Opinion: Sankara’s warning on the odious debt lent to the continent… is relevant today

Sometimes we need an reminder, that some powers and some states doesn’t come with the best intentions or with a real helping hand. If it is the famous white elephants or the other giant aid initiatives that doesn’t amount to anything. However, what is now at stake is for instance a lot African states and their loans to China. The Chinese has collateral in either ports, state owned enterprises or ability to directly extract the needed resources the current state with huge loans has. This is their trap and Sankara warned about this, just like the French, British and Americans has done in the past too. Nothing new under the sun, just new methods to get ahead.

What I am quoting is a speech done to the OAU in 1987, just a few months before his assassination. Therefore, the words and warnings seems more important. As in our time, the leaders of today is recycling the ills of the past. They are doing it out of greed and in the end, the people and the citizens will suffer. Not the multi-national corporations, not the state itself, but the public whose disregarded and have to reinvent money.

The wise words of Sankara:

“We believe analysis of the debt should begin with its roots. The roots of the debt go back to the beginning of colonialism. Those who lent us the money were those who colonized us. They were the same people who ran our states and our economies. It was the colonizers who put Africa into debt to the financiers—their brothers and cousins. This debt has nothing to do with us. That’s why we cannot pay for it. The debt is another form of neocolonialism, one in which the colonialists have transformed themselves into technical assistants. Actually, it would be more accurate to say technical assassins. They’re the ones who advised us on sources of financing, on underwriters of loans. As if there were men whose loans are enough to create development in other people’s countries. These underwriters were recommended to us, suggested to us. They gave us enticing financial documents and presentations. We took on loans of fifty years, sixty years, and even longer. That is, we were led to commit our peoples for fifty years and more. The debt in its present form is a cleverly organized reconquest of Africa under which our growth and development are regulated by stages an norms totally alien to us. It is a reconquest that turns each of us into a financial slave—or just plain slave—of those who had the opportunity, the craftiness, the deceitfulness to invest funds in our countries that we are obliged to repay. Some tell us to pay the debt. This is not a moral question. Paying or not paying is not a question of so-called honor at all” (Thomas Sankara – Speech given at the African Unity Organisation Conference, Addis Ababa, July 29, 1987).

Let us not forgot the lessons of the past, as we in the present is continuing a cycle of recycling debt, growing debt and cycles of repayment schemes, which will only make the next generation suffer. If not, when the grace period hits and the state doesn’t have a big enough tax-base or revenue. It defaults and has to give away extraction licenses, state owned enterprises and other vital transport infrastructure like ports and airports. Because, that what is happening.

This is happening in our time. The world is looking, but nothing is getting done. Peace.

USA: Rep. Jim Banks letter to CAO of US. House of Representative Kiko on assistance in combatting the proliferation of Chinese state propaganda in the U.S. Congress (30.09.2019)

Philippines: Statement of Vice President Leni Robredo on the President’s plan to “ignore” the arbitral ruling in favor of joint exploration with China in the West Philippine Sea (12.09.2019)

Opinion: The Chinese claims the loans to developing countries is not to trap them – I beg to differ!

Today, there was an interesting thing coming through my feed that captured my eye. It was a headline from the Philippines News Agency. It was claiming that the Chinese was not making developing countries in debt slaves or putting them into debt traps by taking up huge loans for extensive spending on infrastructure projects. Now in March 2019, the Chinese are claiming that they are just giving viable loans and not to much.

However, I will beg to differ, but before I do so. Let see what the Chines spokesperson said. Which I have to say is not true.

“Guo Weimin, spokesperson of the second session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said extending Chinese loans to developing countries aims to facilitate infrastructure projects that are expected to bring development and boost the economic growth of these nations. “Chinese investments only account for a very small share to their total debt. And our projects are mostly infrastructure, which can support the long-term development of those countries,” Guo said. “Yet some say, this is a great debt trap. But this doesn’t make sense,” he added” (Kris Chrismundo – ‘No debt trap for developing countries: CN political advisory body’ 02.03.2019, link: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063438).

Let’s me just take the first victim of the debt trap made by the Chinese is in Sri Lanka where the Chinese has taken over and lease the Hambantota Port for 99 years in 2018. While in Zambia, the Chinese has taken over ZESCO, the state electricity company, majority ownership of the Zambian National Broadcasting Company, and if the Republic fails more on their debt. The Zambian state might loose the ownership of Kenneth Kaunda International Airport as well.

