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Cadence of Conflict: Asia, January 31, 2022

Taiwan’s vice president went on tour. After meeting with the new president of Honduras, Vice President William Lai stopped in San Francisco. While in the States, he held virtual meetings with House Speaker Pelosi and others. Taiwan’s envoy to North America was a big success.

Meanwhile back in Asia, China sent its own envoy of 39 warplanes into Taiwan’s airspace. That was probably just in case the people in North America doubted anything Lai said about China being dangerous. China wants everyone to know the truth, after all. But, the warplanes didn’t go over well in Taipei.

Taipei and Shanghai have had a sister city “bromance” going on—or “sismance” if we want to be genderly correct. But, the annual, multi-million dollar event is up for cancellation with China’s military incursions. Feuding DPP and KMT parties reached a near-impossible consensus about that. The two parties never get along. But, somehow China seems to be the great unifier between polarized political parties, whether in the United States or in Taiwan.

We can probably expect more unity like that in the future. It may not be the unity China is pushing for, but it will be unity nonetheless.

Indo-Pacific

China ‘flexes muscles’ at US, Japan // Taipei Times

Taiwan

Taipei may halt Shanghai forum over China threat // Taipei Times

Honduras thanks Taiwan as Lai visits // Taipei Times

Taiwan-Europe amity group launched // Taipei Times

Chinese ambassador warns of ‘military conflict’ with US over Taiwan // Yahoo News

William Lai talks with US senator before returning // Taipei Times

UK, US voice support for Taiwan at the WHO // Taipei Times

Lai, Pelosi talk security issues, China // Taipei Times

 

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Cadence of Conflict: Asia, January 24, 2022

China has been busy online. Western allies warn about increasing cyber attacks from China; it’s become the common thing to expect and discuss. Cyber attacks aren’t China’s only online hobby. Social media “influencers” are reportedly set to spread the good gospel of China’s greatness all through the Olympics. We’ll see how long their social media followings last.

While China engages in paid diplomacy and bolsters Western demand for cybersecurity, Taiwan has another new friend. Slovenia will open a diplomatic office in Taiwan. And, Taiwan will send an envoy to the inauguration of Honduras’s president, none other than Taiwan’s former favorite, pro-independence Mayor William Lai. That means more officials from Taiwan will attend the Honduras event than American officials will attend China’s Olympic Games.

But, that’s okay for China. After all, there are all those “influencers” getting paid to pay China compliments on their soon to fall social medial accounts.

Trump

Former Trump administration officials hold call to strategize against former boss’ efforts in 2022 and 2024 // CNN

Supreme Court rejects Trump request to block release of records to January 6 committee // CNBC

Obama Biden Harris

Fox News Poll January 2022: Biden at 47 Percent Approval // Mediaite

Markets, Economy & GDP

Biden backs Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s likely monetary policy tightening as inflation rages // CNBC

Pandemic

Soft-handed safety
Virus measures tightened // Taipei Times

NATO Focus

‘Lethal’ U.S. Military Aid Begins Arriving In Ukraine // Bloomberg Quint

German navy chief resigns after suggesting Putin ‘deserved respect’ // CNN

Putin would burst Xi’s Olympic dream with a war in Ukraine // Straits Times

U.S. tells diplomats’ families to leave Ukraine, weighs troop options // Yahoo News

Baltic states tout US-approved weapon shipments to Ukraine // Defense News

Greece receives six French fighter jets as part of €11.5bn military overhaul // Guardian

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Cadence of Conflict: Asia, January 17, 2022

China is illegal. The US Department of State even says so. France even reports as such. This won’t exactly improve friendly relations across the Pacific. It’s actually a much larger step to an all out conflict.

Just over a year ago, November 2020, Western allies declared that China’s 1984 treaty with Britain, the basis for Hong Kong returning to China, was “permanently shredded”. The West has already declared that Hong Kong is no longer Chinese, effectively viewing China as an illegal occupying force which only needs a policing action to enforce and return Hong Kong to an already-decided British control. That’s what the West is thinking.

