Symphony

Encore of Revival: America, October 12, 2020

The Democrats are desperate. In the vice presidential debate, Kamala Harris promoted a delusional sense of peace with China, describing Obama’s policy to empower China to grow strong and aggressive as the means of peace, blaming China’s aggression on Trump’s policy to disrupt China’s decade of aggression. From Harris’s perspective, time travel would be necessary because she blames Trump’s enforcement of basic respect for China having built military islands and aircraft carriers during the Obama years, which are now used to threaten war against any country not accepting Chinese Communist censorship of free speech. Perhaps she doesn’t think China has been bullying its neighbors; or perhaps she knows, but she thinks the American voters don’t know yet.

Talking as if we all need to “get along” to solve the problem of a sinking ship seems wise to people who don’t know their ship is sinking. Such are Kamala Harris’s arguments, along with other Democrats.

Gretchen Whitmer, who was tipped off to a kidnapping plot by the FBI—under the Trump administration—acted indignant, almost as if she believed Trump himself had planned the kidnapping. Regardless of how credible her response wasn’t, it is not the response of a party that believes it is winning the numbers for an approaching election. If Whitmer believed Democrats were winning, they would have said something different.

Democratic leaders and candidates are resorting to emotional appeals in their public statements. This is the most convincing indication that Democrats themselves believe they are facing a major loss in November.

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, October 5, 2020

The world is entering a realization phase: China doesn’t care what the world thinks or how the world responds. Beijing has become that annoying kid at school who has no friends, and his solution is to be more annoying. The sad part is how the West allowed us to get here. Coupon-clipping consumers buying cheap products are just as much to blame as governments who believed giving money to the Confucian Communists who control China wouldn’t feed their narcissist outlook.

But, China has been warned. And, we each hold the greater responsibility for our choices and actions.

While China makes its choices, Taiwan deals with its own demons of the past. China is not the only society in the Far East self-chained by Confucianism. Taiwan’s Confucian culture empowered them to adopt xenophobic laws, keeping foreigners limited and weak and unable to contribute to the Taiwan economy. Confucianism also indoctrinates students to hate questions in the classroom and at home, while touting parroted answers as “wisdom”. That runs contrary to innovation and the inquiring mind needed to invent new technology. As a result, Taiwan is much weaker than it could have been without Confucianism, making it appetizingly vulnerable to predatorial China. Taiwan now faces a choice of whether to correct its self-imposed, Confucian-born limits of the past.

In some sense, the China-Taiwan conflict is an internal matter, but not purely. China plans to retake Taiwan with Western money and American dollars, after all. The world cannot sit by and watch two self-crippled societies cannibalize each other. The world won’t sit by and watch, not any longer. And, that is something the Confucian Communists of China don’t understand because, at this point anyway, they are not so capable.

China

Trump has repeatedly blamed China for a virus that now threatens his health. This will make Beijing nervous // CNN

China owes America over $1 Trillion in sovereign debt: Sovereign debt never expires // American Bondholders Foundation

China’s yuan records best performance against dollar since 2008 // MarketWatch

Flashback
US dollar rises as Trump hints at China decoupling // FX Street

China’s US dollar debt defaults climb as coronavirus, US tensions hit firms’ bottom lines // SCMP

South China Sea news: Beijing issued threat on disputed claim to waters amid WW3 fears // Express

Does this US military uniform suggest it is preparing for war with China? // SCMP

Tiny Muslim community in China’s Hainan becomes latest target for religious crackdown // SCMP

Taiwan

Canadian warship sails near Taiwan amid heightened China tensions // Aljazeera

China, Taiwan tensions could result in all-out war with the US // NZ Herald

After Hong Kong: China sets sights on solving ‘the Taiwan problem’ // Guardian

Why Taiwan Has Become The ‘Geographical Pivot Of History’ In The Pacific Age // Forbes

With international recognition, even when Taiwan wins, it loses // CNN

Sharing headlines
What the recognition fights over Israel and Taiwan have in common. // Slate

China will start war if US troops return to Taiwan // News.com.au

Taiwan protests against global mayor group’s designation of its cities // Focus Taiwan

