Wednesday, 23 February 2022

The 2022 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.4

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 3; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-2022-winter-olympics-opening_16.html

Welcoming The Dignitaries.

It is International Olympic Committee (IOC) Protocol. That each Opening Ceremony contains a section welcoming the dignitaries in attendance.

The previous; "Dandelion" section featured a Butterfly. In reference to that famous line from Alexander Pope's "Epistle To Dr Arbuthnot," "Who breaks a Butterfly upon a wheel?"  

A work referenced by Chinese Tennis player Peng Shuai. In her Social Media post of November 2nd 2021 (2/11/21). 

Demanding that former Chinese Vice-President Zhang Gaoli be held to account. For sexually assaulting her.

The Epistle To Dr Arbuthnot warns of the dangers of trying to hold the powerful to account. The Butterflies who dare to try risk having their bones broken on a wheel of torture.

So this seemed a highly appropriate moment. To look up at all those powerful figures in attendance.

As is IOC Protocol. The IOC itself was represented by its President Thomas Bach.

As is also IOC Protocol. The hosts, China, were represented by their Head of State. President Xi Jinping.

The most striking thing about this section however. Was that there were also other people there!

At the recent, delayed 2020 Summer games. Pandemic restrictions limited the dignitaries in attendance. 

To just those needed to uphold IOC Protocol. The Presidents of the IOC and the host nation.

Here there were so many dignitaries in attendance. It was the absentees who were of most note.

The US, the UK, Canada and Australia had attempted to lead a diplomatic boycott of the games. Ultimately being joined by only Lithuania, Estonia, Denmark and Belgium.

Particularly since the 2014 Winter games, held in Sochi, Russia. The US and the UK. Have become a global laughing stock.

As have, to a lesser extent, anyone allied with them. Such as members of the UK Commonwealth Realm, like Canada and Australia.

At the 2018 Winter games. Held in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea (RoK/South). 

That ever present symbol - the Olympic/Para-Olympic Cauldron. Was modelled on a; "War Machine" from the H.G Wells novel; "War of the Worlds."

In open mockery of the US Democrat Party's attempt to rig the 2016 US Presidential Election. Using the; "Russian Interference" conspiracy theory.

Something they had stolen directly from the South Korean "Liberty Korea" (Saenuri) Party. In it's much more successful efforts to rig the 2012 South Korean Presidential Election.

Prior to Robert Mueller and his "Russian Interference" conspiracy theory. Orson Welles' 1938 production of War of the Worlds. Was considered the most elaborate hoax ever perpetrated against the American people.

The US became so sensitive about this. They moved to distract their public from the 2018 games. 

Carrying out the mass-shooting at the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School. In the very Korea appropriate Parkland area of Florida.

At the 2020 Summer games. Held in Tokyo, Japan. The main, recurring theme was; An Intervention For Britain.

Providing the UK with an opportunity to face up to the fact. That in 2006 it just, completely withdrew from reality.

Then allow it something of a; "Safe Space." To help it explore the reasons why it just, completely withdrew from reality. In the hope of helping it to resolve its issues and begin participating in reality again.

Rather like how friends would give an Alcoholic or Drug Addict help to try to face up to their problems. Before their problems kill them.

Both South Korea and Japan are formal, declared allies of both the US and the UK.

Whereas as the US and the UK have both declared China to be a rival or, even, enemy.

So, given the humiliation they'd faced at the hands of their allies. The US and the UK were, understandably, concerned. At what a rival would have in store for them.

So the US and the UK attempted to spare their blushes. By simply refusing to attend the 2022 Winter games

Citing some vague concerns about Human Rights in the Chinese Province of Xinjiang. As reason for their; "Diplomatic Boycott."

You will notice though. That neither the US, the UK Commonwealth Realm nor the four nations they got to join them. Are not at all concerned about Human Rights for the Chinese population as a whole.

Merely the Human Rights of the Uighur Turkestan Islamic Party (TiP). An original generation Al Qaeda group, formed in China's immediate neighbour Afghanistan.

The Uighur TiP is a globally recognised terrorist organisation. Which has been merrily committing an actual, real Genocide in Syria. Since 2011.

Even before announcing their 'Diplomatic Boycott.' The US and the UK Commonwealth Realm were proudly boasting of their plans to renew their attacks against Ukraine. Attacks they began during the 2014 Winter games. 

Fun With Flags I.

It is IOC Protocol. That each Opening Ceremony contains a section.

A section in which the National Flag of the host nation is raised. The National Anthem of the host nation is played.

Traditionally this involves the National Flag being paraded into the arena by six flag-bearers. Typically these flag-bearers have some significance to them.

For example. At the 2012 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony. Held in London, UK. The then Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Ban Ki-moon was used as a flag-bearer.

At the 2020 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony. The flag-bearers were made up of essential workers who had helped during the Pandemic. Not just medical staff but also supermarket workers and refuse collectors.

Here China did something very different. Using so many flag-bearers it would be impossible to credit them all.

Initially the National Flag of China was carried into the arena by twelve children. It was then passed to a huge line of flag-bearers. Who passed the National Flag hand-to-hand.

This mass of flag-bearers was said to have been made up of people from all walks of life. 

Along with people who had been awarded special, honorary titles and medals. In recognition of their service to the Chinese Communist Party.

The majority of the flag-bearers though were made up of; The 56 Ethnic Groups Recognised by the People's Republic of China. All wearing their traditional cultural dress.

Another way to showcase China's geographic vastness and cultural diversity.

As was mentioned in the previous; "Dandelion" section. The Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics introduced us to the era of European Colonialism. 

It's ideological basis. Laid during the Enlightment Era. Its arrival in Asia. Aboard the Portuguese Black Ships.

One of the ideological cornerstones of European Colonial was laid by Bernard Mandeville. In his rambling 400 page 1714 poem; "The Fable of the Bees."

This argued that the Protestant Christian greed of the individual was good for all of society. (Wrongly) likening it to the way that the individual vices of Honey Bees held their hives together.

As a "Totalitarian Socialist" or; "Communist" country. China could not disagree with Bernard Mandeville more.

Instead they believe that society is held together by the sacrifice of the individual. Its wants, needs, even identity. For the good of the collective.

Something they have neatly demonstrated here.

Normally I would name and credit each flag-bearer individually. However that is impossible to do here. With each individual identity being crushed by the collective.

The use of the 56 Recognised Groups. Also serves as a talking point about the difficulties of maintaining this Totalitarian system.

Rather than celebrating China's vast cultural diversity. The Chinese Communist Party has frequently tried to crush it. 

Viewing such expressions of individualism as a threat to the collective and, therefore, the Chinese Communist Party.

So it is very contentious within China. Which ethnic groups are officially recognised by the People's Republic of China. 

There are at least a further 24 claimed Ethnic Groups. Which are not Recognised by the People's Republic of China.

Within that context. The inclusion of the 56 Ethnic Groups. Could well be viewed as a domestic Chinese protest. Against their Totalitarian Socialist or Communist system.

As well as a warning to nations across the World. Who seem to have become enamoured with the Progressive dream of Totalitarian Capitalism.

Arguably the political system which is really at work in modern China. 

The result of crushing of the 1989 Democracy Movement. Which arose in the wake of then US President Nixon's 1972 visit to China.

At around 18:20 on 23/2/22 (UK date) I'll try and pick this up tomorrow.

Edited at around 18:10 on 25/2/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

As the Chinese National Flag progressed its way across the arena. Attempting to crush every individual identity in its path.

South Korean viewers were able to indentify one individual. A woman wearing a; "Hanbok" a traditional Korean dress. 

Which prompted something of a Social Media backlash in South Korea. Accusing China of that most heinous of thought-crimes; "Cultural Appropriation."

The woman was part of the Balhae Chinese ethnic group. An ethnically Korean group of Chinese people who are Officially Recognised by the People's Republic of China.

As we were introduced to through the Traditional Chinese Calendar. In the Opening Video Countdown. 

During China's Warring States Period. The modern Chinese Provinces of Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Jilin and Heilong were all part of Korea.

As we learned during the 2018 Winter games. During this time Korea was actually made up of three separate Kingdoms. The; "Three Kingdoms of Korea (Samhan) Period." (18 B.C to 660 A.D)

Under the Tang Dynasty, China's fifth Imperial Dynasty. China helped unite the Three Kingdoms of Korea into a single nation. Marking the start of the Balhae Period. (698 to 926).

Balhae was then conquered by the Liao Dynasty. China's seventh Imperial Dynasty. The Korean Peninsula was then considered part of China until the rise of the Ming Dynasty. China's tenth Imperial Dynasty. (926 to 1392).

The conflict which gave rise to the Ming Dynasty allowed the Korean Peninsula to free itself from China. Establishing Joseon Korea. The 500 year period that is still considered Korea' golden age.

It was during the Joseon Period that Korea introduced its written language; "Hangul." Massively increasing literacy amongst its population. 

Prior to that the tiny minority of Koreans who could read and write. Did so in Chinese. 

Koreans continue to use some Chinese symbols alongside Hangul. Known as; "Hanja." Which can be confusing as Chinese is a pictographic language. While Hangul isn't.

Then there is; "Kimchi." A type of fermented or pickled cabbage.

Asking who invented kimchi. Is the Asian equivalent of asking a Middle-Eastern person; "Who invented hummus?"

So China and Korea do have this long, over-lapping, shared history and culture. Of which the Balhae Chinese ethnic group is the living embodiment.

Despite the likes of John Oliver and other believers in Robert Mueller's "Russian Interference" conspiracy theory. Continuing to deny their existence.

That is highly unfortunate. As this shared history is a very important part of relations between China and both North and South Korea. 

The sort of thing that a US President would need to know about. If they were trying to enlist Chinese and South Korean assistance in addressing North Korea's weapons program.

As we learned during the Dandelion section. China's final Imperial Dynasty was the Qing Dynasty. 

Its downfall was hastened by the loss of the Korean Peninsula to Imperial Japan. Triggering the Yiheguan or; "Boxer" Rebellion.

At the time the Korean Peninsula was a Chinese Tributary State. Almost a Colony of China. Koreans described this relationship as; "Sadaejuyi." 

This literally translates as; "Following the great." However it can be considered a derogatory term. Implying that China is great. While Korea isn't so great.

North Korea is built around the principle of; "Juche." Self-Reliance or Independence. Particularly from China. 

So the claims of the former US Biden regime in its Pivot Towards the Pacific. That China and North Korea are great friends. Isn't going to be believed by anyone in the region.

The respective sensitivities around things like Hanbok, Kimchi and Hanja. Can also be a useful barometer for the state of relations between China and South Korea. 

The backlash the Opening Ceremony provoked. Would suggest that certain, nationalist, elements in South Korea. Are feeling, somewhat, intimidated by a rising China.

At around 18:25 on 25/2/22 (UK date) I will pick this up tomorrow. 

Edited at around 18:00 on 26/2/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

The Chinese National Flag was heralded on its way. By a lone young boy. Playing the trumpet.

As was discussed during the Closing Ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics. As a child my maternal grandmother insisted that I learn to play the trumpet.

A trumpet given to her by Bill Brunskill. A pretty famous and accomplished British Jazz trumpeter.

So that is absolutely, definitely me you can hear. On the hidden track of the 1998 album; "Americana" by The Offspring. One of the many musical prophecies which heralded my impending arrival.

The song being performed was; "My Motherland and I (Wode Zuguo)." A very famous patriotic 1956 song. From the birth of the People's Republic of China.

It's about how beautiful and mighty China is. With its more than a hundred rivers, a detail that will come in useful later. How beautiful Chinese woman are. How big, strong and brave Chinese men are.

My Motherland and I was originally written as; "A Big River." It is just about how beautiful China is. 

However it was only released as the main theme music for the similarly patriotic movie of the same year; "Battle On Shangganling Mountain."

A real battle from the Korean War. Fought in November and December 1952. Known to the Chinese as the; "Battle of Shangganling" and the US-led UN forces as the; "Battle of Triangle Hill."

With overwhelming artillery and air superiority the US-led forces attempted to capture Shangganling Mountain from the Chinese. However the Chinese held their ground. Despite seeing almost 5,000 of their number killed.

