Jason Lee
Appearances
Global News Podcast
Diplomacy gathers pace over war in Ukraine
It's believed to be the tooth of Buddha. So it's, you know, considered very sacred among Buddhists. Just to disappoint you, there are many tooth of Buddha that's been claimed by multiple museums and temples. So this is just one of many. And it's originally housed in Lingguang Temple in Beijing in the Chinese capital.
Global News Podcast
Diplomacy gathers pace over war in Ukraine
Now, the Chinese government loaned this to Thailand in December to commemorate the birthday of the Thai king. And it was also to mark the 50th anniversary of the official relationship between the two countries. Now, while on display in Bangkok, in a temple in Bangkok, thousands of visitors came to see the artifact to pay their homage because Thailand is a very deeply Buddhist country.
Global News Podcast
Diplomacy gathers pace over war in Ukraine
So they want to get a glimpse of this artifact. And as you mentioned, it was flown back to China. after a ceremony which was attended by officials and monks.
Global News Podcast
Diplomacy gathers pace over war in Ukraine
Well, we don't have DNA result to really say if this is Buddha's tooth. I mean, this is what's believed by the Buddhists who follow the religion.
Global News Podcast
Diplomacy gathers pace over war in Ukraine
So China sees Southeast Asia sort of as its periphery and has been increasing its influence over the region over the past few years in direct competition with the traditional influence superpower in the region, the United States, which has influence over it, although the U.S. is located in North America. And this has brought some positive impacts.
Global News Podcast
Diplomacy gathers pace over war in Ukraine
You know, China is the largest trading partner of Southeast Asia. It's also the largest investor in infrastructure in the region. But this has also led to tensions, most notably in the South China Sea, where Beijing has lots of territorial and maritime disputes. But unlike some of its neighbours who has these disputes with China, Thailand has a relatively stable relations with China.
Global News Podcast
Diplomacy gathers pace over war in Ukraine
So this loaning of the Buddhist who appears to be China using its cultural artefact as a way of trying to bring one of its most prominent regional partners, Thailand, closer to its sphere of influence.