Thursday, September 07, 2017
Who's capitalist?
Putin had a meeting with the president of South Korea. Russia and SK made a sort of sandwich offer to NK.
Putin outlined existing trade ties with South Korea. Samsung, Hyundai and LG have factories in Russia, employing Russian workers; and Russia sells food to Korea.
Then he made an explicitly commercial invitation:
I would like to say that Russia is still willing to implement trilateral projects with the participation of North Korea. We could deliver Russian pipeline gas to Korea and integrate the power lines and railway systems of Russia, the Republic of Korea and North Korea. The implementation of these initiatives will be not only economically beneficial, but will also help build up trust and stability on the Korean Peninsula. We see the advantages of the potential involvement of South Korean companies in the construction of infrastructure facilities in Russia, including the modernisation of Far Eastern ports and shipyards and the joint development of the Northern Sea Route.The map shows the potential of the invitation. Most of NK's border is with China, but it touches Russia for a few miles at the northeast corner. A railroad already runs through this corner. NK has the chance to be in the middle of a growing trade and production setup spanning all of Asia. SK's president offered the other half of the bun:
[Putin] and I have also agreed to build up the basis for the implementation of trilateral projects with participation of the two Korean states and Russia, which will connect the Korean Peninsula and the Russian Far East. Despite lengthy talks, these projects have not progressed for a number of reasons, including the North Korean problem. We have decided to give priority to the projects that can be implemented in the near future, primarily in the Far East. The development of the Far East will promote the prosperity of our two countries and will also help change North Korea and create the basis for the implementation of the trilateral agreements. We will be working hard on this.In other words: Hey Kimbo! You can continue triggering the brainless infinitely evil automatic machine-gun called USA STRONG that offers nothing but obliteration; or you can use your country's intelligence and skills to become part of the sane and prosperous part of the world. We're going ahead with you or without you, but we'd rather do it with you. It's your choice. Not stated but inherent in the sandwich: If you're a necessary and active part of our prosperity, we will have a concrete selfish reason to defend you against the brainless obliteration machine. ¶ 3:10 AM