In that context, the context everyone in China understands it in. My Motherland and I is about how glorious it is to die for China and the Chinese Communist Party. 

The ultimate destruction of the individual for the good of the collective. Rather like a Honey Bee choosing to commit suicide to protect its hive.

Although the song and the movie. Are about how glorious it is for the individual to sacrifice themselves for China. 

The dying was actually being done in Korea. Touching on the issues surrounding the historically flexible border between China and the Korean Peninsula.

Such a thundering example of Communist Propaganda allows for a discussion about Propaganda more generally. Its invention, development and application. 

Propaganda, particularly Nazi propaganda. Was a major theme at the 2014 Winter games. Held in Sochi, Russia. 

Which introduced us to the 1943 Nazi German movie; "Munchhausen." Produced by Josef Goebbels Munchhausen is really recognised as the first example of entertainment as propaganda.

Prior to Munchhausen propaganda was divided into two types; "Black Propaganda" which involved saying bad things about your enemies. Along with; "White Propaganda" which involved saying good things about yourself.

Josef Goebbels was really the first to realise. That people are much more likely to support you if you entertain them. Rather than subjecting them to a long lecture about why you should support them.

It was during the 2014 Winter games that the US launched its attack on Sochi's Black Sea neighbour, Ukraine. Just as the US have launched an attack on Ukraine during these 2022 Winter games.

The US also did the exact same thing during the 2008 Summer games. Which were also held in Beijing, China.

In scenes which are almost identical. To the ones we are currently watching play out in Ukraine.

The US dangled the promise of NATO membership. To encourage then Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili to attack two self-declared republics on Georgia's borders. Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Abkhazia and South Ossetia were established in response to Georgia's desire to ethnically cleanse itself. Entirely eliminating its ethnically Russian population.

As a result they were protected by Russian military peacekeepers. As Russia is obligated to do under International Law

So when Georgia attacked Abkhazia and South Ossetia they also attacked the Russian peacekeepers. Plunging Georgia into a war with Russia. A war that Georgia almost immediately lost.

As this issue is so relevant now. Almost predictably so. I should make clear;

The establishment of a nation state within the borders of another nation state is entirely lawful. Under the 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States. As adopted as part of the UN Charter.

This is particularly true when it is done by a minority ethnic group being oppressed by the existing nation state.

The ceremonies of the 2020 Summer games looked extensively at the era of European Colonialism. 

The Montevideo Convention and the UN Charter are the key legal mechanisms which brought European Colonialism to an end. Allowing nations to be declared within the existing territory of another country.

What is entirely against International Law. Is for the existing nation state to threaten or use military force. To eliminate the new nation. Particularly when it is done in pursuit of Crimes Against Humanity. Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing.

There is a 2011 US/Georgian movie about the 2008 war. Its title is a telling lesson in US/NATO propaganda.

It is called; "5 Days of War." It is about a war that lasted for 8 days.

The only way they could make the US and Georgia sound like the heroes of the story. Is by pretending that the several days of Georgian aggression and ethnic cleansing which started the war. Simply didn't happen.

Mikheil Saakashvili wasn't done there. In 2010 he attempted to rig the election by faking a Russian invasion of Georgia.

Using stock-footage Georgian news channels all broadcast live reports of Russian troops pouring into Georgia. Something which was simply not happening.

However the Georgian people believed it. Reservists mobilised and Georgian military units started firing on each other. Eventually I think something like three people were killed.

So if you are watching all this news coverage from Ukraine on TV. Particularly if you're in either of the Georgia's.

There's no gurantee any of it's actually happening.

Something which seems worth remembering.

If you still can't believe. That US Democrats would entirely fake claims of mere "Russian Interference." In order to try and rig the 2016 US Presidential Election.

It was a sign of Ukraine's further descent into madness. When Mikheil Saakashvili, somehow, became to Governor of Ukraine's Odessa Province in 2015.

It was a sign of Ukraine's slow improvement. When they expelled Mikheil Saakashvili from the country in 2017. Following a bizarre rooftop chase.

Mikheil Saakashvili is currently in prison in Georgia. Where he is undertaking a strange hunger-strike. Which seems to limit him only to food he likes.

According to the Wikipedia page. Battle On Shangganling Mountain can be compared to the 1959 US Korean War movie; "Pork Chop Hill." 

Pork Chop Hill tells the story of the real Battle of Pork Chop Hill. Which has got to be amongst the most famous examples of military futility.

The otherwise unnamed Pork Chop Hill was of absolutely no value to anyone. 

However the battle occurred against the backdrop of negotiations over the Korean Armistice Agreement. Which brought about the current ceasefire.

One side would send their troops to fight their way to the top of this pointless hill. Only for the other side to send their troops to fight their way to the top of this pointless hill.

All to act as a metaphor within the negotiations. To prove how committed both sides were to victory. By showing how many of their own troops they were prepared to have killed and wounded for absolutely no reason.

Unlike the Chinese troops in Battle On Shangganling Mountain. The US troops in Pork Chop are much less motivated and heroic.

I seem to remember comparing the cowardly Private Franklin character. To former US President Obama's distinct lack of desire to fight the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Private Franklin was played by Woody Strode. Who was a Decathlete before becoming an actor.

Woody Strode never made it to an Olympic games. However his nude portrait did feature in an exhibition at the 1936 Summer games. Held in Berlin, Germany.

By comparing a Chinese movie with a US movie. You can also start a discussion about growing Chinese influence in the US movie industry.

For example. I don't think many people realise the 2017 movie "Baywatch" is actually a Chinese movie rather than a US movie. 

The only real clue is the use of Indian actress Priyanka Chopra as the villain. A pretty jokey reference, in a pretty jokey movie. To China's rivalry with its neighbour India.

In 2016 Black Lives Matter got themselves all outraged. Over Matt Damon taking the lead role in the China-set movie; "The Great Wall." 

Claiming it was an example of White Supremacy and the Oscars being so White. When the role could have gone to a Chinese actor.

What they didn't realise is that The Great Wall is a Chinese movie

So it was the Chinese who insisted that the lead role be taken by a White American. The big box-office star who would get their movie released internationally.

At around 18:25 on 26/2/22 (UK date) I'll pick this up tomorrow. 

Edited at around 18:25 on 27/2/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

Eventually the Chinese National Flag arrived at the Protocol Stage. Where it was handed to a Flag-Detail made up of members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (CPLA).

At the 2020 Summer ceremonies the Japanese hosts made a point of having strictly gender-balanced military Flag-Details. With an equal number of male and female members. 

At the Para-Olympics they even let a woman command the Flag-Detail. With mixed results.

A sign of how far Japanese Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) has advanced. Since they first allowed women to join their ranks in 1977. Expanding into all roles, including combat, in 1992.

This was part of one of the big, recurring themes of those games. Improving rights for women, particularly within Japanese society.

So it was interesting to see that this Chinese military Flag-Detail was all male. As equality between the sexes is a core Socialist value

At the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics one of the flag-bearers was Valentina Tereshokova. Who became the first woman in space. After Soviet Russia sent her on a solo mission in 1963.

It was a further 20 years. Along with another Soviet Russia woman in space, Svetlana Savitskaya in 1982. Before the US decided that delicated little girls and their periods could be allowed into space. Sending Sally Ride in 1983.

So woman have always served in the Chinese military, including in combat roles. Going back to the start of the Chinese Civil War in 1927. The Chinese PLA wasn't, technically, formed until 1947.

However while equality between the sexes is a core Socialist value. It is not a core Chinese value.

Something which is reflected in the Chinese PLA. Where women only make up about 5% of the ranks and tend to be limited to non-combat, administrative roles.

Through the 2018 Winter games, the 2020 Summer games and now these 2022 Winter games. The Olympics and Para-Olympics have spent the best part of a decade in Asia.

This has allowed us to learn a lot about things which are common throughout Asia. Particularly the various strands of Traditional Asian Animist beliefs.

Central to all these beliefs is a concept that is similar to that central to Judaism. That God is the Universe and that the Universe is God. So everything in the Universe is interconnected and is also God.

Although I think it is important to stress. That none of the Asian Animist belief system have a single God. Let alone a God in a sense that any followers of any Abrahamic religion would recognise.

A hugely influential figure across all of these Asian Animist belief systems is Confucius. A Chinese Philosopher, Poet and Politician. 

Confucius lived between 551 B.C and 479 B.C. During an era of Chinese history known as the; "Spring And Autumn (Chun-Qui-Shidai) Period." Which immediately preceded the Warring States Period.

Confucius teachings; "Confucianism" were expanded on by his many students. Going on to influence and be influenced by this range of Asian Animist beliefs. 

During the ceremonies of the 2020 Summer Olympics we were introduced to the Japanese belief of Shinto. 

Particularly the Obon or; "Ghost Festival." A celebration that is easiest explained as the Buddhist concept of; "Naraka."

The belief that no-one ever really dies. They simply transfer from the dimension of the living to the dimension of the dead, Naraka. The must then journey through that dimension to return to the dimension of the living.

Obon is the few days a year where the dead are allowed to return to the dimension of the living. Albeit not in corporeal form for, essentially, a couple of days holiday.

In order to aid their loved ones journey through Naraka. Those still in this dimension honour them by sending them gifts. Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Army has got to be one of the most spectacular examples of such gifts.

Confucianism is much less concerned with this mystical journey between dimensions. Being more firmly rooted in this dimension and the actions of humans within it. So Confucianism is sometimes described as; "Humanist" in nature. 

There has been a lot of debate over whether it can even be considered a religion. Particularly between Chinese people and Christian Missionaries during the Yiheguan or "Boxer" Rebellion.

However Confucianism shares this concept of: "Filial Piety" or; "Ancestor Veneration." That you respect and honour your elders. Both in life and after their death.

In China's pictographic language filial piety is represented by the symbol; "Xiao." Itself made up two symbols; "Lao" meaning; "Old" and; "Zi" meaning; "Son."

In the Xiao symbol Lao rests on top of Zi. The old literally being carried by the son.

Making it quite clear that China views the male ancestral line to be the only ancestral line. A Patriachal belief.

Confucius himself is recorded to have written precisely one thing about women;

"Women [...] are very hard to deal with. If you are friendly with them, they get out of hand and if your keep you distance, they resent it."

That along with the fact Confucius didn't feel the need to mention women again amid his many, many writings. Certainly suggests that Confucius didn't think much of women.

Although it is known by many different names. Common throughout Asian Animist beliefs, including Confucianism, is the concept of balance between opposing forces. Probably most well known as the Taoist; "Yin-Yang."

That everything in the Universe is made up of opposing, complimentary forces. Which need to be kept in balance. 

The Chinese believe that the human soul itself is made up of these two opposing, complimentary forces; "Po" and; "Hun."

One example of these opposing, complimentary forces is Male and Female.

So Confucius' students went on to develop a set of guidelines to keep the Female force in its proper place. The; "Three Obediences and Four Virtues."

Probably written during the Warring States Period. These guidelines appear in both the; "Rites of Zhou" and the; "Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial." 

Along with the; "Book of Rites" those two books make up the; "Three Rites." The central teachings of Confucianism.

The Three Feminine Obediences are to obey and follow the wisdom (instruction) of;

1. Her father as a maiden daughter.

2. Her husband as a chaste wife.

3. Her sons or husband's family as a widow.

In short she is to obey her father until she is sold to a husband. A husband she must obey and give sons. 

In the event of her husband's death. She is to obey her sons. The eldest being considered the most senior.

The Four Feminine Virtues are;

1. Feminine Virtues in Ethics in matrimony.

2. Feminine Virtues in Speech in matrimony.

3. Feminine Virtues in Visage (appearance) in matrimony.

4. Feminine Virtues in (domestic) work. Motherhood and child-rearing essentially.

The Four Feminine Virtues go on to detail a lot of specific instructions. However they really enforce the idea that women are merely there to obey and serve men.

As with other Confucian teachings. These attitudes have spread throughout Asia. Influencing various Asian Animist beliefs.

It is one of the main reasons why Japan is so far behind its peers in the Group of Seven (G7) nations. On the issue of rights for women within society.

Despite its Socialist values. China is significantly behind both Japan and South Korea on the issue of rights for women.

One of the recurring themes of this Opening Ceremony was the contrast between Ancient and Modern.

