1. On China: I Love the People
By Jim DeCamp, 4/7/2020
I LOVE THE PEOPLE OF CHINA
…not the policies of their government
In the 1890s, my maternal grandparents left Virginia for China. My grandfather, a doctor, built a hospital in a town north of Shanghai, named Love and Mercy Hospital. (Photo in 1894. They shared the Good News of Jesus as they identified with the people.) I have always loved China––her beauty, her people––and been inspired by her history.
Sadly, in the coming weeks there will be much to report of the brutality and cunning nature of the Chinese government. I do so out of love for the long-suffering people of China, and for the safety and security of people around the world.
2. On China: A New Series
By Jim DeCamp, 4/14/2020
NEW SERIES ON CHINA
…toward understanding
The world is changing virtually at the speed of electrons. Take a virus, add confusion, stir in geopolitical tensions, and one is tempted to head for the exits.
But wait: at the human level knowledge answers fear; understanding builds confidence; courage secures the future. And we need all of these virtues.
Yet there’s more. With the God of History there is much more. This series on China rests in the knowledge that the Conductor of the Universe––the “Potentate of Time,” to borrow from Matthew Bridges’ wonderful hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns”––this Creator of us all, has a sure and certain plan. (To friends who may not share these beliefs: I treasure our friendship.)
3. On China: The Great Wall
By Jim DeCamp, 4/15/20
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
Security called for a wall, producing one of the most spectacular engineering feats in human history.
OLD HISTORY, COMMON NEEDS
> To secure China against attacking nomads from the north.The Chinese military sent smoke and firebrand messages between “fire towers” on the Great Wall, to sound alarms and summon soldiers.
> To ensure revenue and safeguard commerce.Lucrative trade routes passed through the few gates in the wall, where tax and tariff officers waited.
> To protect culture. The creativity and refinement of Chinese art, along with family traditions, were threatened by invaders who thought nothing of such virtues.
ENGINEERING WONDER
> The longest fortified line ever built, totaling over 13,000 miles.
> Interestingly, there was not just one wall, but multiple overlapping and/or disconnected defensive structures.
> Over the centuries there were changes in the threat, as well as new dynasties rising to power. Construction began as early as the 7th century BC. It continued, off and on, into the 17th century, AD.
> Size: about 25 feet high, with a 25-foot base which tapered to about 15 feet at the top.
> Towers up to 40 feet in height––every 300 yards––kept watch. Soldiers and weapons moved rapidly atop the wall to the address any danger.
> Built of “brick or dressed granite shell, filled with earth, and covered with a very hard coating of bricks in lime.” (World Book Encyclopedia, 1957 edition, which I used as a kid.)
LIFE LESSONS
> For an individual: You can always do more than you think you can.
> For a nation: Serious needs summon strength.
> For perspective: We live in a thin slice of history. We should be grateful for those who have traveled before us, and sobered by what we may hand our descendants.
> For geopolitics: Every country has a history, culture, economy, military, government, faith, hardships, and a self-image.
> For education: *Serious study* of history affords 1) lessons from others’ mistakes, and 2) knowledge, understanding, and wisdom upon which we can address the crises of our own day.
4. On China: The Belt and Road Initiative
By Jim DeCamp, April 22, 2020
CHINA’S BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE
…Preying on weak countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America, the expansionism of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is a threat to international stability and to the U. S.
It has also been referred to as China’s “One Belt, One Road” International Infrastructure Project. Below is a post from 2018. More posts to come on this strategically significant subject.
–––––––––
LOOKING BELOW THE SURFACE, REACHING AROUND THE WORLD
If you’re interested in the complexities of international affairs, this will be a fascinating article. It discusses:
1. China’s “One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) attempts to make economic and political inroads into Asia, Africa, Europe…even South America.
2. China’s use of OBOR to obligate poorer countries in the construction of transportation facilities then, when money dries up, take them over.
3. China’s persecution of millions of Muslims in its westernmost province.
4. How Turkey (headed now by a radical Islamist) had denounced this Chinese persecution.
5. How Turkey, weakened economically by sanctions and isolated politically, needs assistance from and recognition of China.
6. How Turkey, in return, has curtailed criticism of China’s persecution, and has agreed to participate in OBOR.
Further intriguing factors: Turkey has imprisoned many political prisoners including American pastor, Andrew Brunson; the U.S. is leaning heavily on Turkey to release Pastor Brunson; [speculation, though possible] in exchange for the U. S. working with China on a North Korea solution, China may agree to pressure Turkey to release this American pastor.
This kind of plotting goes on every day in almost every country. It’s grist for someone’s term paper. I’d love to read it.
[UPDATE: Pastor Brunson, imprisoned in 2016, was released on Oct. 12, 2018.]
5. On China: Probing Communist China
By Jim DeCamp, April 24, 2020
PROBING COMMUNIST CHINA
…investigating/stopping Communist China’s deception and manipulation
Through her new group, Stop Communist China, Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and U. S. ambassador to the U. N., wants Congress to:
Require American colleges and universities to disclose all Chinese Communist government funding of professors and researchers.
Investigate China’s initial coverup of the virus outbreak.