In Kenya, the government have loaned massive funds for the Standard Gauge Railway Part 1 and 2. Now, they are on the limb and its speculated that the Port of Mombasa can be taken as collateral for the possible failing loans.

There are warning signs of the total loans given to Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Maldives, Ghana, Liberia Philippines and so on. They are clearly strategic about it. There should also be worrying about the loans given to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania and so on. The Chinese has loaned for massive projects and not small-pocketed money. Which the Chinese would like to have back paid.

This is just small examples of what that is coming. Because the states are taking up gigantic loans, which they can possibly default with. That is why the Chinese has been smart enough to sign for collateral, which usually is important parts of infrastructure or mobility. So, that the Chinese can trade and also control vital parts of the economy. They are not joking around and seemingly taken a soft approach to neo-colonize the developing countries. Because they can and have the ability to do so.

We can wonder if there will be more like this. There are also the battle happening in Djibouti over the Doraleh Port, who went from DP World Port Company to a Chinese Company. That was because of the debt that the Republic of Djibouti had. Just like the port in Sri Lanka went to them as well. Both very strategic and important ports in their regions. Therefore, the Chinese has gotten good infrastructure and possible revenue streams in these Republic for their defaulting loans.

There will be more to come out of this. That is why I don’t believe the Chinese, saying the developing countries can manage the amount of loans, as the Chinese are planning to takeover something to get repaid for their services. Peace.

Philippines: Are we seeing a slow Chinese takeover?

Certainly, the massive loans given to the “Build! Build! Build” are starting to cost. As the big infrastructure projects and other loans are taking their toll on the economy. Therefore, the Philippines and President Rodrigo Duterte are trying to collect something. It seems like the Chinese counterparts are getting lots of collateral and salvage the spent funds in Philippines. Because, as the weeks goes by and the ASEAN friends, the one with the upper-hand is China.

This is surely not how Duterte want it too look, as they are having a bargain. There has already been putting into question the control of Benham Rise and the hard-won control of the island there. Still, the Republic haven’t fought with tooth and nail to get it back. This week, it seems like there are more installations on it. The sovereign Philippines are being toyed with by China. They are being fooled and has to accept deals, because of the loans to Beijing. Manila is indebted and has to give concessions. Why else, would this week be filled with new Chinese interference and getting licenses in the Philippines?

Weather Station Controversy:

““It is currently coordinating with concerned government agencies, as well as with the Philippine Embassy in Beijing to verify the existence or non-existence of these alleged facilities,” he said. Panelo earlier addressed this concern on Monday saying Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin jr. will “do his job” once the reports have been verified. China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang announced on November 1 that Beijing has already begun operating weather stations on the artificial islands in South China Sea. “These projects are designed to observe the maritime, hydrological, meteorological conditions and air qualities, and provide such services as maritime warning and forecast, tsunami alert, weather forecast, air quality forecast, and disaster prevention and relief,” Lu Kang said in a press conference” (Janine Peralta – ‘Philippines to take action if Chinese weather stations in South China Sea are verified — Palace’ 06.11.2018 link: http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2018/11/06/ph-china-south-china-sea-panelo.html).

Oil Fields:

“One of the projects included an exploration between state-owned Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) and Chinese state-owned CNOOC Ltd., located off Calamian in southwestern Palawan province, Cusi told Manila Bulletin in a news briefing. Cusi was referring to Service Contract 57 which covers an oil and gas project awarded to PNOC’s exploration unit, and picked CNOOC as a partner. Cusi did not share details for Service Contract 72, an exploration permit held by the Philippines’ PXP Energy Corp. for Reed Bank, but clarified that the Reed Bank, another disputed South China Sea area, is not of the two” (Meanne Rosales – ‘ PH to seal 2 exploration deals with China’ 09.11.2018, link: https://powerphilippines.com/2018/11/09/ph-seal-2-exploration-deals-china/)

Chinese Telecommunication as the Third Telco:

“Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has lauded the entry of China Telecommunications Corp., or China Telecom, in his country’s telecommunication industry, saying the Philippines stands to benefit from the “good competition” that a Chinese company will bring to the industry” (…) “Duterte said that China “has proved to be of very incredibly high quality of electronics.” “(Xinhuanet – ‘Duterte welcomes China Telecom’s operating in Philippines’ 08.11.2018).

