Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, April 26, 2021

The world is starting to realize that China is just going to ignore everybody. Talking won’t work. Action won’t work unless China loses, then China still won’t listen.

This isn’t new. China has never listened. The only reason China respected international laws in decades past—including its own treaties—was because China was forced to. But, China never wanted to. And, China never will.

The EU is in blaming mode. The Philippines are on high alert. Australia is on high alert and warns Taiwan. Taiwan has always been on high alert because Taiwan may be the only country that never misunderstood China—neither its psychology nor its intentions.

But, it looks like this scuffle isn’t building up in Myanmar or Japan or even Taiwan. The flashpoint is staged at the Philippines. Anything else could serve as the fuse. But this time around, the Philippines hold the payload. Here we go.

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, April 19, 2021

China is over the line. There is no way that a nation which knows its own military limits would act as China is acting. Chinese militarized ships anchoring near the Philippines provide just one example. If China had the power to invade, they would have already. Not having that power, the Chinese keep quietly pressing their luck, creeping sneakily as they have only ever been able to. This time, however, they sneaked too far.

China wants a fight more than anyone. News is the same week by week: More people hate China. China keeps pushing others around. Risk of military conflict escalates in the Western Pacific. So, the Chinese don’t think they need to change one, single thing.

Indo-Pacific

Surigae, the first typhoon of 2021, could become Earth’s first Category 5 this year, now heads towards the northern Philippines this weekend // Severe Weather Europe

Trade & Tech

Jack Ma’s fortune jumps $2 billion after record Alibaba fine // Alarabiya

China forces Jack Ma’s Ant Group to restructure // BBC News

China

From cover-up to propaganda blitz: China’s attempts to control the narrative on Xinjiang // CNN

Taiwan

Typhoon Surigae to bring no drought relief to western Taiwan // Taiwan News

Taiwan’s president says Chinese military activities threaten regional stability // CNBC

Military Faceoff

US-China saber-rattling heightens East Sea tensions, risks: experts // e.vnexpress.net

Nimitz Wins CY2020 Aircraft Carrier Battle ‘E’ // US Navy

As the US Navy scrambles to field more missiles in Asia, a tough decision looms for aging cruisers // Defense News

Beijing has a navy it doesn’t even admit exists, experts say. And it’s swarming parts of the South China Sea // CNN

US and China deploy aircraft carriers in South China Sea // CNN

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, April 12, 2021

China’s getting more flack from more sides—Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines. Vietnamese are furious with H&M for depicting maps with Vietnam-claimed islands as part of China, even though H&M did that because the Chinese told them to. The noose of perceived nuisance tightens.

China won’t back off on military drills and presence. The greatest beneficiaries are Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics. They have every reason to hope China continues military drills. A Chinese aircraft recently radioed reference to airspace as “Chinese”, which Taiwan also claims. Weapons dealers are probably clanging champagne glasses over that.

Military activity in the Southeast Asia is on the uptick. No one plans to back down. The question is over which side is reacting how the other side expected. The accurate expector will likely win the next scuffle.

Indo-Pacific

China Tells Japan to Stay Out of Hong Kong, Xinjiang Issues // Bloomberg

H&M faces Vietnam boycott over South China Sea map // Nikkei Asian Review

Philippines warns China of ‘unwanted hostilities’ in sea dispute // Aljazeera

China

$2.78B
China fines Alibaba billions for alleged market abuses // Guardian

Xinjiang cotton: Western brands blurred on China TV // BBC News

Taiwan

Photo of the Day: Taiwan’s Sun Moon desert // Taiwan News

China says US to blame for tensions over Taiwan // Taiwan News

US eases limits on Taiwan contacts // Taipei Times

US bill to pressure China on trade, support Taiwan // Taipei Times

Taiwan education minister supports athletes preparing for Beijing Olympics // Taiwan News

Military Faceoff

Navy Aircraft Carrier Strike Group Passes Through Suez Canal // Military.com

China’s moves in Strait ‘destabilizing,’ US says // Taipei Times

China vows regular carrier group drills // Taipei Times

Symphony

Encore of Revival: America, April 12, 2021

The Supreme Court is proving its worth. The bench ruled in favor of itself many times this past week, even through silence. Justice Breyer doesn’t sound like he wants to resign. He doesn’t want the Court packed either. That throws a wrench in the gears of any attempt to subject the Court to politics. Courts are supposed to be independent of party politics so that routine wheeling and dealing does not disrupt society’s need for stable justice.