It is the victory of ancient traditional views on women. Over the modern Socialist value of equality between the sexes. 

Which is seen as the main cause of Peng Shuai's treatment. At the hands of Zang Gaoli.

Along with the treatment of many, many, many other Chinese women. At the hands of many, many, many other Chinese men. 

Whom us westerners never get to hear about. Even if we could be bothered to listen.

So the sexual abuse Peng Shuai suffered is hugely embarrassing for China.

It is something modern, Socialist China thinks it deserves to be embarrassed about.

Something which must definitely disappear.

Either by being solved. Or being hidden away forever. 

At around 19:00 on 27/2/22 (UK date) I'll have to finish this part tomorrow. 

Edited at around 17:15 on 2/3/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

China's poor record on rights for women. Despite equality between the sexes being a core Socialist value. Is, perhaps, another example of the problems of maintaining a Totalitarian system.

It does seem as though the Chinese Communist Party, being completely indivisible from the Chinese State. Has spent the last 75 years demanding that woman must be treated equally to men.

Only for the Chinese people to completely ignore them.

That feeds into a wider debate about the differing approaches of Totalitarian Socialism (Communism) and Libertarian Socialism (Anarchism).

As China is a perfect example of. The Totalitarian system takes a very top-down approach. With the central government deciding what is best for its people. Then trying to impose that decision on the people. 

Through propaganda and mass rallies. Along with more sinister "ideological education." Both for children at school and for misbehaving adults at; "Re-education Camps." Which seem to look a lot like prisons.

The Libertarian system is focused much more on a bottom-up approach. Not having the government decide what is best for the people. But on getting the people to realise, individually what is best for them. 

Then having that change spread throughout society. The Green Blade Rising.

Totalitarian Socialism however is very afraid of any expression of individualism. Viewing it as a threat to the collective and, therefore, the Communist Party.

So rather like its ethnic diversity. The Chinese Communist Party often tries to suppress that type libertarian, grass-roots activism. Even when it is trying to promote core Socialist values.

I think Peng Shuai's original Social Media post was removed by censors in the space of about 20 minutes. Making it a very high profile example of something which has been a debate within China for several years now.

In the wake of the downfall of disgraced US movie producer Harvey Weinstein in 2017. Woman across the World began sharing their experiences of sexual abuse under the hashtag #MeToo.

This was also true in China. However there the Social Media companies voluntarily, rather than on orders from the government. Began removing any post with the hashtag.

In response to the hashtag being removed. Chinese women began sharing their experiences alongside the emojis for a bunny and a bowl of rice. A reference to; "Rice Bunny." Which in Mandarin is pronounced; "Mi-Tu."

The Chinese Communist Party's fears over the #MeToo campaign are not helped by the fact it originated in the US. 

The US has this long history of either hijacking or inventing (astroturfing) such grass-roots campaigns. In order to destabilise China.

Traditionally "Religious Freedom" is a favourite cause for such campaigns. 

With the sudden outrage of Muslims in Xinjing being just the most recent example. The similar campaign for Buddhist rights in Tibet has been running for as long as really anyone can remember.

As we learned during the 2018 Winter games. The US very aggressively promoted Christianity in South Korea. To counter the aggressive atheism of Chinese Communism.

Through groups like the Unification Church, the; "Moonies." The US were so aggressive in this that they caused a fundamental shift in South Korean society. 

Away from South Korea's traditional Asian Animist belief of Taoism. Despite the Taoist Yin-Yang symbol being at the centre of the South Korean flag.

In retaliation the Communist Second World nations. Particularly Soviet Russia had a long history of hijacking or astroturfing grass-roots campaigns based around Socialist values. In order to destabilise First World nations.

Despite US Democrats current hysteria about; "Russian Interference." Most of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's and the Women's Liberation movement of the 1970's were driven by Soviet Russia.

The starting gun of the US Civil Rights movement was really fired by Lee Harvey Oswald. Through the head of Democrat US President John F. Kennedy. Lee Harvey Oswald certainly had significant links to Soviet Russia.

So the inclusion of Peng Shuai. As such a central part of China's hosting of these games. Seems to show a growing understanding within China.

That perhaps they should be more willing to allow women to share their experiences of sexual abuse. Both online and in the real world.

Provided those women don't make the mistake of affiliating themselves with the US campaign. Or mentioning figures as senior within the Chinese Communist Party as Zhang Gaoli.

It is, after all. Furthering a core Socialist value.

The differing approaches to Libertarianism and Totalitarianism. Not only apply to Libertarian Socialism and Totalitarian Socialism.

They can also be applied to Libertarian Capitalism and Totalitarian Capitalism. Arguably the system that is really at work in modern China.

It can also apply to any attempt to affect change with society.

One that I've been particularly involved in over the years. Is the expansion of rights for gay people within society. 

Particularly in the west that seems to have morphed into the current fashion for Transgender rights

An issue that the slower nations thought was relevant to the Olympic/Para-Olympic movement. At the 2020 Summer games.

Perhaps one of the cruellest pranks the Communist Second World ever played on the Capitalist First World. Was the ideology of; "Liberalism." 

As we learned during the Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics. In the; "Corona Of Serfdom" section. 

Liberalism emerged as a response to the 1970's collapse of the Keynesian Consensus. Which had long been predicted by the Austria School.

At the time the Cold War was being fought as a battle of ideologies. Between the Libertarian First World and the Totalitarian Second World.

So the Second World plotted to undercut the First World's position. By tricking it into adopting a Totalitarian ideology. Which they ironically named; "Liberalism."

Western gay-rights activists have particularly fallen into the trap of Liberalism

Attempting to seize positions of power. Such as in government, the judiciary, the education system and the media, both old and new.

Then trying to use those positions of power to impose their values on people. From the top-down. 

Forgetting that universal truth. That there is no government, court or law that can force someone to be your friend.

This is a particular problem in the current fashion for Transgender rights. Particularly within the Olympic/Para-Olympic movement.

As Soviet Russia demonstrated with their space program. As China demonstrated with their People's Liberation Army. There really only a handful of areas where a person's gender actually matters.

However elite sport is one of those areas where it actually matters.

So it seems strange for Transgender rights activists to choose that as their battle ground. A hill on which they will certainly die.

As you would expect in nation. Where the sacrifice of the individual is considered essential for the good of the collective. A patriotic duty, indivisible from the good of the Party.

A Totalitarian system. Which uses mass rallies to impose the collective good of the Party onto the population.

The National Anthem of China; "The March of the Volunteers" was sung en mass. By all of the specially selected volunteers gathered in the stadium.

It is possible some Japanese viewers could have found this offensive. As the full title is; "The March of the Anti-Manchukuo, Counter-Japanese Volunteers."

I though get the impression the Chinese hosts were being slightly ironic.

The original version was written in the spring of 1934. The lyrics were changed in 1981. To explicitly reference the 1935 "Long March" (Changzheng).

The Long March was a key campaign of the Chinese Civil War. It was Mao Zedong's leadership in that campaign which saw him rise to prominence.

Allowing him to become Chairman Mao, chairman of the Chinese Communist Party in 1943. Then President of China from 1949 until his death in 1976.

The Long March was a retreat. Chinese Communist forces were nearly encircled by Chinese Nationalist (Kuomintang) forces. In the Province of Kiangsi, now known as Jiangxi.

However the Chinese Communist forces were able to avoid total defeat. By mounting a 370 day, 9,000km (5,600) mile retreat. In a counter-circle around their encirclement.

So every performance of the Chinese National Anthem since 1981. Particularly this one.

Does sound a bit like a celebration of the retreat of Chairman Mao. Along with his very Totalitarian, Maoist interpretation of Communism.

It was in 1972 that US President Nixon visited China. Fundamentally changing the relationship between the two nations.

To be continued in Part 5.

17:55 on 2/3/22 (UK date).

Wednesday, 16 February 2022

The 2022 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.3

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 2; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-2022-winter-olympics-opening_10.html

The entire section was inspired by the song; "Dandelion." By the British band The Rolling Stones.

As was discussed throughout 2020 and 2021. When there really wasn't a lot else going on.

Almost all western Rock and Pop music can trace its roots back to Jazz and Blues music. Which came into being amongst Black American communities in the 1920's and 1930's.

Part of the reason why this history of music has been such a popular talking point. Is that it serves as a useful device. To discuss the differing fortunes of Black Americans following the US Civil War (1861-1865).

The victorious Republican Party abolished Slavery across the nation. 

So Black Americans in Republican controlled Northern States enjoyed the same legal protections as everyone else. Allowing them to flourish, doing things like inventing Jazz and Blues music.

However the defeated Democrats imposed segregation and so-called; "Jim Crow" laws. Meaning Black Americans in Democrat controlled Southern States continued to be oppressed. By Slavery in all but name.

Jazz and Blues music were really the first forms of music to be recorded. Pressed onto vinyl records that people could listen to without the musicians being present.

These records were exported far and wide. Where a new generation of musicians learned by play their instruments by copying the records.

The Rolling Stones are a prime example of this

A lot of their early work are covers of songs you would normally think of as Black American Soul music. Such as Chuck Berry's "Carol" or Rufus Thomas' "Walking The Dog." 

I actually have some songs by The Rolling Stones on my mp3 player. Along with the original songs they were covering.

So when my mp3 player is set to; "shuffle." It often has me listening to the first few bars and thinking; "Oh it's John Lee Hooker." 

Only for a few more bars to play and me realising that it's The Rolling Stones. Meaning, unfortunately for them. In my head they're now known as; "Oh, just the Rolling Stones."

During the birth of Jazz and Blues music the recreational use of hard drugs was widespread. Particularly in western society and, really, globally.

The British Empire actually fought not one, but two wars with China. To force Chinese people to recreationally use Opium grown in India. That was then the Company State of the British East India Company.

The First Opium War (1839-1842). The Second Opium War (1856-1860).

My maternal grandfather was a Doctor. When his wife, my grandmother, died. We were clearing out her house and found a collection of 19th Century medical textbooks. Belonging to his father, also a Doctor.

The recommended treatment for literally every condition. Was either Opium or Cocaine.

You didn't need a Doctor to diagnose your condition, let alone prescribe these drugs. You could just walk into any shop and buy them.

The original recipe for the popular soft-drink Coca-Cola was pretty much just Cocaine. While Dr Peppers was originally a Cocaine laced; "Brain Tonic."

At the risk of a tangent. I've recently been watching the US TV show; "The Knick." Which touches on many of these topics. Particularly the role of Chinese people in US Opium Dens. A result of the Opium Wars.

This is how medicine was being practiced during the 1918 Flu Pandemic. It is almost completely unrecognisable from how medicine is practiced now.

The Knick actually tells a version of the story of Mary Mallon aka; "Typhoid Mary." 

The battle to get people to realise. That illness is caused by this new invention; "Germs." People can be infected and infect others with those germs. Without becoming ill themselves.

The; "Asymptomatic Transmission" we're all now very familiar with.

So it is hard not to wonder. How the global response to COVID-19 has managed to be worse than the response to the 1918 Flu?

America only made the use of Opium and Cocaine illegal in 1935. When the 1919 International Opium Convention was adopted as US Law.

More than 20 years after America made Marijuana illegal. More 15 years after America made Alcohol illegal. Three years after they made Alcohol legal again.

Britain moved a little more quickly. Making Opium and Cocaine illegal with the 1920 Dangerous Drugs Act.

Amid the affluence which followed the Second World War. These things called; "Teenagers" were invented in western societies.

Rather than being forced straight out to work. They had the luxury of sitting around. 

Listening to music. Teaching themselves to play musical instruments. 

Racing each other on Motorscooters and Motorbikes. The; "Mods & Rockers." Made famous by the 1979 British movie; "Quadrophenia."

Around this time new, synthetic drugs were becoming available. Which these teenagers would use recreationally. Mainly LSD and that Team USA favourite, Amphetamines.

Britain made these drugs illegal with the; "Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act of 1964."

This brought them into the wider public consciousness for the first time. Triggering something of a moral panic. Particularly their use by popular musicians.

This moral panic was fuelled by the new breed of tabloid newspapers. Particularly the "News of the World."

In February 1967 the News of the World ran a story accusing The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger of taking drugs - Marijuana, LSD and, essentially Amphetamines. Prompting Mick Jagger to sue the newspaper for libel.