Japanese VTubers banned for mentioning Taiwan during livestream // Taiwan News

Hong Kong

American diplomats in Hong Kong want to meet local officials or politicians? Get permission from Beijing’s foreign ministry, new directive demands // SCMP

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, September 28, 2020

There are no new developments with China, only old squabbles. China is shouting louder and louder, and Western media publish more in-depth stories outlining the many countries China has squabbles with. China is losing over the TikTok ordeal, as well as companies that helped build artificial islands which were not supposed to be military bases anyway, but somehow became military bases anyway. Sanctions fly from the US, as well as diplomats to Taiwan.

At the UN, Russia said a few words leaning in China’s direction, but that’s quite a tall order to expect Russia to devote resources helping China win every territorial squabble with India, Taiwan, the US, and Japan. Russia will more likely condemn the West with soft tones, then offer China moral support after its inevitable humiliation.

Humiliation is a funny thing. That seems to be China’s perspective all around. China feels humiliated and thinks humiliating others will solve its humiliation problems at home. China wants to own Taiwan because China feels humiliation for various and sundry reasons often created in attempt to escape humiliation. China may even think a Taiwan “D-Day”, or “T-Day” would lead to victory—forgetting that Normandy was about free allies reclaiming lost land from expansionists. China has no alliance, China would be the expansionists, and the free people would be defending their homes. Humiliation blinds us and drives us to do crazy things. Russia knows this and plays for any opportunity—not to help China, but to manipulate China through the paradigm of humiliation China just can’t let go of.

Trade & Tech

China Says It Will Act If U.S. Persists on WeChat, TikTok Ban // Bloomberg

China’s ByteDance aims to keep majority stake in TikTok in Oracle deal // MarketWatch

China

China is doubling down on its territorial claims: here’s what you need to know // CNN

Says China:
Time for China to toughen up on insincere India // Global Times (China Govt)

US sanctions China’s biggest chipmaker // Financial Times

China says US has ‘created enough troubles for the world’ as UN spat continues // CNN

China forces 500,000 Tibetans into labour camps // Sydney Morning Herald

Why China is a ‘friendly’ country
‘You will be put into detention’: Former ABC bureau chief tells story of fleeing China for first time // ABC News Australia

US spy planes posing as airliners ‘serious threat’ in South China Sea // SCMP

This Solomon Islands province is so frustrated with China’s presence that it is considering independence // CNN

Exclusive: Anthony Klan shares details on China’s Wuhan lab operating ‘covert operations’ in Pakistan // India Today

US issues new travel warning on China, Hong Kong // Taipei Times

Taiwan

Is mainland China gearing up for an invasion of Taiwan? // RFI

Taiwan makes anothet contribution to democracy
How Taiwan’s ‘civic hackers’ helped find a new way to run the country // Guardian

True about life in Taiwan…
Photo of the Day: Taiwan encapsulated in one photo // Taiwan News

Toronto TECO director calls for Taiwan support // Taiwan News

Tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait as Taipei test-fires missiles // SCMP

Tsai pledges to defend ROC’s airspace // Taipei Times

Swedish lawmaker motions to formalize office in Taiwan // Taiwan News

China’s Rejection of Taiwan Buffer Zone Raises Risk of Clash // Bloomberg

Taiwan has once-in-a-lifetime chance to forge new alliances // Taiwan News

China Sends Warning to U.S. and Taiwan With Aerial Drill // NY Times

US holds its second high-profile visit to Taiwan in two months as Beijing escalates military pressure // CNN

Trump Administration readies major arms sale to Taiwan // CNN

As Europe’s China scepticism grows, a glimmer of hope for Taiwan // Aljazeera

Chinese warship sails past Taiwan’s east coast // Taiwan News

Taiwan Aims to Help Foreign Air Forces Fix F-16 Fighter Jets, a Stab at China // VOA

Hong Kong

Hong Kong opens wider questions
Hong Kongers, Don’t Idolize the U.K. // The Atlantic

Hong Kong Is a Troubling Case Study in the Death of Democracy // Wired

India

Chinese navy escorts Indian oil tanker in dangerous waters amid strained ties // Global Times (China Govt)

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, September 21, 2020

Taiwan has become the center of China’s conflict with the world. One economy at a time, one government at a time, China has managed to insult the world. The Chinese have done such a good job of losing friends and alienating voters of foreign countries, not even Russia can afford the political cost of siding with China, not even to manipulate China behind a mask of feigned friendship. Don’t expect Moscow to take center-stage at China’s aid quite yet.