As we see, the sudden Benham Rise in the South China Sea and the will of China to takeover the place, while the Malacañang are preoccupied with sneering at priests, Rappler and who else who hurt their pride. They are not seeing or looking away from the sovereign implications on Benham Rise. As there are talks already of military installations, but now also monitoring equipment and a weather station. Clearly, the Chinese sees it as their land, while the PH are busy trying to find out what is happening there.

Than, you have the oil-fields in the same region, where the Chinese National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) have gotten licenses to drill oil there. Clearly, this is all intentional, as well as they are the lucky third Telecommunication Company and getting into the Cellphone business too. This is just fitting as a glove. They are both getting territory in the South China Sea, they are getting exploitation opportunities and steady profits through a cell-phone carrier. All this they have gotten for dropping some loans, that is hard for the Philippines to repay in cash.

That is why they are allowed to get these things, as collateral for the debt. This is a game the Chinese plays well. That is why this is all happening. We have seen similar efforts done in Sri Lanka. That will surely happen in the Philippines too. As the Chinese is not forgiving with their loans. They want points on the dollar. Not loose money and certainly not lose face on the investments made. Peace.

Sukulu Phosphates Plant: A Chinese Nugget!

Well, it had to come to this. On the opening day of the Phosphates Plant in Sukulu in Tororo District. Someone digs into the back history of the industrial adventure done today. Like we had to have the knowledge of the President launching it for the first time:

“President Museveni launched the construction of the complex in August 2014. The construction work was expected to be completed by the end of this year, however, there were delays in securing funding from the banks, and also technology that will be employed” (Uganda7 – ‘Sukulu fertiliser factory to open in October’ 25.07.2018).

Therefore, this is a long story, even to the early days of the Museveni administration, when they were conducting studies with African Development Bank and the World Bank to find a good way of utilizing the reserves and mineral rich area of Tororo. This they started on in 1989. Surely, the President has forgotten about the companies and the ones involved back than. The study of the possible comes from back-then. The one well known, as the original studies back to 1950s is not that accessible. However, it is more to the story. Before it became a Chinese Nugget and a possible mine for them.

Sukulu Hills:

“The Study concluded that the Sukulu Hill deposits, the largest one in East Africa, with reserves estimated at about 230 million tons of residual soil with an average grade of 11-12Z P205, are easily mineable–as confirmed by a successful trial mining test executed under the Study; and furthermore, that on-site beneficiation of the rock could upgrade the P205 content up to 40-44Z, a level among the highest in the world. In order to select the optimal plant configuration, the Study considered 29 different scenarios, from the simplest ones (ground rock, partially acidulated rock, single superphosphate)to the most complex (triples uperphosphate,mono-ammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate), at different levels of plant capacity and under different assumptions of sulfuric acid availability. A plant with a capacity of 217 i000 tpy of SSP based on local sulfuric acid production from imported sulfur was recommended as part of the optimum project configuration” (World Bank – ‘PROJECT COMPLETION REPORT UGANDA – PHOSPHATE ENGINEERING PROJECT (CREDIT 1228-UG)’ (13.06.1989).

Uganda Investment Authority in 2016:

“Nilefos Limited, a local company, has acquired an Retention Licence for the Sukulu deposit. The company is seeking for joint venture partners to develop the mines and manufacture phosphate fertilizers and other by-products” (UIA – ‘Background to the Mineral Sector’ 07.12.2016).

IGG 2014:

“According to the IGG report, Frontier, which counts former Commissioner Joshua Tuhumwire among its senior management, sent two of its staff to file an application for an exploration licence at the DGSM on 26 June 2013. According to the IGG report staff turned them away allegedly citing an instruction from the Commissioner Edwards Katto not to accept any applications for the Sukulu project. They complained to the IGG about the process. As a result the IGG published a number of concerns relating to Guangzhou’s successful application (through its subsidiary Hui Neng)” (…) “According to the Mining Cadastre the Guangzhou exploration licence was applied for on the 24 June 2013 and granted on the 1st of August 2013. Their mining lease was granted on the 29 October 2014. 198 In December 2014, after Guangzhou had received its licences Edwards Katto’s daughter was sent an invite for her to visit Guangzhou’s headquarters, with accommodation at their expense. Nilefos also raised concerns in court that the legal firm, ABMAK, is headed by the son of the then Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development – Henry Kaliisa which it considered to be a conflict of interest” (Global Witness – ‘Under-Mined’ June 2017).

