Comments by " Anthony LeRoux " (@Rhythm911) on "" video.
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This is the situation, that people like the opposition leader in Canada, don't seem to understand. It's as she says, "We must "manage" our relationship with China" their is little hope in trying to "control"!! I really can' stress the futility in that enough!! From personal experience during a military/diplomatic dignitary visit in 1983 while in the Navy. Anyone from that ship who is still alive , should remember one crucial fact, that if Chinese 'officials', especially the military/government party member, leaders don't get their way. They will retaliate!!!....
I was serving on the HMCS Gatineau, which had just been through an upgrade program related to weapons system and 'operations room' systems that were relatively new technology. This visit to our ship was part of the re-kindling of our relationship with China. One that had been almost non-existent after Canada's assistance during WW2. This visit took place on our second or third day in Shanghai harbor. When our Captain and his staff told these 'dignitaries', that they could not be allowed into the 'Operations Centre', due to those upgrades, etc., they demanded to be allowed in. When their demands were not met they essentially stormed off the ship. They were not happy. There was no shaking of hands, etc.
The first retaliation, because of a perceived insult, was to cancel all cultural tours and events that were scheduled for our visit. The second was to have our visit ended prematurely due to the tension of the situation. It was the only time Canadian naval personnel were not only allowed to go ashore in civilian dress , mandatory full dress uniform. I believe the only other country where that rule, at the time, was necessary was Russia. :) Now this is all from my memory, but, it was not something easily forgotten. Especially, for our Captain who, lost his command and was demoted sideways to a non-command, position. Essentially, ending his further career progression. So if we do anything to upset them with REAL insults. Well , need I say more. I will say this that back in the 90's when people, mostly Americans, brought up the topic of whether China would invade in the future. I would 'jokingly' reply, "Well then I guess I'll be at the Vancouver waterfront, offering to take them to our leaders." I don't think I would make jokes like that today.
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