Chinese shenanigans

[Coligny]

Some people are too stupid to live...

They are apparently called "chinese"

[dimwit]

How would making rice out of plastic or paper even make you money? I would the assume the rice would be cheaper than either.

[Russell]

How would making rice out of plastic or paper even make you money? I would the assume the rice would be cheaper than either.

Dunno.

Maybe the people making these tiny paper rolls earn the Chinese minimum wage...

[Russell]

Chinese military: Beijing may find troop cut quest an ‘assault on fortified positions’

Bitterness is growing within China’s armed forces to President Xi Jinping’s decision to cut troop numbers by 300,000 and considerable effort will be needed to overcome opposition to the order, according to a source and commentaries in the military’s newspaper.

Xi made the unexpected announcement on Sept. 3 at a military parade in Beijing marking 70 years since the end of World War Two in Asia. The move would reduce by 13 percent one of the world’s biggest militaries, currently 2.3-million strong.

One government official, who meets regularly with senior officers, said some inside the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) felt the announcement had been rushed and taken by Xi with little consultation outside the Central Military Commission. Xi heads the commission, which has overall command of the military.

“It’s been too sudden,” the source told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“People are very worried. A lot of good officers will lose their jobs and livelihoods. It’s going to be tough for soldiers.”

China’s Defense Ministry, in a statement sent to Reuters, said the “broad mass” of officers and soldiers “resolutely endorsed the important decision of the (Communist) Party centre and Central Military Commission and obey orders”.

It has said the cuts, the fourth since the 1980s, would be mostly completed by the end of 2017.

Experts say the move is likely part of long-mooted rationalization plans, which have included changing the PLA command structure so it less resembles a Soviet-era model and spending more money on the navy and air force as Beijing asserts its territorial claims in the disputed South and East China Seas.

Soon after Xi’s announcement, the official Xinhua news agency published a long article quoted soldiers as supporting the decision.

Each branch of the armed forces believed the cuts would raise quality standards, Xinhua said.

Commentaries in the PLA Daily newspaper have since warned that the reductions would be hard to carry out. Chinese state media often run commentaries that reflect the official line of the institution publishing the newspaper.

The cuts come at a time of heightened economic uncertainty in China as growth slows, its stock markets tumble and the leadership grapples with painful but needed economic reforms.

China has previously faced protests from demobilized soldiers, who have complained about a lack of support finding new jobs or help with financial problems.

A protest by thousands of former soldiers over pensions was reported in June, although the Defense Ministry denied any knowledge of the incident.

The PLA is already reeling from Xi’s crackdown on deep-seated corruption in China, which has seen dozens of officers investigated, including two former vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission.

Barely a week after the Beijing parade, the PLA newspaper said the troop cuts and other military reforms Xi wished to undertake would require “an assault on fortified positions” to change mindsets and root out vested interests, and that the difficulties expected would be “unprecedented”.

If these reforms failed, measures still to come would be “nothing more than an empty sheet of paper”, it said.

It did not give details on the planned reforms.

But state media has said they will likely involve better integration of all PLA branches. As part of this move, China’s seven military regions, which have separate command structures that tend to focus on ground-based operations, are expected to be reduced.

There had been no previous suggestion big troop cuts were planned.

Another commentary in the PLA Daily published a week later detailed the kind of opposition Xi faced.

“Some units suffer from inertia and think everything’s already great. Some are scared of hardships, blame everyone and everything but themselves … They shirk work and find ways of avoiding difficulty,” the commentary said.

A second government source, who is close to the PLA, said military song and dance assemblies, which traditionally entertain troops, would be the first to go.

“The defense budget will not be cut. It will continue to gradually increase,” the source added.

China’s military budget for this year rose 10.1 percent to 886.9 billion yuan ($139.39 billion), the second-largest in the world after the United States.

Some retired Chinese generals have supported the troop cuts.

“A bloated military can only cause ineffectual expenditure and forfeited battles,” retired Maj.-Gen. Luo Yuan, a prominent Chinese military figure, wrote in the Global Times newspaper three days after Xi’s announcement.

Xu Guangyu, a retired major general and now a senior army arms control advisor said: “Our country’s military needs to take the path of modernization. … These force reductions are an effort to stay on this path and increase quality not numbers.”

Link

[Yokohammer]

I guess this could be categorized as "Chinese Shenanigans":

Newlyweds on honeymoon in Japan beat up convenience store clerk, get arrested

On the morning of Saturday, September 26, a pair of newlywed Chinese nationals, the groom 36 and the bride 25, walked into a convenience store in the Chuo Ward of Sapporo, the largest city on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. Apparently craving a post-breakfast treat, they grabbed a package of ice cream from the cooler box, opened it up, and started munching away on it in the store.