We can see the hands of Minister of Energy Muloni and others, who clearly didn’t follow protocol on the quest of getting license for the Chinese Mining Corporation, as they differed and moved away from the prospects of a local mining corporation Nilefos, who had been there for a long and even made a feasibility study in 2010 for their operation. Certainly, the Ministry knew about this. But the backroom arrangement was so, especially considering the Ministry was meeting the Chinese, while having licensed to Nilefos. That was known in 2013, as they wrote it on the UIA pages in 2016. Nilefos still had it, who knows if the Chinese had to cough up monies to payout the Nilefos. Because that is the backroom deals we don’t know at this point and who in the Ministry who are beneficiary of the deal that has been done.

When the IGG is not allowed to publish a report on the transactions and licensing of the Sukulu Hills and the plant itself. You know something fishy is going on. There are something up and it isn’t all positive. As well, as how the local has been taken care of, as their houses and plots has been evicted because of the building of the plan.

Like the stories like these:

“In December 2014, the government signed a deal with Guangzhou Dongsong Energy Group Ltd, a Chinese company, to develop phosphates in Sukulu, Tororo District. A total of 4,800 people are expected to be displaced by the project. Affected persons claim they did not understand the terms of the surface land rights lease agreements and were duped by ‘middlemen’ to sign them. General Comment No 24 should clearly indicate the State obligation to ensure free prior and informed consent principles and access to information that is in the hands of both the state and business entities” (UCCA – ‘Comments on the draft General Comment No. 24 on State Obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in the Context of Business Activities’ 2016).

As seen by the IGG report and also by the UCCA. There been double-dealing of the license and not by protocol or righteous compensation of the ones living on the land. The Sukulu Plant could have been a positive development and something hopeful. Instead, by looking into it. There are a lot of shadiness going on and its not a good look. This is not a significant story when concerning this President and his administration. However, it shows how personalities and their drive, counters legal justification and finding a common ground. They are land-grabbing and essentially also overpowering the ones already planning to extract the minerals here. This has been done deliberate and with one intent.

The Chinese got the nugget and got the opportunity. The IGG report, which has been kept a secret shows so and the Global Witness is showing it. The President surely has put his stakes into this and therefore, been at the opening in 2014 and now today in 2018. He has clearly had his eyes on this and now was the time. Peace.

Dambisa Moyo on democracy, China’s economic model and foreign aid (03.08.2018)

On reforming democracy, the international economist argued that citizens should have to take a test in order to vote.

DOHA, QATAR, August 3, 2018 – The bestselling author goes Head to Head with Mehdi Hasan at the Oxford Union:

• Argues that it is “mad, it’s crazy” not to see major problems in Western democracy today, asserting that today’s rise in populism; “has its roots in economics.”
• Says short-sighted policies coming from the West have created “more impoverished people” around the world and “fed into issues of political instability.”
• Asked if Goldman Sachs had a role for the 2008 financial crisis, asserts that her former employer had “no special responsibility” for what took place.
• On reforming democracy, proposes that all citizens should take a test to ensure a “good knowledge of what exactly they are voting on.”
• Whilst discussing aid in Africa, Moyo asserts that aid is a “corrosive force” to African democracy because countries cannot hold their governments accountable “if actually Oxfam is going to solve the healthcare problem,” or “somebody else is going to solve education.”

In a far-reaching interview with Al Jazeera (AlJazeera.com) English’s Head to Head, Dambisa Moyo argued that there are major problems with Western democracy today.

“The notion that democracy is not a problem is mad, it’s crazy,” Moyo said.

Discussing why she believed liberal democracy was “under siege,” Moyo asserted that today’s populism “has its roots in economics”, describing how “real wages have come down…over the past 30 years, social mobility has declined” and “income inequality has widened.”

She blamed short-termist Western policies, such as farm subsidies in the US and Europe’s Common Agricultural Policy, for locking “out the goods that are produced in places like Africa and South America” which has led to “more impoverished people” and “fed into issues of political instability.”

