Possible Permanent Cleavages in Asia

Abstract

The peoples of Asia are on the road of progress. They are industrious and intelligent and have a happy and tolerant temperament. Their pride in their history, inducing mutual respect and aspirations, is a positive cohesive force. Their countries have great natural resources that when prop erly exploited can produce a high standard of living. Yet there are old cleavages due to marked cultural, religious, and political characteristics now less important than the new ones. Some, like Korea, Taiwan, The Philippines, Thailand, and Southern Vietnam, are democracies in the Western sense and regard Com munist imperialism as a common enemy. Then there are Com munist China and her satellites and the neutralist nations that while following the leadership of India are less cohesive than the other two groups and may, it is hoped, ultimately side more decisively with the democracies first mentioned. Finally, there is Japan, which is likely to retain its apartness and which, be cause of its policy of dealing on a basis of equality with Com munist China and Russia, its chauvinistic religion, and its ex pansionist sentiments, may pose a threat to her neighbors.—Ed.