One Belt One Road

[ltseung888]

Indian Scholar: "What does China gain in building a road to Bhutan now?  Can China wait and build the road when the relationship is better?"

Tseung: "I believe that China is over-excited with One Belt One Road.  It feels that improving the transportation to all its neighbors is a good thing.  It never considers itself as an aggressor.  It has no intention of attacking or conquering neighboring Nations.  But India thinks otherwise.  India still remembers the 1962 war."

Indian Scholar: "The act of some unarmed soldiers walking over the border, pushing and trying to stop the construction of a road is not serious in the eyes of Indians.  It is a strong way of telling the Chinese Government and the International Community that India feels threatened as the construction of the road is near the chicken neck (a sensitive strategic area) in India."

Tseung: "Is there any other way of showing that concern?"

Indian Scholar: "The cost of a few hundred unarmed soldiers crossing the border got International Publicity.  USA and Japan are more willing to assist and invest in India.  The Indian population is spurted on to be more united to build the Infrastructures.  The unarmed Indian Troops will withdraw.  The coming cold weather and snow is likely to cause a natural withdrawal.  The strategic objective of raising  International attention has been achieved."

Tseung: "It soured the relationship between India and China.  The anti-Chinese feeling is rising in India.  The Chinese Press and Internet users presented the incident as an invasion from India."

Indian Scholar: "In politics, there are no real friends nor enemies.  The politicians play the public opinion to their advantage.  The USA politics right now is more serious to the stability of the World."

"In politics, there are no real friends nor enemies.  The politicians play the public opinion to their advantage."

Tseung: "The incident tests the skill of the Top Chinese Think Tanks.  How can they make everyone look good in an ugly incident?  My advice is to focus on eventual Globalization - every human being will be able to travel anywhere on Earth in peace and respect.  National Borders and Patriotism will fade.  All will enjoy prosperity and happiness."

[ltseung888]

"In politics, there are no real friends nor enemies.  The politicians play the public opinion to their advantage."

Tseung: "The incident tests the skill of the Top Chinese Think Tanks.  How can they make everyone look good in an ugly incident?  My advice is to focus on eventual Globalization - every human being will be able to travel anywhere on Earth in peace and respect.  National Borders and Patriotism will fade.  All will enjoy prosperity and happiness."

What a top Think Tank can propose:

(1)  The goal for all humans is to enjoy a rising standard of living in peace and respect.
(2)  The ugly history of Imperialism and Colonialism must not be allowed to happen again.
(3)  The way to prevent the ugly history is for all Nations to seek win-win, plan together, work together and enjoy the results together.
(4)  There must be trust.  India need to trust that China does not want to invade India and take any part of Indian Territory.  China welcomes the eventual re-unification of Pakistan and India.  China will not be a road block in such events.  (China also wants eventual re-unification with Taiwan.)
(5)  The One Belt One Road Initiative is to let all Nations share knowledge and technology.  Imperialism and Colonialism happened because there was great disparity of knowledge and technology since 1600.  Capital, knowledge and technology are no longer scarce resources.  China is willing to share them with the World.
(6)  The way the West and USA to increase and maintain their wealth is via Domination.  USA takes on the role of World Policeman.  It uses the carrot and stick approach to keep the existing order that is in its favor. 
(7)  The OBOR initiative from China is - to increase and maintain its wealth, the way is to help other Nations to become wealthy.
(8)  There will be new concepts.  One is Super Democracy.  Stupid Democracy is one person one vote - electing representatives that may not be qualified.  Many political parties choose to object good policies hoping to discredit the Government so that they have a chance to govern.  Super Democracy uses the capability of the Internet to conduct structured forums to discuss issues thoroughly and gives all voters a chance to express their opinions or even vote on important policies with ease.
(9)  Another new concept is Mutual Credits.  Nation A gives X amount of its Currency A to Nation B.  Nation B gives the equivalent amount of its Currency B to Nation A.  Thus no debt is involved.  Nation B may be relatively poor.  It can use Currency A to buy products and services from Nation A.  Nation A can use Currency B to help Nation B become rich by building hotels, malls, tourist attraction centers, conference and exhibition facilities, model farms, model factories in the Special Economic Zones of Nation B.
(10)  Knowledge has the property that the more you give away, the more you will gain.  Nations can plan together (or individually) to put all primary and secondary school courses on Internet.  Some courses can be at University or Specialist levels.
(11)  Technology can be shared by having multiple Nations working on some selected projects.  For example, a Dam can be done as a learning and demonstration project.  Developing Nations wanting to learn such infrastructure projects are welcome to participate.  This can be done in China, in India or in Africa.
(12)  Capital is not a scarce resource.  Money can be created from thin-air.  It is just a matter of trust.  China is printing thin-air money to support the Infrastructure projects in other Nationnis.  If these other Nations can pay back, so much the better.  Even if they cannot pay back, much meaningful economic activities would have been created.  There will be actual infrastructures built to benefit the citizens of such Nations.  (China does not really suffer as that money comes from thin-air.  Many Nation will trust China and the OBOR initiative more.)
(13)  Modern Wealth is no long herd, gold or numbers in financial institutions.  Modern wealth is the quality and quantity of meaningful economic activities (MEA).  Such MEAs are different in different Nations and will be different at different times.  The Think Tanks should help to identify such MEAs.
(14)  India has demonstrated remarkable GDP growth.  Its GDP growth is faster than that of China now.  Efforts must focus on keeping the GDP growth on track.  Any diversion such as border conflicts, wars or disputes must be avoided.  The growth is real, material growth that Citizens and Tourists can feel and see.  (There is no need to go for thin-air gains such as derivatives.)
(15)  India and China must watch out for another type of war - economic war.  Such happened in the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997.  It almost happened again in 2017 with the rumored devaluation of the RMB (by the financial institutions of USA) and the stupidity of China playing in the unregulated Forex Exchanges.

[ltseung888]

Relationship Selling at its best?

One of the hottest topic in Asia right now is the salary that China is willing to pay for the Pilipino Maids.  The starting salary for a Pilipino Maid in Hong Kong is around HK$5,000.  China is rumored to pay HK$15,000 or three times that.

As a top think tank, we consider the following:

(1) Having Maids is a "luxury".  China is willing to pay a high price for luxury goods - watches, jewelry, wine etc.  Willing to pay a high price serves two purposes.  The first is appreciation of the quality.  The second is to show off the wealth.

(2) Some comments on the Internet focus on getting the best goods or services at the lowest price.  They claim that as the cardinal economic principle.  They may not have gone to super expensive restaurants.  An ordinary meal in an average restaurant that will satisfy one's hunger costs HK$40-50.  An average meal in a top restaurant costs HK$1,000 and up (not including wine). 

(3) It is difficult for the average person to understand the philosophy of - to become rich and remain rich, a Nation should help other Nations to become rich.  But seeing the Pilipino Maids getting a salary of HK$15,000 per month is easy to accept.  It is already hot news.  If it were reality (which is highly recommended), the average person in Asia and elsewhere will look to China as the Land of Opportunity.

(4) What will happen to the relationship between China and Philippines?  There will be no anti-Chinese feelings?  China treats such Maids as valuable helpers.  They may serve as English Teachers.  They may serve as a link to improving the relationship of the two Nations.  They may serve as an example of Relationship Selling.  (Not the lowest price wins.  But wanting the partner to become rich wins. Win-win at a high level.)

(5) The details of the Government Negotiations will start in September.  Paying HK$15,000 per month per Maid to generate good will is more effective than building a high speed rail.  The effect is almost immediate.  We believe China will be clever enough to do the right thing...

[ltseung888]

AN INNOVATIVE PROJECT

China and India should not copy the energy wasteful model of USA.  Every family owning one or more cars will just cause more traffic jams, more pollution, more noise and creating a deteriorating environment.