A former Goldman Sachs banker, Moyo was asked whether the company had a particular role for the 2008 financial crisis, she said that it had “no special responsibility” for what took place and that “we all have to take responsibility”.

Goldman Sachs agreed to pay $5.1bn in fines in January 2016, following an investigation by the US Department of Justice for its role in the crisis.

On reforming democracy, the international economist argued that citizens should have to take a test in order to vote and that people must have a “good knowledge of what exactly we’re voting on” before being allowed to vote.

When she remarked how voter participation was at all-time low, presenter Mehdi Hasan responded by asking “so the idea is then you make it harder for them to vote by putting a test in front of them?”

In her new book; Edge of Chaos, Why Democracy is Failing to Deliver Economic Growth – and how to fix it, Dr Moyo proposes a system of weighted voting where some individuals have more voting power than others.

When defending her proposal, which presenter Mehdi Hasan suggested was elitist and would actually “help populism”, Moyo asserted that her idea was “based on participation, not on education” and that a degree of weighted voting already existed around the world.

Speaking about China and its economic model, Moyo commented how “over 300 million people have been moved out of poverty in 30 years” and that the West should be careful not to “point fingers” when commenting on the country’s democratic record which was on its own particular “path”.

Addressing a question on the benefits of China’s economic model, Moyo noted how Chinese politicians “don’t need to seduce today’s voter in order to remain in political office” in comparison to the US, where there is a “mismatch between long-term economic challenges and short-termism in the political system.”

Economist Dambisa Moyo first made waves with her book Dead Aid, which argued that rather than alleviating poverty in Africa, aid was actually preserving it. Asked whether she believed aid had had any beneficial effects, the economist described its “corrosive nature” on “democracy on the African continent.”

“We do want to be able to hold our governments accountable but we can’t do that if actually Oxfam is going to solve the health care problem, somebody else is going to solve education, how are we able to hold our governments accountable from a public policy stance if they are not the ones who are delivering these outcomes?”

The best-selling author argued that whilst she accepted that there have been “significant wins” across Africa, “the notion that those are because of aid…is wrong.”

Moyo pointed out that China has played a hugely significant role on the continent: “We’ve had China come in, there’s been significant investment…we’re able to trade with the Chinese, for better or for worse.”

Mehdi Hasan was joined in the discussion by a panel of experts: Ann Pettifor, economist and Author of The Production of Money; Jason Hickel, anthropologist at the University of London and author of The Divide: A brief Guide to global inequality and its solutions; and Jamie Whyte, research director at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).

The interview is part of a brand new series of Head to Head, Mehdi Hasan’s hard-hitting discussion show on Al Jazeera English. Other guests were former Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, former Trump campaign National Security Director J.D. Gordon, and feminist Germaine Greer.

Is it time to rethink Democracy? with Dambisa Moyo will be broadcast on Friday August 3rd at 20:00 GMT, and will be repeated on August 4th at 12.00 GMT, August 5th at 01.00 GMT and August 6th at 06.00 GMT.

China: Banning yet another cartoon character!

The Chinese authorities are cracking down on more cartoons, because of their messaging. The regime is afraid of their messages. Just like in 2017, when on Chinese Social Media the public was mocking the President with the nickname and pictures of Winnie the Pooh. Xi Jinping doesn’t like jokes and not on his expense. Therefore, during July 2017, Winnie the Pooh was a no-go.

Now the second coming here and this time its the Peppa Pig. But for other reasons. It is not because someone said the pig looks like the wife of the President or anyone in the cabinet. However, the authorities, doesn’t enjoy the message. So we can expect a lot of censorship, to extent we haven’t seen before. Because of Peppa Pig has a wrong message. Most of Disney Channel, Cartoon Network or Looney Tunes can be forgotten in the magic kingdom of China.

