1 February 2004

China, Korea wrangle over ancient kingdom

The ancient kingdom of Koguryo, famed for its mighty castles and horseback warriors, has sprung back to life in a 'war of history' between South Korea and China that carries alarming modern-day implications.



The dispute has raised diplomatic hackles and symbolizes what many say are rival geopolitical designs on Northeast Asia, a region rich in conflict and currently riled over North Korea's nuclear weapons programs.



The wrangling could also influence the way future borders are drawn between two of Asia's biggest economic powers should the region become unstable.



Koguryo ruled much of Korea and Manchuria, now China, until it vanished from maps 1,300 years ago. It has been dragged into the headlines by a Beijing-backed study that deems the kingdom to be an integral part of China

.


New South Wales should take China's Koguryo approach to heart. All of New Zealand, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory once lay within the borders of NSW. There is a magnificent opportunity for the small government advocate here. Not only would we get one government in place of 7 but the bloated Senate could be reduced to 12 senators each from Western Australia and NSW. The bloated House would be reduced to 48 with a gigantic NSW majority. And we'd get two UN votes.

No comments: