I mean, really troubled -? Obviously, China has done very well out of the pre-existing "free trade" regime (everything is relative). Obviously, the CPC (a) talks a good fight, and will always counterpunch stoutly as a reflex; and (b) ultimately doesn't mind imposing suffering on its people, provided the cause is sufficiently important strategically.
Whatever: they seem to have come to the table. Sometimes the calm, confident-sounding bellicosity is a face-saving reflex. Then again, Trump changes his story every day or so to maintain the spin on the wobbly plate of his bizarre policy-making, and is pretty keen on saving his own, errr, tanned face. And as neutral venues go, Switzerland looks a bit more of a western location than, say, Singapore or Dubai would have done. So far, so convenient for Trump's spin.
That said, there are a couple of other straws in the wind. Firstly, following Xi's appearance in Moscow - a priceless morale-boost for Putin, so we know where the balance of obligations should now lie - and to China's serious annoyance, Russian online media have been showcasing clips of a tic of Xi's: he was spotted in Moscow letting his head drop a bit to one side, seemingly an involuntary slump before bringing himself back upright again. It's been bruited about that this may be a sign of stroke, etc, yadder yadder. Well, maybe he was just bored stiff: people are always speculating about health and striving for clickbait opportunities ... but, hey, this is Xi, the sole arbiter of Putin's future, in Russia, being poked by Russian media.
And what it there's a soupçon of truth in it?
I'd say, the Taiwanese better start trembling. That man wants them in the bag before he goes. In all the crazy circumstances, who could be utterly amazed to wake up one morning to a fait accompli in the East China Sea? Tariffs or no tariffs.
ND
2 comments:
I suspect Xi wants to manage the tariffs - he will back down at the prospect of a popular rebellion - so this could just be a Seen to be Doing Something with no real desire to do a deal.
There have been claims of Walmart stores will shortly be having empty shelves, although presumably not the firearms aisle. America's ports have been hit too, especially LA due to the well worn path of unloading goods there bound for Mexico, which are then frequently re-badged as Made in Mexico, before heading back into the US.
And speaking of firearms, Xi may bend at the prospect of his subjects getting uppity, but he's also not in charge of a nation where "Rooftop Voter" clothing is rather popular in some parts, and Trump's popularity has crated outside of his core vote, and even there the Constitutionalists have started to wobble as Trump asked if he was meant to defend it.
How much pain are US farmers and consumers willing to take compared to their Chinese equivalents?
I'd love to know the background on the US chiming in with India and Pakistan too, turns out Vance's "none of our business" foolishness quickly evaporates when the nukes are being prepared.
And what if there's a soupçon of coke in it?
https://vinnews.com/2025/05/11/watch-french-media-denies-viral-cocaine-rumors-involving-president-macron-during-ukraine-trip/
Ah, the moral giants who rule us.
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