Panda Diplomacy
Photo by Manfred Werner, CC BY-SA 4.0
America is buzzing over a diplomatic gesture in receiving two pandas, named Bao Li and Qing Bao, from the Chinese government. It’s a program known as “Panda Diplomacy”. On the surface, it’s a nice thing that Americans should be excited about because they are cute, look cuddly and also rare. There is no doubt that 10 year-old girls across the country are gonna be super jazzed. They will pester parents nationwide by begging, pleading, negotiating or demanding, whatever it takes, to the see those fuzzy bears. It is also good for the parents to have a unique and special moment with their kids. It’s an event for the whole family to enjoy and can make the country celebrate together.
But that’s all on the surface and 10 year old girls don’t decide what is or isn’t diplomacy. Jaded, grumpy 50-year-old dads and moms who think pandas are the stupidest bears on earth do. “Oh!” Those who want to believe it’s a gesture of good will, defensively exclaim. “They build nests!”
And? So do birds…it’s not impressive.
Tucker Carlson is not the best messenger but it doesn’t mean he isn’t wrong here
The Chinese government, which is to say the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), have a long list of escalatory and hostile actions against the U.S. and her allies.
They have increased cyber-attacks, according to techcrunch. The risk is in regard to “U.S. critical infrastructure, including water, energy, and transportation providers. The goal, officials say, is to lay the groundwork for potentially destructive cyberattacks in the event of a future conflict between China and the U.S., such as over a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan.”
They intend to show force to control the small island of Taiwan who has operated a successful relationship with the U.S. for decades. Even posting on the internet how China’s coast guard had encircled the island showing their holding pattern was in the shape of heart.
Charming, huh?
The CCP has been trying to take underwater reefs and build islands for their navy and Air Force in waters the Philippines, a staunch American ally, have always had fishing access. In 2012, China took the Scarborough Shoal but tensions eased under Rodrigo Dueterte. Those waters supply $3 trillion in seafood to the global market.
The current posturing in reaction to China’s increased aggression for that very valuable part of the ocean may help current president Bongbong Marcos in the polls. But, internal polls do not make a capable navy magically materialize. Manila is woefully outgunned and has already discussed the 1951 Mutual Defense agreement with Washington D. C.
It seems the U.S. media have only recently become aware of China’s military buildup. They are moving at breakneck speed, and the U.S. is not in a good position to immediately match the production pace Beijing has set. It’s hard to ignore the rapid advance in production that many see as signs of China wanting to expand its regional influence. By force, if necessary.
And what does the U. S. get for its mounting troubles?
Two lousy pandas.
It is possible some people might see this, in some sort of way, as a diplomatic win. In reality, when China’s actions are examined, it feels like a middle-finger with a shit-eating grin. At this rate it wouldn’t be surprising to find out D. C. actually buys the food, for the bears nature wants to kill, from China.
Diplomacy, indeed.