That need hasn’t been so strong for a long time. Congress and the White House are putting Washington theatrics on full display. Biden’s infrastructure plan is headed to the Senate where it’s sure to get a hair cut big enough to make it lose a few pounds.

But, the big question on the table is: Why—with all the Democrats rearranging the furniture—does Biden keep Trump’s same policies toward China? Something’s up.

Law

Supreme Court Rules For Worshippers And Against California COVID Restrictions // NPR

‘Think long and hard’: Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer pushes back on ‘court-packing’ // USA Today

Supreme Court rules in Google’s favor in copyright dispute with Oracle over Android software // CNBC

US Supreme court dismisses case on Trump blocking Twitter critics // Aljazeera

White House

Economist Stephen Roach questions Biden’s decision to keep Trump’s China policies // CNBC

Washington as Usual

Biden’s infrastructure plan heads for the Senate shredder // Politico

Schumer’s filibuster workaround spurs mass confusion // Politico

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, April 5, 2021

China looks worse and worse in the public eye. H&M closures have drawn more Western attention. Chinese ads showing a purportedly happy Xinjiang backfired among Facebook staff. The Philippines are evermore concerned about a swelling number of Chinese militia boats parked in their backyard.

But, things aren’t looking so wonderful for Taiwan either. Pineapples sold to Singapore weren’t properly handled, so the cores rotted. That’s Taiwan’s culture—to not care, thinking problems won’t get bigger. A truck slid down a small cliff on the east side of Taiwan, colliding with a train, killing at least 50 people. The transportation bureau never put guard rails on a dirt road on a cliff above a train track. That’s Taiwan’s culture—to not care, thinking problems won’t get bigger.

Now, Taiwan is working with European partners to develop its own submarines, not only America. That report combats the notion that Taiwan hasn’t been wonderfully annexed by China only on account of the United States. But, are the Taiwanese all that different from China? Lack of care with pineapple exports and railroad safety might say otherwise. The Taiwanese an important choice to make—whether they want to be different from China or not. That is a decision only the Taiwanese people can make. And, they haven’t made that choice yet, even after seventy years of exile.

Indo-Pacific

Myanmar coup: military expands internet shutdown // Guardian

US, Philippines discuss Chinese ‘swarming’ in South China Sea // Aljazeera

China

Reddit reaction shows Western view of Xinjiang
Reddit – China – Facebook Staff Fret Over China’s Ads Portraying Happy Muslims in Xinjiang // reddit

H&M closes 20 stores in China amid Xinjiang cotton controversy // Taiwan News

Wuhan Lab Leak Theory Back After WHO Chief’s Reference // New Delhi TV

Taiwan

Taiwan ranks 15th for global exports: ministry // Taipei Times

At least 50 killed in train-truck collision // Taipei Times

European nations assisting with submarine project // Taipei Times

Singapore supermarket pulls Taiwan pineapples from shelves // Focus Taiwan

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, March 29, 2021

China’s adversaries face a tightly closing decision. America needs to decide whether it can keep playing the role of the world-cop with only its B-game, or if it is ready to bust out its A-game not seen since FDR. More than ever, warnings of “rising China” smatter the presses. Will this result in Americans getting serious about the need to be serious—because they read about it? Or, is this intended to prepare the American public for some event that thrusts the West into an embarrassing scuffle with China?—embarrassing for China now, embarrassing for the West six years later.

Taiwan has its own choices. Many things inside Taiwan still reflect the thinking of Mainland China. While Taiwan’s government claims to seek democracy and a society where all people are respected with equal rights, their Confucian culture still succumbs to autocratic domineering, whether in the workplace, the classroom, or from government. If in their hearts, the Taiwanese want to retain the old ways of the Chinese, there is no American military big enough to help them against any adversary, even the smallest adversary. But, the factor of Taiwanese culture doesn’t seem to make its way into the military reports.

