Of Raw Deals and the Rule of Law

By THE IRRAWADDY Monday, October 10, 2011

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But its actions should be based on more than narrow self-interest and a desire to undercut the influence of its geopolitical rivals.

Above all, China must stop riding roughshod over the rule of law when it suits its purposes, and learn to respect the rights of other countries' citizens, and not just the illegitimate claims of their self-appointed rulers.

If China, and particularly its massive state-run corporations, can't live by these principles, it can't expect much sympathy when it declares itself the victim of apparently arbitrary decisions made by those accustomed to acting as laws unto themselves.

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COMMENTS (8)

Venus Wrote:

14/10/2011

China invaded and sucked Myanmar people's bloods by giving commission under the table to those influential betrayals under the table in exchanging low quality Chinese imports. Irrawaddy is the blood of Myanmar people. Stop being a notorious Vampire.

chris jericho Wrote:

12/10/2011

"In Africa, for instance, Beijing threatened to cut diplomatic ties with Zambia .... if it elected Michael Sata, an outspoken critic of China's outsized role in the country's economy, as president. "

Is this a fact or some fabrication to make it fit with your biased editorial? from what I read, China seemed to favor the incumbent in the election because it did not have experience working with the opposition candidate while relations under the current administration was going smoothly.

And this is what I found: “But look more closely. Sata's initial steps after the election confirm the importance of the relationship with Beijing”
at http://www.chinaafricarealstory.com/2011/10/michael-sata-and-china-in-zambia.html.

As a newspaper founded by pro-democracy activists, I would expect the Irrawaddy to present truths and to uphold journalistic integrity, not to shout out some twisted facts like mainstream media in the west. Or is it what you are thriving to become?

Tin Maung Shwe Wrote:

12/10/2011

I heartily welcome the irrawaddy's editorial.
please continue your section about like this subjects.

Fred Wrote:

11/10/2011

A few years ago Burma’s leaders foolishly intertwined Burma’s affairs too tightly with China’s. Thein Sein was staring at Burma becoming another Tibet in a few generations. He didn’t reverse the trend, but the dam’s postponement is helping Burma stay independent.

Burma’s government also hadn’t anticipated the extent to which the ethnic wars, fought largely to protect China’s investments, would start unifying the UNFC. With China’s help, the Wa were isolated from the KIA, which was supposed to get the UNFC to fall apart. But then the Shan started helping. And all of Burma could rally around the dam, and were starting to do so. So its construction was halted.

Now maybe the armies can stop killing each other and we can start sorting out and re-negotiating the issues. But Thein Sein has to tread lightly with this, staring at both China and Burma’s old leaders. The mess can be fixed if it’s done firmly, but delicately.

Wolfgang , Hong Kong Wrote:

11/10/2011

EXCELLENT and much needed Comment , Thank You IRRAWADDY Editor !

Moe Aung Wrote:

11/10/2011

China of course is following in the footsteps of a more illustrious example like the US but done in the name of the Communist Party and not owning up to its new post-Mao capitalist neocolonialist nature albeit still based on totalitarian nominally communist one party rule.

It doesn't have a fleet of aircraft carriers in the Indian Ocean though its Two Oceans policy is not a secret. It probably knows the Burmese generals are ultimately not to be trusted in their uneasy patron client relationship, the Kokang Incident being a recent example. Their options however are limited as regards a strategic outlet to the Bay of Bengal, so they are bound to make the most out of a bad situation for them that affects part of their potential energy resources, and not likely to put the Shwe Gas project in jeopardy because of the current upset over the Myitsone dam.

For each side the stakes are high enough to proceed with tact and caution since both know it's in their own interests to remain on good terms.

Wallace Hla Wrote:

11/10/2011

Instead of crying over spilt milk like a child, Lu Qizhou should concentrate, focus and do some research on their protégés in Burma. It's obvious that Thein Sein's visit to India plays a major role in stopping the Myitsone project. Maybe Burma's other big brother neighbor has much more tantalizing candy to offer. Lu should also bear in mind the recent praise showered on Burma by O'Bama's administration and their hint to India to play a more positive role regarding Burma. While Thein Sein's in India his foreign minister is paying a surprise visit to China. Lu and the rest of the world has to wait and see until the last of the jigsaw pieces are assembled.

tocharian Wrote:

10/10/2011

Excellent editorial!

In this day and age where citizens all over the world demand transparent politics and freedom of opinion (not to mention Wikileaks!) the Chinese style of foreign policy based on Orwellian double-speak will back-fire upon them. Besides China will have to pay more attention to environmental and human rights issues in developing countries. This is the 21st century!