The mind game behind G-20

Vladimir Mr. Putin, the President of Russia, got criticism and embarrassment from Western leaders, started the act of revenge. After the meeting in G-20 summit finished, Russia expelled multiple diplomats from Germany and Poland. Also, last Friday, Russia warned France to deliver a Mistral-class warship because the handover was delayed. In Russia, Mr. Putin was on a television show, he said”US wants to subdue Russia, but no one did in the history or ever will.” When Mr. Putin was interviewed by the German media, he warned that those countries which help Ukraine develop the emotion of anti-Russia are going to create a disaster.
He was the first leader to leave Australia. G-20, the international forum for 20 member countries and all of them are the major economies now. This year, G-20 summit was held in Australia and it is the ninth meeting of the leaders from different countries.


1.Mr. Putin greeted by Assistant Minister of Australian Department of Defence. In contrast, US president greeted by the governor general at airbase.

Mr.Putin at airbase (AAPIMAGE)








2.In G-20 summit, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper told Mr. Putin "I guess I'll shake your hand, but you need to get out of Ukraine."

 Stephen Harper and Vladimir Putin
 (The Canadian Press)





3.Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott urged Mr. Putin to apologize for MH17.

 Lukas Coch/AAP









4.Mr. Putin was positioned strangely in the G20 family photo.







 SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images






We probably will have a couple of questions:

What is the purpose of Mr. Mr. Putin’s move after G-20 summit?
Is he giving the Western leaders an ultimatum?

It is very infrequent that the embarrassment happened in the G-20 summit because it against the diplomatic formalities. In the February, Russia began the military intervention in Ukraine. So far there has been a lot of unmarked troops in Ukraine. Tang Xianglong, a political commentator in Taiwan, said that if Mr. Putin do not get tough, he will falter in his leadership in Russia.

Will the new cold war happen? 

As Mentioned above, France was warned by Russia, thus, as a big arms dealer in the world, France is in a difficult position. Because of the pressure given by the Western countries and the sanction on Russia, France didn’t deliver the Mistral-class warship Russia bought. If France do not meet its engagements, the credibility of France will be reduced a lot and then France should pay the huge number of the default penalty. On the other hand, Russia expelled multiple diplomats from Germany and Poland let the situation become tense.
Opposite with these actions of revenge, Russia is seeking for the partner in Asia. For Russia, China is one of the most important friend. On November 18, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has met Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Beijing and they had meeting of the bilateral military ties. Normally, for Russian Defense Minister’s visit, Chinese Minister of National Defense should be in the meeting. The truth is that it was not the Chinese Minister of National Defense but the Chinese Premier Li Keqiang had the meeting and that can show the sincere attitude of China.
It is noteworthy that Russia also offer its hands to Iran and North Korea. Iran and North Korea, as the State Sponsors of Terrorism, always mean difficult problems to United States. Yet, Choe Ryong Hae, the director of the General Political Bureau had a trip to Russia and met Mr. Putin on November 17. Iran has discussed the nuclear issues with Russia.

Australia: an important role for US and China

There are about 30 countries operating bases and over 100 Antarctic stations in Antarctica. The Antarctic program is also an important part of US’s strategy. Zheng Youping, a political commentator in Taiwan said that there are actually many dual-use stations in Antarctica and they have great value of strategy. There is not only the use of the natural resource development but also the possibility of military use. Many countries want to seize the first opportunity of the antarctic development. US has no intention of cooperation on the Antarctic program. Under the condition of that, Australia is seeking for a partner.
On November 19, Xi Jinping, the President of China and Abbott, the Prime Minister of Australia attended.the first Australia provinces and states responsible Forum in Sydney, Mr. Xi pointed out that China and Australia established a strategic partnership, hoping the two sides to focus on the overall situation and to have more local exchanges and cooperation. Abbott expressed Australia admiration for China's development and he said that Australia is willing to have a better future with China of exchange and cooperation. Also, on November 19, Mr. Xi met with New South Wales Premier in Sydney, he said that he hopes New South Wales seize great opportunities to upgrade the cooperation with China.
On November 18, Mr. Xi visited the Antarctic scientific research projects. Mr. Xi and Mr. Abbott spoke via live video with Chinese and Australian scientists, China's Zhongshan Station and Australia's Davis Station reported the work.
Mr. Xi was the former governor of Fujian Province in China. Tasmania and Fujian Province have had a “sister state” relationship for over 30 years. So many media outlets think this is the reason why Mr. Xi visited Tasmania. But most people don’t notice another intention behind this visit. Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, is ideal place to connect Tasmania with the South Pole. In fact, Tasmania is an important hub of Australian Antarctic program. Xuelong, the Research vessel b for Antarctic expedition, berthed at Hobart port. This is the 31st Antarctic expedition. In this trip, Mr. Xi committed to Antarctic deal and that means closer Antarctic cooperation with Australia. The Antarctic deal, or the memorandum of understanding, means that China and Australia will collaborate on Antarctic program.
Because of Australia, the area of Oceania becomes more important than before.

