The world is starting to realize that China is just going to ignore everybody. Talking won’t work. Action won’t work unless China loses, then China still won’t listen.
This isn’t new. China has never listened. The only reason China respected international laws in decades past—including its own treaties—was because China was forced to. But, China never wanted to. And, China never will.
The EU is in blaming mode. The Philippines are on high alert. Australia is on high alert and warns Taiwan. Taiwan has always been on high alert because Taiwan may be the only country that never misunderstood China—neither its psychology nor its intentions.
But, it looks like this scuffle isn’t building up in Myanmar or Japan or even Taiwan. The flashpoint is staged at the Philippines. Anything else could serve as the fuse. But this time around, the Philippines hold the payload. Here we go.
Trade & Tech
China is going after tech companies. Tesla is trying to keep out of the way // CNN
China
EU blames China for endangering peace in South China Sea // Yahoo Canada
Xi Jinping says ‘bossing others around’ won’t work as US ups pressure on China // CNN
Taiwan
Australia does not rule out China conflict over Taiwan // Taipei Times
Why the world should pay attention to Taiwan’s drought // BBC News
Many aim to form travel bubbles with Taiwan: bureau // Taipei Times
Philippines
Philippines Duterte latest victim of China’s South China Sea battle // News.com.au
Philippine coast guard holds drills in disputed South China Sea // Bangkok Post