International Politics

Dear America,

Our nation is currently occupied with the important political event i.e.” The Presidential race". The Presidential candidates are vying for the highest position on land. The main stream media and news organizations are busy analyzing the "gaffe" by Senator Hillary Clinton and perusing the medical records of Senator John McCain. So not much attention is devoted to the International political events currently taking place that could have significant impact on the world's future and the "Superpower" status.

I decided to stroll down the international alley and stumbled upon the major news event. I share this with you for your information as it is relevant to the current political event in the United States whoever our next "President" might be!

Source: VOA.com (Voice of America) - Thank you.

23 May 2008

Russia's New President Makes First International Trip to China

Russia's new president Dmitry Medvedev says his country seeks what he calls a reasonable, pragmatic and friendly relationship with giant neighbor, China. He arrived in Beijing Friday for a two day visit - as part of his first trip abroad since he took office earlier this month. Stephanie Ho has more on the story.

Ties between former Cold War rivals, China and Russia, are warming. Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Li Hui says his government appreciates the Russian leader's choice of destinations.

He says President Medvedev's decision to make China one of his first foreign visits only half a month after taking office ful ly demonstrates the high degree of importance he and the Russian government place on the China-Russia relationship.

The Russian leader's Beijing schedule includes meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and other senior Chinese leaders.

The two countries are expected to discuss energy issues, as well as military cooperation trade.

Russian Ambassador to China, Sergey Razov, told reporters the two countries share many similar views on major international issues. He says on sensitive issues, including the Iran and Korean peninsula nuclear issues, among others, they have a common position.

Jing-dong Yuan, an associate professor at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, says the two countries already have strong defense cooperation.

"This is the most, probably salient, component of this relationship," said Yuan. "China has imported major weapons systems from Russia, and also military technology transfer, over the last decade and a half. And they have, in recent years, moved beyond simple arms sales to joint military exercise and other military cooperation."

He says the two countries are likely to expand their cooperation in space and nuclear technology.

At the same time, he says both countries need to work on expanding economic ties.

"Currently, the bilateral trade is only $48 billion annually, so it's very low for countries such as China and Russia, two big economies and neighboring countries," said Yuan”.

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Analysis: Should United States be concerned about the proliferating China-Russia relationship especially with the military and nuclear technology expansion?

It is a matter of concern as these two nations being key members with “Veto Power” in the United Nations Security Council have demonstrated authority on issues related to Iran, North Korea and Burma. Both China and Russia are undeniably the emerging powers of the FAR EAST and Central Asia rich in fossil fuel and other natural resources. The recent impressive economic growth further enhances their political status and embolden them to ignore issues....whether it is human rights, free and fair elections and freedom of press expected of any sovereign nation towards their own citizens and the global community.

At home, the current administration investment of time and resources on Iraq and Afghanistan has shifted focus away from strengthening strategic alliances and ties with its allies and other nations sharing common goals such as upholding democratic values and multilateral resolutions for political, economic, energy and environmental crises affecting every living being on the planet.

Unfortunately, the administration stance in the past eight years and its unilateral position with Iraq war, declining to ratify the “Kyoto treaty”, neglecting serious warnings on the economic crisis, violation of civil and constitutional rights under the guise of “Patriot Act” and other unconstitutional legislative measures has contributed to the diminishing “Superpower” status and lately undermine the United States position in resolving any international crisis.

Meanwhile, China and Russia are actively engaged in political, economic and military expansion much to the concern of other developing nations in the region.

Is the next administration capable and prepared to deal with all of these real challenges is something the American electorate have to think long and hard prior to casting their ballot in November 2008?

Sincerely,

Padmini Arhant

"Voice for Humanity"