End China’s stranglehold on medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
Force China to contribute to international organizations in an amount fitting the second largest economy in the world.
Support Taiwan by calling out China’s bullying, and allow Taiwan into the World Health Organization (WHO).
6. On China: Suing for COVID-19 Damages
By Jim DeCamp, April 26, 2020
SUING CHINA FOR ITS CULPABILITY IN COVID-19 DAMAGES
…salient points on behalf of the U. S. and all nations affected
From Jonathan F. Keiler in American Thinker––link below. (Another post to follow on legal grounds for filing suit.)
ADVANTAGES OF SUING, EVEN IF UNSUCCESSFUL
Force evidence into the open.
Serve as future deterrent to China / other aggressor regimes.
Force Democrats and media to choose: U. S. or China.WHY CHINA SHOULD BE HELD LEGALLY LIABLE
Security lapses at Wuhan infectious disease laboratory.
After outbreak known, international travel allowed in and out of Wuhan.
Attempts to hide the outbreak / failed to manage the outbreak.
Result: International humanitarian disaster.POSSIBLE COURSES OF ACTION
International Court of Justice.
An ad hoc international tribunal.
Many other countries could join the U. S.
China’s refusal to cooperate could support unilateral U. S. action.
https://www.americanthinker.com/…/2020/04/suing_china.html
7. On China: Grounds for Suing
By Jim DeCamp, April 29, 2020
GROUNDS FOR SUING CHINA
…why the Chinese Communist Party is not immune from prosecution.
MISSOURI
The first state to sue”On information and belief, the Communist Party is not an organ or political subdivision of the PRC, nor is it owned by the PRC or a political subdivision of the PRC, and thus it is not protected by sovereign immunity.”
https://www.dailywire.com/…/first-u-s-state-to-sue…
INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
Complaint filed by Freedom Watch founder Larry Klayman “…Such actions violated a number of international treaties, the complaint contends, including the ‘Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons.’”
https://www.wnd.com/…/china-sued-coronavirus…/
NATIONAL REVIEW’S TAKE:
Pursue avenues other than corrupt international institutions. “China’s failures render it legally liable under international law, but the COVID-19 crisis has exposed the crisis of ineffectiveness and corruption of international institutions. Instead of focusing on international law, the U.S. should thus protect its national interests by opting for the self-help mechanism.”
NR goes on to illustrate how “China has rendered the U.N. impotent,” and how China has a history of ignoring international court judgements.
https://www.nationalreview.com/…/04/how-to-make-china-pay/
8. On China: China’s Deception and the World’s Awakening
by Jim DeCamp, May 4, 2020
CHINA’S DECEPTION AND THE WORLD’S AWAKENING
…viral lies about life and death
From The TownHall (1), The Daily Telegraph (2), The Daily Wire (3)
1. AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, THE UK, THE U.S….world-wide backlash against China’s treachery
https://townhall.com/…/backlash-international-community…
2. ENDANGERING OTHER COUNTRIES, “DISAPPEARING” DOCTORS WHO SPOKE OUT, DESTROYING EVIDENCE…the case being mounted against China.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/…/55add857058731c9c71…
3. CHINA INTENTIONALLY CONCEALED THE SEVERITY, HOARDED SUPPLIES…U. S. Dept. of Homeland Security Report, May, 2020.Sec. of State Pompeo: “I think the whole world is united in understanding that China brought this virus to the world.”
https://www.dailywire.com/…/u-s-intel-report-suggests…
9. On China: Inroads into U.N. Agencies
by Jim DeCamp, May 11, 2020
INROADS INTO UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES
…and the growing suspicion China is raising
…three articles from The Diplomat
1. REMAKING THE UN IN CHINA’S IMAGE?
China already leads four of the UN’s 15 specialized agencies, and five more lead positions are opening up.Meanwhile, China has co-opted the World Health Organization (WHO).
https://thediplomat.com/search/?gcse=How%20China%20Is%20Remaking%20the%20UN
2. CHINA NOW ON UN HUMAN RIGHTS PANEL
…China’s persecution of political and religious enemies, notwithstanding.
https://thediplomat.com/…/china-appointed-to…/
3. CHINA’S GROWING INFLUENCE IN UN PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
…to influence other countries, to build its own military, to appear as a partner for peace.
https://thediplomat.com/…/china-takes-the-lead-in-un…/
10. On China: Increased Pressure
By Jim DeCamp, May 18, 2020
TRUMP INCREASES PRESSURE ON CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY
…through high-tech manufacturing (1), stock market oversight (2), and by capitalizing on China’s crumbling reputation (3).
