"A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin."

~ H. L. Mencken

Kim throws another ballistic dummy

Posted: July 5th, 2006 | Author: Aaron | Filed under: asia, economics, politics, world |

The 21st century will no doubt be the Asian Century, with the huge economic powerhouses of India and China dominating the globe (not to mention the emerging Tigers of Vietnam and Thailand, and established economies in South Korea and Japan). Consumption in the region is rocketing and so is military spending, with China rapidly building up its capabilities.

So news today, here, that superbrain movie-buff, Kim Jong-il, is testing more of his rockets, despite occidental warnings, is surely only going to heighten existing tensions between the Far East states. North Korea’s latest launch happened only hours before the UN Security Council is due to meet and discuss a response to their aggressive posturing.

I just wonder how long Japan can remain effectively unarmed against such overwhelming regional power? China and Japan have economic ties, but they also share a bloody history and continue to harbour pockets of fervent nationalistic sentiment. China is a nuclear power, the Korean peninsular is the most heavily militarised place on Earth, and all the Japanese have is postmen armed with chopsticks. It’s only a matter of time before the Japanese parliament votes to amend the constitution and they get serious about defence.

Mind you, I guess there’s no rush, if the industrious Japanese wanted a nuclear weapon, they could probably knock one up in a couple of hours.

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3 Comments on “Kim throws another ballistic dummy”

  1. 1 Richard W. Symonds said at 9:04 pm on July 5th, 2006:

    I’m more concerned about the US reaction - the kind of behaviour of a dangerous bully who’s being ignored (’side-lined’), while the rest of the world enjoys the World Cup together.

  2. 2 tyger said at 9:41 pm on July 5th, 2006:

    Ohh that is nasty.

    You’re right of course. The US is getting a bit miffed the rest of the world is getting on fine while it get’s its hands dirty in Iraq.

  3. 3 Jose said at 7:37 am on July 6th, 2006:

    Kim is, in my opinion, playing his cards. He is nobody’s fool and counts on China and Russia. I’m afraid the US will have to bow (behind the curtain) and deal with him. The US must by all means win Kim over somehow.