Manya Koetse reports: “According to a list of Douyin’s guidelines that have been surfacing online, Peppa is just one amongst various topics and themes banned from the platform. Other types of banned content include those relating to smoking, drinking, cross-dressing, cults or religion, and anything insulting the Chinese government. Over the past few months, Peppa Pig has become a subversive symbol to a Chinese online youth subculture dubbed ‘shehuiren‘ (社会人), literally ‘society people’, which is a group of young adults that is anti-establishment and somewhat ‘punk’ in their own way; going against mainstream values and, as state media outlet Global Times puts it, are “the antithesis of the young generation the Party tries to cultivate.” (Manya Koetse – ‘The Power of Peppa Pig: The Cultural Icon of China’s ‘Shehuiren’ Punks’ 02.05.2018, link: https://www.whatsonweibo.com/the-power-of-peppa-pig-the-cultural-icon-of-chinas-shehuiren-punks/)

So clearly, the message of Peppa Pig is insulting Chinese Government, just like nicknaming Xi Jinping as Winnie the Pooh. Because both of these characters are such firebrand of revolutionary voices. Their striking artifacts of Western-Civilization, that can inspire cults and make dissidents go off the rails. This just show how far the censorship is in China at this point. They are already blocking dozens of pages, news-outlets and social-media pages. Therefore, there are other pages that the Chinese uses, as they are trying to connect as well. However, these are also strictly monitored. If it wasn’t so, than these cartoons wouldn’t be subject of scrutiny.

The Communist party is really afraid of the free voices. Since they cannot manage these cartoons, because of how people are using them. But they are not thinking. That the same people will find other ways and other types of communications. Will find new symbols and the rally for censoring more will go into the ridiculous.

What is next Jessica Rabbit? Donald Duck? Mickey Mouse? Whose up?

Who knows right? But this is just a sign, just another proof of how controlling the media, the social media and the powers of censorship is in the Republic of China. They are not stopping and has no planning to do so. Because they have all the powers of doing so. Peace.

Kenya: Infrastructure Projects (SGR and a Truck Road) will destroy parts of Nairobi National Park!

The value of Nairobi National Park as a tourism site is dwindling and with amp-speed, the government are preparing all sorts of activity, to take away the natural environment and make sure for what they seems as progress. Like always with this KANU government, sorry Jubilee, the Court Orders are not followed. This time being a Chinese Contractor building the Standard Gauge Railroad (SGR). However, leaked documents proves that the government plans more activity in the NNP. They are not caring about the environment and want to make quick bucks on the area.

Seemingly on the 23^rd February 2018 the construction of the Standard Gauge Railroad (SGR) as reported by Kenyans United Against Poaching (KUAPO) wrote:

“We have just received an alert that work on SGR Phase 2A has started within the boundaries of Nairobi National Park. Reports are coming in that about 40 workers with heavy machinery have started work near the embankment close to east gate and a construction camp that was set up last week. The area is heavily guarded by KWS rangers who are now not allowing anyone to get close. If these works are related to SGR Phase 2A, they are in contravention of the STOP ORDER currently in place as well as ongoing contempt of court proceedings. Either way, these works are in violation of EMCA and the WCMA and must be stopped immediately” (KUAPO, 23.02.2018).

The Environmental Management Consultancy (EMC) has invited stakeholders to a meeting on the 2^nd March at the KWS Safari Walk Hall. This because the EMC are planning to build and operate certain projects in the NNP. They are planning construction a road from the Inland Container Depot in Embakasi Nairobi to access road line A which is a 3.8 kilometers road along the NNP, so this road are linking the Nairobi Inland Container Depot (ICD) and the Southern Bypass road for eases for the trucks. This is on orders by the Kenya Railways.

So it is not enough that the SGR are built true the NNP, but they need are road to pass there. So now rails and trucks can be brought true. EMC and Kenya Railways. Both actions are proving that the government doesn’t care about how they will impact the environment. We can wonder if there is more Chinese investors behind the road-development, as it took some Chinese contractors to build the SGR through the park.

If the Jubilee cares about how tourists and tourism pages wrote recently about NNP, this is taken from the Traveller, which claims to be this: “Traveller is the essential resource for Australians who love to travel. We are dedicated to providing the best travel advice by offering the perfect mix of inspirational content and comprehensive destination guides with things to do and places to stay” (Traveller, About Us).

