China stronger at 73, Kamala Harris seems worried – By Prof. Samitha Hettige

“He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.”  –  Chinese philosopher and educator Confucius (551 – 479 BC).

For over 2000 years China has been celebrating the birth anniversary of Confucius on 28^th September uninterrupted (dating back to 478 BC). Sinologists believe that it is a miracle in the history of world rites (Ref. Chinese sources).  The PRC launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013 connecting with 140 plus states and international organizations with a win – win outreach ensuring global human development. A global opinion poll among BRI partners would ensure that China has positioned itself as the North Polar Star winning the respect of all who cares for human development and lasting peace.

President Trump offering an alternative to the BRI while visiting Japan in 2017 indicates the threat, fear and anxiety US may be experiencing due to the rise of China. With the fall of USSR global power balance got a affected but with Russia under Putin and China under Xi Jinping the equilibrium has again stabilized. The QUAD consisting US, India, Australia and Japan may be categorized as one terminal of the US alternative to BRI and the submarine deal between USA UK and Australia another which may have been initiated to threaten China’s transnational shipping networks which also connects SL to the BRI mainly via the Hambantota ports.

Shallow verses of Gajaman Nona and Kamala Harris?

Sri Lankans on 29^th September celebrated the life of poet Gajaman Nona, who hailed from Hambantota area. Some literary analysts categorize Gajaman Nona’s works as shallow with no valuable messages to promote peace and sustainability in the society (Ref. literary sources). US Vice President Kamala Harris is said to be having some of her roots in Sri Lanka. Still it’s not clear if there is a link to Gajaman Nona or if she has contributed any literary works. However, she recently contributed some views which analysts feel is shallow and conflict provocative while visiting Japan and Republic of Korea. It is indeed fair for the US to feel threatened with the BRI as explained above but all those who respect International law and the role of the United Nations in maintaining global peace should respect the UN stand on One China policy which the UN General Assembly adopted in 1971. China practices one country many systems method of government and maintains the world’s second largest economy and the largest armed forces with that. Looking back at world history there are many instances where the US supported parts of populations of other countries such as Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Libya etc. to change systems of government but it’s not clear if USA would ever have the capacity to implement a similar system as One China on their grounds despite having the world’s most powerful armed forces (Ref. Defense analysis). Sri Lankans must analyze well and focus on a promoting trade with all those who promote fair trading using the platforms which comes with the Belt and Road. The PRC celebrates 73 years on 1^st October 2022 and is on a steady path towards their 2^nd centenary goal to create a prosperous socialist republic by 2049. SL also has set a target to be prosperous by 2048. Sri Lankans should remember their goal and go with good friends. Countries such as the US may move fast but it’s not clear how far such would travel?

One can walk fast walking alone, but can walk far walking together – African proverb.

Photo: PM Dinesh Gunawardena with the Chinese Ambassador in SL at the function to celebrate the founding of the PRC.

(Writer is an academic and broadcaster. Views expressed are personal and may not necessarily be the views of his affiliations).

The post China stronger at 73, Kamala Harris seems worried – By Prof. Samitha Hettige appeared first on Adaderana Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.