Indo-Pacific

China’s growing firepower casts doubt on whether U.S. could defend Taiwan // NBC News

China

China slaps 5-year tariffs on Australian wine // Taiwan News

Japanese garment retailer MUJI clarifies use of Xinjiang cotton amid boycotting outrage // Global Times (China Govt)

China attacks foreign clothing, shoe brands over Xinjiang // Taiwan News

Xinjiang workers enjoy full freedom and benefits working in Guangdong, academics find through 9-month-long field study // Global Times (China Govt)

Australia

‘Deficient’ shipment of Chinese aluminium forces delay to Navy’s Cape Class patrol boats // ABC News Australia

Military Faceoff

Classified US military war game set to take place as concerns about threats posed by China and Russia increase // CNN

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, March 22, 2021

Huawei plans to charge royalties for some of its 5G tech, but they may lose respect when they refuse rent payment for anchoring 200 military-manned vessels the Philippines’ backyard pool. International royalties are based on international agreement, which China denies. It brings back memories of the old phrase, “Who is ‘we’, you gotta’ mouse in your pocket?”

Taiwan, on the other hand has a vice on the semiconductor industry. And, having its evil pineapple banned from China, Japanese have discovered just how especially delicious Taiwanese pineapple are. And, they are quite amazing. Their cores are even sweet. Many other pineapple need the cores cut out because the acid is too strong. In Japan, when you order dinner, you just might get a sweet Taiwanese pineapple free of charge. Perhaps China could also charge royalties on Taiwan pineapple sales, considering that their ban helped with the boom in sales.

Indo-Pacific

Philippines says 220 Chinese boats have encroached in South China Sea – Times of India // Times of India

Chinese ban on Taiwanese pineapples boosts sales in Japan // Japan Today

Trade & Tech

Huawei to charge royalties to smartphone makers using its 5G tech // CNBC

Taiwan

Taiwan happiest nation in East Asia: UN report // Taipei Times

2 charts show how much the world depends on Taiwan for semiconductors // CNBC

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, March 15, 2021

More pressure on China over the games and Hong Kong. According to the Chinese, treaties with China don’t obligate China. That’s how the West views it anyway. This is the war-causing confusion between the West and the Chinese…

China believes democracy and religion will destroy the Chinese. Their solution is to remove religion, free speech, and non-Chinese governments. China claims to respect these three, but thinks that they are exploited to China’s misfortune. So, China makes new laws, hoping to protect itself, then tells the West to back off.

But, the West is concerned about trusting promises. People won’t build skyscrapers on land they believe will collapse after ten years. Nor will countries and companies invest in another country if they believe the government might take over the company or arrest the officers. So, the West is concerned about “rule of law”, that laws are made, then don’t suddenly change in a way that breaks trust. As much as some old laws can be inconvenient for a government, losing trust from the world is proving much more inconvenient, as we are seeing with calls to boycott the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

This is where the contradiction comes into play. China believed that Huawei could ignore Western law while their CFO travels to Western countries. When the Huawei CFO was arrested in Canada, China was genuinely surprised. To the Chinese, “rule of law” is a mythical concept, like using English to tell a dolphin what it’s like to walk on land. So, the Chinese were surprised.

With everything happening, China is utterly and genuinely surprised. This is not what Beijing expected.

Trade & Tech

TSMC Rumored To Build $35 Billion 5nm Plant In The U.S. With 100k/month Wafer Output // Wccftech

China

At Least 30,000 U.S. Organizations Newly Hacked Via Holes in Microsoft’s Email Software // Krebs on Security

Rights groups target sponsors like Airbnb for Beijing Games // AP

Jack Ma loses title as China’s richest man after coming under Beijing’s scrutiny // Fox Business

An Open Letter to the Fashion and Home-Furnishing Industries // EndUyghurForcedLabour.org

Winter Olympics 2022: Mikaela Shiffrin doesn’t want to have to choose between ‘morality versus being able to do your job’ // CNN

Beijing 2022: China hits back at Canada over calls to move Winter Olympics // SCMP

