stands firm on its Myanmar policy. Speculation that China will alter its policy toward Myanmar is a misinterpretation, which will mislead the citizens of Myanmar and China. The intimacy and sympathy that Chinese society holds toward the Kokang people are not decisive elements determining Beijing's policy. A subversive change is unlikely to take place in Beijing's attitude toward Myanmar. In a country of just over 50 million, composed of 134 ethnic groups and where only some of the 29 armed forces in northern region have reached peace deals with the government, it's difficult for the authorities to tackle all ethnic problems. We wish all ethnic groups, including the Kokang, will be able to seize the opportunity for peaceful development.

Of course, no Chinese would recommend intervention. But I think, all the people who want to leave Burma (of Chinese descent be it Han or Miao etc) should be granted citizenship. You get the benefit of so many utterly patriotic Chinese added. At least, this is what those people expect of China, as their ancestral land.

 

[TaiShang]

China will respect other nations' internal; affairs and will not approach the issue from the basis of ethnicity. China is only responsible to those who hold Chinese passport, regardless of ethnicity and creed.

Some Western media makes up stories, hoping to instigate racist feelings and drag China into the internal affairs of another sovereign nation.

China's foreign policy is not based on ethnicity but on mutual respect for sovereignty and non-intervention.

I am not sure about the policy toward ethnic Chinese that flee to China. My personal belief is that, they should be given residence in China but never be allowed to compose a foreign diaspora/government, and, harboring in China, to work to undermine the interest of another nation.

It is at best a risky business. The best course of action is to heal the wound where the wound is. Therefore, I support China's present policy toward the crisis and hope a politicl solution is to be reached.

 

[Bussard Ramjet]

China will respect other nations' internal; affairs and will not approach the issue from the basis of ethnicity. China is only responsible to those who hold Chinese passport, regardless of ethnicity and creed.

Some Western media makes up stories, hoping to instigate racist feelings and drag China into the internal affairs of another sovereign nation.

China's foreign policy is not based on ethnicity but on mutual respect for sovereignty and non-intervention.

I am not sure about the policy toward ethnic Chinese that flee to China. My personal belief is that, they should be given residence in China but never be allowed to compose a foreign diaspora/government, and, harboring in China, working to undermine the interest of another nation.

It is at best a risky business. The best course of action is to heal the wound where the wound is. Therefore, I support China's present policy toward the crisis and hope a politicl solution is to be reached.

From 1st para, are you telling me that China is citizenship based state? Not a cultural based one? Do you really expect nothing of Chinese once they change their citizenship?

From other highlighted para, obviously, this is the least that your Chinese brothers expect. They should be given citizenship without much effort. Obviously it should be made clear to them that working against foreign countries interests won't be tolerated. I am sure most will be happy to simply to have Chinese citizenship. They wouldn't work against China's interests and policies.

I again think, Chinese diaspora must be given free entry without visa, freedom to do work, and citizenship if they renounce their old one and want to become Chinese again. This is the least they expect of you. Any country that is bounded by culture does something for its diaspora. Like Israel, india.

 

[powastick]

If these were to happen to Malaysia. If worst were to happen, China should not intervene and assist the exodus of the less fortunate oversea chinese.

 

[帅的一匹]

From 1st para, are you telling me that China is citizenship based state? Not a cultural based one? Do you really expect nothing of Chinese once they change their citizenship?

From other highlighted para, obviously, this is the least that your Chinese brothers expect. They should be given citizenship without much effort. Obviously it should be made clear to them that working against foreign countries interests won't be tolerated. I am sure most will be happy to simply to have Chinese citizenship. They wouldn't work against China's interests and policies.

I again think, Chinese diaspora must be given free entry without visa, freedom to do work, and citizenship if they renounce their old one and want to become Chinese again. This is the least they expect of you. Any country that is bounded by culture does something for its diaspora. Like Israel, india.

if this is the case, the country will be in a totally mess. this is not play house, this is a giant country there. We can't place ethnic identity beyond others sovereign. when they vowed to make allegiance for other nations, they are not citizens of PRC any more. Now China is getting stronger every day. If Indonesia do it again, we will send LPD there to evacuate the persecuted.

 

[kawaraj]

if this is the case, the country will be in a totally mess. this is not play house, this is a giant country there. We can't place ethnic identity beyond others sovereign. when they vowed to make allegiance for other nations, they are not citizens of PRC any more. Now China is getting stronger every day. If Indonesia do it again, we will send LPD there to evacuate the persecuted.

I don't think so. You dare not as your fellow cnleio already mention it resolutely.

His version of China only care it's own interest, regardless of humanity, diaspora, justice et al.

If these were to happen to Malaysia. If worst were to happen, China should not intervene and assist the exodus of the less fortunate oversea chinese.

Forget about China, seeking US help would be better option.

In @cnleio or @Misay' vision, What China does is silence and send them up next day to post a few more pics of China's bullet trains,or super highways or other econ achievent to impress the world.

 

[Lux de Veritas]

Below happen a few days ago.

Israel welcome Yemen Jews back, when Yemen in civil war now.

To Israel, all Jews are family members. No Israeli will contempt alien Jews and Israeli will cry if mis-fortunate happen to one of their tribes oversea.