Consider towns with no traffic jams.  A two level transportation arrangement will be a possible solution.  Cut the need to travel with Internet Commerce and Conferences.  Plan local communities with malls, hospitals, restaurants, entertainment centers, sports facilities.  Develop modern new towns with the latest technology.  There is no need for traditional telephone lines, schools or universities.  Modern storage, processing and prediction facilities will guarantee food security.  Re-examine jobs, factories and offices.  What is the best model?  Redefine the Meaningful Economic Activities for now and for the near future

Renewable and new sources of energy is now available. Technology, technology and technology.   Do not stupidly destroy the prosperity with wars and misguided patriotism.

Let us start with a town with no traffic jams.  Assume all buildings are connected.  Floor two has electric trains on rails that will zigzag in the North-South directions.  There will be many stops.  Floor three has electric trains on rails that will zigzag in the East-West directions.  Its stops will coincide with Floor two.  If a passenger wants to go to a particular stop, he can be lazy and just remain on either Floor two or Floor three to take the zigzag paths.

If the passenger wants to shorten the travel time, he can always go East-West first and then walk one level to travel North-South.  His total travel time will be one East-West leg, one walking up or down a floor, one waiting time for trains and one North-South leg.

Thus human and light load traffic will have no traffic jams at all.  The ground floor can carry heavy load traffic with the usual traffic lights.

China and India can compete on such innovative concepts. (Others are welcome to join in such competition.)  Other features such as temperature control, air pressure control, use of renewable energy, efficient town planning, and infrastructure setup can be added.  Compete on something positive rather than destructive conflicts or wars.

[giantkiller]

Or do like has been done in Colorado: Students just hang around campus stoned all the time in a welfare based economy.
We got it and it is sick.

[ltseung888]

AN INNOVATIVE PROJECT

Let us start with a town with no traffic jams.  Assume all buildings are connected.  Floor two has electric trains on rails that will zigzag in the North-South directions.  There will be many stops.  Floor three has electric trains on rails that will zigzag in the East-West directions.  Its stops will coincide with Floor two.  If a passenger wants to go to a particular stop, he can be lazy and just remain on either Floor two or Floor three to take the zigzag paths.

If the passenger wants to shorten the travel time, he can always go East-West first and then walk one level to travel North-South.  His total travel time will be one East-West leg, one walking up or down a floor, one waiting time for trains and one North-South leg.

Thus human and light load traffic will have no traffic jams at all.  The ground floor can carry heavy load traffic with the usual traffic lights.

China and India can compete on such innovative concepts. (Others are welcome to join in such competition.)  Other features such as temperature control, air pressure control, use of renewable energy, efficient town planning, and infrastructure setup can be added.  Compete on something positive rather than destructive conflicts or wars.

Talk with a Pilipino Lady:

Tseung: "It is big news that China is negotiating to employ Pilipino Helpers for HK$15,000 per month.  That is three times the salary paid in Hong Kong."

Pilipino Lady: "Most people will wait before believing.  I am more interested in your no traffic jam city idea.  We have terrible traffic jams in Manila."

Tseung: "If traffic were really heavy, we can replace the zigzag with "to and back traffic" on each line.  That will need more trains."

Pilipino Lady: "Do you mind my sharing the idea with others?  I am sure some Pilipino City Planners will be interested."

Tseung: "Please do.  I am too old to implement such. There is still much to plan - such as what happens in emergencies; catering for the disabled; computer modelling etc.  Plan together."

[ltseung888]

Talk with an Australian Friend.

Tseung: "Do you have traffic jam problems in Australia?"

Friend: "We have much land and few citizens compared with China, India or the Asian Nations. Your separating North-South traffic and East-West traffic into two separate floors or levels is simple.  Australia does not need it.  We may discuss it in academic circles."

Tseung: "China, India and Asian Scholars used to examine the West and tried to copy their solutions.  The West has different problems.  Asians must think for themselves. Hong Kong is small but we can still have the best Think Tanks in the World.  With Internet, there is no limitation on space, time, number of participants and information.  Hong Kong Think Tanks can work out Meaningful Economic Activities for itself and for the rest of the World."

Friend: "Old folks like you can still Think in your wheel chairs. You do not need to compete in the rat race.  Great ideas often come when there is no day-to-day pressure to make a living."

