Cadence of Conflict: Asia, January 28, 2019

The West ramped up rhetoric against China this past week. Even George “Socialist” Soros trashed the Chinese government, yet tried to court favor with the Chinese people. Such an attempt aims to divide government and people. Opinion pieces from renowned news outlets openly accuse China of aggression. We did not see such a harsh tone from the mainstream press in the West even one year ago. Today, it’s becoming commonplace to bash China.

The US sent two Naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait this week. Now, the US is preparing extradition of the Huawei executive currently in Canadian custody. With threats of turning the tariffs back on, it should be more apparent that the US never planned to grant China any of its ambitions in the first place. Not only has the US been playing China like a flute, the Chinese haven’t known—or have they?

Everyone seems to be biding time, both the US and China. China’s main focus has been readying government and military. The US focus seems to have been public sentiment against China. Perhaps both sides have been playing each other, but the US has been making a play of its own—that we can see.

Military

North Korean base serves as missile headquarters – think tank | Yahoo – Reuters

US sails two warships through Strait | Taipei Times

Meet China’s J-20 ‘Heavy’ Stealth Fighter: An F-22 or F-35s Worst Nightmare? | The National Interest

Talks: Trade & Huawei

China reacts to US plans to bring Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou to the US | Business Insider

Canadian ambassador says detained Huawei CFO has strong case | CNN

Canada’s ambassador to China retracts controversial remarks on Huawei case | CNN

US turns down China offer of preparatory trade talks | FT

US cancels trade planning meeting with China, source says | CNBC

Opinion & China

It’s Not Lack Of Trust But China’s Outrageous Behavior That’s The Problem | Forbes