Yemen's Last Jews Eye Exodus To Israel After Shiite Militia Takeover

Israeli PM call European Jews "Come back home, we love you"

European leaders fight back against Netanyahu's push to bring Jews to Israel | Fox News

I love PRC so much. I am always a patriotic Chinese. I feel so much for Kokang even I am a Singaporean. Why some PRC can behave in such anti human way that tribes like Indians are more sympathetic to Kokang?

 

[haidian]

China is not Israel, no comparison. over 100 million overseas Chinese living outside China, to give everyone with Chinese blood is absurd. some report say that one third of Southeastern Asian population have Chinese blood.

 

[Bussard Ramjet]

China is not Israel, no comparison. over 100 million overseas Chinese living outside China, to give everyone with Chinese blood is absurd. some report say that one third of Southeastern Asian population have Chinese blood.

I am talking about people who recognize as Chinese diaspora. Like in Thailand, while half people have ancestory with Chinese, only 5% or so are recognized Chinese who have migrated recently.

Also, the overseas Chinese are very very educated and skilled. Firstly, not all 100 million would wanna come back. And frankly, the more that come back, the better it is for Chinese economy and future.

 

[haidian]

It's better for China if they stay where they are, they contribute a lot back to China , Chinese people are born talented business people, they control the economy of all southeastern Asian countries.so it's better for them to hold that wealth for China.

 

[powastick]

Forget about China, seeking US help would be better option.

In @cnleio or @Misay' vision, What China does is silence and send them up next day to post a few more pics of China's bullet trains,or super highways or other econ achievement to impress the world.

That would be the greatest backstabbing ever. I may not like the Malaysian ruling government, but certainly we won't follow the stuff the US did to its native American. Oversea Chinese left China knowing the risk but certainly won't drag mainland into our mess.

 

[帅的一匹]

China is not Israel, no comparison. over 100 million overseas Chinese living outside China, to give everyone with Chinese blood is absurd. some report say that one third of Southeastern Asian population have Chinese blood.

Not everyone with Chinese blood is pro China, for example Aquino.

 

[帅的一匹]

if anyone bully and torture overseas Chinese, China must extend help in certain way. when China is gettin stronger, those who wanna hurt Chinese living overseas shall make sure thy will not get their *** kicked by PLA. Happy New Years to all the Chinese in this planet！

It's better for China if they stay where they are, they contribute a lot back to China , Chinese people are born talented business people, they control the economy of all southeastern Asian countries.so it's better for them to hold that wealth for China.

Chinese is controlling the two thirds of the wealth in Sourh east Asia. USA wanna take China down, only in dreams.

 

[asad71]

If China to participate in myanmar's internal affairs，Will be the same as Russia.Of course, this is not a cold, I expressed the reason in Chinese, is it not need foreigners to understand.China respects the Burmese government, Americans have no alternative.
中国，不飞则已，一飞冲天；不鸣则已，一鸣惊人。

1.With due regards to our ally and friend China, it must be said that the cunning Burmese have misled them regarding the reality with Arkan/Rohingyas. Arakanese - Muslim and Buddhist have always opposed and fought the Burmese since their independent kingdom was invaded and occupied by the King of Ava in 1784 to be followed by British colonial occupation.
2.Noting the closeness of China to the Muslims all over the world,the Rohingya leadership has announced their hope that a Muslim-China global strategic understanding will include Arkanese Muslims.The Rohingyas have only been demanding that the Burmese govt recognize them as regular citizens enjoying all rights and privileges like the Burmans. Otherwise they will continue their struggle.China's proposed reconstruction of the strategic WW II Ledo Road to link Kunming with SA may get into a mess. China's desire to reach the Bay of Bengal by land route may get into trouble.

 

[TaiShang]

I repeat China's position. The rest is speculation:

"It's not an easy task for China to deal with the northern Myanmar situation. We now are facing a diplomatic challenge. Varied forces in Chinese society should stay sober and avoid any premature stance or interference in northern Myanmar affairs, so as not to affect the government's diplomacy.

It's necessary to make it clear to the public that there are no territorial issues between China and Myanmar. As early as 1897, Kokang was integrated into British India when Burma was part of it. The Kokang are an ethnic group of Myanmar, but as close as they are to Chinese, they are not citizens of the People's Republic of China.

There are no grounds for comparing Kokang to Crimea. Those who are stuck in such comparisons are either spouting nonsense, or have ulterior motives. Peace and stability in the border regions are in China's utmost interest. China should play a role in fostering peace in northern Myanmar and persuading Myanmar government troops and ethnic armed forces to solve the problem through negotiations. A swarm of refugees pouring into China is detrimental to the border stability of China. Therefore, Chinese efforts to urge the peace process are imperative.

China should bolster the friendship that it has established with the Myanmar government and varied social groups. At no time should China get involved in Myanmar's domestic conflicts. Forces, whether in China or Myanmar, should not drive the situation in this direction. To solve the northern Myanmar conundrum requires both fortitude and wisdom. Clashes that have plagued the region since the end of last year have caused mass casualties and plunged the people into misery and suffering. Myanmar will hold general elections late this year, and we hope these will pave the way for national reconciliation and that ethnic conflicts won't affect the voting. "