The Hidden Truth on American Territories

http://thehill.com/policy/finance/246820-puerto-rican-debt-crisis-hits-congress

M.A's commentary:
I tried to explain recently that Puerto Rico was a part of USA and my students were appalled when I explained the concept of territory. I could see it brought back ideas of the past occupations of China by foreigners.

Indigo's commentary:
I think that my mother hit the nail on the head. The Chinese past in the 19th and early 20th century is riddled with China being possessed by the United Kingdom and Japan and being used as territories of those powers. The Japanese occupation/claim of China is an especially horrific part of its history, as Japan murdered and raped thousands of Chinese citizens (The Nanking Massacre comes to mind). Because of this dark past and the effects occupation had on China, it is natural that China wouldn't want to acknowledge that other countries are still doing the same thing.

I would hardly equate the American possession of the territory of Puerto Rico as the same as the Japanese or British possession of China in the past. But it is likely that China simply does't approve of America having control over it. Additionally, the Chinese government isn't the biggest fan of America in general. So acknowledging that America is powerful enough to control additional territories is probably not something the government is eager to do. Especially because this is something China would like to do (but has yet to accomplish) with Taiwan.

The Chinese government might not be sharing the geography of American territories like Puerto Rico because it doesn't want it to be compared to the Chinese relationship/control of Hong Kong. America is fully in control of Puerto Rico, with little disent. Hong Kong is not nearly as cooperative. China is likely to not want this comparision to be made.

I'm unsure why this link is explicitly blocked. It actually shows that America made a mistake with legislation in reference to Puerto Rico and bankruptcy courts. Pointing out American mistakes is something the Chinese government is usually quick to do.