Taiwan

Experts urge government to increase defense spending // Taipei Times

US encourages Taiwan to invest in defense: official // Taipei Times

China bolsters defense, while saying it would deter Taiwan ‘separatist activity’ // Taipei Times

US reaffirms Taiwan support in report // Taipei Times

Taipei adopts 6 approaches to promoting English education // Taiwan News

Military Faceoff

The Air Force Says Its First Hypersonic Missile Will Make Its Inaugural Flight Within 30 Days // The Drive

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, March 8, 2021

Military budgets—that’s the talk of the Taiwan Strait. China wants its budget to grow so it can play with the big kids by 2035. China’s apparently not ready to play with the big kids, at least since India just ate China’s lunch. So, with China trying to bulk up even more, people are asking what the heck is going on with Taiwan.

Israel spends 5% GDP on asymmetric defense; Taiwan only spends 3%. So-called “experts” want Taiwan to spend more. The US wants Taiwan to spend more. Apparently even the newspapers want Taiwan to spend more because military budget is the talk of the week.

It was a strange week, though. So many things have gone peaceful in the East Pacific. China and India are suddenly getting along. Taiwan and China talk more about the need to talk. Threats and vibrato from Beijing haven’t stopped, of course. But, things are getting a bit quiet, and it seems somewhat eerie.

Trade & Tech

TSMC Rumored To Build $35 Billion 5nm Plant In The U.S. With 100k/month Wafer Output // Wccftech

China

At Least 30,000 U.S. Organizations Newly Hacked Via Holes in Microsoft’s Email Software // Krebs on Security

Rights groups target sponsors like Airbnb for Beijing Games // AP

Jack Ma loses title as China’s richest man after coming under Beijing’s scrutiny // Fox Business

An Open Letter to the Fashion and Home-Furnishing Industries // EndUyghurForcedLabour.org

Winter Olympics 2022: Mikaela Shiffrin doesn’t want to have to choose between ‘morality versus being able to do your job’ // CNN

Beijing 2022: China hits back at Canada over calls to move Winter Olympics // SCMP

Taiwan

Experts urge government to increase defense spending // Taipei Times

US encourages Taiwan to invest in defense: official // Taipei Times

China bolsters defense, while saying it would deter Taiwan ‘separatist activity’ // Taipei Times

US reaffirms Taiwan support in report // Taipei Times

Taipei adopts 6 approaches to promoting English education // Taiwan News

Military Faceoff

The Air Force Says Its First Hypersonic Missile Will Make Its Inaugural Flight Within 30 Days // The Drive

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, March 1, 2021

China was fooled again. They thought Biden would be the same pushover he was as vice president. Oops.

Human Rights groups are amassing. Now the Beijing 2022 Olympics are a candidate for boycott. As if that’s not enough, the USS Nimitz can’t stop making headlines as it is supposed to return home in a month. It’s currently in China’s back yard pool, so to speak. The Chinese aren’t happy. But, when are they ever?

Even with Presiden Biden, Trump restrictions on China are still going into effect. China responds by banning imports on Taiwanese pineapple. But, the pineapple ban came too late. Just think how much better the world would be if China had banned those evil pineapple in a more timely fashion.

But, since the evil Taiwanese pineapple ban came too late, China had to take more drastic action. They arrested 47 people in Hong Kong who like democracy. It is rumored that they might like democracy almost as much as they like pineapple. While this can’t be confirmed, it could be that liking pineapple proved how dangerous those democracy-lovers really were. But, that is pure conjecture.

In case banning evil Taiwanese pineapple wasn’t enough to guarantee domestic safety, China also requires that clergy worship Chairman Mao. The Holy See isn’t sanguine, neither are those evil Taiwanese pineapple farmers.

