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发表于 2011-12-16 16:27:34
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VOX POPULI: China must listen to outside voices
"Gureru" is a Japanese word which means to go wrong.The word is said to derive from "hamaguri" (clam). The two shells of a clam usually fit perfectly with each other, but, obviously, they don’t when they are reversed.
Hence, discrepancies came to be called "gurihama," which changed to "gurehama." The verb "gureru" was made by adding the ending "ru" to the first part. "Gurentai" is a derivative word which means a gang of hoodlums.
Although the term is rarely heard these days, fleets of Chinese fishing boats that operate illegally off South Korea reminded me of it. The crews are turning violent, teaming up against South Korean authorities cracking down on illegal fishing.
On Dec. 12, a South Korean coast guard officer was fatally stabbed by a Chinese fishing boat crew.
The Chinese fishermen are entering South Korean waters, apparently because their own fishing grounds have been exhausted by overfishing.
The Chinese philosopher Confucius said one may fish but not with a net. In other words, one must use moderation and refrain from catching large quantities of fish at once. His words appear to have gone unheeded.
I hear an enraged South Korea is going to ease restrictions on using guns in these situations.
The Chinese government claims it is working hard to strengthen the education and management of fishery workers, but is doubtful their behavior will change.
Even fishing boats appear to be playing a role in China's maritime expansion.
Instead of promoting friendship between two countries separated only by a narrow strip of water, the situation is only adding to tensions.
Referring to the human rights issue, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, who is considered likely to be the next president, once said: "Foreigners who are full and have nothing better to do are finding China's faults." Although the comment drew international criticism, it was hailed as patriotic within China.
I am worried that an isolationist mentality is developing among the Chinese, which turns a deaf ear to complaints and advice, not only on human rights but also other matters.
China is now the world's No. 2 economy. It is time it developed awareness and responsibility befitting its status. Two immediate problems that come to mind are the South China Sea issue and China's emissions of greenhouse gases. China is the world's largest emitter of such gases.
If the giant dragon makes a major misstep, it could cause serious problems for the entire world.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 14 |
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