The Straits Times
19 March 2014
- RSIS
- Media Mentions
- Missing MH370: The Reactions; A Test for China’s Leaders – But an Opportunity too
Missing MH370: The Reactions; A Test for China’s Leaders – But an Opportunity too
THE lives of its citizens are at stake, but that may not be the only reason why the Chinese government has spared no effort to search for the missing Flight MH370.
The all-out push, say observers, also reflects China’s desire to bolster its standing domestically and internationally.
Chinese analysts and media believe that China’s search operation is the largest ever, with 10 naval ships, several planes and 21 navigation satellites deployed. Officials say more could be deployed as China adjusts its search efforts.
… Singapore-based analyst Li Mingjiang said “the No 1. reason is the 153 lives but there are also political considerations at play”.
He believes the top leadership is under pressure to live up to the “China Dream” political slogan espoused by President Xi Jinping since he took power in November 2012. It envisages the rise of a powerful Chinese nation and people, among other notions.
“If the government did not respond in a big way to search for the missing plane, many Chinese would be critical of the political slogan and may even question why China is spending more on its military and not putting them (men and materiel) to use when the need arises,” said Dr Li of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
GPO / IDSS / RSIS / Print
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