That decision came because certain lawmakers in Hong Kong were ousted because of a law originating not inside Hong Kong, but Beijing, violating what Britain meant by “a high degree of autonomy”. That law from Beijing was about “national security”. Now, Hong Kong’s government is expanding its definition of “national security”. Things are going less the way the West wants, giving more excuses for Western governments to rally Western taxpayers to support action against China.

Then, there is the snowless Olympics in Beijing. Not only are the Games boycotted by the West, they seem to be boycotted by the weather as well. Hatred for China only grows. As the Times said previously, awarding the 2022 Games to China was a setup.

China is in a global PR war with the West—and China is losing. The West knew this because China’s old “trump” card of media censorship won’t work on Western newspapers. And, Western governments know that China was so accustomed to turning off the camera that China never learned to simply smile for the camera. China just keeps on frowning.

Then, a Taiwanese F-16 went missing. It’s whereabouts and incident remain unknown. This could be—and certainly should be—a warning. Is this the 21st Century Reichstag or Lusitania? Did China sink the jet or could it be sabotage? If it was neither and truly was flight error, any ill will from Taiwan or the US could paint it to blame China. If China is smart, China will be afraid. After all, the West is much better at camera stunts than the Chinese. And, we live in a world controlled by what plays on camera, not what’s on a blank screen.

Indo-Pacific

Study on the People’s Republic of China’s South China Sea Maritime Claims // US Department of State

China’s maritime claims unlawful: US report // Taipei Times

US State Department Study Dismisses China’s ‘Unlawful Maritime Claims’ in South China Sea // The Diplomat

US lays out case against ‘unlawful’ China maritime claims // France 24

China

Why DID the Winter Olympics go to Beijing? // Daily Mail

Taiwan

China might raise pressure next year: British historian // Taipei Times

Taiwan seeks to be top destination for Mandarin learners from US: official // Taipei Times

F-16 goes missing off western coast // Taipei Times

Hong Kong

Flashback
Western allies say China broke Hong Kong deal by ousting lawmakers // Yahoo News

Evening Update: As Hong Kong eyes expansion of national-security law, role of foreign judges faces fresh scrutiny // The Globe and Mail (CA)

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Cadence of Conflict: Asia, January 10, 2022

Lithuania has become the “Taiwan of Europe”. Since WWII, Americans never again struggled with the concept that a problem abroad is a problem at home. This is how we Americans can vote to interfere around the world that we know so little about. We think every squeal from another continent indicates a personal assault on our freedom to watch Netflix.

Europe wasn’t quite there, but not anymore. While Europe watches Lithuania sustain hostile diplomacy from China, Europe is getting the same idea as America. France—oh, the French!—just came to Lithuania’s defense. It’s hard to disagree when the French take sides. They say they aren’t sure why China is angry at Lithuania—okay. But, they make a very good point. China should not have a special group of 17 states it communicates with concerning Europe; it should have all 27. Lithuania was a great opportunity for France to say so. Bravo for French math!

So, now Lithuania is to the EU what Taiwan is to the US; to China, both are bad press.

A recent election in Taiwan’s central city of Taichung gave one more legislative seat to the progressive DPP party—this is the party that doesn’t bow to China’s passive aggression, nor to China’s aggressive aggression.

Yes, that party just got stronger. China won’t be happy. But, what’s new. Just look at Lithuania and do the math.

China

China lashes out at U.S. over support for Lithuania over Taiwan // NPR

Lithuania: The European state that dared to defy China then wobbled // BBC News

France eyes quick anti-China action to bail out Lithuania in trade war // Politico (EU)

China targets Lithuania over Taiwan, hits global supply chains // Hindustan Times

Taiwan

DPP’s Lin wins Taichung vote by 52.3 percent // Taipei Times

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Cadence of Conflict: Asia, January 3, 2022

Taiwan is on the rise. With chip shortages, stock is booming. You know how graphics cards are astronomically high? A lot of that money is going into Taiwan.

Meanwhile, China found an excuse to order a real estate developer to demolish 39 freshly, new-built “luxury apartments”—something about the building permit being illegal and violated zoning. Even it the trumped up charges were true, a settlement could have save the company loads of cash and profited China’s government in tax revenue. Instead, the company lost big time and de-listed in Hong Kong.