Trade & Tech

The sooner Huawei can go back to using Google OS the better: USA chief security officer // Yahoo News

China

China will host the 2022 Winter Olympics while accused of genocide. Should the world boycott? // Yahoo Sports

Joe Biden to maintain Trump administration rules to limit China tech purchases: Reports // India Blooms

Flashback
China Issues New Rules to Block Extraterritorial Reach of Foreign Law // JD Supra

China denies requiring anal swabs from US diplomats // BBC News

Beijing’s 2008 Olympics was a soft power victory for China, but 2022 may be another story // CNN

China’s economy dented as American brands cancel Xinjiang’s cotton imports // Hindustan Times

China: Baseless Imprisonments Surge in Xinjiang // Human Rights Watch

Britain to challenge China at UN over access to Xinjiang // CNN

Japan

Japan increases protection for US military amid ‘severe security environment’ // CNN

Vietnam

South China Sea: Vietnam builds up defences against Beijing in Spratly Islands, report says // SCMP

Military Faceoff

Secretary Of Defense Flies To USS Nimitz To Thank Crew For Lengthy Deployment // NBC San Diego

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, February 22, 2021

China is mixing its civilian population with military front lines. This new Sansha “City” probably should be called a province and not a “city”. Leave it to the Chinese and Taiwanese governments to garble province-level translation. It’s not anything the West considers a city. But, it was planted in the middle of international waters, is used as a basis for applying Chinese law in more places, is highly contested by neighbors like Vietnam, and has civilians.

At what point does a civilian population bear responsibility for the action of its government? Is it in supporting that government’s action? Is it in turning a blind eye to that government’s action, providing passive support? Is it in accepting one-sided gossip about other people they never met nor heard from? If so, all people across the world are guilty of every war.

China grew its power when Western consumers sent their jobs overseas to save pennies at the store. Western civilians built Sansha as much as Chinese civilians. When Sansha becomes a war zone, will there be such a thing as an “innocent civilian” anywhere in the world? All of us involve civilians in military matters; at least China is upfront about it.

Trade & Tech

Huawei loses attempt to rescue CFO Meng from US clutches despite using 140-year-old law in High Court // The Register

China

CNN Exclusive: WHO panel to recommend ‘deeper’ study of early Covid-19 clues // CNN

South China Sea: Beijing tightens grip on South China Sea with 800,000-square-mile ‘city’ // Times of India

US warns Beijing against using force in South China Sea // Guardian

China Has An 800,000-Square-Mile ‘City’ in the South China Sea // Bloomberg

South China Sea: US steps up challenges to Spratly Islands in freedom of navigation operation // CNN

Taiwan

Four Taiwan ex-intelligence officers charged with spying for China // CNA

Chinese fighters buzz Taiwan’s air defense zone as it appoints new defense minister // CNN

Hong Kong

Why Britain’s anti-immigration politicians are opening the doors to thousands of Hong Kongers // CNN

India

Pangong Lake: India and China complete pull-back of forces // BBC News

Military Faceoff

The US Army is building the most powerful laser weapon in the world // NewScientist

Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to deploy after extended scrimmage // The Virginian-Pilot

With Ships’ Commissioning Delayed, New Mayport LCS to Test Answer to ‘Class Design Defect’ // Military.com

Loved ones of Nimitz sailors making final preparations for their return // Kitsap Sun

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, February 15, 2021

The WHO probe into China over the pneumoniavirus pandemic doesn’t help ties. The team requested raw data; they were given a summary. China blames America. Joe Biden takes on China over Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Uighurs of Xinjiang. Now, he is joined by Boris Johnson in criticizing China over the WHO.

Meanwhile, Taiwan has gone two days without a single new case—poster boy of the Pacific! When Japan had a 7.3 magnitude earthquake off Fukushima, Taiwan interrupted its holiday season to voice support.

Now, the New York Post revisits old news about the lady who found an SOS message in a box of Halloween decorations made in Xinjiang. Factory co-workers told the messenger that he was the cause of their trouble by sending a message. If people of a factory are so beaten down, and if the WHO can’t even get raw data on the pandemic that rocked the world, Western voters will wonder what else is going on in China. News reports and recent events spell bad luck for China. Worst of all is China’s reaction that only spells guilt in the Western mind.