[ltseung888]

(9)  Another new concept is Mutual Credits.  Nation A gives X amount of its Currency A to Nation B.  Nation B gives the equivalent amount of its Currency B to Nation A.  Thus no debt is involved.  Nation B may be relatively poor.  It can use Currency A to buy products and services from Nation A.  Nation A can use Currency B to help Nation B become rich by building hotels, malls, tourist attraction centers, conference and exhibition facilities, model farms, model factories in the Special Economic Zones of Nation B.

Comment from a retired Singapore Government Official.

Official: "Singapore Government is good in planning infrastructures and advancing policies to benefit the Citizens.  Just look at the Casino income.  Singapore is now behind Macau and ahead of Nevada.  Many Nations started their Casino industries but few are successful like Macaau and Singapore."

Tseung: "Many Casinos in Macau and Singapore are US based."

Official: "That requires political foresight and stability."

Tseung: "Can Singapore make  Nation X rich if Singapore owns a large amount of Currency X?"

Official: "It is a matter of using Currency X to stimulate Meaningful Economic Activities.  Singapore has the advantage that the politicians will not put Currency X into their own pockets.  They look for ways to increase X and put it into the pockets of the Citizens of Nation X."

Tseung: " Well said."

[muDped]

Honest government which truly serves the People in a
beneficial way is exceedingly rare.  Singapore is a
beautiful place - in all respects.  My first visit was in
1974.  I doubt that I'll be able to return but the
memories are  still vivid.  Singapore is wonderfully unique.

[ltseung888]

Honest government which truly serves the People in a
beneficial way is exceedingly rare.  Singapore is a
beautiful place - in all respects.  My first visit was in
1974.  I doubt that I'll be able to return but the
memories are  still vivid.  Singapore is wonderfully unique.

Honest Government is indeed a rare thing.  Most politicians try to benefit themselves.  Many people criticize Singapore for lacking freedom of speech and the One Party Rule.  That actually gives Singapore the long term political stability to achieve its miracles.

China copies Singapore in many ways - most notably State Capitalism.  Use the resources of the State to help Citizens to develop the economy.  The West complains that as unfair.  But how can mom and dad shops compete with Multi-nationals?

The truth is - Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, China - all used Government Power to help the Private Enterprises.

Unfortunately, many politicians found that they could easily become rich via printing money or working with enterprising individuals or companies.  It is difficult to be honest in front of riches, sexual pleasures, power etc.

Fortunately, Internet allows corrupt Officials to be easily identified.  If they or their relatives drive luxury cars, wear expensive watches, go on cruises etc., they will be spotted and the photos will be posted.  (What is the point of accumulating wealth if you cannot enjoy?)

[ltseung888]

Tseung: "Can Singapore make  Nation X rich if Singapore owns a large amount of Currency X?"

Official: "It is a matter of using Currency X to stimulate Meaningful Economic Activities.  Singapore has the advantage that the politicians will not put Currency X into their own pockets.  They look for ways to increase X and put it into the pockets of the Citizens of Nation X."

*** The success of the OBOR initiative and the philosophy of a Nation becoming rich and remaining rich by helping other Nations rich depends on knowledgeable and honest Officials.   Technology is easy to see especially in the form of roads, bridges, high speed rails, high rise buildings, e-commerce etc.

*** I would regard no traffic jams and saving many hours of travelling time on the MTR as putting money into my pocket.

[ltseung888]

(9)  Another new concept is Mutual Credits.  Nation A gives X amount of its Currency A to Nation B.  Nation B gives the equivalent amount of its Currency B to Nation A.  Thus no debt is involved.  Nation B may be relatively poor.  It can use Currency A to buy products and services from Nation A.  Nation A can use Currency B to help Nation B become rich by building hotels, malls, tourist attraction centers, conference and exhibition facilities, model farms, model factories in the Special Economic Zones of Nation B.

Comment from a super rich person at the Hong Kong Jockey Club:

Rich man: "When you have enough money to buy all the luxuries, money loses its appeal.  You start to think whether people are nice to you because of your money.  You value the scientists, the artists and the athletes more."

