China instructs Hong Kong not to confuse restraint for weakness, notwithstanding that China is making that very mistake with the West in not sponsoring the demands of Hong Kongers that Hong Kong’s government keep the Sino-British promise of 1984. China claims that the West has meddled in Hong Kong. The biggest problem with this argument isn’t lack of evidence, though evidence is lacking. The bigger problem is need—the West wouldn’t need to meddle in order to create the chaos we see in Hong Kong because China has already done more than enough. Balancing Hong Kong’s unrest with China’s interference, the math adds up.
As China poetically said of Hong Kong, a “blow from the sword of law is waiting for them in the future.” China should heed its own words. But, we already knew China was incapable heeding any wisdom, including its own, which is probably why the West doesn’t bother commenting anymore. After all that has happened, China recently had the lack of self-awareness to call its growing power a “peaceful rise” in defense of growing Australian concerns.
Taiwan is gearing up and arming up. Their new “Cloud Peak” missile can reach Beijing. It’s mobile and in mass-production. It still pales in comparison to Beijing’s aggression toward everyone, everywhere. But, Taiwan figures, at least an attack from Beijing would hurt in Beijing. But, Beijing’s probably not capable of understanding that. So, the Taiwanese can’t count on their Cloud Peak missiles as any kind of deterrent, only a disruptor to cripple and confuse and weaken sequential attacks from an attacker who struck first.
Trade & Tech
IMF says trade war threatens China’s growth, pushes for resolution // CNBC
China warns India of ‘reverse sanctions’ if Huawei is blocked // CNBC
Remember when Huawei said its Android replacement isn’t for smartphones? Well, it is // Yahoo News
China
China’s solution to Trump’s trade tantrums? Treat him like a natural disaster // SCMP
Chinese cyberhackers ‘blurring line between state power and crime’ // Guardian
President Trump: We’re not ready to make a deal with China // CNBC
We must see China – the opportunities and the threats – with clear eyes // Sydney Morning Herald
China denounces Liberal MP Andrew Hastie’s Nazi Germany analogy // Guardian
Flashback to 2016…
What it means if Trump names China a currency manipulator // CNBC
Bossing the USA again…
Trade war: China responds after US’ currency manipulator designation // CNBC
‘One Child Nation’: Inside China’s Horrifying Child-Killing Policy // Daily Beast
Currency devalued…
China fires biggest shot yet in trade war and now it’s up to Trump // CNBC
Taiwan
MOFA protests UN tweet with same graphic // Taipei Times
Hong Kong film companies to boycott Taipei Golden Horse Awards // Taiwan News
China using the media to ‘win hearts’ // Taipei Times
Taiwan begins production of Cloud Peak missiles and mobile launch platforms // Taiwan News
Taiwan braces for typhoon hours after earthquake strikes // CNA
Video shows 2nd-largest movement of Taipei 101 damper in history during 6.0 quake // Taiwan News
Harry Potter website bows to fans’ demands that it restore Taiwan to China in drop-down menu // SCMP
Hong Kong
Hong Kong protests continue for a 10th week in face of Beijing’s threats // Vox
Hong Kong hit by more violence as protests enter 10th week // Guardian
6 events where Chinese students were involved in on-campus conflicts // SCMP
Australian universities become battleground over Hong Kong protests – CNA // CNA
China waiting out Hong Kong protests, but backlash may come // Taiwan News
Laser protest lights up Hong Kong Space Museum // BBC News
‘Be water’: Hong Kong protesters adopt Bruce Lee tactic to evade police crackdown // Independent
Hong Kong police tear skirt, underwear off female protester, sparking public wrath // Taiwan News
China Warns Hong Kong Protesters Not to ‘Take Restraint for Weakness’ // NY Times
Hong Kong protesters stream past designated endpoint // Taiwan News
Over 200 flights canceled in Hong Kong as multiple strikes take place // Taiwan News
Korean Peninsula
Trump sides with Kim criticism of US-SKorea war games // Yahoo News
North Korea fires two missiles into sea to keep pressure on Washington // Fox News
North Korea fired two projectiles, South Korean media says // CNBC
North Korea features Donald Trump on its stamps // Quartz
Philippines