Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979

[South]

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/ ... ever-46017


Good morning all,

Per ...

Funny: "and changed history forever"

When reading this Asiaologist type of article, be careful of Western "cultural bias"...at least the inherent kind of cultural bias. When a PLA army teaches 3 soldiers out of every company how to read maps, do not infer (when Western cultural bias absent) that the 3 new land navigators had follow-on time for R&R and 3 day passes. The 3 were teaching (trying to) other selectees how to read maps.

Although true: "generally perceived in the West as humiliating for Chinese forces", author Roblin is only writing about the military component. Concurrently with the military operations, the political commissars and their units entrenched in the area.

I have a hunch a rope used for lashing to a tank could also be unlashed. How do you say "slip knot" auf plutong wha ?

Prior to 1979, PLA demonstrated obsolete doctrine and organization. The reader must be careful here. Roblin is only writing about the military and not the political operation. The military problems were recognized.

Meanwhile, back at the Peace Corps China detachment's awards banquet ...

~ Bob
eastern Virginia, USA

I am now in the mood for ......gotta stop............

[Stiltzkin]

Meanwhile, back at the Peace Corps China detachment's awards banquet ...

1979 was a poor demonstration of leadership, this is actually quite interesting and relevant today. China has undoubtedly the greatest warmaking potential on earth, yet is severly castrated by its own capabilities and shaky fundament. This is often overlooked by most studies. Ironically, Vietnam's stance has changed over the years and the fear of Chinese expansion has steered them diplomatically towards the US.

[South]

Good morning Stiltzkin, Guten Morgan,

All valid points.

Words do, however, need to be defined. "Warmaking" includes, for example, economic warfare. Comparisons will continue forever. China's Putong, Shanghai is no equal to a Wall Street, New York City or a Europoort, Netherlands (petroleum).

Using much longer time-lines shows a sturdier socio-economic-political environment of China. The new government of China, 1949 - 1979 accomplished much of its consolidation (still pending: think of the "Unequal Treaties" claims) for a strong central government. Only a few years later, a new national economic system was started. Current events and the future are verbotten to discuss here AND it doesn't matter - because the trends are visible enough.

I do believe the world's small Westphalian nation-states, like Vietnam, Laos, Moldova, Haiti, Timor, will be absorbed into the much larger nations. Think of Bahamas also.

With a conclusion, can't discuss current events,... but it's pertinent and over 2 decades old,... At a national labor union conference, First Lady Hillary Clinton was overheard saying "It's hard to threaten your creditor".


~ Bob
eastern Virginia, USA

[Stiltzkin]

With a conclusion, can't discuss current events,... but it's pertinent and over 2 decades old,... At a national labor union conference, First Lady Hillary Clinton was overheard saying "It's hard to threaten your creditor".

Hong Kong served as the base, the role model for the Chinese economic structure, but as long as Beijing remains under the control of a communist party it will not be able to thrive, economic powerhouse or not. To set and define the standards it needs to create an environment suitable for intellectuals.

Admittedly I have little regard for the naiveté of the Clintons. The US needs better leadership in the future, if it wants to counteract the decline.

[South]

Good morning Stiltzkin, Guten Morgan......

We're under a - verbotten - restriction regarding current event.

Actually, since the 1982 economic reforms, Hong Kong was part of the base / role model. The other part is Pudong, Shanghai.

Am not familiar with Chinese intellectuals but believe they live mostly in California, USA.


~ Bob
eastern Virginia, USA