Later than same month police raided the home of The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. Arresting him, Mick Jagger and members of their entourage for drug use.

The Rolling Stones and their fans claim. That the News of the World colluded with the police to organise the raid. Retaliation for Mick Jagger suing them for libel.

However The Rolling Stones were on a lot of drugs at the time. Drugs which are well known to induce paranoia.

The Rolling Stones arrest was a massive story. Running all the way up to their trial in May 1967.

Although convicted The Rolling Stones found support from an unusual source. The then very conservative, very Establishment; "The Times" newspaper.

Its then editor William Rees-Mogg wrote an editorial criticising the jail sentences handed down. Invoking the quote; "Who breaks a butterfly upon a wheel" from British poet Alexander Pope's "Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot."

William Rees-Mogg is the father of Jacob Rees-Mogg. Probably one of Britain's most recognisable politicians. Having inherited his father's love of obscure, lyrical, historical references.

The campaign was a success. With Mick Jagger and Keith Richard's prison sentences being commuted to Conditional Discharges.

In August 1967 The Rolling Stones released the song; "We Love You." As almost a protest song against their treatment. 

They were joined on the song by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. From their huge rivals; "The Beatles." 

Dandelion is the B-side to We Love You.

Alexander Pope's Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot is about the dangers of holding the powerful to account. Dr Arbuthnot is warning Pope not to do it. Otherwise he'll have his bones broken on the Wheel of St Catherine. 

The Wheel of St Catherine is a Medieval torture device. It is commemorated with the; "Catherine Wheel" firework. 

Particularly in Britain. Where fireworks are used in the November "Bonfire Night" celebration of the torture and execution of Guy Fawkes and his anti-Monarchy revolutionaries.

More recently the language of Epistle to Dr Arbuthnot was also invoked by Chinese Tennis star Peng Shuai. In her November 2nd 2021 (2/11/21) Social Media post.

In which Peng Shuai tried to hold the former Chinese Vice-President Zhang Gaoli to account. For sexually assaulting her.

Peng Shuai acknowledged the risks that she was taking. Comparing herself to a moth flying towards a flame. An egg about to be broken upon a rock.

So this section confirms.

That while Peng Shaui's allegations are most probably true. Peng Shaui is not considered a threat to China. Peng Shaui's actions are a deliberate part of China's hosting of the 2022 games.

Rather like the scandals that surrounded Japan's 2021 Olympic Opening Ceremony. Particularly former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori being forced to resign over his attitudes towards women.

Something I covered in the section of that Opening Ceremony. That I entitled; "Media Clowns I."

So all the people who've been asking; "Where is Peng Shuai?"

She was right there. At the very start of the Opening Ceremony. 

In the year before the drugs arrest The Rolling Stones released the 1966 album "Aftermath." Featuring one of their most famous songs; "Paint It Black."

Due to it being included in the 1987 movie; "Full Metal Jacket." Paint It Black is synonymous with the US' Vietnam War (1965-1973). Which is not to be confused with France's Vietnam War (1946-1954).

You'll have to ask the people behind Full Metal Jacket. Why they included Paint It Black on the soundtrack.

However it is primarily a song about LSD. The crushing, agonising, paranoid headache you get when LSD wears off. An almost Migraine where all the colours are too bright and all the noises are too loud.

Amongst conscripted, demoralised US troops during the Vietnam War. Drug abuse, particularly LSD and Opium, was widespread. Leading many to liken the entire experience to an LSD; "Bad Trip" for America as whole.

Paint It Black was also written during the first years of the US' Vietnam War. It seems to bear certain musical similarities to the; "Humming Chorus." From the Giacomo Puccini opera "Madama Butterfly."

Madama Butterfly is set in Japan. During the era of Commodore Perry's Black Ships. It is about a love affair between a Japanese woman (Butterfly) and one of the US sailors (Pinkerton) from the Black Ships.

After Butterfly falls pregnant with their son. Pinkerton abandons her. The Humming Chorus is Butterfly trying to soothe the child as she awaits Pinkerton's return.

In 1989 Madama Butterfly was re-worked as the musical; "Miss Saigon." Transferring to the story to Vietnam. 

Using Pinkerton's abandonment of Butterfly as a metaphor for America's abandonment of the Vietnamese. Particularly during the chaotic 1975 Fall of Saigon.

The US' Vietnam War, probably more than anything else. Defines the current relationship between the US and China.

As we learned during the Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics. In a section I entitled; "Fun With Flags I."

Imperial Japan decided to expand its Empire by invading China. Sparking the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945).

At the time China was allied with America, Britain and Soviet Russia. So in its war with China Imperial Japan allied itself with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.  

Although there were many other factors at play. Such as Nazi Germany's expansion across Europe. The Second Sino-Japanese War ended up becoming the Second World War.

So if you ask an American when the Second World War started they'll probably tell you 1942. If you ask a European person they'll probably tell you 1939.

If you ask a Chinese or Japanese person. They'll tell you it started in 1937.

At around 18:00 on 16/2/22 (UK date) I'll have to pick this up tomorrow. 

Edited at around 18:00 on 17/2/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

The Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics also introduced us to the era of European Colonialism.

It's ideological basis. It's expansion to Asia. Aboard the Portuguese Black Ships.

At the time of the Second Sino-Japanese War. Vietnam was a French Colony. Made up of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and the modern Chinese Province of Guangdong this was known as; "French Indochina."

In 1940 Japan invaded French Indochina. In order to open up a southern front in the Second Sino-Japanese War. 

As the Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics also taught us. In a section I entitled; "Harmonised Chequered (Ichimastu Moro)."

China's defeat by the British Empire in the First Opium War. Led to the creation of the; "Shanghai International Settlement." In what is now, broadly, the Chinese city of Shanghai.

Created by the Treaty of Nanking (1843) the Shanghai International Settlement was a rather unique arrangement. It wasn't a full British Colony. Like Hong Kong was a British Colony.

It saw Chinese people and westerners living together. The Chinese people were bound by Chinese law. While the westerners were bound by laws made by the British administered Shanghai Municipal Council.

This created a very lawless, hedonistic place. The policing of which fell to the Shanghai Municipal Police (SMP).

The Shanghai Municipal Police attracted police officers from across the British Empire. Such as the British South African Police and the North Rhodesian Police. 

Along with the Royal Irish Constabulary. Particularly after the Royal Irish Constabulary was disbanded. Following the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921). Recognised as the first Guerrilla War.

Early in the Second Sino-Japanese War the Shanghai International Settlement fell under Japanese control. Seeing many members of the Shanghai Municipal Police flee.

Two Shanghai Municipal Police officers stood out in particular. William Fairbairn and Eric Sykes.

During the Second World War, now based back in Britain. Fairbairn and Sykes drew on their experiences in the Shanghai Municipal Police and the Irish War of Independence. To develop a new type of military force. The Commando force.

The first recognised Commando force was the joint US-Canadian First Special Service Force. Known as; "The Devil's Brigade." All modern Special Operations Forces (SOF's) can trace their roots back to the Devil's Brigade.

Fairbairn and Sykes then went on to help found the Special Operations Executive (SOE). By their own admission an organisation of; "Unlawful Combatants," under the Geneva Conventions. Dedicated to waging Guerrilla Warfare.

The SOE are commonly referred to as; "The French Resistance." However the operated resistance networks across Nazi Occupied Europe.

The US were so impressed by the SOE. That they formed their own version. The Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Now known as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

In their efforts to fight Imperial Japan the OSS set up resistance networks across Asia. Including in then Japanese occupied French Indochina. 

Where they recruited a one Nguyen Sinh Gung. Know as Ho Chi Minh. Leader of the "Viet Minh" or "League for the Independence of Vietnam."

Particularly so soon after the 2020 Summer games. I think we all know that the US and its allies defeated Imperial Japan. Japan's surrender being signed aboard the USS Missouri, in Tokyo harbour.

Having expelled Imperial Japan. Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh did not want to go back to being a colony of Imperial France.

So on September 2nd 1945 Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam to be an independent nation. The Democratic Republic of Vietnam. With himself as its President.

France robustly disagreed with this. Reinstalling the French Colonial government of Emperor Bao Dai and deploying nearly 400,000 troops to prop it up. France's Vietnam War or "First-Indochina War" (1946-1954).

As we learned during the Opening Countdown Video. China experienced its Warring States Period between 481 BC and 221BC.

This was brought to an end when the Seven Warring States were united under the Qin Dynasty. The first of China's Imperial Dynasties.

The last of China's Imperial Dynasties was the Qing Dynasty. Which replaced the Ming Dynasty in 1636.

By the end of the 19th Century China seemed to be in terminal decline. Under the Qing Dynasty it had been defeated by Britain in both of the Opium Wars. 

It had also been defeated by Imperial Japan in the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895). Losing control of the Korean Peninsula. Which prior to that had been a Chinese Tributary State.

Leaving much China's territory as nothing more than colonies of foreign Empires.

At around 18:15 on 17/2/22 (UK date) I'll have to pick this up tomorrow. 

Edited at around 17:50 on 18/2/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

Immediately across the Yellow Sea from the Korean Peninsula lies the North China Plain region.

This is made up of the modern Chinese Provinces of; Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hainan, Shanxi, Heibei, Tianjin and Liaoning.

In 1898 the North China Plain region experienced a series of natural disasters. Including several droughts and the flooding of the Yellow River. 

This hardship only increased anger against the Foreign Colonialists. Particularly Christian Missionaries and the Chinese people they had converted to Christianity.

In 1899 a militia was formed amongst Chinese residents of the North China Plain. They named themselves the United Righteous and Harmonious Fists (Yiheguan).

The Yiheguan started attacking and destroying foreign owned businesses and property, particularly railways. They also attacked and murdered foreign Christian Missionaries and Chinese Christian converts.

First in the coastal areas of Shandong Province. Then spreading across the Province and the wider North China Plain region.

The Yiheguan were made up of practitioners of a mixture Chinese Martial Arts. Which was dismissively known to the Foreign Colonialists as; "Chinese Boxing."

So, to the Foreign Colonialists the Yiheguan became known as; "The Boxers." The increasing violence became known as; "The Boxer Rebellion."

Matters came to a head in June 1900. When the Yiheguan converged on Beijing, where the 2022 Winter games are being held. 

The Yiheguan laid siege to, what was then known as, the; "Legation Quarter." Today it would probably be known as the; "Diplomatic Quarter." Sitting immediately to the east of Tiananmen Square

It can't be compared directly to something like the; "Green Zone" in Baghdad, Iraq. For example Chinese civilians were allowed to live in the Legation Quarter.

However it was walled off from the rest of the city. Just like the Dandelion in this section was walled off from the rest of the arena.

This 55 day; "Siege of the International Legations" as it became known. Saw the Qing government formally endorse the Yiheguan. "Support the Qing Government!" had long been one of the Yiheguan's main slogans.

The siege, along with the Qing government's change in position. Saw the Foreign Colonialist powers form an alliance to suppress the rebellion.

The; "Eight Nation Alliance" as it was known. Made up of; The British Empire, Imperial Japan, the German Empire, Imperial Russia, Imperial France, the Kingdom of Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The Eight Nation Alliance landed a force of 20,000 troops in Tianjin. Defeating the Qing Army there before marching on Beijing. Defeating the Yiheguan and breaking the siege in August 1901.

The Eight Nation Alliance then imposed the; "Boxer Protocol" on Qing China. Considered one of the; "Unequal Treaties" this heaped further humiliation on the Qing Dynasty.

Amongst its provisions it acted as something of retroactive insurance policy. Making China liable for any damages done during the rebellion. Along with any damages that may be done in the future.

It effectively dismantled the Chinese military. Forcing the dismantling of its main installations (Taku Forts) and banning it from making or importing weapons.

The Boxer Protocol also saw more of Chinese territory colonised. 

The Legations stopped being Chinese territory, instead becoming part of the territory of the Foreign Colonialists. Chinese people were forbidden from living within them. 

They also became more heavily fortified. With foreign troops being permanently stationed there.

Qing China was also forced to allow the Eight Nation Alliance to open more Legations. Whenever and wherever they liked.