Unless you’re the Dalai Lama, however, Japanese convenience stores prefer you pay for the merchandise before you start consuming it. When the 24-year-old Japanese male clerk who was on-duty spotted what the couple was doing, he gestured for them to leave the store. It’s unclear whether he first tried to speak to the couple in Japanese, or why he gestured for them to leave the store instead of pay for their ice cream. What is clear, though, is that the couple responded by punching him in the face, kicking him, and grabbing his hair.

...

[Samurai_Jerk]

That's definitely one of those lost in translations things. I've seen people do that in the US with a candy bar or a piece of fruit.

[Russell]

That's definitely one of those lost in translations things. I've seen people do that in the US with a candy bar or a piece of fruit.

Dunno.

If you start eating stuff before paying for it, you will run into objections everywhere in the world.

That's hardly a lost-in-translation thing.

[Samurai_Jerk]

That's definitely one of those lost in translations things. I've seen people do that in the US with a candy bar or a piece of fruit.

Dunno.

If you start eating stuff before paying for it, you will run into objections everywhere in the world.

That's hardly a lost-in-translation thing.

As I just said, it's not unheard of in the US. I've only seen people do it when they're on line to pay though. People will take a bite of their apple or a sip of their bottled water while waiting.

[kurogane]

I guess this could be categorized as "Chinese Shenanigans":

Indeed. Indubitably even. Whadda pair of turds.

That's definitely one of those lost in translations things. I've seen people do that in the US with a candy bar or a piece of fruit.

It's fairly common in Okinawa but I don't remember seeing it in Japan except maybe South of the Station where the human trash doth grow. Having had some rather to shockingly rude convenience store clerks I can understand the displeasure, except that they were already fucking up and then let things get really Fucked Up. What a great honeymoon memory. I hope they give them the full 23 days free room and board.

[matsuki]

That's definitely one of those lost in translations things. I've seen people do that in the US with a candy bar or a piece of fruit.

It's fairly common in Okinawa but I don't remember seeing it in Japan except maybe South of the Station where the human trash doth grow. Having had some rather to shockingly rude convenience store clerks I can understand the displeasure, except that they were already fucking up and then let things get really Fucked Up. What a great honeymoon memory. I hope they give them the full 23 days free room and board.

I've seen it in the US but 9 times out of 10, it's a scummy, shameless, and overweight asshole doing it. I've also seen peasant Chinese tourists do it and leave the half eaten merchandise somewhere as if it was a free sample. It's pretty disgusting either way...and to tag team a conbini clerk when called out on it? Classy!

Sounds like there is no defense though....if they have $$, they'll probably have a chance to pay the clerk off and have the charges dropped. If they can't scramble enough funds, I imagine 23 days and then a move to another "full service" hotel.

[kurogane]

...and to tag team a conbini clerk when called out on it? Classy!

Exactly. Which does raise the question of just how rude the clerk was, but that's a matter for the head office complaints section, so it's irrelevent. I have had a few genuine assholes, but it never occurred to me to care enough to bother.

I vote for a full 23 days, full apology with symbolic damages and deported. They'd be nuts to waste anymore public money than necessary and this is sure to go viral in China........65/35 against the couple.

[Coligny]

That's definitely one of those lost in translations things. I've seen people do that in the US with a candy bar or a piece of fruit.

Dunno.

If you start eating stuff before paying for it, you will run into objections everywhere in the world.

That's hardly a lost-in-translation thing.

3 things...

In a combini with a eating place it's a bit rude but not wrestlemania worthy...

I'v seen it done countless time here by mothers with thirsty or hungry kid. They give the wrapping to swipe it at the cashier and nobody end up 360 no-scoped quad headshot dead. The kid is happy, the stuff is paid for. No drama...

Having been only once in Hokkaido... It was an extremly unpleasant experience with the locals. Limit wondering if they missed their antirabid booster shots. I once parked in an empty combini parking lot and head toward the micro hardware store next door to fetch electric tape before getting food at the combini, one of the combini goon rush out shouting me to leave... Off season, with 10 other parking spot left empty... Pretty sure it was the kind of place who also lock the shitter. Don't think they understand the origin of "combini" . Yes there was parking place in front of the hardware store... 2m away... But i don't park twice for shopping in two side by side stores. They might also not have the memo regarding their function as safe harbour in case of disaster...

[matsuki]

I'v seen it done countless time here by mothers with thirsty or hungry kid. They give the wrapping to swipe it at the cashier and nobody end up 360 no-scoped quad headshot dead. The kid is happy, the stuff is paid for. No drama...

