[Victoria Jacks]

I agree with you Kirstjen, that it's natural for any nation state to want to improve it's economic and cultural standing both in regions close to its borders and far away.  However, it is not acceptable for any nation state to disregard or disrespect the sovereignty of another nation, especially ones that are not as  economically or militarily strong.  Countires like the U.S., China and Russia (among others) do this constantly.  In addition, it is not okay for nation states to ignore international laws, treaties, and court decisions as the U.S. and China have done repeatedly.  Two wrongs don't make a right.

At the end of tonight's lecture, Clayton made a point about the affability of the Chinese people.  I think the same can be said about citizens of any nation - unfortunately, citizens don't run the nation - politicians do - and that is why the world has always had conflict.

[Victoria Jacks]

The first document I read portions of was the U.S. Army, Chinese tactics of 8/9/2021 (ATP 7-100.3).  The second document was the “Interactive look at the U.S.-China Millitary Scorecard.  I chose the first article because I have never read a Department of Defense document before, in fact I always assumed this type of strategic analysis was top secret.  Firstly, It was really interesting to learn how similar the U.S. and China are in their military strategies. Secondly, throughout this course I’ve been asking myself “Is the USA is reacting to China’s use of soft power, economic persuasion and expansion etc.and how are they doing so”.  I understand that all nation states are well versed in the activities of other nation states, be they friend or foe, but it was fascinating to see all the scenario’s we’ve discussed in class actually on a list under “Operational Environments”. Obviously the U.S. is understands these situations (example: Expansion of Chinese influence in emerging markets, particularly in Africa and Southwest Asia), and will use them when deciding what policy to take with China, but it was fascinating to see the information presented in such a cut and dry (very military!) manner.

 

In this document, the tension between India and China was mentioned several times, and this was news to me.  The article states that … “bilateral relations between India and China are often perceived by India as aggressive” because of the border tensions. I assumed the two were strong allies. 

 

At the same time, I found the the report’s statement that “Deception plays a critical role in every part of the Chinese approach to conflict”  where “U.S. Army operational planning uses the concept of a course of action— a scheme developed to accomplish a mission” which “focuses on defeating an enemy in direct conflict” very disengenous, and indicative of the prejudice the western world holds of the Asian world.

 

After reading this Department of Defence article, I chose to look at the actual military capabilities of both the USA and China, and so I read the article ““Interactive look at the U.S.-China Millitary Scorecard”.  The article is written from a military perspective, and while militiaries are tasked with necessary defence and preparing for war, just the title of “scorecard” underscores the importance of finding strategies that support cultural understanding and cooperation rather than aggression. The article compares and contrasts the capabilities of both militaries in locations close to and far away from China.   The article highlights the preparedness of the U.S. should war arise between the U.S. and China, and this may alay fears of many here in the states, especially my students.  However, I would use this article as a jumping off point for one of our essential questions “is war inevitable?”, and then have the kids analyse the data for ways to pursue diplomacy and peace rather than war.

 

[Victoria Jacks]

In focusing on these very important environmental issues, I am struck by the fact that this global issue is continually separated into its individual culprits; the charts, graphs and articles highlight and separate national polluters, almost pitting once against the other - who is worse, how much each pollutes in this area, how much effort each puts into renewable energy etc.. Climate change is a global issue that affects everyone, everywhere regardless of how and where the pollution is created.  Where is the effort, at the level of national governments to work colaboratively with each other nations to combat climate change while still securing economic growth for all? The G-7 Summit, Paris accords etc. present the data, and come up with proclamations/solutions but then break down into finger pointing when it comes to taking action.  Scientists and citizens around the world understand that the problems and solutions are global, but nations refuse to act in that way. It’s a very myopic and destructive point of view from these polluting nations.   On saving the environment collaboration needs to trump nationalism.

[Victoria Jacks]

In the article "China's would be parents and their climate concerns", it's interesting to see that youth around the world are thinking and feeling the same way.  They have little hope for the future of "their world," and the planet.  The article focuses on China's youth, however, I hear the same thoughts from young people in the USA and Europe; they do not want to bring children into this world given the current current conditions which they perceive as getting worse.  And, similar to the opinions of the Chinese youth in the article, the young people I speak to feel  that climate concerns, while urgent,  are not the principal reason for not having children; economic concerns figure first.  I know so many young adults here (my sons included) who do not have hope for the world's future; they continually worry about political instability, wars over natural resources like water, food shortages etc.  Much like Emma, the 27 year old investor in the article who said "I always imagine the world will already be burning by then...".  My sons (29 & 31) start discussions with "your generation will be the last to have access to generational wealth and a retirement plan...."  ,"my generation will see wars over water and food supplies..."  "There's no way I'm bringing a child into this world..."   