The Zhuhai Airshow: Big Powers competition

The Airshow China was held in Zhuhai city, South China from November 11 till November 16. This show was special not only because November 11 marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the Air Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army but also it was the first time that the fighter “Sukhoi Su-35” from Russia, the military-transport aircraft“C-17 Globemaster III” , the fighter”Shenyang J-31” and the military-transport aircraft “Xian Y-20” from China appeared in the same world stage.
What the Chinese media focused on is that in Chinese market, there were 227 planes sold in the Airshow China and the amount on contract is over two hundred and thirty four million dollars. However, different with the domestic market, there are still no amount on contract in the foreign market. Some media outlets in China focused on Jordan, the Arab country, was in great interest on the JF-17, the Chinese fighter, because there was a Paratrooper in Royal Jordanian Air Force has expressed the intention of buying JF-17.
Robert Farley, an assistant professor at the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, said in his article”China's Selling the J-31, But Who's Buying?”, if China want to sell the J-31, it is hard to find a buyer. Besides the countries which products their own fighters, many countries prefer to buy the F-35 from US.

The competition in this exhibition:

United States 

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III















US has never let its military aircrafts be shown in different airshows before. This was the first time US’s military aircraft”C-17 Globemaster III” appeared in an airshow. Globemaster, as the name suggests, is not a normal military aircraft. It is a large military transport aircraft.
Zheng Youping, a political commentator in Taiwan, said that he believes US is intend to sell C-17. There are many countries which has bought C-17 such as Britain, Australia, Canada, etc. US still want to find a new buyer because US cost a lot of money to build the C-17. According to the related information, C-17 has the third highest cost in the American history of building military aircrafts. The first highest is B-2, the strategic bomber and the second highest is E-3, the airborne early warning and control aircraft.

China

Xian Y-20

The Y-20 and C-17,as two large military transport aircraft in two big countries, are often compared with each other.


Shenyang J-31 

Some military experts thinks that when it comes to performance, J-31 from China is just like F-35 from US. Yet, J-31 is much cheaper than F-35. J-31 has more commercial opportunities than F-35.

Russia

CY-27

My photography professor in China post this picture on his social network.
He said: CY-27 is the best-looking fighter in the third generation of jet fighters，were in advance of F-15，Sukhoi Su-35 is a little like the CY-17. With the thrust vector control engine，it made many amazing movements when it was flying and it was very impressive in the audience.

Sukhoi Su-35

US: The trip to APEC summit

US president Obama has back to US and ended his visit in China. On November 10, Mr. Obama arrived in Beijing to attend the 22nd APEC Economic Leader’s Meeting and started the state visit to China.
APEC, as the name suggests, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. There are 21 countries in APEC, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru , The Philippines Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, The United States, Viet Nam. The 2014 meeting held in Beijing was the 22nd APEC Economic Leader’s Meeting.
Since the European Union and the US started to apply the sanctions to Russia, It was the first time Mr. Obama, Mr. Xi jingping and Mr. Putin be active in the same diplomatic occasion.
Mr. Obama intends to build a new relationship with China to deal with the problem of China-Russia cooperation. In the meeting with Mr. Xi jingping, Obama said that US’s intention is not to contain China. During this trip to China, Mr. Obama has mentioned different aspects of cooperation with China such environment, energy and economic. For example, on Wednesday, US and China announced a deal to limit greenhouse gases.

Mr. Xi and Mr. Obama in the APEC summit banquet
Greg Baker/AFP photo








In China, there are many comments on China’s move in APEC summit said that China perform very well. Zheng Yongnian, an expert on East Asia, said in his article on People’s daily, the major newspaper in China, China did show the responsibility of the big power. The conference agenda is not only good for China but also for the other countries.
Wang Yi, the Foreign Minister of China, said that APEC in Beijing is a wonderful world stage, China intend to build the stronger relationship with partners. The blueprint of “new model on great power relations”, the new concept that hopes to avoid the hostile situation of the development of China-US relation presented by Mr. Xi in meeting with Mr. Obama in Sunny land last year, was discussed much deeper and that helps developing the relations between China and US.
China is focusing on many issues such as enforcing maritime claims, proposing an Asian Infrastructure Investment, challenging the Trans-Pacific Partnership. In the meeting, Mr. Xi claimed again that foreign governments should not be meddle in the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. On November 11, Mr. Xi has a private talk with Mr. Obama in Ying tai, an ocean platform in the central headquarters of China. On November 14, there was an article “Xi Jinping Obama Yingtai in Zhongnanhai , in the end talk anything at all?”in the People’s Daily’s Micro Signal “study group”, said that Mr. Xi told Mr. Obama that China pay attention to democracy not only reflected in the “one person one vote” elections. Democracy in China is not the same as democracy in Western countries.
Indeed, like many media outlets focused, China is superior in its performance in APEC summit, yet, US also get the favorable outcomes. As mentioned above, the agreement of climate change is one of the goals of US. Daniel W. Drezner, a professor of international politics at Tufts University, has an article”Best APEC summit ever” on The Washington Post. In his article, he said: “the pleasant surprise at the end of the APEC summit is that both China and the United States had win-win summits. “ Mr. Obama has his own way of international affairs and it is not influenced by China. On November 14, Mr. Obama went to Australia to attend the G20 summit. Also, he had a speech in Queensland University.”we believe in democracy, the times when we speak out on these issues, we are told that democracy is just a western value, I fundamentally disagree with that, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea thriving democracies.” said Mr. Obama in the speech,”today people in Hong Kong are speaking out for there universal rights.”