And, that’s why China is the better choice to issue diktat over Taiwan. Though, some 72% of Taiwanese don’t think so. Taiwan’s president is boosting military strength. Taiwanese veteran generals retire to the US start cooperation for veterans. Taiwan as the favored spot came after Nicaragua put in its lot with China and severed relations with Taiwan. That was last month. Marco Rubio thinks it is because Nicaragua’s government is glad China turns a blind eye to human rights violations.

China

China harvests masses of data on Western targets, documents show // MSN News

China unveils plan to ‘take over’ Latin America // WA Examiner

Evergrande shares in trading halt after China orders demolition of newly built luxury apartments // ABC News Australia

Taiwan

China’s Special-Ops Forces Are Taiwan’s Real Problem, Not Warships // Business Insider

Retired officers to depart for US to set up mission // Taipei Times

Ex-general quits KMT, throws support behind DPP’s Lin in Taichung vote // Taipei Times

Taiwan braces for more Chinese flybys next year // Taipei Times

Poll says 72.5% of Taiwanese willing to fight against forced unification by China // Taipei Times

Tsai promotes 23, calls for boost to combat readiness // Taipei Times

Taipei thanks US for defense move // Taipei Times

Chip stocks fire TAIEX to historic high // Taipei Times

Military Faceoff

Navy’s Costly Carrier Finally Has Its Bomb-Lifting Elevators // Bloomberg

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Cadence of Conflict: Asia, December 27, 2021

Japan is on the scene in the Pacific. While Japanese athletes will attend the Olympics, Japanese officials will not. China doesn’t want Japan to “politicize” the games. But, consider 2008, the one-hour opening ceremony about nothing but China’s history, with President Xi marching in to a one-world dream at the end. For Beijing, hosting the Olympics is nothing but an opportunity to exhibit a grandiosity complex on a global scale.

By choosing China again, the Olympic committee handed the microphone to the fool. Japanese will go to the Olympics, except that they won’t; that’s the perfect East Asian insult. Japan is being an excellent member of the crowd, cheering on the fool.

But, the Olympics aren’t Japan’s only action. Manufacturing very-much-needed chips with Taiwan, as well as US battle plans for a Taiwan incident are right at the top. Make no mistake: this week, Japan sounded the alarm on China and the Chinese are terrified.

Trade & Tech

TSMC, UMC May Set Up Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing Plant As India, Taiwan Look To Firm Up Free-Trade Pact // Swarajya

China

Biden Faces a Policy Dilemma With China’s Biggest Chipmaker // Bloomberg

Japan

Military Faceoff

World’s Biggest Naval Power: Can China Develop Six Aircraft Carriers By 2035 & Challenge Its Arch-Rival – USA? // EurAsian Times

Flashback:
Taiwan is Preparing to Sink Chinese Carriers // National Interest

Why China could win the new global arms race // BBC News

British aircraft carrier to sail for secret mission // UK Defense Journal

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Cadence of Conflict: Asia, December 20, 2021

The US is hitting China hard over treatment of Uyghurs. Nearly all imports from Xinjiang will be banned. At the same time, the US bolsters the call to bolster Taiwan’s military defense. However, Taiwan has the seeds of the same tyranny; it just doesn’t materialize into anything alarming because Taiwan remains small. The most obvious problem is that Taiwan refuses to allow Taiwan citizens to renounce citizenship, but demands Americans renounce their citizenship to become Taiwanese. Taiwanese can become dual-citizen Americans, but Americans can never become dual-citizen Taiwanese. That’s what some people call a “clue”.

Any double standard, no matter how small, will grow exponentially as a nation or organization grows. Taiwan’s double standard must be stopped before bolstering Taiwan’s military. Expunging double standards to escape fake democracy is the most effective way to help Taiwan right now.

China has been lecturing Taiwan about democracy. And, Taiwan has rightly and appropriately responded with harsh words. “It is ridiculous that China, which is not democratic at all, dares to tell Taiwan what democracy means,” said Spokesman Lo, from the Executive branch. That’s true. But, in terms of equal treatment to all people, Taiwan has its own deficiencies—which is fine because we all have deficiencies; but Taiwan’s deficiencies are being utterly ignored. We must ask why.