1. MANUFACTURING: TRUMP’S BLOW TO CHINA
The Daily Wire: Taiwan to build $12B chip plant in U.S.: 1,600 high-tech professional jobs, thousands more jobs “in the semiconductor ecosystem.” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: “The U.S. welcomes Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s intention to invest $12B in the most advanced 5-nanometer semiconductor fabrication foundry in the world. This deal bolsters U.S. national security at a time when China is trying to dominate cutting-edge tech and control critical industries.”
https://www.dailywire.com/…/trump-delivers-blow-to…
2.STOCK MARKET: RAISING THE COMPLICATED SUBJECT OF ENFORCING THE RULES
Politico: Long-overlooked sores don’t heal in a day, yet pressure on China could be growing. Bipartisan legislation would force China to comply with U. S. accounting rules. Trump agrees, while sounding caution lest Chinese companies “move to London or…to Hong Kong.”
https://www.politico.com/…/trump-crackdown-china-stocks…
3. CHINA’S ERODING POSITION ON THE WORLD STAGE
Victor Davis Hanson in National Review: China’s weakened state is due to its coronavirus scandal, trade war with U.S., one million Uighur Muslims in reeducation camps, crackdown on Hong Kong freedom demonstrators, massive surveillance of the Chinese people. “The world is now both terrified and put off by China….”
https://www.nationalreview.com/…/coronavirus-china…/
11. On China: China Steals U. S. Research
By Jim DeCamp, June 15, 2020
CHINA INFILTRATES/STEALS U.S. MILITARY AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
…related to China’s Thousand Talents Program, which pays scientists in exchange for information
…from The Epoch Times (1) and (2), and Breitbart (3) and (4).
1. 54 SCIENTISTS LOSE THEIR JOBS DUE TO UNDISCLOSED FOREIGN PAYMENTS
“The NIH effort is part of a larger U.S. government campaign to counter the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) infiltration of American academia.”The NIH warned universities in 2018 that some foreign entities had been attempting “…to divert intellectual property and obtain confidential information.”
https://www.theepochtimes.com/54-scientists-lose-jobs…
2. US PROFESSOR PLEADS GUILTY TO FRAUD IN SECRETLY WORKING WITH, AND BEING PAID BY, THE CHINESE”
Dr. James Patrick Lewis, 54, was a tenured physics professor at West Virginia University (WVU) from 2006 to August 2019.” He was charged and pled guilty on March 10, 2020.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/us-professor-pleads-guilty…
3. ARREST OF CHINESE MILITARY OFFICER FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING U. S. RESEARCH
An officer in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Xin Wang, was arrested last week at LAX while attempting to leave the country. According to Customs and Boarder Patrol personnel and the U. S. Department of Justice, Xin lied about on his original visa application, had misrepresented his relationship with the Chinese military, and was attempting to smuggle out of the country information pertaining to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health. This information was the product of U.S. government-funded research from the University of California.
https://www.breitbart.com/…/police-arrest-chinese…/
4. HARVARD PROFESSOR INDICTED BY GRAND JURY
He was removed from his Harvard position last January and arrested on charges that he lied about his relationship with the Chinese government. Charles Lieber was indicted last week for allegedly accepting money “in exchange for access to taxpayer-funded research.” As a participant in China’s Thousand Talents Program, Lieber was allegedly paid $50,000 per month for stealing, then passing on to China, proprietary information. China also provided $1.5 million for Lieber “to establish a research lab at the Wuhan University of Technology.”
https://www.breitbart.com/…/harvard-prof-charles…/
12. On China: Uighur Genocide
By Jim DeCamp, August 9, 2020
CHINA’S UIGHUR GENOCIDE
…of 12 million Turkish-speaking Muslims in NW China
…China’s actions to oppress––and cull––the Uighur population
…from The Associated Press (1), Western Journalism (2), and Amnesty International (3)
1. CHINA CUTS UIGHUR BIRTHS BY STERILIZATION, PREGNANCY MONITORING, AND ABORTION
> “The state regularly subjects minority women to pregnancy checks, and forces intrauterine devices, sterilization and even abortion on hundreds of thousands, the interviews and data show.”
> “Police raid homes, terrifying parents as they search for hidden children.”
> ”The result of the birth control campaign is a climate of terror around having children, as seen in interview after interview.”
https://apnews.com/269b3de1af34e17c1941a514f78d764c
2. LABOR CAMPS……FOR STARTERS
> “Uighurs, a largely Muslim ethnic minority group native to China’s Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, are being hauled off to labor camps and forced to undergo sterilization procedures in an effort to cull their population.”
> This article defines genocide, exposes labor and re-education camps created to subjugate the Uighur people, reveals forced sterilization of Uighurs and other minority peoples, discloses mysterious population declines, and discusses “attempts to erase their culture and Muslim faith.”
https://www.westernjournal.com/chinas-uighur-genocide…/
3. CHINA’S GHOULISH TREATMENT OF THE UIGHURS
> This Amnesty International article contains disturbing evidence of China’s inhumanity toward the Uighur people.
> This article provides many photographs, vignettes, and links to resources, which may inspire further study.
https://www.amnesty.org/…/china-up-to-one-million…/
13. On China: BBC collection of reports on China’s treatment of the Uighur people “…one of the most pressing human rights concerns of our age.”
By Jim DeCamp, February 27, 2021
Friends,
I ask you to pick just one of these reports, then pray:
> for mercy on this generation of Uighur people.
> that U. S. policy would recognize the evidence of genocide, and resist pressure from the Chinese Communist Party.
> that companies doing business in China would refuse to profit from slave labor.
> that the Gospel of Christ would take root and prosper in the massive concentration camps of western China.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-22278037
See also Epoch Times