Ehhh probably not the best thing to do as a parent...not saying it's illegal or drama worthy but it's not exactly the best exercise in manners or patience for the kid. (Toyohashi is Japanese for peasantville though so )

That being said, I've never run into a grumpy conbini clerk here. In fact, I once walked away with 5 bags full of free stuff during one of those 7-11 lotto card things. The clerk just kept saying, "that's not enough, pull out more!!" All I was there for was some booze and genki juice.

[Samurai_Jerk]

I'm definitely not defending a violent response to a rude cashier but I can see how this might have started as a misunderstanding. Also there's a certain type of Japanese I encounter occasionally that feels the need to aggressively educate foreigners in マナー when they wouldn't notice a local doing the same thing or at least wouldn't have the balls to say anything to them about it. Like the guy who once tried to explain to me in incomprehensible English who the courtesy seat I was sitting in was reserved for on a train car that had three passengers including the two of us. I wouldn't be surprised if Coligny's parking Nazi was that type. Of course he could have just been a prick.

On the other hand, I've come to believe there are two types of Chinese. Those who are too ignorant to realize that what they're doing might not flying in another country and those who are too entitled to care. There are some rare exception and they're usually embarrassed to be Chinese.

[kurogane]

I'm definitely not defending a violent response to a rude cashier but I can see how this might have started as a misunderstanding. Also there's a certain type of Japanese I encounter occasionally that feels the need to aggressively educate foreigners in マナー when they wouldn't notice a local doing the same thing or at least wouldn't have the balls to say anything to them about it.

Those are the type I mean. Especially the speed addled obviously NEET 32 year old late night convenience store clerks that feel that rude and loud is the best solution to a communication problem they haven't yet confirmed and doesn't actually exist. But you still can't hit them for it. Besides, being properly snarky wounds them more.

On the other hand, I've come to believe there are two types of Chinese. Those who are too ignorant to realize that what they're doing might not flying in another country and those who are too entitled to care. There are some rare exception and they're usually embarrassed to be Chinese.

Nicely put. The bumbling bumpkin ethnocentricity of both types is a constant source of amusement in any of the new Vancouver area Chinatowns. Robin Williams couldn't have dreamed this stuff up. And the exceptions don't live in those areas for a reason, esp the Taiwanese or Hong Kong people.

[Russell]

Also there's a certain type of Japanese I encounter occasionally that feels the need to aggressively educate foreigners in マナー when they wouldn't notice a local doing the same thing or at least wouldn't have the balls to say anything to them about it. Like the guy who once tried to explain to me in incomprehensible English who the courtesy seat I was sitting in was reserved for on a train car that had three passengers including the two of us.

LOL.

Yep, I encounter those on occasion.

Usually ends up me educating them in マナー...

[matsuki]

I'm definitely not defending a violent response to a rude cashier but I can see how this might have started as a misunderstanding. Also there's a certain type of Japanese I encounter occasionally that feels the need to aggressively educate foreigners in マナー when they wouldn't notice a local doing the same thing or at least wouldn't have the balls to say anything to them about it. Like the guy who once tried to explain to me in incomprehensible English who the courtesy seat I was sitting in was reserved for on a train car that had three passengers including the two of us. I wouldn't be surprised if Coligny's parking Nazi was that type. Of course he could have just been a prick.

I got lectured on exactly that by a J-girl last month. (complaining about our Chinese friend who just hopped on the train with us and sat in the reserved section without a thought) In her mind, it's totally unacceptable to sit in the reserved seating, even if you're the only one on the train. (basically like you wouldn't park in a handicap space....just without the risk of a citation) Her take was that even if you tried to get up when someone who needed the seat came on board, the ensuing battle of politeness is too mendokusai and you would be the one who caused it.

[Samurai_Jerk]

I got lectured on exactly that by a J-girl last month. (complaining about our Chinese friend who just hopped on the train with us and sat in the reserved section without a thought) In her mind, it's totally unacceptable to sit in the reserved seating, even if you're the only one on the train. (basically like you wouldn't park in a handicap space....just without the risk of a citation) Her take was that even if you tried to get up when someone who needed the seat came on board, the ensuing battle of politeness is too mendokusai and you would be the one who caused it.

If no one else sat in them, I'd give it to her. However, everyone uses them and usually the only person who gets up for someone in need is me or middle aged or older women. The fact that they even need priority seats is ridiculous. Every seat on the train should be given up to people who need them. The politeness battle is annoying but it's not my fault.

Last time I was in Korea I sat in the priority seats because there train was pretty empty. After awhile as the train got more crowded I noticed that Koreans leave them open regardless so I stood up. It's not too hard to read a situation and adapt.

[matsuki]

he fact that they even need priority seats is ridiculous. Every seat on the train should be given up to people who need them.

This was my counter argument but she literally said "Japanese need rules."

