Hey, pretty big thing, that. The last time the leader of Communist China met with the Nationalist leader, neither the People's Republic of China nor the Republic of China existed! August, 1945 in Chongqing was the last time. Mao flew to meet Chiang.
You know what this means to me? It is consistent with the PRC not being an aggressive nation. (Oh, I can feel the shit coming down on my head.) Can you imagine? The United States of America defeats the Confederate States of America only to have the Jefferson Davis cross the Florida Straits and set up his own government in Cuba. And the United States lets him do it. Certainly, you jest. Cuba would have been invaded so fast it wouldn't have known what hit it. It would be a state right now.
Well damn, Boss, that's exactly what Chiang Kai-Shek done did. Hightailed it across the Taiwan Strait and set up shop there. Has kept his shop runnin' FOR 66 YEARS!!!!
And then imagine that CSA-Cuba signs a protective alliance with, say, the Soviet Union. Commune with the ghost of John F. Kennedy on that one.
China does not explore. Said that a bunch of times. They think they're the Middle Kingdom of the Universe. They have next to no interest in anything or anybody beyond their borders. How did the Emperor Quinglong respond to George III's trade entreaties? Read it and weep ( and laugh)
You, O King, [I'm sorry, "You, O King?" ROLFL MAO] live beyond the confines of many seas, nevertheless, impelled by your humble desire to partake of the benefits of our civilisation......
You know what this means to me? It is consistent with the PRC not being an aggressive nation. (Oh, I can feel the shit coming down on my head.) Can you imagine? The United States of America defeats the Confederate States of America only to have the Jefferson Davis cross the Florida Straits and set up his own government in Cuba. And the United States lets him do it. Certainly, you jest. Cuba would have been invaded so fast it wouldn't have known what hit it. It would be a state right now.
Well damn, Boss, that's exactly what Chiang Kai-Shek done did. Hightailed it across the Taiwan Strait and set up shop there. Has kept his shop runnin' FOR 66 YEARS!!!!
And then imagine that CSA-Cuba signs a protective alliance with, say, the Soviet Union. Commune with the ghost of John F. Kennedy on that one.
China does not explore. Said that a bunch of times. They think they're the Middle Kingdom of the Universe. They have next to no interest in anything or anybody beyond their borders. How did the Emperor Quinglong respond to George III's trade entreaties? Read it and weep ( and laugh)
You, O King, [I'm sorry, "You, O King?" ROLFL MAO] live beyond the confines of many seas, nevertheless, impelled by your humble desire to partake of the benefits of our civilisation......
...
Swaying the wide world, I have but one aim in view, namely, to maintain a perfect governance and to fulfil the duties of the State: strange and costly objects do not interest me.
...
As your Ambassador can see for himself we possess all things, I set no value on things strange and ingenuous, and have no interest in your country's manufactures.
That was 1793. Boy, old George III had a rough couple decades.
Leave China alone. That's been the message for centuries. And China will leave you alone. Mao Zedong talked wistfully about Chaing Kai-Shek, referred to him as my old friend to the Americans. Told Nixon, you take Taiwan for now. They've lived pretty darn much without PRC interference since 1949.
It reminds me of Mao's alleged response to the defection of Lin Biao. When word reached Mao he was shaken, his face sagged according to his personal physician. "We can shoot him down," the Chinese air force commander advised the Chairman. "Let him go," said Mao.
Remarkable. There is humility in the Chinese soul, magnanimity, forbearance. There is not aggression toward others, even with provocations impossible for others to resist.
Remarkable people, the Chinese.