The progress of treating the issue of the coal use in China

The problem of the coal use in China is more important in the world than before because of the severe air pollution in the big cities in China. According to the related data, there is 1,310,000,000 Billion short tons of coal consumed per year. US President Barack Obama will visit China and attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Beijing in November. Some environmental experts in China said, with the burning coal in winter, the quality of air will be worse. The Chinese vice premier Zhang Gaoli said that China want to ensure that APEC not affected by the poor air quality. The purpose of Beijing is to reduce 40% of the airborne pollution.
It is not possible to wean China from coal using. In the United Nations climate change summit meeting in September, the Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli promised that China would reduce carbon dioxide release. Yet, the situation has not been changed. There is a research released by the New York-based environmental organization showed that accounts for 65 percent of China’s energy consumption. To solve this problem, China is developing carbon tax proposals. Zhou Fengqi, senior adviser at the Energy Research Institute, said that the solution should be waited for a long time.”If we are going to implement such taxes, it must be done in steps so as not to have a negative effect on the Chinese economy, even in the short term.”said Zhou Fengqi.
It is noteworthy that the economic profits cannot be ignored by China and US.What United States cares about is the vested interest of China’s increasing coal consumption in the last 4 years. Though the issue of coal using is put on table, US companies do benefit From China’s coal using.Opposite with China, US is keep reducing coal consumption, between 2008 and 2012, the coal consumption of China increased by 34%, U.S.’s reduced by 20%. US intend to expand their export to China and that brought a lot of profits because of the increasing energy requirement of China. US get profit from this behavior, but China’s coal using have a bad influence on global environment.
On the other hand, what the United States and its allies cares about is China’s attitude of the environment protecting. In December 2009, United Nations Climate Change Conference was held, there is a piece of news said that Kevin Rudd，the former prime minister of Australia had learned Chinese for a long time and expressed his love for Beijing for many times，remarked to a group of journalists and aides that: "Those Chinese f**kers are trying to rat-f**k us." In the conference, as the important trading partner of Australia, China refused to cooperate with Australia and US and sign the Carbon emission reduction treaty which is internationally binding.
Not coincidentally, US withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol, the international agreement on Climate Change because US didn’t want to see the bad influence on economy caused by the limitation of the protocol. In 2001, the Bush Administration rejected the Kyoto Protocol. 

Cyber War: The new challenge of US's foreign relations

FireEye, a cyber security company in United States, released an analysis and it shows that a hacker group, dubbed APT28 has a lot of attacks in the past two years against Nato, the EU and some government ministries.
The report said:“APT28’s characteristics----their targeting, malware, language and working hours----have led us to conclude that we are tracking a focused, longstanding espionage effort. Given the available data, we assess that APT28’s work is sponsored by the Russian government.”
For Russia, besides the reports from companies in United States, there is no unambiguous evidence showed Russia is an attacker in cyberwarfare. In 2008, a report from US Cyber Consequences Unit showed that Georgia was the victim of a cyber attack by Russia because of the diplomatic dispute caused by the accident of a Georgian surveillance drone was shot down by suspected Russian fighter. For United States, the threat of a cyber war is not an empty one. It is only a question of who and when.
It happens that there is a similar case. This is not the first time FireEye released the reports shows that the hacker groups activities. Last year, one of their reports shows that a Chinese hacker group called APT1. Then, the US government announced that some Chinese military officers are the members of APT1.
APTs are as known as Advanced Persistent Threats, this sort of attacks are more important than before. For the governments of countries, Internet is not only used in attacking the other countries but also making their countries being monitored.
According to the guardian, some hackers has attacked the iCloud storage service to steal the information such as photos, imessages, contacts of users, iCloud users in China are the target. The hackers are using “man in the middle”attack which means they broke the secure of the connection between the users and the servers. A surveillance experts said: Chinese government is behind it.
The Chinese foreign ministry did not comment on the report but the Chief Executive Tim Cook of Apple and Vice Premier Ma Kai has discussed user data security on Wednesday in Beijing. China believe there will be more talks about the Internet security between the US and China in the future. "I believe that we can forge more agreements and maintain Sino-US relations at the forthcoming World Internet Conference," Lu Wei, director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, said in a news conference.

