Cadence of Conflict: Asia, November 15, 2021

Taiwan is a peaceful island of peaceful people. The Taiwanese calm demeanor often plays tricks on the minds of Americans and Chinese. Every day, Taiwanese put up with enormous nonsense and harassment, yet manage to carry on with an authentic smile. They don’t just putt-putt forward, they charge forward with energy, even in the face of disquieting conflict. Their solution to conflict is to “ignore” it away; and that is the Taiwanese daily story.

And, that should put fear into any enemy with half a brain.

When roused to anger, the Taiwanese are more fierce and more dangerous than Americans. That is admittedly a large claim, but the world is about to witness. Their strength and willingness to fight can be seen in schoolyard spats. The calm, carry-on manners are enforced only by a monstrous willpower. Once peace is rejected by an opponent, that same great monster that held near impossible peace rages to war. That someone has the stamina to maintain peace so long should terrify anyone with half a brain.

But, it doesn’t even phase the Chinese. There’s your investment clue.

Nonetheless, Silicon Valley continues to seek investment in China, despite unified opposition from the two most controversial Republican and Democratic presidents ever, Trump then Biden. Even the US Chamber of Commerce lobbies for American companies to invest more money into China, according to Wall Street Journal.

It seems as the US brings manufacturing back home, China offers more candy to hypnotize the children of the Valley. Without any parents around it seems like it would work, were it not for Uncle Sam.

Indo-Pacific

Xi warns against new ‘cold war’ in Asia-Pacific region // Taipei Times

China THREATENS Australia if forces defend Taiwan after remarks from Defence Minister Peter Dutton // Daily Mail

Trade & Tech

TSMC’s global expansion will chip away at its edge // Taiwan News

U.S. Companies Aid China’s Bid for Chip Dominance Despite Security Concerns – Exclusive // WSJ

White House Spurns Intel Plan to Boost Chip Production in China // Bloomberg

TSMC stock jumps on news Meta buying AMD chips to power metaverse // Taiwan News

China

US extends ban on PRC military-linked securities // Taipei Times

China’s new high-tech aircraft carrier could launch as soon as February 2022 // CNN

Taiwan

‘Australia would help US defend Taiwan’ // Taipei Times

Representative says the US would not risk Taiwan in its contest with China // Taipei Times

US delegation signals ‘clarity’: expert // Taipei Times