Wednesday, May 16, 2012

China and Harper, updated with Godfather?

Nice one, Harper.

The opposition is demanding to know what steps have been taken to address security concerns over foreign companies operating in Canada's telecommunications industry, in the wake of a CBC News report about a Chinese firm's contracts in Canada.
On the surface it is rather hilarious to see this government get its trousers yanked down on the topic of foreign espionage.

Deeper, there's something of a stench here. Harper seems pretty freakin' keen on turning China into Canada's biggest trading partner, particularly around tar sands oil. That's probably a strategic problem for the US even bigger than communications security, but the comms angle may sound more exotic to various audiences. But whatever, China isn't really an enemy, so why should we care?  It is strategic rival for our key and very paranoid ally. It's just stupid to ignore their concerns on things like this, and really really stupid to openly flirt with China in front of them. I bet there's a few interesting conversations happening in Virginia and DC regarding our policy ninjas in Ottawa.

What'll Harper do when the US political rhetoric starts to paint Canada as 'soft on China' and safe haven of their spies? Half those clowns already think we're crawling with swarthy men and AK47s. Popcorn anyone?

Mound of Sound finds quotes from a former Chinese general regarding Australia's need to find a godfather. 
"Australia has to find a godfather sooner or later," Mr Song told the Herald yesterday. "Australia always has to depend on somebody else, whether it is to be the 'son' of the US or 'son' of China. [It] depends on who is more powerful and based on the strategic environment."
I don't know about Australia (although I think I hear some faint cursing on the Pacific breeze), but I think our prime minister has found his godfather. Does anyone else find this just a little creepy?

3 comments:

Rev.Paperboy said...

you say "Godfather" I say "Sugar Daddy" lets call the whole thing off

Steve said...

Maybe that Chinese Spy was not just with an MP?

Linda said...

Kevin? You're funny. Let's call the whole thing off.