Cadence of Conflict: Asia, July 13, 2020

China and the US have shown their intentions to the world. The new “National Security Law”, passed and interpreted solely by the Chinese Communist Party, applies to the entire world. China made it illegal for Americans to support calls for change in Hong Kong. Germans wearing a Winnie-the-Pooh shirt could be guilty of a Chinese crime against China’s national security. This is no joke.

The US went hard line after China over Uyghurs in Xinjiang this week. 78 members of Congress petitioned President Trump from both parties to declare China’s work with the Uyghurs “genocide”. That is not merely rhetoric nor an attempt to insult, but a step to unlock later military permissions. The US is preparing for invasion, either to land US troops or to support some other military that does, such as India. This is no joke.

China clarified its understanding on two fronts.

Firstly, about Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China responded to America’s visa sanction and frozen asset action against Chinese officials with a tit-for-tat policy. By not responding with military preparation, or at least genocide declaration, China misinterpreted what the US is ultimately preparing.

Secondly, Chinese state media have commented how the new “National Security Law” for Hong Kong would apply if China could assert jurisdiction elsewhere. This means that, just as the US is laying in the groundwork for an invasion of China, China is laying in the groundwork for what would follow an invasion anywhere else. In all likelihood, the US’ response concerning Uyghurs in Xinjiang—paving a way for invasion—showed understanding of China’s plans for invasion, less likely not, but surely the sabers have been unsheathed and are no longer just rattling.

Great Pacific

‘High-risk groups’ warned over HK law // Taipei Times

China inches toward ‘liberating’ Taiwan after HK security law: Washington Post // Taiwan News

Hong Kong Security Law Sends Chills Through Taiwan: We Could Be Next // New Delhi TV

China

US punishes senior Chinese officials over Uighur rights // CNA

China, US in new spat over Uighur crackdown // Yahoo News

Bubonic plague: Case found in China’s Inner Mongolia // CNN

Taiwan

Doctor praises, calls Taiwan a ‘country’
Dr. Richard Bartlett | ACWT Interview 7.2.20 // YouTube @ America Can We Talk?

Skeletons in every government closet
Taiwan still replete with reminders of authoritarian-era rulers, report finds // Taipei Times

Taipei thanks US for missile package // Taipei Times

Only in Taiwan
Taiwan airport offers flights to nowhere for people desperate to travel // News.com.au

Taiwan’s defense science institute entangled in security breach over Chinese cloud service // Taiwan News

Hong Kong

Hong Kong police raid pollster ahead of opposition vote // Yahoo News

Australia suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong, offers pathway to residency for Hongkongers // SCMP

Hong Kong activists hold blank signs to dodge China security law // Business Insider

Hong Kong protests: opposition activist Agnes Chow pleads guilty in relation to incident outside police headquarters last year // SCMP