While the world hates China more and more every day, that hatred finds a way to express itself in love for Taiwan. Taiwan is now the grand alternative! Taiwan is the adorable poster puppy everyone should have sided with from the beginning. Taiwan needs military help, but most of all sympathy, compassion, and understanding, perhaps even grandstanding. Nothing sends the message that a nation is fed up with China like siding with adorable, cuddly Taiwan, especially on the most trivial things like medical masks or forcing Taiwan to call its team “Chinese [what the heck] Taipei” at the Olympics. Trivial things, after all, are what China loves to claim as some of the greatest threats to Communist-controlled national security.

It’s almost to the level of being an election tactic in Western democracies. Do or say something that couldn’t even hurt a fly, then China squeaks and bellows and throws such a fuss, voters love whichever politician China hates. Nothing is as adorable and benign as kindness toward Taiwan. So, that’s the story of how Taiwan became the world’s new favorite.

Trade & Tech

China Says It Will Act If U.S. Persists on WeChat, TikTok Ban // Bloomberg

China’s ByteDance aims to keep majority stake in TikTok in Oracle deal // MarketWatch

China

US spy planes posing as airliners ‘serious threat’ in South China Sea // SCMP

This Solomon Islands province is so frustrated with China’s presence that it is considering independence // CNN

Exclusive: Anthony Klan shares details on China’s Wuhan lab operating ‘covert operations’ in Pakistan // India Today

US issues new travel warning on China, Hong Kong // Taipei Times

Taiwan

Taiwan has once-in-a-lifetime chance to forge new alliances // Taiwan News

China Sends Warning to U.S. and Taiwan With Aerial Drill // NY Times

US holds its second high-profile visit to Taiwan in two months as Beijing escalates military pressure // CNN

Trump Administration readies major arms sale to Taiwan // CNN

As Europe’s China scepticism grows, a glimmer of hope for Taiwan // Aljazeera

Chinese warship sails past Taiwan’s east coast // Taiwan News

Taiwan Aims to Help Foreign Air Forces Fix F-16 Fighter Jets, a Stab at China // VOA

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Is a Troubling Case Study in the Death of Democracy // Wired

India

Chinese navy escorts Indian oil tanker in dangerous waters amid strained ties // Global Times (China Govt)

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, September 14, 2020

It was only a matter of time. The stories are breaking about Taiwan’s inhospitality toward foreigners.

Taiwan has the lowest birthrate in the world. They need people; they need talent; they need support. By denying dual-citizenship to foreigners who would have become dual citizens under similar circumstances in almost any other country, Taiwan is not filled with dual-nationals from around the world.

Czech might send politicians to visit Taiwan, but since there aren’t many Czech-Taiwanese dual citizens in Taiwan for Czech to protect, don’t expect military support. If Taiwan had immigration policies comparable to the other nations they want help from, they would have many citizens from those countries; but they don’t. If the Chinese bombed Taiwan, they would hurt citizens from around the world. China might think twice. But instead, any Westerners in Taiwan are simply expats who have no reason to stay, and it’s all thanks to Taiwan government bigotry inherited from an ancient culture made in ancient China.

Taiwan had mistreated and given the red tape runaround toward ESL teachers, European students on scholarship, and who knows what kind of superstitious “cursed black skin” comments have been told to people from Africa. American-born Taiwanese are native English speakers, but denied ESL jobs with the claim “only a White face can teach English”. Leave it to Taiwanese business owners to think Chinese-speakers know how to teach English best.