In my classroom:  I would use this article to focus on the emotional similarities between human beings, with the goal of realizing the connections that exist between different cultural groups. The youngest group interviewed for this article was 20 years old, and everyone had, at least a college degree.   My students are 12 - 14, and do not come from educated backgrounds.  90% of my students are Latino, and 10% are black.  The majority of my students are very concerned about the environment, and the toxins being poured into their world, BUT, they still have hope for the future, and the majority want to have children one day.   I don't know if this hope is a result of their youth or of their lack of in depth knowledge of the worldwide effects of such serious topics.  Problably a mix of both.  Nevertheless, for my classroom it is a great way to highlight the humanity of foreign culture,s which they can connect to their own. My guiding questions would be; What can youth do to change these circumstances? Do you agree/disagree with their dire predictions?  How can we use social media positively to connect with others who have the same concerns as we do?  How can we start a "global action" movement for change?

One last point: Only 173 climate-concerned people were surveyed.  It would be interesting to conduct a survey of less educated people to see if they have the same concerns, and attitudes towards reproduction, in order to understand how prevalent this feeling is throughout all of China's youth.  If this attitude is wide spread, how will the government of China react?  Especially in light of the previous 1 child policy.

[Victoria Jacks]

Good Morning Crystal:  Are CEUs the same as P.D. Hours?  Thank you for the clarification.

[Victoria Jacks]

Think about how powerful that idea is of being the world's longest continuous civilization, of being an economic and technological powerhouse for hundreds of years.  That is in a people's DNA, so its fully understandable that the desire to rejuvinate China comes not only from the government but from the people as well, especially when there is so much prejudice and disdain for the Chinese from the western world.

[Victoria Jacks]

In watching the 2 part  video, "The China Dream; Tensions with Australia... Taiwan", as well as  reading the Financial Times Article "The West grows wary of China's influence game" as well as the readings from last week, I am struck by the fact that China's ancient policy of isolating itself from the outside world and limiting foreign influence has been replaced by policies which purposely set out to increase their influence worldwide, and not necessarily in a peaceful way.  I understand the quest for economic strength, but China’s actions seem to go beyond the “peaceful rise” philosophy and look more like a quest for world domination.  Has the quest to avenge the Century of Humiliation (or stop it from happening again) turned into a quest for world domination in order to assure it won’t happen again? 

 

China is the oldest continuous civilization in history, with a legacy of great advancements in science, culture and the arts. Until the 1800’s China had efficient government systems that kept the huge country united, and a well developed economy based on a huge trade network.   Is China, via XI Jinping, looking to rebuild this glorious past or is it  more than that? In explaining the China Dream, the reporter in the video explains China’s belief that the world needs to accept China’s legitimate position in the world.  I think their tactics support acceptance by force. 

 

For example, the United Front whose public purpose  is to spread China’s influence and gain acceptance, however, the various agencies under its umbrella are really used to suppress dissent worldwide.  They do this by influencing and even bribing politicians worldwide.  Seeming to offer support of independent organizations run by expats around the world, while really looking to gain loyalty and control of the organization.  The United Front also makes sure that the few religions practiced in China see the CCP as their ultimate power, and intimidating Chinese dissenters around the world. Again this doesn’t look like building connectivity, rather it looks like forcing submission to China’s communist government.

 

Also, China’s intimidation of Taiwan with military incusions into their airspace, cyber attacks, misinformation campaigns that weaken trust in the Tawanese government, economic coersion all to get Taiwan to submit to its will. 

 

It is understandable that Western Countries are concerned.

 

[Victoria Jacks]

Good Morning Everyone.  I am a 7 & 8th Grade teacher at an urban school in New Brunswick NJ.  I teach Medieval History and U.S. I.  I am very excited to take this course in order to expand my knowledge of the culture and history of China and bring this knowledge to the classroom. U.S/China relations are so important to our world today, and it is essential for our students to bridge the cultural gap, and gain an understanding that will help them become effective global citizens in the future.  I am looking forward to learning and discussing with all of you.   Enjoy the day!

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