Tseung: "Before a person reaches your stage, money can buy many necessities."

Rich man: "When China has excess capacity, building more infrastructures or printing more money within China will start to lose its appeal.  When I invest now, I do not consider return.  I consider factors such as the personality of the entrepreneurs, the innovative content, the good the investment will do to the environment and the benefits to the World more.  China, as a booming Nation, should be thinking along similar lines."

Tseung: "In other words, when China builds a Bridge in Nation X, China does not worry about return on investment.  Even if the bridge does not earn any money back, it does not matter.  China already wins in using its excess capacity.  China already wins with the image of good will and capability.  Nation X wins with a bridge that helps with its traffic problems.   Win-win."

Rich man: "If Nation X learns how to build a bridge in the process, so much the better"

[ltseung888]

(9)  Another new concept is Mutual Credits.  Nation A gives X amount of its Currency A to Nation B.  Nation B gives the equivalent amount of its Currency B to Nation A.  Thus no debt is involved.  Nation B may be relatively poor.  It can use Currency A to buy products and services from Nation A.  Nation A can use Currency B to help Nation B become rich by building hotels, malls, tourist attraction centers, conference and exhibition facilities, model farms, model factories in the Special Economic Zones of Nation B.

Pilipino Lady: "I can cook well.  If there were investment, I do not mind opening a restaurant.  I cannot build any roads or infrastructures."

Tseung: "Different people have different talents.  I cannot cook.  My daughter thanks me but orders take-outs."

Pilipino Lady: "My friends think your posts are creative.  Your ideas will help Philippines.  We can look for happiness in this life and do not have to wait for Heaven."

Tseung: "USA can easily help any Nation X to become rich.  If it does not do it, China can take on that role."

Pilipino Lady: "I like your idea of two camps competing to get Developing Nations rich."

[ltseung888]

(12)  Capital is not a scarce resource.  Money can be created from thin-air.  It is just a matter of trust.  China is printing thin-air money to support the Infrastructure projects in other Nationnis.  If these other   Nations can pay back, so much the better.  Even if they cannot pay back, much meaningful economic activities would have been created.  There will be actual infrastructures built to benefit the citizens of such Nations.  (China does not really suffer as that money comes from thin-air.  Many Nations will trust China and the OBOR initiative more.)

Pilipino Lady: "Any Nation will trust China more if it does not need to incur debt in building infrastructures."

Tseung: "If you get investment to open a restaurant chain in  Philippines from an Investor who does not care about return, will you be happy?"

Pilipino Lady: "My cooking will bring happiness to many.  It will be a profitable business."

[ltseung888]

Quote from: ltseung888 on August 08, 2017, 02:11:58 PM at overunity.com

At a Lawyer's Office:

Lawyer: "How would you safeguard Nation B from the currency attack by Nation A?"

Tseung: "The assumption is that Nation A wants Nation B to become rich."

Lawyer: "In our profession, we do not rely on intention.  We rely on black and white documents."

Tseung: "I believe good intentions and clear documents both have merit.  Clear documents remove much uncertainty and potential areas of conflict.  Good intentions provide the necessary trust to get things done."

Lawyer: "Nation B can write down in black and white on how Nation A uses its Currency B.  That will give us much work to do.  We can contribute significantly in this OROB initiative..."

*****

Banker: "I just do not believe China will build a road in Nation B without asking for a return.  I never give out loans if there is no guarantee for a return."

Lawyer: "Even if a father intends to give his money to his children, I still advise him to do proper legal documents.  That is why doing wills is a big part of our business."

Tseung: "China believes that in building infrastructures for Nation B, Nation B will become rich.  In addition, if China and Nation B do a Mutual Credit Arrangement, China can use Currency B to build up more wealth for both itself and Nation B."

Banker: "You pointed to the heart of the matter.  There is no guarantee that China can use Currency B to build up more wealth."