So when the Australians read this about NNP: “One minute outside one of the biggest airports in Africa and there’s a herd of zebras wandering through some empty bushland just off the main road into the city. Two minutes later, there are three giraffes turning their heads this way and that, looking for all the world as if they’re preparing a traffic report for their mates back in the jungle. And within just 15 minutes of clearing customs at Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport in the capital Nairobi, I’m sitting watching three lions stalk another dazzle of zebra and buffalo having a mud bath in arguably the world’s most astonishing wonderland – a massive wildlife conservancy on the very fringes of the fifth biggest city on the continent” (…) “It’s extraordinary in being 117 square kilometres of wilderness on the doorstep of a massively growing metropolis. We’re now the only capital city in the world with over 600 species of animals and birds, and more than 500 species of plants. It’s amazing that it’s so close to the city, but so far in terms of its atmosphere” (Sue Williams – ‘Nairobi National Park, Kenya: The world’s most astonishing wonderland’ 19.02.2018 link: http://www.traveller.com.au/nairobi-national-park-kenya-astonishing-wonderland-h0wbrz).

So when Australians reading this, they might be interested in visiting the place, even other foreigners, as they will bring good foreign exchange and secure employment for many through the tourism industry. However, that doesn’t seem important and such. As the state are now displaying plans for development, where they could take care of the environment and also earn funds on foreign tourist. It could been easy, instead they are building infrastructure in the midst of a National Park, because that is genius idea.

It is brilliant to cut of the park on different positions, one with the rails, the other with the road. So they can develop the areas that are cut-off instead of taking care of the NNP. That can clearly be seen as the vision, as the railroad will not slice parts of it off and then the road coming and might do more. It is just so fitting, they coincide. It is ignorant to think otherwise and wonder if the Chinese or the government has plans with the part where the railroad will drive around. Peace.

Royally Screwed by the Internet Blockade at the Beijing Airport!

This is released two weeks later, as WordPress themselves blocked my account and forced me to change my password. As I was crossing Asia to the Philippines. Clearly, I had a bad two days technologically speaking on the 22^nd and 23^rd December. This is now released on the 5^th January 2018. As I am sitting in Manila, awaiting getting tickets. Underneath is what I wrote while waiting for my plane in Beijing!

Today, I was for the first time at the International Airport of Beijing. The 22^nd December 2017. I am addicted to certain social media pages and services. I need them also to updated and be able interact with family and friends. Especially traveling alone across the continents and for over 48 hours. There is a need to update.

As I am traveling. I am struggling to push my words. To express my fond of the airport. Even just say to the world on Facebook, Twitter, WordPress or whatever really. Look into a dozens of Apps. Also, I don’t know how many news-sites that is blocked. However, that is a dozens. I am just in passing by the airport and feeling troubled by it. It must be harder for the people living in the mainland China to use it or they have to VPN to get hooked up on the Social Media sites. There are similar ones in Chinese Fashion. That I am sure is censored and controlled by the Chinese government.

I felt today, the censorship, the blockade and it hurt. The distrust that I couldn’t understand or get the information through these channels. That I couldn’t add or do anything on these pages. Even if it was just saying “I am safe, soon awaiting next flight”. That is to revolutionary for the Reds in Beijing.

I don’t know, but this sort of thing is still to control the media and the message. Not let dissidents or people get information that is unsound and not sanctioned by the Central Government. That is what this is, therefore, the citizens of China are not free in the sense of media or online. They might accept it, but they should know that hurts even the ones that is passing by.

I have stressed for a few hours, I should have considered it earlier. However, I didn’t. I know I will come with this message of censorship from another Asian Country. Since the Chinese won’t let me share or consider my free opinion on my blog. They have banned from entering. That would be illegal activity. Which in itself is a weird thing. To write and speak out is banned in that fashion. Xi Ping and Communist Party wants to still have the last word. They still wants the minds of the people under their control. If someone questions them. It is wrong. Clearly it is. They shouldn’t be afraid.

They shouldn’t be afraid. Instead of having a bunch of YES MEN. They would have people thinking and making new enterprises, not just copying and licensing. Which they are famous for doing. China deserves that with their great minds and intellect. With their progress and their industrial work. They deserve that, not just imported luxurious goods, but also free minds and free spirits. That can all together create an even better China.

It isn’t dangerous, you can accept to disagree. You can agree. It is up to you. I will not blame you. But I have today tasted the Internet Blockade, the censorship under the Chinese Regime. It is something else.

All I wanted to say to family and friends on Facebook was: “I am safe in Beijing. Awaiting next flight soon”. Something in that fashion. If that is a illegal attempt of inciting violence or causing a stir. Then I don’t know. I just wanted my wife and everyone else to know. That I am cool and collected. Waiting to go to next destination. Peace.