The capitulation of the Boxer Protocol really turned the Chinese people against the Qing Dynasty. What followed was a turbulent decade of local rebellions against the Qing government being suppressed.

On October 10th 1911 (10/10/1911) one such rebellion began in Wuchang, Hubei Province. This was the spark for a mass of rebellions across the country over the course of the next month.

Rebellions which became the; "1911 Revolution." Or; "Xinahi (Toilsome, Pig) Revolution." Using the Stem, Branch system of the Traditional Chinese Calendar.

On December 29th 1911 (29/12/1911) The Republic of China was declared. With Sun Yet-sen elected as its first President.

On February 12th 1912 (12/2/1912) Emperor Puyi abdicated. Becoming the last Qing Emperor and the last Emperor of China. Just five days after his sixth birthday.

Emperor Puyi was restored to power on July 1st 1917 (1/7/1917). He remained in power for a grand total of 11 days. Abdicating for a second time on July 12th 1917 (12/7/1917).

Also in 1917 the people of Russia overthrew their Emperor or; "Tsar." Replacing it with the ideology of Communism. That Marxist rejection of Economics as a concept.

Inspired by events in Russia and beyond. In 1927 the Republic of China found itself plunged into The Chinese Civil War. Between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the, essentially Fascist Kuomintang (KMT) Nationalist Party.

The Chinese Civil War lasted for so long, 1927-1949. That the Second World War was really something that only happened in the middle of it.

When Imperial Japan invaded China in 1937, the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War. The CCP and the KMT formed a truce to fight the invaders.

When the Second World War and Second Sino-Japanese War ended. With the defeat and dissolution of Imperial Japan. The CCP and KMT went back to fighting each other.

With the support of Soviet Russia the CCP eventually emerged victorious in 1949. With the KMT being forced into exile on the Chinese island of Taiwan. 

The Republic of China (RoC) became the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Prior to working with the OSS/CIA against Imperial Japan. Ho Chi Minh had been active with Communist parties in both Soviet Russia and China. Along with in Britain, France and the US.

Fuelled by anti-Imperialist and Communist zeal. Both Soviet Russia and the PRC rushed to the aid of the Viet Minh

Together the recognised the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV/North) in January 1950. Then both sending weapons and military advisers to aid the nation in its war against the French Imperialists.

By 1951 this First Indochina War had ground into stalemate. A stalemate that lasted until the spring of 1954 and The Battle of Dien Bien Phu.

French forces attempted to establish a base at Dien Bien Phu to give themselves control of the north-west of Vietnam. Cutting the Viet Minh's supply lines with Laos and China.

Completely unbeknownst to the French. The Viet Minh were able to sneak vast amounts of heavy artillery to within range of the French base. Positioning it so it couldn't be struck by French artillery on the base.

On March 13th 1954 (13/3/1954) the Viet Minh opened fire with this heavy artillery. Then kept raining heavy artillery fire down on the base for the next seven weeks.

The French base was completely dependent of aircraft for resupply. Something which could not happen due to the ferocity of the artillery fire. While the Viet Minh were able to resupply themselves with whatever they liked by land.

We refer to it as a; "Battle." In reality it was more of a massacre.

France saw some 3,300 troops killed. A further 4,400 wounded. They lost 62 aircraft and 10 tanks.

The French military very seriously prepared to use nuclear weapons. To destroy the Viet Minh positions and end the battle.

They were though talked out of it. Over fears that it would only escalate the conflict. Seeing both Soviet Russia and China also respond with nuclear weapons.

On May 7th 1954 (7/5/1954) the Viet Minh overran the French base at Dien Bien Phu. With the remaining 11,721 French troops being captured.

The Battle of Dien Bien Phu forced France into hasty negotiations with the Viet Minh. Starting in April 1954 in Geneva, Switzerland.

On July 21st 1954 (21/7/1954) France and the Viet Minh agreed a temporary ceasefire. The "Geneva Conference Declaration (1954)."

This would see a temporary line of demarcation along the 17th Parralel, North. Dividing Viet Minh forces from the forces of Emperor Bao Dai. The area outside of the DRV had not yet been defined.

This ceasefire would allow for a two year transition. Culminating in an election in 1956 for the government of a new, united, independent nation.

With that hastily arranged fig-leaf in place. France was able to withdraw its forces entirely, in September 1954.

Ending the First Indochina War.

At around 18:15 on 18/2/22 (UK date) I'll have to pick this up tomorrow.

Edited at around 18:40 on 19/2/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

The First Indochina War happened alongside The Korean War (1950-1953).

At the end of the Second World War. The northern part of the Korean Peninsula was liberated from Imperial Japan by Soviet Russia. While the southern part was liberated by the US.

The US and Soviet Russia then formed Korean nations within their respective territory. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK/North). The Republic of Korea (RoK/South).

Neither the DPRK nor the RoK considered the border imposed on them to be legitimate. In June 1950 the DPRK crossed the border to establish itself across the entire Korean Peninsula.

The US led a United Nations (UN) force to, first stop the DPRK's advance. Then to establish the RoK across the entire Korean Peninsula.

The US soon realised that if they advanced to the Chinese border. Then China would respond with nuclear weapons. 

The Chinese also realised that if they advanced below the 38th Parallel, North. Then the US would respond with nuclear weapons.

That nuclear stand-off continues to this day. With the DPRK and the RoK still at war with each other.

During the Korean War the US became obsessed with; "Domino Theory." 

The theory that if one nation were to fall to Communism. Then all the other nations would see how great Communism is and immediately follow suit.

The US were always heavily involved in the First Indochina War.

At least two US military advisers were killed in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. There French forces were acting almost as US mercenaries. Carrying out a mission the US directed and paid for.

While getting French soldiers killed. The US was also building a rival to the French Colonial government of Emperor Bao Dai. The Republic of Vietnam. Under self-proclaimed President Ngo Dinh Diem.

So when the French withdrew in 1954 it wasn't so much as the US immediately stepping in to take their place. As the US simply expanding its sizeable presence there.

The US then, almost immediately, abandoned the Geneva Conference Declaration (1954). 

De-facto recognising the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV/North). By recognising the Republic of Vietnam (RVN/South).

The US and Ngo Dinh Diem then rigged a 1955 election. To give the RVN legitimacy across the entire country. 

In the initial results Ngo Dinh Diem claimed to have won 98% of the votes. Rising to an incredible 133% in RVN's capital, Saigon.

However it seemed the majority of the Vietnamese population wanted to live under the Communist rule of the DRV. Rather than in the RVN, under the astonishingly corrupt and brutal dictatorship of Ngo Dinh Diem.

Ho Chi Minh was more than happy to assist. In bringing the DRV to the Vietnamese living under the RVN, deposing Ngo Dinh Diem.

Using the skills he'd honed under the OSS/CIA. Ho Chi Minh formed a Guerrilla force. The National Liberation Front of South Vietnam (Viet Cong).

The Viet Cong then began to wage an insurgency against the dictatorship of Ngo Dinh Diem. Across the RVN.

To combat this insurgency the US had to commit more and more resources. To prop up the dictatorship of Ngo Dinh Diem. Such as money, military advisers and clandestine SOF's.

Eventually, in 1965 the US were forced to deploy overt combat troops. Which is officially recognised as the start of the US' Vietnam War. The Second Indochina War.

By about 1966 the US realised what the French had realised. There was absolutely no way for them to win this war. 

So had to keep feeding troops into the meat grinder until they could find away to withdraw. Without it looking like a surrender.

Luckily for the US. In 1968 Soviet Russia invaded Czechoslovakia. This crushing of the; "Prague Spring" was one Communist nation invading another Communist nation. It sent shockwaves across the Communist Second World.

It created a massive split between Soviet Russia and China. There's a persistent urban legend amongst western spies that China and Soviet Russia almost went to nuclear war with each other over it.

The US realised that it could exploit this division. To firstly get China to stop Russia from supporting the DRV. Then for China to withdraw its support for the DRV. Ending the Viet Cong insurgency in the RVN.

Following years of quiet diplomacy. Then US President Nixon visited China in 1972. The first US President to do so. Certainly since the end of the Chinese Civil War.

At the end of the Chinese Civil War the US never recognised the Chinese Communist Party's victory. Nor the creation of the People's Republic of China.

Instead the US continued to recognise the KMT exiles in Taiwan as the government of the Republic of China. In US foreign policy terms. The giant landmass that everyone else recognises as China simply didn't exist.

President Nixon's visit to China marked the US' formal recognition of the People's Republic of China as China.

In a spectacular diplomatic fudge. The US continued to recognise the KMT exiles in Taiwan as China. Under what is known as; "One Country, Two Systems."

This US recognition of China as China was a success. China stopped Soviet Russia from supporting the DRV. China also pressured the DRV into signing the 1973 Paris Peace Accords.

The Paris Peace Accords established a ceasefire between the DRV and the RVN. Recognising them both as nations. Yet re-committing their re-establishment as a single nation. In line with the Geneva Conference Declaration (1954).

Crucially the Paris Peace Accords also allowed the US to finally withdraw all of its troops. Within 60 days of the ceasefire going into effect on January 28th 1973 (28/1/1973).

Britain was, obviously, very interested in this major shift in US policy. Which promised to bring an end to a war which had dominated for much of the previous 25 years.

So, by an amazing coincidence(!)

My father happened to find himself in Beijing, China. In the weeks leading up to and following January 28th (28/1/1973). The day the Paris Peace Accords ceasefire went into effect.

Officially he was there as part of a trade delegation. Trying to sell fax machines to the Chinese. 

My father also sent the first Trans-Atlantic fax transmission. Or, more accurately. He made the first Trans-Atlantic telephone call. To explain why the fax had failed to send.

All of which seems a useful detail to remember. During the Xerox-inspired "Fun With Flags II" section.

I'm assuming that most Olympic competitors are children of the digital age. Youngsters who consider email to be old fashioned.

So I should explain;

Faxes are what we used to use. Before we invented the carrier pigeon.

Ending the Vietnam War wasn't the only objective of President Nixon's visit to China. A truly seismic shift in US policy.

It was also part of a much larger policy of engagement between the two countries. Including the opening up of trade between the US and China.

The thinking was that increased trade would bring increased wealth to China. In turn creating a new middle-class.

As that middle-class grew. It would become less tolerant of the Totalitarianism of Chairman Mao and his; "Cultural Revolution." Forcing China to allow its citizens more political and social freedoms.

Initially this strategy worked incredibly well.

By the summer of 1989 this new middle-class was well established. To the point it had been able to form its own pro-Democracy movement. Which held 400 protests all across China. Most famously in Beijing's Tiananman Square.

However The 1989 Democracy Movement was crushed by the Chinese Communist Party. Ushering in a new Social Contract between the Chinese people and their government.

Rather than being a driver for more political and social freedoms. Increased prosperity became the compensation for increased Totalitarism. Totalitarian Capitalism.

In short Chinese government paying its people not to worry about things like democracy and the rule of law. Why worry about things like Bodily Autonomy and Forced Abortion? When you've got a shiny new cellphone.

Despite this huge Chinese shift in policy. The US has not kept up. Continuing to trade with China. Making it richer even while social and political freedoms, at best, remain stagnant.

As the Pandemic has clearly shown us. In part this is because there are too many western politicians who view this model of Totalitarian Capitalism as aspirational. "Progressive" even.

Western corporations certainly enjoy the increased profit margins. That come from cheap Chinese labour.

Mainly though it's just down to laziness. Renegotiating international trade agreements and supply chains is hard work. So it's easier not to bother.

The former US Biden regime. Under then President Obama did attempt to start to address this issue. Under the; "Pivot Towards the Pacific" policy.

However that policy was so terrible. You have to wonder whether the Biden regime believes it would be more Progressive to lose to China.

The Pivot Towards the Pacific had two tracks. Security and Economic.

The security track involved helping the DPRK become a nuclear state. Turning it into regional bogeyman. That everyone would rush into the US arms for protection from.

The economic track involved opening up trade between the US and all of China's neighbours. 

Providing corporations with even cheaper alternative labour to cheap Chinese labour. Removing the prosperity China uses to compensate its people. 

There are a number of obvious problems with this.

On the security track. Starting a nuclear war in Asia is as insane as it sounds.