Lawyer: "Tseung defines Modern Wealth as the quality and quantity of Meaningful Economic Activities. In his definition, the activity of building infrastructures is already increasing Modern Wealth.  If China can use Currency B to create more Meaningful Economic Activities such as more restaurants, more shopping centers, more entertainment, nicer homes and better standard of living for Citizens in Nation B, that is regarded as increasing more Modern Wealth."

Banker: "Nation B does not need to pay back the loan in Nation A's currency (RMB).  With Mutual Credits, Nation B even does not owe any debt.  This is like a father giving money to his sons.  It is against human history.  Human history tells us that Nation A will conquer and take over Nation B at some stage of the game."

Tseung: "China is re-writing history.  China can use thin-air RMB, knowledge and technology to make every human being prosperous."

Lawyer: "India does not believe it.  India is sending some soldiers to provoke China by trying to stop the construction of a road.  India does not see that road as win-win.  So far, China does not show the act of great statesmanship.  China does not address the concerns of India but keeps issuing warnings to India threatening war."

[ltseung888]

Tseung: "China is re-writing history.  China can use thin-air RMB, knowledge and technology to make every human being prosperous."

Lawyer: "India does not believe it.  India is sending some soldiers to provoke China by trying to stop the construction of a road.  India does not see that road as win-win.  So far, China does not show the act of great statesmanship.  China does not address the concerns of India but keeps issuing warnings to India threatening war."

A Great Statesman would:

1.  Ask India to raise its concerns in United Nations or any appropriate International settings.
2.  Re-state the goals of OBOR as win-win for all.
3.  Suspend the building of the Road until the relationship is better.
4.  Demonstrate that China can use the exchanged Currency B to create more Modern Wealth for Nation B and China.
5.  Create wealth with Pakistan and encourage Pakistan and India to overcome the outdated British Strategy of "Divide and Rule".  Encourage eventual re-unification.  (Just mention the possible re-unification of Taiwan.)
6.  Slowly but surely take over the position of Number One Economic Power replacing USA.  Tell India that some day, India+Pakistan may take that Number One spot.  Do it in a peaceful manner so that all human beings enjoy the benefits.

[ltseung888]

The stock prices of Alibaba and Tencent are soaring.  Are they creating a new paradigm?

Both Alibaba and Tencent have huge consumer and manufacture databases.  Many academics claim that the Data World has arrived.  The Organizations (Governments, Companies or Individuals) that own, control and analyze such data have incredible power.  For example, Alibaba is willing to loan money to suppliers and individuals because it can see their credit history from the transactions.  Alibaba has essentially taken on the Banking function.  Sooner  or later, Alibaba and Tencent will allow their customers to deposit money and earn interest in the Alibaba or Tencent Banks.  These Banks will overwhelm traditional Banks as most of the Meaningful Economic Activities will occur or be associated with such Banks.

Alibaba and Tencent Banks can loan money because of the Share Values of the parent companies.  They can easily raise money from Bonds.  They can easily help Companies to franchise especially along the One Belt One Road Nations.  With modern Internet technology, an Investor can monitor the on-line business activity of the restaurants, retail stores, hotels, entertainment centers etc.

It is a matter of trust.  Citizens had to trust paper money, then visa and master cards, now mobile phone transactions via the likes of Alibaba and Tencent.  Alibaba and Tencent can effectively issue their own thin-air money or credit to support any enterprise of their liking.  For example, they may support a special fast food chain specializing in Mongolia Cuisine.  They can use their customer base and marketing power to bring in customers.  They can show the on-line business activities to attract investors.

I would consider it as a new paradigm...  Hong Kong citizens used to trust Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank.  Now they trust Tencent. (They would have trusted Alibaba if Alibaba were listed in Hong Kong.)

[ltseung888]

China's foreign exchange reserves rose more than expected in July to a nine-month high as the yuan strengthened, but analysts said Beijing would keep its tight grip on capital outflows.

Reserves rose by US$24 billion during the month, to US$3.08 trillion, compared with an increase of US$3.2 billion in June.
July marked the first time since June 2014 that China's reserves had climbed for six months in a row, with the gains taking reserves to their highest level since October.