The interesting thing is that China has been accused of cyberespionage by the United States for many times.President Obama told ABC News, US is going to have a “tough talk” with China about the cyber war. Du Yuejing, a expert of China Network Security Space Association, said that in the recent years, before the Sino US Summit, the American media always started to have the news reports about the Chinese hackers. Although the motivations of these behaviors are not clear, some network security companies of the United States obviously had some business opportunities from this kind of news reports. He Maochun, a professor in Tsinghua University, said that these kind of methods are always used by the United States. There will be the 22nd APEC economic leaders’ meeting in Beijing on November 10, Xi jinping, the president of China, won’t back down on a point of principle of China.

Cyber war, a new type of war which is more and more important in 21st century. The United States attached great importance to the cyber war.
In 2011, the "International Strategy for Cyberspace" was published by White House in order to reserve the right to use military force relating to the cyber warfare. In 2013, Edward Snowden claimed that the United States government attacked the system of the Chinese mobile phone companies to steal the information of the users. He said the spies from United States has used this way to monitor China for a long time.

The Asia-Pacific strategy: revelation from movies

Pacific Rim is a 2014 fiction movie starring Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Robert Kazinsky, Max Martini, and Ron Perlman. The background of this movie set in the 2020s, there is a lot of monsters “kaijiu” emerged from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. For winning the war of battling with the monsters, people create the Jaegers, the gigantic robot controlled by at least two pilots and their minds are connected with each other by the technology. This movie’s photography began on 2011 and finished in 2012, including 3-D and IMAX 3D. This movie received a lot of positive reviews,especially in China. It earned 411 million totally.

In the movie, we can see many elements of Japan, for example, the commander of the Earth Defense Force talked with the G7, Japan is in the seven countries. On the other hand, the female lead is a Japanese,who is the assistance of the chief commander. Also, the name of the monster is kaijiu, which is a Japanese word. Importantly, the countries which has their own gigantic robot are Australia, Japan, America, Russia and China.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Nowadays, in the global politics, the Asia-Pacific is becoming more and more important. China, Japan and Australia is important in the situation of the Asia-Pacific. In the whole movie, Japan is a good helper of America, China, Russian Australian are the supporting roles.

We can find the similar political elements in a lot of movies, taking the popular movie”Gozilla 2014”as an example, the Japanese scientist consultant of United States Navy is an important role in the movie.

On Tuesday, Japan said that it would hold a bilateral military exercise in November with United States for improving the island defense capabilities.With the political issues happening about the dispute over the islands, the Japanese Self-Defense Force is becoming more close with the US Force than before.

For more information,
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/japan-america-forging-global-alliance-11539

Russia, the another important role in the Asia-Pacific strategy, has a subtle relationship with Japan, In previous 6 months, Japanese fighter jets often countered Russian Air Force. In Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s eyes, meeting the challenge from China is more important. Thus, Shinzo Abe eases the diplomatic tensions. However, the cooperation between Russia and China has became Shinzo Abe's concern.

Different with Russia, in the important roles of Asia-Pacific strategy, Australia has a stronger alliance with Japan. Japan helps Australia to build submarines. In July, we can see the violation of the Japan's arms export ban, the transfer of defence equipment and technology agreement was signed by Shinzo Abe and the Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott.

For China, the evidence of the pacific ambition of Japan was mainly about the dispute of the island called Diaoyu Island by China and Senkaku Island by Japan. In fact, this issue was put on table in 2012. The United States always stand on the Japan’s side. “US-Japan Alliance is the foundation for not only our security in Asia-Pacific region but also for the region as a whole and we have continued to strengthen, we are looking for the whole range of issues that are challenging at this time.” said the US president Obama. Yet, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said:” what I need to point out is that the so-called US-Japan alliance is a bilateral arrangement from the Cold War.”

Coming to the movie” Pacific Rim”, Jie Fang Daily, one of the biggest the major newspaper in China, has an article said that the movie try to support the concept of Asia-Pacific strategy of US. Yet, some critics said that the movie is just describing the reality, the US-Japan alliance is true and there is no reason why the movie cannot express that.

No matter what the pubic opinion is, the cooperation between Japan and US has a long history. After the World War II, Japan was occupied by the Allied Powers and then Japan became an independent country again and the formation of the alliance was happened in 1952. Japan started to be an important ally of the United States.