On the economic track. Driving down Chinese wages also drives down American wages. Making Americans poorer. Well, everyone except the corporations.

Also destabilising China by removing the prosperity it uses to compensate its people. Is only going to make China more Totalitarian, not less.

The only way that will improve Chinese people's lives. Is if the US is planning to make the situation so bad. It provides them with an excuse for the KMT to invade from Taiwan, overthrowing the Chinese government.

Something the US is clearly neither willing nor able to do.

But why bother? When low wage Totalitarian Capitalism is clearly so progressive, so aspirational.

Fortunately in, technically, 2017. The US Biden regime was replaced. By The government of President Trump.

President Trump immediately did away with the insanity of Pivot Towards the Pacific. 

*Scrapping the efforts to turn the DPRK into a regional bogeyman. Instead engaging in diplomacy with its leader Kim Jong-un. Appealing to the Korean sense of humour by dubbing him; "Little Rocket Man."

This allowed for Kim Yo-jong to the attended the 2018 Winter Olympics. Becoming the first member of, essentially, the North Korean Royal Family to set foot in the RoK.

In June 2019 President Trump met with Kim Jong-un directly. Becoming the first US President to set foot in the DPRK.

An intelligent reference to President Nixon's 1972 visit to China. Although one that was clearly lost on the likes of John Oliver.

President Trump also replaced the economic track with a direct trade war with China. Imposing a raft of tariffs and trade quotas.

Tariffs and trade quotas have the advantage of driving wages and standards up. Not down.

The way that they are imposed. Then negotiated and lifted can be highly specific. Actually solving the problems. Rather than burning the house to the ground.

Unfortunately the government of President Trump was deposed in, technically, 2020. With the Biden regime once again seizing power.

The Biden regime has simply tried to resurrect all of its old mad, failed policies. Including the Pacific Towards the Pacific.

This Pivot Towards the Pacific II is almost identical to its predecessor.

However on the security track. It has stopped trying to build the DPRK into a regional bogeyman. Replacing the DPRK with Taiwan. Thinking Taiwan's militancy and aggression with drive everyone into America's arms for protection.

To give you an idea of how ridiculous this is. There has never been any dispute that Taiwan is part of China. Unless you count Imperial Japan's invasions in the 19th Century.

In 1972 President Nixon wasn't declaring that Taiwan wasn't part of China. He was acknowledging that China is also part of China.

I think we would all understand. That the US get annoyed if China started claiming Hawaii wasn't part of the US. Particularly as the KMT were actually formed in Hawaii.

On the economic track. I'm sure Americans only need to look at their out of control inflation, snarled supply chains and empty shelves to see;

It's a complete disaster.

China have spent this past year growing increasingly frustrated. At the Biden regime's inability to achieve, just basic, functionality.

If you're annoyed that you can't go into a shop and buy a Chinese made product. Imagine how the Chinese people making that product feel.

They're actually getting increasingly frustrated at me. For not slapping some sense into the Biden regime.

I though maintain. That professional help cannot be given.

Until they are ready to accept professional help. By acknowledging that they need professional help.

China is a country of 1.4bn people. Which is bound to give rise to at least two opinions.

However as with on Climate Change. I get the distinct impression that they would like the west, particularly the US. To at least try to not be so completely useless.

They want at least some competition. To force them to drive up their own standards.

Not just a massive, sucking vacuum. That they can't help but fall into.

At around 19:00 on 19/2/22 (UK date) I don't know when I'll be picking this up again. 

Edited at around 17:25 on 22/2/22 (UK date) to expand on Trump's policy*, tidy and copy & paste;

As with the Geneva Conference Declaration (1954). The Paris Peace Accords were little more than a fig leaf.

A way for the US to withdraw its troops from Vietnam. Without it looking as though they'd been defeated.

So the Viet Cong resumed their insurgency in the RVN almost immediately. At the start of the first Dry Season, December 1973.

In January 1974 the RVN declared the ceasefire to be at an end. Having sustained 25,000 casualties during the "ceasefire."

With the ceasefire formally abandoned the DRV were able to overtly resume hostilities. Launching a mass offensive against the RVN. At the start of the Dry Season which began in December 1974.

This offensive saw the DRV rapidly overrun the RVN. Reaching its capital Saigon in April 1975. Forcing the US to hastily evacuate its large Embassy complex. "Operation: Frequent Wind."

This; "Fall of Saigon" marked the end of the Second Indochina War. Establishing all of Vietnam as the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. As it continues to be known to this day.

During the 2020 Summer Para-Olympics. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), under US/UK leadership. Had to conduct a hasty evacuation of Afghanistan. After the Taliban re-established control over the country.

At the time many commentators compared this to the Fall of Saigon.

That is not an accurate comparison. The US/UK-led NATO collapse in Afghanistan was so much worse than the Fall of Saigon.

The US ended its operation in Vietnam. Withdrawing all of its forces 60 days after the Paris Peace Accords coming into effect on January 28th 1973 (28/1/1973). So May 1973.

It then took a further two years for the DRV to establish control over the RVN.

Operation: Frequent Wind was just the evacuation of the US Embassy. Technically the movement of people within US territory.

Under US/UK leadership NATO was scheduled to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan on September 11th 2021 (11/9/21). 

Having re-established control over the country. The Taliban entered the capital, Kabul, August 14th 2021 (14/8/21).

So NATO, under US/UK leadership were clearly defeated by the Taliban.

The more accurate military comparison would be the 1940 Evacuation of Dunkirk. 

When France, Belgium and Britain scrambled to evacuate their forces from France. Having been clearly defeated by Nazi Germany in the Battle of France.

It was entirely the benevolence of the Taliban which stopped the Evacuation of Kabul turning into the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.

If the Taliban had been so inclined. Then they could have easily rained down artillery on Hamid Karzai Airport. Utterly destroying the US/UK-led NATO forces there.

Since then. NATO, under US/UK leadership seems to have only become more aggressive. 

In its assertion that it neither wants nor needs my help. In finding out how they got it so horribly wrong in Afghanistan.

So I will respect their choice here.

However that was really the main way. In which the 2020 Summer Olympics just, completely disconnected from reality.

The US and the UK were all excitable at how successful they are. Proud at all the medals the IOC had donated to them.

At the same time we were all watching the US/UK-led NATO mission in Afghanistan completely implode. Right in front of our eyes.

Apparently the US/UK were the only ones who couldn't see it.

 

To be continued in Part 4.

18:25 on 2/2/22 (UK date).

 

Thursday, 10 February 2022

The 2022 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.2

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 1; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-2022-winter-olympics-opening.html

Dandelion.

This section was a reference to a section in the Closing Ceremony of the 2020 Summer Para-Olympics. Held in Tokyo, Japan.

A section I entitled; "Headaches Aweigh!" However that description currently only exists in my head. 

So it's probably best to use the title Japan gave it; "Harmonious Cacophony."

Japan's Harmonious Cacophony was actually divided into two phases, or acts. Seperated by a lot of International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Protocol. 

Here both China and I are referring to the second phase. Which immediately followed the presentation of the newly elected members of the Athlete's Council.

There Japan was mocking the ceremonies of the 2012 Summer games. Held in London, UK.

For all of those ceremonies the British hosts seemed to take inspiration from a; "Flashbang" stun-grenade. 

So they had lots of fire, smoke, loud noises and bright flashing lights. All intended to disorientate their guests.

So the floor-plan throughout the 2020 Para-Olympic Closing Ceremony was a colourless version of Britain's Union (Jack) Flag.

This was a reference to the Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Para-Olympics. Where the Japanese National Flag was 'accidentally' raised on its side. 

You would expect mistakes. What with the Flag-Detail being commanded by a woman. For the first time.

This was done to show why the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forces (JMSDF) still use the controversial flag or Ensign of the Imperial Japanese Navy. 

It is impossible to fly the Japanese National Flag upside down. To indicate the ship is in distress.

It is much easier to fly Britain's National Flag upside down. A lot of the most patriotic people, such as Northern Irish Protestants, frequently do it entirely by accident.

It would though be probably best. If I just concentrated on these games for now. Then go back to that when I'm finished.

In the centre of the Union Jack Japan had built this surreal, poorly constructed city. You really have to worry about how tiny they must be. The people who live in that silly little city.

The city was then populated by performers. In weird, hard to explain costumes. Another annoying signature of the 2012 ceremonies.

So you had performers on unicycles. Whose costumes could be interpreted as either Seahorses or Butterflies.

Seahorses do not conform to what humans consider traditional gender roles. It is the males who give birth and raise the young. Seahorses can also change gender and reproduce homosexually.

Butterflies are often used as a metaphor for personal development and rebirth. They are born as ugly Caterpillars, enter a Cocoon then emerge as beautiful Butterflies.

Particularly British Protestant Christians use Butterflies as a metaphor for Jesus Christ's Cruxifixion and Resurrection. The eternal life promised to all Christians.

Whereas other, less miserable groups of Christians. Get chocolate eggs at Easter.

Although I'm not aware of any specific use within Asian Animist beliefs, such as Buddhism. The story of the Butterfly is not that far away from the story of the Lotus Flower.

Often used as a metaphor for the journey towards enlightenment. The Asian Animist ideal of personal growth.

There were another group of performers on unicycles. Who, through their weird cloud-like hats. Were supposed to represent Pollen Spores

Some plants produce Nectar to attract insects like Butterflies. So those insects will spread their Pollen.

This image of spores being spread around the city. Was supposed to play around with the idea the Pandemic is the natural environment's punishment. For the Paris Agreement going into effect at the start of 2020.

In the 2020 Olympic Closing Ceremony Japan heavily referenced the Eurovision Song Contest. Specifically France, Italy and Ukraine's entries. 

While making a point of how far they were being forced to bend-over-backwards. Work far harder than anyone should ever be forced to work.

Just to give the US/UK the opportunity to read what I had to write. About those Eurovision entries.

When, instead. Miley Cyrus and I could just have been talking to each other directly.

Here China was making a point about how far they're being forced to bend-over-backwards. Work far harder than anyone should ever be forced to work.

To give the US/UK and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) the opportunity. To read what I have to write about the Para-Olympic ceremonies.

When, instead. The IOC could have just performed its most basic of functions. Holding an Olympic games.

As the Opening Countdown Video explained. This Opening Ceremony was taking place on Chinese New Year's Day. Celebrated in the Chinese Farmer's Calendar as the start of the growing season.

So this section celebrated that theme of pollination. By taking us through the lifecycle of the Dandelion.

Again I'm not aware of it having any specific role within any Asian Animist belief. However the Dandelion could, almost, be used in place of the Lotus Flower. That metaphor for enlightenment.

Within Traditional Chinese Medicine Dandelions are used to treat upset stomachs, diarrhea and heartburn. Along with breast problems in nursing mothers. Such as improving milk flow and reducing inflammation.

However if it is a headache cure you are in need of. Then Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends Acupuncture.

Speaking of which. The section began with performers holding long, needle-like green stems. Representing the green leaves which are closed around the Dandelion's seedhead. At the start of its lifecycle.

As was discussed during the Opening Countdown Video. Around the 7th Century BC the Chinese (Shang) people began to realise that the Sun played a role in the changing seasons.

However they believed that there were 10 different Suns. Which would all appear in a slightly different position each day. The 10 days of the week.

They referred to these different Suns as; "Heavenly Stems" or; "Tiangan."

Although the Chinese now know there is only one Sun. They have a good view of it from their; "Heavenly Palace" (Tiangong) Space Station. 

The Chinese continue to use these 10 Heavenly Stems as Ordinals. Words used to represent a numerical order. Such as; "First," "Second" and; "Third."

Potential medallists at these games might be interested to know. That they're battling for; "Shell," "Fishguts" and; "Fishtail." 11th place is nowhere.

By around the 5th Century BC Chinese Astronomers began to realise that alongside the Sun, which appeared during the day. Other bodies, which appeared in the sky at night, also played a role in the changing seasons.

They were particularly interested in Jupiter. Which along with the Sun and the Moon can be seen from Earth with the naked eye. Sometimes during the day, but mostly at night.

Even without visiting China's Heavenly Palace. We now know that both the Earth and Jupiter orbit the Sun. However it appears that Jupiter also orbits the Earth. What's known as the; "Ecliptic."