RMB will become a preferred reserve currency if this trend continues.  Individuals and Nations prefer to hold currency that appreciates in value and paying a higher interest.  No more gambling in the unregulated Forex Exchanges...

[ltseung888]

China's foreign exchange reserves rose more than expected in July to a nine-month high as the yuan strengthened, but analysts said Beijing would keep its tight grip on capital outflows.

Reserves rose by US$24 billion during the month, to US$3.08 trillion, compared with an increase of nUS$3.2 billion in June.
July marked the first time since June 2014 that China's reserves had climbed for six months in a row, with the gains taking reserves to their highest level since October.

RMB will become a preferred reserve currency if this trend continues.  Individuals and Nations prefer to hold currency that appreciates in value and paying a higher interest.  No more gambling in the unregulated Forex Exchanges...

Banker: "Tseung, I think you are spreading false hope in emphasizing thin-air money.  Your point of China building Infrastructures in other Nations using thin-air money and not looking for a return is disturbing to me.  Many Nations will look forward to handouts.  They will not put in the necessary effort to make the projects work.  I have seen examples when fathers invest in the ventures of their sons.  The sons do not follow the discipline and best business practices.  When Nations or Politicians believe that they are getting a free lunch, they will not put in the effort."

Tseung: "Good point.  We need to plan together, work together and enjoy the fruits together.  You, the Bankers, will help to put in the necessary monitoring mechanisms.  The Internet Technologists will put in the on-line operational methods.  The academics will develop the models and experiments.  We, the Think Tanks, can dream.  The youngsters and entrepreneurs can turn the dreams into reality..."

[ltseung888]

White Elephant Projects.

In Hong Kong, one of the to-be-completed projects later this year is the Zhuhai-Macau-Hong Kong Bridge.  Some anti-Chinese Politicians call it an White Elephant Project.  They claim that travelling to Macau or Zhuhai by boat after arriving from the airport is around one to two hours.  Travelling by road is around 4 to 5 hours.  The Bridge will shorten that time to 30 - 45 minutes.  There is no question that much time can be saved.

The objection is the cost of the Bridge.  The ant-Chinese politicians claim that the return on investment from trolls or bus fares will never justify the investment.

I look forward to travelling on the Bridge.  I go fishing twice a week within Hong Kong.  One route is via three changes of buses that take an average of two hours.  The other route is via MTR and one bus route that take an average of one hour 15 minutes.  I believe the automatic reaction from most citizens is to take the second route. 

The initial cost of building the MTR is much higher than the bus routes.  Was that an White Elephant Project?

The Hong Kong Government recovered all initial costs of building the MTR via the Stock Market.  It still maintains majority share ownership.  Was it worthwhile?  Would the money be better used in staying in the Books?  Hong Kong has one of the largest Government Reserves in the World.

The next big project is the High Speed Rail Link to other Cities in China.  The anti-Chinese Politicians are against having China Immigration Checks within Hong Kong.  They advocate that all passengers should get off the train and do the Chinese Immigration Check in Shenzhen.  The stopping of the train, getting all passengers off the train to go through the Immigration Process and getting back on will easily add 45 minutes or more to the journey.  They claim that the project is a White Elephant to begin with.  They want to slow it down forever at the elephant pace.  That is International Stupidity in the most obvious... 

I never expect Hong Kong people to be that stupid. 

[ltseung888]

Hong Kong people learned their stupidity from USA?

Trump dismantled everything Obama. 

[ltseung888]

Strategy of China in the next 5 years:

1.   Complete the many Infrastructures in the Belt and Road Initiative with excellence.
2.   Introduce Mutual Credits to eliminate or reduce debts incurred by the Developing Nations.
3.   Use the exchanged currency B to make Nation B rich via profitable, short-term projects. 

4.   Develop Models from planning, constructing to completing. Get many Nations involved.
5.   Continue to do the monitoring via Internet using best on-line techniques.
6.   Separate the Projects into (a) long-term Infrastructure Projects that may have no financial returns.  Such Projects will be undertaken by Governments.  And (b) short-term profitable projects suitable for private investments.

