Cadence of Conflict: Asia, December 31, 2018

China and the US—more specifically Xi and Trump—are talking more and more about talking more and more about trade. China has drafted legislation to propose making China a fair country to outsiders. What a great proposed Christmas gift, just before the New Year.

In light of everything, China seems to be making other concessions to US demands. But, one issue lingers in the back-of-the-room shadows: Taiwan. The US is bound by near-treaty to defend Taiwan if China were to invade. And, Taiwan just keeps taking pot shots. And, China doesn’t seem to notice the conflict on the US side of the talks.

China

Are the Chinese and Russians listening to your phone calls? | The Hill

Will China’s new forced technology transfer law satisfy US concerns? | Yahoo – SCMP

China says direct trade talks with U.S. in January, pledges more opening | Yahoo – Reuters

Trump Hails ‘Big Progress’ Towards China Trade Deal | Bloomberg

Prominent Chinese rights lawyer tried in closed proceedings | Yahoo – AP

China tries rights lawyer in case Amnesty denounces as a sham | Yahoo – Reuters

Taiwan

Ministry to lobby for trade bloc support | Taipei Times

Xiamen assistants breaking law: MOI | Taipei Times