It appears that Jupiter takes 12 Earth years to fully orbit the Earth. 

Early Chinese Astronomers named these 12 phases of Jupiter the; "Earthly Branches." 

Assigning each one the name of an animal. Using them as Ordinals for a wide variety of things.

Such as the 12 hours of the day. To indicate direction like North, East, South, West. 

The 12 Earthly Branches are still used in China and Japan as a sort of alphabet. Another way to order their elaborate, slightly shared, pictographic languages.

I think the most famous use of the 12 Earthly Branches, which continues to this day, is within Chinese Astrology

Key to Astrology is the; "Zodiac." An area of sky either 8° north or south of the Ecliptic.

Western Astrology looks, mainly, at the Sun's position in the Zodiac. Giving 12 Sun Signs which correspond, approximately, to the 12 months of the year.

Chinese Astrology looks, mainly, at Jupiter's position in the Zodiac.

As it takes Jupiter 12 Earth years to fully orbit the Earth. This also gives you 12 Earthly Branch Signs. But one for each year.

The New Year's Day this Opening Ceremony marks. Sees the transition for the Ox to the Tiger.

The Traditional Chinese Calendar works by combining the 10 Heavenly Stems with the 12 Earthly Branches

To produce a; "Sexagenary" or; "60 Year" cycle. Known in Chinese as; "Ganzhi."

So the first year of the first cycle is actually the year of; "Shell, Rat." 

The first year of the second cycle is actually the year of; "Fishgut, Rat."

So the Opening Ceremony actually marks the start of; "Burden, Tiger."

All of which would look a lot more impressive. If I could figure out how to post in Chinese characters. 

If I'm going to have to copy them out by hand. Then upload them as images. The Tiger may already have devoured its superior before I'm finished.

Although, once again.

Miley Cyrus' 12, possibly 13 cycles. Suddenly don't look like much of a challenge. Do they.

At around 18:50 on 10/2/22 (UK date) I'll have to pick this up later.

Edited at around 16:00 on 11/2/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

Those needle-like green stems could also be interpreted as Blades of Grass.

As the Dandelion pushes itself upwards from seed, through the dark soil. Towards the enlightenment of the Sun. The green leaves around its seedhead are easily mistaken for blades of grass.

This seems to be a reference to the 2002 album; "Green Blade Rising." By the British band; "Levellers." 

They are probably most famous for their one big UK hit; "Beautiful Day." Which reached number 13 in the charts in 1997.

Beautiful Day is a song with an upbeat tune about what a beautiful day it is. So radio stations would happily play it and people would sing along to it. Finding it to be really positive and uplifting.

However. If you ever stop to properly listen to it. You'll discover that it is a very political song. Dealing with the political extremes.

A darkly sarcastic Libertarian-Socialist or; "Anarchist" criticism. Of Totalitarian-Socialism or; "Communist" ideology. Particularly Revolutionary or; "Insurrectionist" Communists.

So there is a spectacular irony. In supporters of the UK Labour Party adopting the song. In celebration of their 1997 landslide election victory.

The band's name is actually a reference to; "The Levellers." A British political movement from the Enlightenment Era of the 17th Century AD.

The Levellers political ideals are laid out in their manifesto; "An Agreement of the People." Their main aim was the abolishment of the feudal class system. The "levelling" of society. 

Abolishing the notion of a Monarch or; "Messiah" able to rule through divine right. Replacing it with; "Popular Sovereignty." 

The notion that a nation's political power lies with its people. What we now know as; "Democracy."

Alongside contemporaries such as John Locke. The ideology of the Levellers were a significant influence to American Revolutionaries. Inspiring them to write the US Constitution.

It is a common misconception that the name of the political movement. Comes from the practice of tearing down hedgerows, "levelling" them. In protest against the enclosure of agricultural fields.

Finally codified into law in the Inclosure Act of 1773. This industrialisation of farming was a key element of the Second Agricultural Revolution

Something I covered in painful detail during the Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics. In the section I entitled; "The Corona Of Serfdom."

However the Levellers did not oppose enclosure. That was the; "Diggers." Led by Gerrard Winstanley who preferred his group to be known as; "The True Levellers."

In Scotland there was another group who opposed enclosure. They called themselves; "The Dyke Breakers."

The band Levellers name is also a play on a location. In their home city of Brighton, UK.

Brighton is a seaside city. So like most seaside towns it is surrounded by rolling hills. The South Downs.

In the centre of Brighton all these hills form a valley. In this valley stands a public park, on the first bit of level land in the city. 

Displaying absolutely no imagination. This park is known as; "The Level."

Many thousands of years ago the valley where The Level stands. Would have been carved out by a River, possibly even a Glacier. Leading down to the sea.

Now it holds the A23 road and the A270 road. Both leading down to the Palace Pier.

*With fossil fuel powered motorvehicles being big emitters of Green House Gases (ghgs). Which are warming the planet. Turning Glaciers into Rivers. Then causing the Rivers to dry up.

I'm sure you can find a statement about Climate Change. In a road being built in what used to be a Glacier/River bed.

Much like the 1998 album; "Americana" by The Offspring. Or the 2003 album; "American V" by Johnny Cash

The 2002 album; "Green Blade Rising" by the Levellers. Sounds a little too specific to me.

Perhaps another one of the prophecies. Heralding my arrival. Upon the four winds.

This is particularly true of the song; "Falling From The Tree.

Which tells of someone who has had a tough upbringing. Interwoven with the concept of the; "Tree of Life." The Jewish equivalent of the Wu Xing within Asian Animist beliefs. 

Which sounds a lot like a relationship I was having at the time. With a bisexual Israeli Jewish woman. Along with her Black British girlfriend.

As I'm sure the UK Security Services equivalent of the Paparazzi. The; "Forward Intelligence Teams (FIT)" of the police's Counter-Terrorism Command have traced.

If you consider me, that Israeli Jewish woman and her girlfriend to be one cohort. Then there is only one point-of-contact between us and the band Levellers.

That I still don't know if the song, let alone the album, is about me. Is made all the more embarrassing by the fact I used to work in an office where the band paid the rent.

It was not a fanclub.

I was working in that office. When the UK government decided to proscribe the Turkish Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Along with its armed wing, the Peoples Defence Forces (HPG) as terrorist groups.

For the purposes of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Which prompted something of an office meeting. Regarding the big flag on the wall.

An association which may, or may not, have come in useful. When I was working alongside, first, the Peoples Protection Units (YPG). Then the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF/QSD) in Syria.

Fighting against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and associated groups.

One of those associated groups is the Turkistan Islamic Party (TiP). Who are original generation Al Qaeda. Formed out of Charlie Wilson's Mujahedeen stew in Afghanistan.

While they now mainly operate in North-Western Syria, under Turkish protection. The TiP's main aspiration is the Chinese province of Xinjiang

They are the "Uighur Activists" you keep hearing about.

So it has certainly been rumoured. That I may, or may not, have worked alongside Chinese Special Operations Forces (SOF's). To keep these games safe. The competitors un-murdered.

It was in late 2019 that I was having something of a mini-existential crisis. Prompted by rediscovering the Americana album. 

When COVID-19 came into existence. Falling from the Tree of Life, or bursting forth from the Wu Xing.

Perhaps as punishment. For the Paris Agreement going into effect at the start of 2020.

At around 16:30 on 11/2/22 (UK date) I'll have to pick this up tomorrow. 

Edited at around 18:10 on 12/2/22 (UK date) to tidy the above, add to The Level* and copy & paste;

The Dandelion was surrounded by a light projection. Of a 3 dimensional, translucent rectangle. Intended to resemble a wall of ice.

The BBC commentator, reading from a briefing sheet provided by the hosts. Claimed that this was a reference to an unspecified aspect of Chinese mythology which believes extreme cold breeds new life.

However a quick Google search. Has me thinking that briefing sheet was written by a member of the Balhae Chinese ethnic group.

The Balhae Chinese are ethnically Korean. Descendents of the Balhae Period (698-926 AD). In which Korean territory extended far into what is now considered China and Russia.

As we learned at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Held in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea (RoK/South). Teasing and making fun of foreigners is a big part of Korean culture.

For example their Opening Ceremony began with the striking of the Great Bell of Seongdeok. However the briefing sheet they gave to foreigners. Claimed it was the Peace Bell. A bell gifted by Japan to the United Nations (UN).

In 2019 US President Trump was heavily engaged in diplomacy with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK/North). He claimed that China would be helpful as China and North Korea were once the same country.

President Trump was widely mocked for this. Particularly by US talkshow host John Oliver. Over what a fool he was for thinking China and Korea used to be the same country.

As we've already learned from this ceremony. 

The current Chinese Provinces of Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Jilin and Heilong all used to be part of Korea. Including during the Balhae Period.

Then, later. The entire Korean Peninsula used to be part of China.

Obviously I don't really listen to John Oliver. Let alone hang on his every word.

However I'm yet to hear of him retracting his entirely false statement. Let alone apologising for it.

Personally I think this wall of ice. Was intended as a reference to the so-called; "Ice Wall" that Japan has built around the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Catastrophically damaged by the 2011 Tohoku Disaster.

Coolant is pumped through pipes. Causing the soil between the pipes to freeze. Creating a 100ft (30m) underground wall. To prevent water running down from nearby mountains becoming irradiated before it flows into the sea.

Amongst Japan's neighbours China has been particularly vocal. In opposing Japan's plan to release water laced with radioactive Tritium into the sea. Water irradiated by efforts to cool Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. 

Within this wall of ice a light projected image of a planet appeared. 

We'd just been informed, through the Opening Countdown Video, that the ceremony was taking place on Chinese New Year's Day. Which is sometimes known as; "Lunar New Year."

So this planet could certainly been interpreted as the Moon. Although Chinese New Year actually takes place at the Spring Equinox. The point of equal balance between the Sun and the Moon.

It is the Sun which makes up the Heavenly Stems of the Traditional Chinese Calendar. While the Earthly Branches, the names of the years, are provided by Jupiter.

So this planet could certainly also be interpreted as Jupiter.

I think the correct answer to the question;

"Was it the Moon or was it Jupiter?"

Is; "Yes."

The arrival of this planet, signifying spring. Prompted the Dandelion to bloom. The stems around its seedhead opened. Revealing its petals.

This attracted a light projected Butterfly to circle the flower. In reference to the Butterflies in the 2020 Summer Para-Olympic Closing Ceremony. 

However this Butterfly was much easier to explain. Being just a clear animation of a Butterfly. Rather than a human performer on a unicycle. In a costume that could also be viewed as a Seahorses.

China joining Japan in its criticism of the 2012 ceremonies. Which the British hosts tried to make as difficult and disorientating as they were capable of.

As the Dandelion began to reach the end of its lifecycle the planet was replaced. With the light projected image of the face of a very young child. You could even interpret it as a baby.

This was a reference to how the IOC has become so corrupt, so incompetent. That it is no longer able to perform its most fundamental of tasks.

Staging an Olympics as a global event. At which the big issues of the day are discussed.

Instead reducing the Olympics to nothing but a megaphone. A megaphone for babies. The screaming babies of the US and the UK.

I hope the US and the UK. Along with the IOC are taking note. That in making that point, China are quoting me directly.

A sign of how globally known and respected I am. Regardless of the delusional fantasy the US and the UK have withdrawn into.

It was also a reference to not one, but two Dolly Parton songs.

The first being; "Tennessee Mountain Home." Where; "Life is as peaceful as a baby's sigh."

Along with the much more famous; "Jolene." Whose smile is; "Like a breath of spring."

Much like the band Levellers. I used to live in various places in Brighton, UK. Including technically, briefly, one of its parks. Not The Level though.

I also spent a lot of time living in a large-shared house.

This was described by the contemporary US TV show; "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" as a Fraternity or; "Frat" House. Particularly in Season 7, Episode 5; "Selfless."

However, as was discussed at the 2021 Oscars. This was really the antithesis of a Frat House.

For example we had a policy of gender-parity, as far is possible with odd numbers. Housemates came from an array of different races and nationalities. Only about half of us were actually at university/college.

Two of the housemates were Hong Kong Chinese

Although I don't remember ever getting into the specifics of their immigration status. I think they were both British National (Overseas) Passport holders. Or naturalised, former BNOP holders.