[Coligny]

he fact that they even need priority seats is ridiculous. Every seat on the train should be given up to people who need them.

This was my counter argument but she literally said "Japanese need rules."

And to be beaten to a pulp to understand them. I hope you still have wall hooks at home to tie her and help her understand. When is your next s&m livestream btw ?

[Coligny]

. It's not too hard to read a situation and adapt.

Sooo... When do you plan your first trip to japan ? To see first hand...

[Samurai_Jerk]

. It's not too hard to read a situation and adapt.

Sooo... When do you plan your first trip to japan ? To see first hand...

Your inability to empathize is a French problem. The rest of us aren't so chauvinistic.

[matsuki]

How about this....without "reserved priority seating" there is nothing they can claim on paper that makes it look like they've made an effort. Cause, you know, how it looks on paper is ultimately more important than how it actually works.

[Coligny]

. It's not too hard to read a situation and adapt.

Sooo... When do you plan your first trip to japan ? To see first hand...

Your inability to empathize is a French problem. The rest of us aren't so chauvinistic.

Sure, japanese ability to improvise and adapt is directly dependant on French feelings...

[Samurai_Jerk]

. It's not too hard to read a situation and adapt.

Sooo... When do you plan your first trip to japan ? To see first hand...

Your inability to empathize is a French problem. The rest of us aren't so chauvinistic.

Sure, japanese ability to improvise and adapt is directly dependant on French feelings...

Right over your head.

[Samurai_Jerk]

Japan: China Detains 2 Japanese on Suspicion of Espionage

Two Japanese nationals have been detained in China on suspicion of spying, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said Wednesday, a development that could hamper efforts to improve strained relations between the two Asian powers. The detentions, which occurred back in May, were said to involve diplomats from Japan, China and South Korea working to arrange a summit meeting for their leaders, and days after China arrested an American businesswoman, Phan Phan-Gillis, also accused of spying. Ties between Japan and China have been frayed over their wartime history and disputes over maritime territory. The Japanese Foreign Ministry declined to identify the detainees, both men, whose detention was first reported by the newspaper Asahi Shimbun. Asked if Japan had sent spies to China, a government spokesman said: “As a nation, we absolutely do not do that. I want to say the same thing to all countries.”

[Coligny]

. It's not too hard to read a situation and adapt.

Sooo... When do you plan your first trip to japan ? To see first hand...

Your inability to empathize is a French problem. The rest of us aren't so chauvinistic.

Sure, japanese ability to improvise and adapt is directly dependant on French feelings...

Right over your head.

Please do explain.

[Samurai_Jerk]

I guess this could be Indonesian shenanigans but ...

Indonesia defends rail project after Japan angered

Indonesia defended Thursday the chaotic bidding process for its first high-speed railway after months of mixed messages ended with China being chosen over a furious Japan for the $5-billion project.

Beijing and Tokyo had long been vying to build the line linking the capital Jakarta with the mountain-fringed city of Bandung, some 160 kilometres (100 miles) away.

The contest was one front on Asia's two biggest economies escalating battle for influence across the region.

The winner was expected to be unveiled early last month, only for authorities to turn around at the last minute and announce they were opting for a cheaper, medium-speed train and reopening the bid process.

But on Tuesday, Japan's chief government spokesman said that an Indonesian envoy had been sent to Tokyo to tell him Jakarta had changed its mind again -- and China's original bid for a high-speed train had been accepted.

[Yokohammer]

I guess this could be Indonesian shenanigans but ...

Indonesia defends rail project after Japan angered

Indonesia defended Thursday the chaotic bidding process for its first high-speed railway after months of mixed messages ended with China being chosen over a furious Japan for the $5-billion project.

Beijing and Tokyo had long been vying to build the line linking the capital Jakarta with the mountain-fringed city of Bandung, some 160 kilometres (100 miles) away.

The contest was one front on Asia's two biggest economies escalating battle for influence across the region.

The winner was expected to be unveiled early last month, only for authorities to turn around at the last minute and announce they were opting for a cheaper, medium-speed train and reopening the bid process.

But on Tuesday, Japan's chief government spokesman said that an Indonesian envoy had been sent to Tokyo to tell him Jakarta had changed its mind again -- and China's original bid for a high-speed train had been accepted.

I don't know if there's a direct connection, but I noticed with some amusement that Japan suddenly decided to allow submarines for Australia to be built on site, right on the heels of losing the Indonesia train deal. They were close to losing that one too.

Senior official says Japan ready to build all submarines for Canberra in Australia

[kurogane]

I guess this could be Indonesian shenanigans but ...

Occam votes for you to guess. Whadda laughable shiitehole that country seems. They can't even organise a fake paedo ring without bunging up an innocent Canadian. I'll be voting my support by going anywhere but.