Now, Hong Kong needed help from Taiwan and saw the same bigotry Taiwan refused to address for decades. And in case anyone wondered, that’s why Taiwan is on the brink of war with China. The Taiwanese government hasn’t built the foundations of justice in society that make an economy resilient to war.

Pacific Daily Times has stories spanning back over a decade. Public appeals have been made and ignored. Recent information says that Taiwan has zero progress in changing its bigotous immigrant policies. But, the Times chooses not to elaborate on the recent resurgence of this decades-old problem for one reason: America’s election.

Such a problem so old should not be overshadowed by routine election cycles. It must not be said that a problem spanning back thousands of years should come up—of all times—two months before the 2020 American presidential election. Taiwan’s ancient-Chinese bigotry must not be reduced to an October surprise.

Taiwan is worth saving, as Jesus said of everyone. The Taiwanese people are amazingly friendly toward foreigners—as long as the Taiwanese are either younger or international, or if the foreigner is White and rich and neither student nor ESL teacher. Taiwan has the potential to change and improve, just as America was among the first nations to ban the human sin of slavery, starting with its own. But, Taiwan must make the choice for Taiwan.

Will there be war in Taiwan? One cannot understand our times while refusing to account for the God who holds all time in His hands. From Deuteronomy, He commands fairness for the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner. And, that God can’t be called on to protect Taiwan until Taiwan has protected those who called.

Whether there will be armed conflict between Taiwan and China will depend on the Taiwanese democracy. Their government must make sweeping and instant changes to bring current what good things should have long happened to their foreigners from the nations they call on for help. If such sweeping justice is not given to foreigners in Taiwan by November 4 Taipei time, then Taiwan’s neglected past will be both neglected and newsworthy. In that event, Pacific Daily Times will dive into Taiwan’s ugly past to explain why Taiwan was weak enough that war from China was feasible in the first place. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.

So, will there be open war between Taiwan and China? That’s something not even God can decide, only Taiwan.

China

Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 should not be held in China, human rights groups say in letter to IOC // CNN

China Grabs Influence Over International Bodies // YouTube @ China Uncensored

US companies defy Trump’s demands to leave China // Financial Times

SMIC shares plunge 23% on fears the US could sanction China’s chipmaker // CNN

Another Chinese rocket falls near a school, creating toxic orange cloud // Ars Technica

Disney’s ‘Mulan’ catches backlash for filming in China’s Xinjiang Province amid human rights issues // Fox News

Taiwan

Taiwan claims ‘severe provocation’ after China military drills // Financial Times

In order to truly become Asia’s most liberal society, Taiwan needs to open up to foreigners // HKFP

Taiwan says China’s bullying of Czech politicians, firms creates antipathy // Taiwan News

China military show of force near Taiwan has experts asking if island could be the ‘next Hong Kong’ // Fox News

Prague mayor shares study abroad experience in Taiwan // Taiwan News

Eyeing China, Taiwan urges alliance against ‘aggressive actions’ // Yahoo News

Czech President Milos Zeman slams Taiwan visit as ‘boyish provocation’ as he seeks to calm China’s anger // SCMP

Japan

Japan To Arm Its Fighter Jets With World’s Longest-Range Cruise Missiles // EurAsian Times

India

Indian Army Has Occupied ‘Critical Heights’ Including Finger 4 Overlooking PLA Positions – Reports // EurAsian Times

Military Faceoff

US Navy Announces ‘Major Breakthrough’ To Confront Beijing In The South China Sea // EurAsian Times

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, September 7, 2020

As Philippa Georgiou said to Leland in the season 2 finale of Start Trek: Discovery, “We were just talking about you. Everybody hates you. Congratulations.” It goes without mention which country that statement is most relevant for, today.

The Czech mayor of Prague rebuked China publicly and officially, using profanities. France and Germany did as much, in their less-these-days European forms of “diplomacy”. Israel gave the green light on travel to Taiwan, not China—making an even stronger distinction difficult for Beijing to erase. Turkey and Pakistan seek closer trade with Taiwan, not China. Real estate in Hong Kong is crumbling in reaction to a certain law that wasn’t made in Hong Kong, but was made in Mainland China.

