Cadence of Conflict: Asia, July 25, 2016

Cadence

The words “China” and “tariffs” are appearing in headlines together again. Cambodia is seen as a Chinese puppet in ASEAN. And, one dissenting opinion from Forbes claims that tariffs are only about consumers, not about jobs and whole economies. Contrary to China’s unspoken messages, Beijing asks for more economic cooperation, but Europe is stealing the limelight.

If China were truly interested in global economic growth, they should move their shadow away from the economic shipping lanes in the South China sea. But, that idea doesn’t exactly come to mind to the Communist worldview, which presumes that success is bestowed rather than sown and reaped.

Taiwan’s order of 50 some amphibious vehicles from the US has been delayed until 2020, three and a half years. Yet, the US called on Taiwan to create a vehicle for a lunar landing. One would think that Taiwan might build 50 some lunar landing vehicles for Taiwanese use under water, especially since the specs should not be as complex, but that was not reported. Perhaps the US could divert NASA resources to Taiwan’s security to ensure that the lunar vehicle supplier is not crushed by an invasion from China, but that was not reported either.

NASA orders lunar lander from Taiwan | Taipei Times

US shipments of vehicles delayed | Taipei Times

China Seeks Intensified Coordination But U.S. Is Playing It Cool | Bloomberg

South China Sea: Asean deadlock after court ruling against China | BBC

Europe’s problems eclipse China on G-20’s agenda | Market Watch

UK explores multi-billion pound free trade deal with China | BBC

Welcome To The Trade War – China Imposes Tariffs On EU, US And Japanese Steel Imports | Forbes