Controversial China

THE whole region is not comfortable with the act of China, especially for the maritime disputes in South China Sea and East China Sea. China has made successfully divided ASEAN family through the help of current chair, Cambodia. Everybody know that Cambodia is influenced by China with the decision making as a bloc. Asean's claimant nations want to deal with China as a multi-lateral discussion plus international coordination especially US as witness. But China maintain their wills to discuss as bilateral basis. The long attempt to set up code of conduct for maritime area to avoid possible flashpoint in the region, again, failed to reach agreement in last summit at Cambodia where China's leader attend. At contrary, Asean family seem much wider in divided on the ground of unity as a bloc which is worrisome for the future of Asean's prosperity. Significant adverse fact is that Asean's proposed free trade plan which is tend to start on 2015 is delayed another one more year to 2016. In addition, five claimant nations, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei and Philippine will meet to discuss themselves after realizing the bloc's attempt won't help them settle with problem. It is embarrassing for ASEAN bloc in deed that will doubt its credibility on solving out incoming challenges as a bloc.

Soon after ASEAN summit, there was another controversial thing come out from China again. Most recently China introduced its latest digital e-passport which is showing its map. It's not problem to show the map in the passport. What matter most is that the map is shown beyond its original border including disputed maritime area which itch south east asian neighboring countries. First ever time I see India has lodged its complaint with regard to the aforesaid map. Meaning China is making troubles around its border regardless of East, West, South or North. What make me think is instantly is whether its border with Myanmar also correct or not. I don't think our authority/ leaders will bother with the news. No wonder American has pay more attention toward Pacific region in which south east asian is located. Now, Vietnam has declared that they will not stamp China's newest passport if it is used to apply visa to them. What a determined Vietnam is it? I believe this move will be encouraged by other claimant nations to protest China's bully nature. In this scenario, I am saddened to learn that one of our prominent ministers yesterday told public who are protesting a project which is invested by China company, that we are afraid of China due to certain reasons. I'm quite sure that all my fellow citizen will be unhappy with the saying of his words. It may be free and frank talking to public. But at his level of authorization, it is definitely not wise to do so. Hope China may not hear or see the report of this incident.