Not being able to contribute any facts about Canada here, I sense that Canada has demonstrated it is a successful “melting pot” nation, more successfully than the US, anyway. (Per Tang’s comment, Switzerland definitely is, too, but it’s been successful in that way before there was such global mobilization, so Canada still should get credit for managing its new non-European members into the melting pot so well).

If I had any advice for the Chinese government, it would be to promote a sophisticated appreciation for its minorities and the historical significance of their roles in all of Chinese history, rather than portray them as the happy, dancing, thankful elements of the current regime.

Of course, it’s tough to let go of power over the people like that, but Canada demonstrates it’s possible to define “nation” geographically, not culturally, and to thrive for it.

It’s a country - don’t confuse it with Sweden - that hosts four people of different languages (Italian, French, Romance and German). It’s far from a nation. Even within the German speaking area, there are about seven very different dialects, some of which are not understood by their neighbours without practice, as the people have originated from different parts of Europe and not interacted much for several hundred years.

(Note: Switzerland is 717 years old, and many cities are older than Chinese ones, founded by the Romans)

“the Chinese nationalists have cited Quebec when attacking the pro-Free Tibet side. They’ve also claimed to support independence for Corsica, Texas, Hawaii, Scotland, Ireland, and a few other locations which may or may not actually have anyone who strongly desires independence.”

Do you know how many people that strongly desires independence in Tibet? I am sure there are almost all exiled Tibetans wanted an independence, but they left China in 1959, so their voice should not count b.t.w., they were slave owners back before 1959 and surely they want indepedence. How many Tibentans living in tibet want an independence? 10%? 20%?

We’re agreed on the postnational state of Quebecois politics at present, but that’s because Canada’s economy has been moving along nicely. Let an economic downturn come and people may “think different” to borrow a phrase from Apple.

Anyways, yes, the Chinese nationalists have cited Quebec when attacking the pro-Free Tibet side. They’ve also claimed to support independence for Corsica, Texas, Hawaii, Scotland, Ireland, and a few other locations which may or may not actually have anyone who strongly desires independence. (Texas?)

I hadn’t heard about the Free Quebec claims on Chinese websites. I would definitely chalk that up to ignorance on the part of most Chinese — and a lot of the world in general — Quebec separatism doesn’t get much coverage outside of Canada except that there are separatist elements and political parties there.

J.

Ironically, many netizens have said “If you say Free Tibet, I’ll say Free Quebec,” but they don’t seem to know that Quebec has voted several times to remain in Canada, and the Canadian government supported these votes, no matter the result. Considering the Chinese viewpoint, Quebec is a bad comparison to draw with the West.

Furthermore, India is heavily regional as well with a very unique political system that encompasses it too. Yes, there are problems of the caste system and Kashmir, but considering that it has still stayed a democracy through some rough times (the worst Canada has lately had to deal with [beyond an annoying US] is Quebec voting to leave Canada) tells me it has a sustainable model to follow over Canada at this point in time.