Is Washington so focused on China’s threat that leaders can’t foresee the next problem they will fear? Are lobbyists blind to the next problem, just as they were blind to the problem of making China so wealthy with exported American jobs over the last three decades? Is it greed? Is it a carefully crafted “next crisis”? Or, is it pure unawareness or apathy? We don’t know, but we need to be asking why America is running to help a country that treats Americans as “lessers”. Failure to do so actually makes China’s nonsense look less legitimate.

Don’t rush to automatically take sides in conflicts that have lasted centuries. The scariest part is that China’s government ignores the problem as much as the Taiwanese and American governments. That is what some call a “larger clue”.

Trade & Tech

U.S. undecided on further restricting China’s SMIC: Reuters, citing sources // CNBC

“Taiwan… and China”
EXPLAINED: Wafers, Chips And How India Is Eyeing A Slice Of The Semiconductor Pie // News 18 (India)

Chinese Chip Industry Has a Plan B, and Now US Sanctions Are Catching Up // Tech Taiwan

China

US hits China with sanctions and trade curbs over Uighurs // Taipei Times

Taiwan

“It is ridiculous that China, which is not democratic at all, dares to tell Taiwan what democracy means”
Taiwan warns China on intervening in its affairs // Taipei Times

Massive defeat for KMT-Nationalist party
Voters say ‘no’ to all four referendum questions // Taipei Times

Military Faceoff

New Chinese J-15 fighter jet looks ready for faster take-off // SCMP

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Cadence of Conflict: Asia, December 13, 2021

China responds with propaganda. A lot more keeps happening more. It’s too much for China to track. But, when the US pontificates about democracy, China leaps to opine first. The problem is the vibe. It’s not about what we say, but about the vibes created by our actions.

Perhaps both the US and China labeled it wrong. It’s not democracy that won; it’s freedom. Freedom in the market, freedom in speech, freedom in religion, freedom in family—all these are valued by one country and despised by another country. So, the free country gets hate from the opinionated country.

As for other zingers China can’t track, Guatemala, Honduras, and now Germany plan only stronger ties with Taiwan. Nicaragua switched for China this week, making it a three for one to the Confucian Communist team.

You see, that’s the sneaky thing about China’s own problems. Russia is simply Marxist to the core. China always has and always will ever love Confucius more than Marx. Confucius was the greater hater of freedom. That’s why Russia poses a real threat while China just threatens and poses.

Indo-Pacific

Nicaragua embracing China to shield against sanctions, US official says // Taipei Times

Trade & Tech

Taiwan and US unveil new tech trade framework // Taipei Times

China

Four disrupt AIT official’s speech at Uighur forum // Taipei Times

China’s Overwrought Response to Biden’s Democracy Summit Is Telling // Foreign Policy

Taiwan

Bundestag votes to expand Taiwan ties // Taipei Times

Honduras ‘to keep Taiwan relations’ // Taipei Times

Guatemala backs Taipei: president // Taipei Times

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Cadence of Conflict: Asia, December 6, 2021

This week, Slovokia cozies up to Taiwan. This is dangerously close to the Czech Republic. Formerly, the two were “Czechoslovakia” until 1993. Pacific Daily Times has some dark information about Taiwan’s poor treatment of a Czech citizen. As calls to different levels of Taiwan’s government have gone unanswered or refused, Taiwan could face major challenges while cozying up to Eastern Europe, but refusing to redress a laundry list of egregious mistreatment of foreign visitors. An exclusive PDT interview is in the works.

Ironically, Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe said this week, “A stronger Taiwan, a thriving Taiwan, and a Taiwan that guarantees freedom and human rights are also in Japan’s interests. Of course, this is also in the interest of the whole world.” Abe doesn’t know that his statement is an indictment against Taiwan with Czech as witness.

For too long, the Times has sat on the darker side of Taiwan. The world doesn’t know what it is getting into as the West paints Taiwan as the adorable poster boy. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen’s words were correct in 2020, that Taiwan is a vibrant democracy worth saving. But, it is up to the government of Taiwan to make the necessary amends to repair decades of unreported hatred fostered among foreigners who visit Taiwan. And, it is up to the Taiwanese people to become both aware and concerned enough to compel their own democratic government to make such amends.