Trade & Tech

Huawei files lawsuit to be removed from the FCC’s ‘national threat’ list // Business Insider

China

COVID-19: Boris Johnson joins Joe Biden in putting pressure on China over World Health Organization investigation // Sky News

U.S. ‘gravely damaged’ coronavirus cooperation, China says as row erupts over WHO probe // NBC News

US mom found SOS in decorations—and exposed China’s camps // NY Post

The Xinjiang camps on Clubhouse // SupChina

South China Sea: Unified approach necessary to deter China from using new Coast Guard Law in South China Sea // Economic Times

Admiral: No Abnormal Responses from China After Dual-Carrier Drills // USNI News

Pentagon sends two carrier groups into South China Sea amid tensions with Beijing // The Hill

In a year, China will host the first genocide Olympics // HKFP

China Warns Countries Not to Boycott Beijing 2022 Olympics // YouTube @ China Uncensored

Biden’s in no rush to engage China. Guess who’s trying to take advantage. // Politico

Two US Navy aircraft carriers conduct South China Sea drills // CNN

Taiwan

Taiwan always willing to help Japan, president says // Taipei Times

No domestic or imported infection for second day // Taipei Times

Japan

Powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake jolts Tohoku area // Japan Times

Australia

Australia ‘overreacting’ to Chinese development plans on northern border // Guardian

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, February 8, 2021

Biden doesn’t only continue the stance on China from the previous administration, he seems to be clamping down.

The US sails through the Taiwan Strait, again.

China strong arms Guyana out of an office for Taiwan; the US defends Taiwan.

An Australian reporter was detained by China back in August; we’re just now finding out why—and the abbreviated reasons don’t add up in the minds of her family.

The UK government argues that there is a “very credible case” China is committing the non-killing parts in an act of genocide against the Uighurs of Xinjiang. The British blame Xi Jinping specifically. Responses from China’s government and state-run media are viewed by the British as evidence that the top of China’s government knows what is going on. British Parliament has support from across the political spectrum to take action, even with new legislation empowering the British High Court. The US responds by turning up pressure on China over the Uighurs and on Hong Kong and even Tibet. US Congress, much like the UK, has bipartisan support to stand against China—and the State Department isn’t quiet about it.

Things appear to be entering the later stages of a long campaign to sway public opinion to support Western military action against China. That is necessary, whether justified or unjustified, because Western governments know that they can’t take action without popular support of their people. Such support for action against China is one of the few remaining popular opinions that unite Americans, which puts China at even greater risk should the White House fall out of favor with the people.

China

Uighurs: ‘Credible case’ China carrying out genocide // BBC News

US presses China on Uighurs, HK // Taipei Times

Mass Internment Camps, Forced Population Swap: Is Tibet the Next Xinjiang? // News 18 (India)

China Stockpiles Chips, Chip-Making Machines to Resist U.S. // Bloomberg

Taiwan

US encourages Guyana to build Taiwanese ties // Taipei Times

Guyana pulls out of office deal: MOFA // Taipei Times

U.S. Navy warship sails through Taiwan Strait for first time under Biden’s rule // NBC News

Australia

China confirms detained Australian Cheng Lei is accused of leaking state secrets, as her family break their silence // ABC News Australia

Australian journalist Cheng Lei formally arrested in China, says Foreign Minister Marise Payne // ABC News Australia

Military Faceoff

US Navy plans to ‘recycle’ USS Nimitz, one of the first supercarriers // Business Insider

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, January 25, 2021

China thinks they own the American president they helped install. Reportedly, a factory was set up in China to create fake ballots, likely as part of the election fraud network Biden boasted about on TV. But, politicians who steal elections stand against the will of the people by definition. Usually, the public doesn’t find out, which allows those politicians to govern to a limited degree. But, when the public knows a politician willfully stands against the people, that leader can only remain in power with an iron fist.

Iron fists don’t gel with America. That’s something China will eventually figure out the hard way. Biden will figure it out the hard way sooner. China believes chaos in America will work to China’s military advantage. It won’t. When the people turn on Biden, he will turn on China like the forked-tongue politician he is. That will be his attempt to gain unity in the American public against a common enemy. He will pound and shame China harder than Trump would have.

So, in a sense, when the Chinese were set up for disappointment, they not only took the bait; they made it even worse for themselves. They don’t like other countries meddling in their goals, yet they reportedly melded in America’s election. Good old-fashioned honesty and respect would have served them well. Instead, the Chinese gambled on trusting an experienced American politician.