One of these guys family were one of the largest UK distributors of the containers you get with Chinese Takeaway/Takeout food. Which didn't make them as rich as they sound.

However it did make him incredibly useful when it came to ordering Chinese food. 

Not only did he have an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of Chinese food. He also spoke Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) like they were his first language. As they were his first languages.

As a few guests who'd overstayed their welcome discovered. He was also a highly accomplished Martial Artist. Not that you'd know to look at him.

The other guy was significantly less useful.

I think I actually moved in because he moved out. To do a year-long internship with the UK's government's, frankly puerile, Cabinet Office Briefing Room A (COBRA) Situation Room. Doing various IT, computer things.

His most high profile work. Was producing Civil Contingency maps for the 2002 national Firefighters strike. Which were shown at televised government briefings.

After his internship ended he returned to live in the house. After I moved out, about two years later, we lost touch. So I don't know if he returned to work at COBRA.

However if he had. He would have been the person doing all those computer models and graphs. Being shown at the UK Pandemic press briefings.

Normally I wouldn't name him. However his name is essential to what is being discussed here.

His name was, I assume still is; "Lee Wing-jo." Which he had westernised to; "Joe Lee."

So, obviously. We used to tease him with the Dolly Parton song; "Jolene."

Sharing a house as friends. When we sung it over the kitchen table, or at pub karaoke. It was just some fun, a bit of good-natured teasing.

However, when Dolly Parton's God-daughter. The person whose emotional and spiritual wellbeing Dolly Parton is supposed to look out for.

My stalker, Miley Cyrus. When she sings it to him. Live on national BBC Radio 1.

Then it might cross the line into bullying.

If I were to show him a YouTube video of my stalker, Miley Cyrus singing it to him. Then that might constitute Cyberbulling.

The sort of thing governments might want to legislate against. If "Being stalked by Miley Cyrus" wasn't such a niche problem. One that I'm more than capable of dealing with on my own.

The end of the Dandelion's lifecycle was marked by the baby blowing on its seedhead. Scattering light projections of its Seed/Pollen spores around the arena.

This was a pretty clear reference to the issues surrounding Pollination.

The Butterfly also featured in the section is an example of a; Pollinator." 

An insect which is attracted to a plant by the Nectar the plant produces. In return to being fed the Nectar the insect spreads the plant's Pollen around.

By far the most famous example of a pollinator is the humble Honey Bee

Not only do these spread plant Pollen around they also use Nectar to produce Honey. Which is enjoyed by us humans, along with that famous cartoon bear, Winnie the Pooh. 

The Opening Ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics looked at the development of Economics. From the European Feudalism through to the era of European Colonialism and beyond.

Particularly in the section I entitled; "The Corona Of Serfdom."

One of the key ideological cornerstones of European Colonialism. Laid during this; "Enlightenment" Era was laid by Bernard Mandeville.

In his rambling 400 page poem; "The Fable of the Bees" Mandeville argued that Protestant greed was good for society. Comparing it to how the individual vices or greeds of the Honey Bees held their colonies or hives together.

As a Totalitarian Socialist or; "Communist" country. China could not disagree with Bernard Mandeville more.

They believe that personal vices, such as gambling. Along with personal greeds, such as gluttony are not only negative. But a threat to society.

Instead society is held together by individuals being prepared to sacrifice their individual wants and desires. For the good of the collective.

On the issue of Bees, if not economics. It is China, not Mandeville, who are quite correct.

Bees are utterly selfless. They will literally give up their own lives for the good of their society or hive.

If a Bee thinks you are a threat to its hive it will sting you. Knowing that the act of stinging you will kill it. Thinking it is better for it to die than for its hive to die.

Whereas as much more intelligent animals, such as Wolves. Will happily see their entire society or pack slaughtered. Then just go off and join another pack.

Not only are Bees vitally important to plants, which rely on them to reproduce. Bees are also vitally important to humans. Who rely on the plants they pollinate to provide us with food.

Although he probably didn't actually say it. It is widely believed that the famous Physicist Albert Einstein once observed that;

"That if the Bee disappears from the surface of the Earth, man would have no more than four years left to live."

Although it has not quite got that serious yet. China has a significant problem with its declining Bee population.

According to official Chinese Communist propaganda. This has been caused by the invasion of western Bee varieties in the 19th Century. Killing off the much more patriotic Chinese Bees.

I think even the Chinese know though. That it has actually got more to do with environmental pollution. 

Along with China's careless use of Pesticides. Particularly Neonictonide Pesticides like Thiamethoxam. Which kill useful insects like Bees alongside pests. 

I doubt they'd be bringing it up here otherwise.

The situation in parts of China, particularly the south-west. Has gotten so bad that farmers are having to hire humans to replace the work once done by Bees. Pollinating plants, particularly Apple Trees by hand.

An Enlightment contemporary of Bernard Mandeville was John Locke. Through his; "Labour Theory of Property" Locke provided us with the definition of property that is still used today.

It declares that the natural environment is a gift to all. It is only by applying our labour to natural resources that we can turn them into our property.

This attitude towards property presents a huge problem within environmentalism. Particularly in efforts to combat Climate Change.

Locke dictates that no-one can be paid for simply not cutting down a tree. Leaving it there to absorb ghg's as it grows. Cleaning the air.

Instead we have to cut down all the trees. Then turn them into something we can sell. Using part of the money for the sale to buy a machine that will do a worse job of removing ghg's than the tree.

China's example of having to hire humans. To replace all the Bees who used to do the job of pollination much more efficiently and for free. Until we killed them with our pollution and pesticides.

Shows just how ridiculous John Locke's Labour Theory of Property can be at times.

Specifically relating to Climate Change. Through the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Some very intelligent people seem to have found a solution to this Locke Problem.

Carbon Credits. Essentially a way for people who produce ghg's. To pay people to remove those ghg's. By simply not cutting down trees.

Unfortunately this solution is being undone by the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement not being legally binding, unlike the Kyoto Protocol, has collapsed the value of Carbon Credits.

Much like with car insurance. If people aren't legally obligated to buy it. Then they're just not going to buy it.

China is a signatory to the Paris Agreement. They couldn't really turn down the gift that the former US Biden regime accidentally dropped into their laps at COP21.

However here they seem to be indicate that they might be open to giving the US, and the wider World, a do-over. Scrapping the Paris Agreement.

In order to replace it with something that might actually work.

That said China is a Communist country. Built around the theories of Karl Marx

Marxism isn't, strictly speaking, an Economic theory. So much as the rejection of Economics as a concept.

So Communists have never been big on the concept of private property. Let alone John Locke's theories on it.

At around 18:40 on 12/2/22 (UK date) I don't know when I'll be picking this up. 

Edited at around 17:35 on 14/2/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

In this context the blades of grass are a reference to Desertification. Another big environmental challenge China faces.

The north of China is made up of the Gobi Desert. The fourth largest sand desert in the World. Which already takes up around 55% of China's territory.

The Gobi Desert is also constantly growing. Eating up what used to be farmland and grassland. Reducing it to sand.

In no small part this has been caused by incredibly poor land-use policies in the past. Along with Climate Change. Itself caused by China's massive dependence on very dirty Coal to produce electricity.

As the desert eats away at farmland and grassland, turning them to sand. It prevents the plants that used to grown there from absorbing ghg's. Making the problem even worse.

It also endangers food supply. China's ability to feed its population of around 1.4bn people.

As was discussed extensively during the 2020 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony. Particularly in the section where the Volcano-shaped, Hydrogen fuelled Olympic Cauldron was lit.

The Paris Agreement will not stop Climate Change. Nor will it stop the problems caused by Climate Change such as Desertification.

The Paris Agreement is simply not designed to stop Climate Change.

Instead it is designed to give, particularly western, politicians. The opportunity to make big Kabuki Theatre style pronouncements. To trick voters into thinking they actually care about anything other than clinging to power.

Whatever they say many of these western nations. Particularly the US and the UK. Still do not believe that Climate Change is real. Despite the overwhelming evidence.

China, on the otherhand. Can see that Climate Change is real. It can see the damage that it is doing to its country.

So not only does China know that Climate Change is real. China takes Climate Change very seriously.

China also has lots of real-world data. On what is known in UNFCCC jargon as; "Loss & Damage."

Lessons that can be applied to anywhere that is suffering from Desertification. Particularly the Sahel Belt in Africa.

The Sahel Belt is an area which stretches right across the African continent. From west to east. It sits directly below the Sahara. The World's largest sand desert.

As with the Gobi Desert the Sahara is constantly expanding. Devouring more and more of the Sahel.

In return for learning lessons on Loss & Damage from China. We could, perhaps, help China refine its efforts at what are known as; "Market Based Solutions."

Such is China's commitment to combating Climate Change. That in 2021 it caused them to suffer an entirely self-inflicted electricity crisis.

Chinas' central government ordered a reduction in Coal production. Thinking a reduction in supply would drive up costs. In turn reducing demand. A market-mechanism.

However as a Communist country. China most certainly does not follow the Free Market principles of the likes of Bernard Mandeville or John Locke. Let alone the Neo-Liberal school of Economics.

So the reduction in Coal production did drive up costs. However the people using that Coal to produce electricity were not able to pass on those costs to the people using the electricity.

Meaning that rather than a gradual reduction in electricity/Coal use/waste. The electricity producers just chaotically shutdown their operations.

China's commitment to combating Climate Change is so great. I think that's why they would be open to scrapping the Paris Agreement.

So it can be replaced with something stronger than the Kyoto Protocol. As was the original plan.

That would force China to do more, faster. Extra encouragement they seem keen to have placed upon them.

As these light projected Pollen spores blew around the arena. Some gathered together and appeared to be blow up a central column on the arena wall.

That gave the impression of a beam of white light rising from the ground into the sky.

When the beam of white light energy reached the arena roof. It appeared to set-off fireworks. 

Spelling out the phrase; "Lichun" (The Beginning of Spring) in Chinese characters. The first of the 24 Solar phases from the Opening Countdown.

The fireworks also spelt out the English word; "Spring." In English/Latin characters.

Another lesson in the differences between the two languages. 

In Chinese the phrase; "The Beginning of Spring" is spelt out using just two characters. While the single English word; "Spring" is spelt out using six characters.

While also reminding people that Gunpowder and, by extension, Fireworks were invented by China. During the Tang Dynasty which ruled between 618 and 690 AD. Then again between 705 and 907 AD.

Primarily though it was a reference to China's Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS) satellite. Something both South Korea and Japan warned about in their ceremonies.

QUESS uses Quantum Encryption/Cryptography. Speaking very simply this transmits electronic messages in the form of sub-atomic, quantum, particles of light.

You could almost compare it to FibreOptic Broadband. Although it is much more complicated than that. These quantum particles are technically too small to even be described as; "Light."

Outside of the world of Physicists. I don't think most people can even comprehend of light as being physical object.

What is revolutionary about Quantum Cryptography is that these quantum particles are so unstable. That you try to intercept them you destroy them. 

Meaning that Quantum Cryptography is currently considered to be utterly unbreakable. 100% secure.

China is currently the only country able to do Quantum Cryptography. Despite QUESS being launched in 2016 still no-one has been able to catch up.

So here China was, perfectly reasonably, boasting about something they are absolutely World leaders in.

Through their 2021 attempts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus. We learned just how far behind China the NATO nations, led by the US/UK truly are.

They genuinely believed that Miley Cyrus and I couldn't talk to each other directly. As the encryption used in such electronic communications would mean that they would be secret.

Then, when they discovered that not only wasn't this a secret. I was using it to teach people horse training and Japanese. They panicked and threw a tantrum. The Great American Bell Ringing of October 4th (4/10/21).

So rather than simply boasting about how much more advanced they are. In an effort to make the US/UK led NATO countries look bad.

China actually seemed embarrassed and alarmed. By just how far more advanced they are then the US/UK led NATO countries.

Urging them to at least try to catch up. As it is fast getting to the point where China can't even consider the US to be a rival anymore.

So while the western nations are growing increasingly, hysterically alarmed about the rise of China. 

China is actually concerned by the vacuum being created by the west's US/UK led just, complete withdrawal from reality. Let alone the global stage. 

To be continued in Part 3.

18:25 on 14/2/22 (UK date).