A Chinese jet reportedly crashed in Guangxi, according to a viral video. Some speculated that the jet was struck by what some think could have been an anti-aircraft defense missile from Taiwan. There was no evidence to this. Taiwan denies this. And, China won’t even confirm that a jet crashed. Why?

Could it have been malfunction? Could it have been a US submarine—or a flying saucer—sending a message to Beijing that Chinese reverse-engineered jets are no match against the jets of the West they reverse-engineered? Either way, China has yet another reason to back off, but don’t expect it.

Taiwan redesigned its passport to make its proper title “Republic of China” look much smaller, minimizing the word “China” while celebrating the word “Taiwan”. This runs contrary to a trend of companies taking strange strides to reflect affiliation with China. Consider LinkedIn changing the display of “Hong Kong” to “Hong Kong SAR”, effective October 12, even though it seems strange English wording on a social media site. With airlines and companies like LinkedIn towing the line for Beijing Mandarin-speakers’ preference of how the English world should talk, Taiwan making the word “China” smaller on new passports could be considered provocative. It could even be a threat to China’s national security—something that proves very easily threatened.

Then, there’s India.

The China-India border is starting to look like a siege; the castle wall being the Himalayas. Tanks on each side are in shooting range of the other. Talks are scheduled. And, India said it hoped diplomacy was the best answer while at the same time banning another Chinese social app.

It seems these days that diplomacy is just another hoop to jump through—as necessary as it is useless—on our way to war with a country whose leaders think alienation is the best way to make friends. Short of a miracle, diplomatic or otherwise, war with China seems inevitable.

China

How China’s new language policy sparked rare backlash in Inner Mongolia // CNN

Europe Just Declared Independence From China // Bloomberg

China may dump U.S. Treasuries as Sino-U.S. tensions flare // Yahoo News

South China Sea: Beijing warns Asean members against backing ‘troublemaker’ US in region // SCMP

The Czechs are giving Europe a lesson on how to deal with China // WA Post

China leading US in ships, missiles, air defense systems: Pentagon report // Taiwan News

How a Politician’s Death Deepened the Czech Rift With China // Bloomberg

China is aiming to double the size of its nuclear arsenal, Pentagon report says // CNN

Czech and the EU too
Germany tells China to stop making threats over Taiwan, Hong Kong // Business Insider

Taiwan

Has Taiwan Shot-Down Chinese SU-35 Fighter Jet For Violating Its Airspace? // EurAsian Times

Taiwan’s darker side:
Certified companies among importers of fake ‘Made-in-Taiwan’ masks // Taiwan News

China plane crash: Taiwan accused of shooting down fighter jet with missile defence system // Express

New Turkish envoy eager to advance Taiwan-Turkey ties // Taiwan News

Pakistan pursues trade ties with Taiwan // Taiwan News

Taiwan Minimizes ‘Republic of China’ in Redesigned Passport // Bloomberg

Israel adds Taiwan to list of ‘green countries’ // Taiwan News

Taiwan contest invites public to vote on creative passport designs // CNN

Taiwan major general charged in corruption scandal // Taiwan News

Taiwan’s redesigned passport shrinks words ‘Republic of China’ // BBC News

US declassifies Taiwan security assurances // Financial Times

Demands apology in 24 hours!
Czech mayor calls CCP ‘rude clowns’ after threats over Taiwan trip // Taiwan News

China threatens Czech Senate Speaker Vystrcil over Taiwan visit // CNBC

Hong Kong

Hong Kong protests: Nearly 300 activists arrested // CNN

Hong Kong, Singapore Property Will Part Ways // Bloomberg

Disney’s ‘Mulan’ faces boycott calls from activists in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand // NBC News

‘Mulan’ boycott: Pro-democracy activists rally over the lead actress’ support for Hong Kong police // CNN

Jimmy Lai: Hong Kong tycoon found not guilty in intimidation trial // BBC News

Why keep Hong Kong’s light show going with no tourists, artist asks as part of show exploring his personal and political fascination with lights // SCMP

India

PUBG: India bans Tencent game in latest crackdown on Chinese apps // CNN

Indian, Chinese tanks within shooting range of each other at disputed border // Taiwan News

India accuses China of ‘provocative military movements’ at border // BBC News

India accuses China of ‘provocative military movements’ on border // CNN

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, August 31, 2020

There was always a stark difference between America’s southern wall and the Berlin Wall. America’s wall was built to keep people out—whether they were desperate to come in or hungry to invade. The Berlin Wall was meant to keep people in—people desperate to escape from the oppression, fragmentation, and poverty that flow from communism every time it’s tried.

