I would wholly and unconditionally condone a sizable UN military force stepping into the catastrophic and worsening situation in Myanmar. I nominate China to spearhead or lead this effort. Thoughts? The Times reports that Myanmar's military junta is seizing aid supplies while denying entry to outside aid workers, including UN experts. Unofficial estimates place the dead at over a 100,000.
One United Nations official said he had never seen delays like this before in delivering relief supplies and aid officials. In Indonesia after the tsunami in 2004, he said, an air bridge of daily flights was established within 48 hours.
“The frustration caused by what appears to be a paperwork delay is unprecedented in modern humanitarian relief efforts,” said Mr. Risley. “It’s astonishing.”
There is no other moment other than the present crisis that requires the Chinese government to step up to the plate and demonstrate its leadership. No other country or organization has the political or military influence to compel the Myanmar government to open its borders so the disaster in their country can be addressed. This rather than the pomp and glitter of the Olympics will be more effective means for China to convey the substance behind their claim that they are a leading nation among nations, and ought to be treated as such.