'China gift of pandas ‘an insult’ to Taiwan'

[s0nny80y]

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/6a4a720c-7ee5-11da-a6a2-0000779e2340.html


'China gift of pandas ‘an insult’ to Taiwan'
By Mure Dickie in Beijing and Kathrin Hille in Taipei
Published: January 6 2006 19:10 | Last updated: January 6 2006 19:10

China’s “panda diplomacy” threatened to backfire on Friday after its offer to rival Taiwan of two pandas provoked outrage in the island’s government.
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Officials in Taipei accused Beijing of “disrespect” and “pro-unification political warfare” after it announced it would give Taiwan a pair of pandas.

For a year, Beijing has downplayed its threat to use force to back its claim to sovereignty over Taiwan, instead launching policy initiatives intended to appeal to Taiwanese opinion.

Such moves are usually double-edged. The proffered pandas, for example, support China’s claim to sovereignty over Taiwan because Beijing no longer gives the animals to foreign countries.

The pair, chosen from a pool of 23 candidates, were selected for their cuteness, character and compatibility after a series of genetic tests and trial marriages, Beijing officials said.

But while the Chinese and Taiwanese media indulged in an orgy of coverage, with revelations of the panda’s hobbies, star signs and favourite foods, Taipei reacted with anger.

Joseph Wu, chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan’s cabinet-level China policy body, attacked the mainland propaganda as political warfare.

“They unilaterally announce the pandas will be sent over here in June, without having discussed the matter with Taiwan’s government . . .  That is very disrespectful,” Mr Wu said.

However, many Taiwanese are charmed by the cuddly creatures and opposition parties that support reunification with China have attacked the government as obstinately obstructionist.

 

[Seanman]

Interesting. In my opinion, this shows Taiwan's insecurities about China planning to take over Taiwan more than anything. Let's see, China sends Taiwan one of the rarest gifts that China has to offer, and Taiwan blows their heads off with complaints. Its a pair of cute, perfectly matched pandas, be grateful.

 

[Robin]

I lived in Taiwan for 5 years and you can really see the independance which has been built up there away from China, there is huge hostilaty to China because Taiwan always fears that it will be forcefully taken back... it cannot defend itself alone. There are always people who see it from both sides... reunification could prove beneficial... but for which party! When Hong Kong was returned in 1997 it bought China a wealth of new knowledge on enterprise, business and retail which helped modernise china in the way it thinks... but many say that now Hong Kongs government it a puppet controlled by China giving people the feel of independance.... Of course Hong Kong was not its own republic wheres Taiwan is... it is another one of these complex issues.... personally I think Taiwan should stay the same but it may not be able to too for much longer...

As for the Pandas... yes they are cute and if China gives you one you should be honoured... but if you look at it from a political viewpoint it can be quite an insult!

 

[a6m5]

I think Robin is right on the money. 👍 Chinese government did not give Panda bears to Taiwan to show their diplomacy toward them. Remember that Chinese government repeatedly threaten to invade Taiwan, if Taiwan seek independence. Every few years, Chinese army is increasing the number of missiles that's pointing at Taiwan.

 

[Omnis]

Taiwan is fockin' pissed because they'll be forced to buy chinese bamboo.

 

[s0nny80y]

Taiwan is fockin' pissed because they'll be forced to buy chinese bamboo.

Huh?

---
The move is genius. China doesn't export pandas anymore (as gifts). China's gift to Taiwan is more like moving animals around within the same country. Taiwan is recognized as a sovereign nation. Knowing that there are tensions between the two governments, the intentions behind the gift can be seen as political bait.

Problem is, these cute, cuddly bears are winning over the hearts of the Taiwanese citizens. Hopefully that won't be a factor in keeping the bears there.

 

[a6m5]

In a way, a modern day "wooden horse".

 

[cardude2004]

Taiwan is fockin' pissed because they'll be forced to buy chinese bamboo.

It will be cheap! Bamboo grows three feet a day (I once heard).

Anyways, this is pretty interesting. Kind of a silly thing to get mad about!

 

[Omnis]

Hahaha, I'm just messing with you guys.

Anyway, this situation reminds me of when the Old Republic dissolved into the Empire at the hands of Palpatine, the newfound Emporer. The Rebel Alliance is the Taiwanese, and the promise of no more war is the Pandas. China is obviously the Empire, though. I hope this doesn't turn into a major situation.

Think of the Pandas, yall. They just want bamboo, not involvement in the political verbiage.

 

[Tornado]

Anyway, this situation reminds me of when the Old Republic dissolved into the Empire at the hands of Palpatine, the newfound Emporer. The Rebel Alliance is the Taiwanese, and the promise of no more war is the Pandas. China is obviously the Empire, though. I hope this doesn't turn into a major situation.

Your a dork.
Anyways, of course it was an insult to Taiwan. It was meant to be. Think about it, China giving them the pandas is basically saying "we know we are better than you, so we are going to resolv our problems with gifts whilst you prance about complaining." And Taiwan fell for it, hook, line and sinker.

 

[Omnis]

Actually, I should've said the rebel alliance was the taiwanese government, and the people are the rest of the galactic senate.