Meanwhile, Bret Baier asked Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for his thoughts on China’s incursion of Taiwan’s airspace. Austin publicly said that they look like “rehearsals” for war. Baier asked directly what the US would do if “China invades Taiwan”.

Chinese invasion of Taiwan is being asked openly and simply. This is a major turn of events, that the Western press believes questions about Taiwan can be asked without needing to re-educate the public about Taiwan’s history with China. Taiwan is on the map, namely as China’s first invasion target. All eyes of the world may soon turn toward Taiwan, like eyes of the universe turned toward Arrakis in the fictional story Dune. But, the bigger news will be how Taiwan decides to change its treatment toward visitors from the world when that happens.

Indo-Pacific

Indonesia’s Mount Semeru: At least 14 dead after volcano erupts // CNN

Japan, US ‘could not stand by’: Abe // Taipei Times

Trade & Tech

Elon Musk Needs China. China Needs Him. The Relationship Is Complicated. // WSJ

Trade between Taiwan and Singapore surges 36% // Taiwan News

Taiwan

Video interview:
Lloyd Austin says increased China activity near Taiwan ‘looks like rehearsal’ // Fox News

Chinese military flights near Taiwan look like ‘rehearsals’- Pentagon chief // Yahoo News

Pentagon chief says China ops near Taiwan resemble ‘rehearsals’ // France 24

Delegation from Slovakia arrives to bolster ties // Taipei Times

 

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Cadence of Conflict: Asia, December 6, 2021

This week, Slovokia cozies up to Taiwan. This is dangerously close to the Czech Republic. Formerly, the two were “Czechoslovakia” until 1993. Pacific Daily Times has some dark information about Taiwan’s poor treatment of a Czech citizen. As calls to different levels of Taiwan’s government have gone unanswered or refused, Taiwan could face major challenges while cozying up to Eastern Europe, but refusing to redress a laundry list of egregious mistreatment of foreign visitors. An exclusive PDT interview is in the works.

Ironically, Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe said this week, “A stronger Taiwan, a thriving Taiwan, and a Taiwan that guarantees freedom and human rights are also in Japan’s interests. Of course, this is also in the interest of the whole world.” Abe doesn’t know that his statement is an indictment against Taiwan with Czech as witness.

For too long, the Times has sat on the darker side of Taiwan. The world doesn’t know what it is getting into as the West paints Taiwan as the adorable poster boy. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-Wen’s words were correct in 2020, that Taiwan is a vibrant democracy worth saving. But, it is up to the government of Taiwan to make the necessary amends to repair decades of unreported hatred fostered among foreigners who visit Taiwan. And, it is up to the Taiwanese people to become both aware and concerned enough to compel their own democratic government to make such amends.

Meanwhile, Bret Baier asked Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for his thoughts on China’s incursion of Taiwan’s airspace. Austin publicly said that they look like “rehearsals” for war. Baier asked directly what the US would do if “China invades Taiwan”.

Chinese invasion of Taiwan is being asked openly and simply. This is a major turn of events, that the Western press believes questions about Taiwan can be asked without needing to re-educate the public about Taiwan’s history with China. Taiwan is on the map, namely as China’s first invasion target. All eyes of the world may soon turn toward Taiwan, like eyes of the universe turned toward Arrakis in the fictional story Dune. But, the bigger news will be how Taiwan decides to change its treatment toward visitors from the world when that happens.

Indo-Pacific

Indonesia’s Mount Semeru: At least 14 dead after volcano erupts // CNN

Japan, US ‘could not stand by’: Abe // Taipei Times

Trade & Tech

Elon Musk Needs China. China Needs Him. The Relationship Is Complicated. // WSJ

Trade between Taiwan and Singapore surges 36% // Taiwan News

Taiwan

Video interview:
Lloyd Austin says increased China activity near Taiwan ‘looks like rehearsal’ // Fox News

Chinese military flights near Taiwan look like ‘rehearsals’- Pentagon chief // Yahoo News

Pentagon chief says China ops near Taiwan resemble ‘rehearsals’ // France 24

Delegation from Slovakia arrives to bolster ties // Taipei Times

 

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Encore of Revival: America, December 6, 2021

At 98 years old, Bob Dole is dead. He ran for president against Clinton in 1996. After losing, Clinton awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Chris Cuomo, also known in some food establishments and to the late Rush Limbaugh as “Fredo”, has been fired from CNN.

Tomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack from Japan. Today, things are very different as Japan looks together with the US toward defending against China. Seeing China as Japan’s adversary, however, has not changed. Bitter roots remain between the two, and those roots will sprout if China tips the apple cart by invading Taiwan.

Big in the West is that naming “Taiwan” fits more in Western news than it did even a month ago. And, Japan is also involved, as it was 80 years ago, when Bob Dole was 18. He went off to war, as many young Americans may do soon.

Russia is amassing troops near the Ukraine. In the context of China’s aggression toward Taiwan, we can expect Russia not to come to China’s defense, but to bust a move while the world is distracted with poster boy “Taiwan” more than with forgotten poster boy “Ukraine”.

This global mayhem is easier to sustain with two variants of COVID, with lockdown, quarantine, and vaccine requirements increasing. It is in this worldwide situation of sustained chaos and control that China and Russia are ready to bust a move. That will awaken the West.

Republicans

Bob Dole, giant of the Senate and 1996 Republican presidential nominee, dies // CNN

News Media, Journalism & Free speech

Lawyer: Chris Cuomo accuser was disgusted by ‘hypocrisy’ // AP

CNN fires Chris Cuomo // CNN

Pandemic

More omicron detected as hospitals strain under delta surge // AP

America and Europe choose divergent pandemic paths as Omicron spreads // Axios

COVID-19: Vaccines mandatory in some sectors // Taipei Times

Australia Confirms Community Transmission of Omicron Variant // Bloomberg

COVID live updates: Queensland to drop quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated interstate travellers from December 13 // ABC News Australia

Australia news LIVE: NSW COVID cases grow, Victoria COVID cases grow, Omicron variant cases grow, TGA approves Pfizer vaccine for children, Gladys Berejiklian considers Warringah seat run at 2022 federal election // Sydney Morning Herald

NATO Focus

Russia planning massive military offensive against Ukraine involving 175,000 troops, U.S. intelligence warns // MSN News

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Encore of Revival: America, December 6, 2021

At 98 years old, Bob Dole is dead. He ran for president against Clinton in 1996. After losing, Clinton awarded him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Chris Cuomo, also known in some food establishments and to the late Rush Limbaugh as “Fredo”, has been fired from CNN.

Tomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack from Japan. Today, things are very different as Japan looks together with the US toward defending against China. Seeing China as Japan’s adversary, however, has not changed. Bitter roots remain between the two, and those roots will sprout if China tips the apple cart by invading Taiwan.

Big in the West is that naming “Taiwan” fits more in Western news than it did even a month ago. And, Japan is also involved, as it was 80 years ago, when Bob Dole was 18. He went off to war, as many young Americans may do soon.

Russia is amassing troops near the Ukraine. In the context of China’s aggression toward Taiwan, we can expect Russia not to come to China’s defense, but to bust a move while the world is distracted with poster boy “Taiwan” more than with forgotten poster boy “Ukraine”.

This global mayhem is easier to sustain with two variants of COVID, with lockdown, quarantine, and vaccine requirements increasing. It is in this worldwide situation of sustained chaos and control that China and Russia are ready to bust a move. That will awaken the West.

