China is over the line. There is no way that a nation which knows its own military limits would act as China is acting. Chinese militarized ships anchoring near the Philippines provide just one example. If China had the power to invade, they would have already. Not having that power, the Chinese keep quietly pressing their luck, creeping sneakily as they have only ever been able to. This time, however, they sneaked too far.
China wants a fight more than anyone. News is the same week by week: More people hate China. China keeps pushing others around. Risk of military conflict escalates in the Western Pacific. So, the Chinese don’t think they need to change one, single thing.
Indo-Pacific
Trade & Tech
Jack Ma’s fortune jumps $2 billion after record Alibaba fine // Alarabiya
China forces Jack Ma’s Ant Group to restructure // BBC News
China
From cover-up to propaganda blitz: China’s attempts to control the narrative on Xinjiang // CNN
Taiwan
Typhoon Surigae to bring no drought relief to western Taiwan // Taiwan News
Taiwan’s president says Chinese military activities threaten regional stability // CNBC
Military Faceoff
US-China saber-rattling heightens East Sea tensions, risks: experts // e.vnexpress.net
Nimitz Wins CY2020 Aircraft Carrier Battle ‘E’ // US Navy
US and China deploy aircraft carriers in South China Sea // CNN