Lao Voices

Apparently, Laos does not care much about whales. Why would they, you ask, Laos is a landlocked country where the chances you see a whale are about as high as seeing a water buffalo on the Arctic. Still, Laotian Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh agreed to join the world’s whaling body or International Whaling Commission (IWC). Laos is highly likely to support Tokyo’s high-profile pro-whaling campaign.

Japan, which says whale meat is part of its culture, hunts whales using a loophole that allows a catch for scientific research. Most countries think it was “fairly obvious” Laos – whose people neither hunt whale or eat whale meat – was only joining the IWC in return for aid.

Really? Yes, really. A good indication was that shortly after Laos agreed to join the IWC, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced new development aid of $1 million to Laos for the removal of buried unexploded bombs. Coincidence? Not likely. Could be.

You could also debate that this was a smart move of Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh. After all, the people of Laos can’t eat from saving whales but they can from supporting Japan on just about anything. However, there is a catch. Suggesting Laos’ vote can be bought made them loose face. It suggests, perhaps just a little bit, that Laos can be “bought” into doing just about anything. This is not good. Your “face” as a country embedded in the international community is extremely important for business relations.

Let’s hope Laos will vote for continuation of the 1986 moratorium, which will prevent commercial whaling. Now that will show spine to the international community. I believe in it and hope you all will too!