7.   Provide Insurance and rescue projects that may have failed.  For example, some bridges may collapse.  Some oil pipes may crack.  Some electricity stations may catch fire.  Some dams may under-perform.  Some e-commerce sites may fail to deliver.

8.   Avoid war at all costs.  Focus on the eventual Globalization when all Human Beings can travel to, tour or work anywhere on Earth with respect and happiness.  Patriotism and National Boundaries will fade.

9.   Experiment with Super Democracy so that voters can participate early in policy making via structured internet forums and vote easily later in policy decisions.
10.   Get two camps to compete to help Developing Nations rich.  One camp can be headed by USA+Japan and allies.  Another Camp can be Russia+China and allies.
11.   Develop the Super Silicon Valley Mentality.  Everything is third class.  Develop it to second or first class.  Examine and change the many unfair financial rules.  Look out for the economic war situations such as those in the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis or the unregulated Forex Exchanges of today.

12.   Seek win-win in every situation.  Capital, knowledge and technology are no longer scarce commodities.  Any Nation can become prosperous within one generation.  Let them learn and define their own paths via the models and Internet.

13.   Use the over-capacity well.  Give the thin-air money, knowledge and technology generously to under-developed regions in China.  Ensure that the minority races have equal or better opportunities.  Expand to beyond the borders of China.  The One Belt One Road is just a start.  Once successful, extend it to Central or South America.  Do not worry about touching the backyards of other Nations.
14.  Do not stop until every Human Being on Earth has food security, comfortable home, education, medical care, social security and self-confidence.
15.  There is no need to actively seek the Leadership Role.  Nations will look at the success examples.  Encourage them to treat such examples as third class.  Copy, improve and innovate.  Continue to host the International One Belt One Road Conferences.  Put much more effort into the Internet Forums.

[ltseung888]

Thoughts on the White Supremacists

It looks like the evil thoughts of Colonialism and Imperialism have not gone away.   It is sad that our generation and most probably our future generations will still have to deal with them.  Let me recall my conversation with other University Students in the 1960s.

Student 1: "We are very tolerant now.  The fact that you are studying in our Universities and drinking beer with us shows that."

Student 2: "The World is still not equal.  Hong Kong is still a Colony.  The British Officials are paid much more."

Student 1: "The British are giving the Hong Kong Chinese - civilization, Christianity and Democracy.  They are training the locals how to govern.  They need to enjoy the same if not higher standard of living than in Britain.  Paying them higher is the proper thing to do."

Student 2: "The British sold opium and enjoyed that evil wealth."

Student 3: "Compared with the Red Indians, the Chinese were getting a good deal."

Student 4: "History is always a repeat – the more powerful dictates and imposes sufferings on others.  It is the degree of suffering.  The Romans crucified opposing races.  They called the opposing races savages and justify their own superiority via law and order.  Roman Citizens were superior."

Student 2: "USA is doing the same in Vietnam."

Student 5: "USA and USSR are in a cold war.  USA is telling other Nations that if you were in my camp, you will be safe and rich.  Even former enemies such as Germany, Japan, and Italy are given such opportunities.  North Vietnam should stop fighting and join the USA camp."

Student 6: "My Nation in Africa is also war-torn.  We got our independence but we are still very backward in education, industry and know-how."

Student 1: "It is a matter of IQ and the stage of development of the mind.   I am sorry to say that.  The White Race now dominates.  May be a more advanced race from space will dominate someday."

[ltseung888]

Learning technology

China used its cheap labor force, large market to attract foreign investors to pass knowledge and technology.

India tried to leapfrog with information technology.

Korea, both South and North, demonstrated their capability in mastering technology.

Ethiopia is moving along fast.  The West relied on the technological edge.  But technology can be learned especially with the Internet.

China is taking the active approach of win-win, pass on the knowledge and technology...

[ltseung888]

A Hong Kong Democratic Party Member claimed that he was kidnapped and tortured by "some people from Beijing".

The video cameras showed that he put on cap and sunglasses and walked away from the alleged kidnap site. 

Reaction from the Senior Center: "Politicians lie.  What is wrong with that?"