The World’s Homeless Shelter

The Economist contrasts the Chinese response to the Philippine typhoon with the American one: “The initial response from China was niggardlya mere $100,000. It was hard not to see this as a slap on the wrist for the Philippines temerity in standing up to China over disputed shoals in the South China Sea. China denied any such intention, and soon increased its offer of assistance. Online nationalists, however, criticised their government for helping the Philippines at all. Only a minority worried about Chinas making itself look mean and petty in the eyes of a region it is trying to reassure about the benevolence of its long-term intentions. Many drew the contrast between Chinas myopic perception of its own interests and an impressive American relief effort. At a time when many regional commentators have charted Americas relative decline, this was soft power delivered with shock and awe. It was also a reminder of the overwhelming hard power America can still bring to bear in the Pacific, including the USS George Washington aircraft-carrier group with its 21 helicopters, and Osprey aircraft normally stationed in Okinawa.”

This is the best of America: Not the world’s policeman but the world’s soup kitchen, the world’s homeless shelter.