Republicans

Bob Dole, giant of the Senate and 1996 Republican presidential nominee, dies // CNN

News Media, Journalism & Free speech

Lawyer: Chris Cuomo accuser was disgusted by ‘hypocrisy’ // AP

CNN fires Chris Cuomo // CNN

Pandemic

More omicron detected as hospitals strain under delta surge // AP

America and Europe choose divergent pandemic paths as Omicron spreads // Axios

COVID-19: Vaccines mandatory in some sectors // Taipei Times

Australia Confirms Community Transmission of Omicron Variant // Bloomberg

COVID live updates: Queensland to drop quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated interstate travellers from December 13 // ABC News Australia

Australia news LIVE: NSW COVID cases grow, Victoria COVID cases grow, Omicron variant cases grow, TGA approves Pfizer vaccine for children, Gladys Berejiklian considers Warringah seat run at 2022 federal election // Sydney Morning Herald

NATO Focus

Russia planning massive military offensive against Ukraine involving 175,000 troops, U.S. intelligence warns // MSN News

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Cadence of Conflict: Asia, November 29, 2021

China faces a very serious and very real boycott at the Olympic Games. The Olympic Committee awarded China as the host country and claims that politics isn’t its business; other governments need to handle that. Boycotts are under serious consideration in the United States, Canada, Australia, Great Britain, and the European Union via Lithuania. If athletes can’t compete against the countries that snatch up many of the gold medals, that pretty much reduces any remaining medalists to winning a “Nerf war”.

While the West rallies hatred against China for the political issues leading up to boycotts, few look at indications of deeper machinations. Try this on for size: the Olympic Committee didn’t ignore China’s human rights issues; China was set up for embarrassment. But because of China’s addiction to flattery, the Chinese Communist Party would never suspect for one instant that anyone who bows to their Confucian demands would do so to indict.

The swelling conflict with China was well-planned.

And, the rest of the world can’t stop lauding Taiwan more each day. This isn’t just a global trend of justice against China’s disparities. This isn’t just a human trend from Heaven’s choice to put Taiwan on the map. Trends are true, but they never tell the whole story. Powers in the West are up to something. There’s always more going on.

China

Here’s The Growing List Of Countries Weighing A Diplomatic Boycott Of The Beijing Olympics // Forbes

Peng Shuai: IOC defends handling of rights concerns before Beijing Games // SCMP

Taiwan

Taiwan ‘force for good’: US delegate // Taipei Times

US draft bill seeks to boost Taiwan’s global standing // Taipei Times

German mention of ‘Taiwan’ lauded // Taipei Times

US urges Honduran candidates over Taiwan // Taipei Times

Taiwan confirms US summit attendees // Taipei Times

Arms procurement budget bill passes // Taipei Times

China warns firms on backing Taiwan independence // Taipei Times

China accuses US of ‘mistake’ after Biden invites Taiwan to democracy summit // Guardian

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Cadence of Conflict: Asia, November 22, 2021

Now, China is being demanded answers about an athlete who went missing after accusing a Communist Party big wig of sexual harassment. The UN wants to know her whereabouts.

It won’t matter how China responds. If the Confucian Communists running China give the UN a satisfactory answer, then CCP would have just given in to international demands. That’s not something that the Chinese’s cocktail of crazy would do under normal circumstances. If China does actually give a satisfactory answer, it will build a mentally-destabilizing resentment deep within China’s leadership.

Either way, China feels backed into a corner.

Then, Taiwan flaunts ever-growing stronger ties with the States. Newly upgraded F-16s were commissioned this week, and both governments keep calling for more relations. That’s not out of the question because Taiwan just opened its office in Lithuania, an office named for “Taiwan” instead of the usual “Taipei”.

So, during all the great friendship happening between Taiwan and the rest of the world, not only is China uninvited; China is given a summons by the UN begging questions of sexual harassment and possibly murder.

Trade & Tech

TSMC Gets Billions in Pre-Payments for Fab Capacity // Tom’s Hardware

The White House has rejected Intel’s plans to increase chip production // TechRadar

China

UN asks China to prove missing tennis star safe // Taipei Times

Work on ‘Chinese military base’ in UAE abandoned after US intervenes – report // Guardian

Biden, Xi try to tamp down tension in long virtual meeting // Yahoo News

Taiwan

Taiwan, US to hold second economic partnership talk // Taipei Times

US lawmakers urge support of Taiwan’s Interpol bid // Taipei Times

Taiwan opens ‘de facto’ embassy in Lithuania // Taipei Times

Upgraded F-16s tell of US bond: Tsai // Taipei Times

US advisory body calls for Congress to ensure its defense of Taiwan is credible // Taipei Times

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