China’s Great Wall is akin to America’s southern wall. It was a defense against invaders, meant to keep the Chinese people safe. But today, we see a different force in effect. Chinese patrols in the waters outside Hong Kong remind us of the Berlin Wall, meant to keep in people who desperately want to escape a regime they did not choose.

Before, it was said that America has a new Cold War with China. Now, we know for sure. China has implemented new policy that strives to contain a free-thinking people who fueled one of the most amazing economies China has ever destroyed, let alone claimed credit for.

Others are not standing by. Taiwan is arming up and bunkering down. America, all to glad to help, thumps its chest loudly and often. Australia and Japan promise to act independently, which, though seen as diplomatic distancing from the US, won’t make China happy to hear any form of the word “independent”.

Dissenting voices against countries that like the word “independent” say China is a benevolence, yet feel the need to add that China must be accepted—forgetting that anyone who needs persuasive words in order to be accepted is not evidently benevolent. So, which is it? Is China benevolent or do we need to be told to accept China because we would not otherwise? Both can’t be true, only one. And, the world is making up its mind which.

Great Pacific

Is he right?
China’s rise: why US advocacy for confrontation leaves Asia cold // SCMP

China

China meets with Asean diplomats to propose resuming South China Sea talks // SCMP

Taiwan

Outspoken political voice and body builder shot in Taiwan
疑不滿網友肉搜開三槍　還原男子性騷館長爭議過程始末 – 今周刊 // businesstoday.com.tw

Taiwan F 16 News: Taiwan unveils F-16 maintenance hub as China tensions build // Times of India

Bad weather & national stability
Meteorologist sees Taiwan being spared typhoons so far this year as warning sign // Taiwan News

American envoy joins Taiwan president at military memorial // Politico

Hong Kong

Hong Kong: China arrests 10 after intercepting boat ‘fleeing Hong Kong’ // BBC News

Explained:
Hong Kong’s Rich Corrupt Elite Are Screwed // YouTube @ China Uncensored

Korean Peninsula

Kim Jong Un in a coma as his sister takes control: report // NY Post

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, August 24, 2020

These days, Taiwan is the perfect poster boy in China bashing. Yes, China needs to be confronted. No, China can’t own the world. Yes, China wants to own the world. Yes, China responds to anything and everything like a friendless student carrying a Grandiosity complex. But, that doesn’t mean mindless China bashing will help.

We are engaged in mindless China bashing.

Learn from Germany. WWII developed because the free world punished and insulted Germany after WWI. We need healing, gentle leadership, and grace. Trouble maker countries must be coached and guided, not merely insulted and smeared. Whatever conflict we see with China on the horizon, it will only grow back with a vengeance if we fail to handle it correctly now.

In the China bashing narrative, Taiwan is the perfect innocent—the victim everyone pities. Poor little Taiwan struggles to stay afloat with the tsunami of Chinese conflict. But, as part of that narrative, don’t deify the poster boy.

Taiwan has many of its own problems that go unreported. It’s people are friendly in many ways, but also oblivious. Success with the pneumoniavirus developed a Royalty complex, where Taiwan has a higher regard for itself without understanding the foreign nations that struggle with relations, investment, and trade in these times. There is a growing reputation Taiwan’s government continues to set for itself and Taiwan will need to face that sooner or later.

Taiwan’s troubles are not uninvited. But, when we over-simplify global conflicts, brainwashed thinking wants pure villains attacking pure victims. There is no such thing. And, a peaceful future requires us to stop living a news narrative of fantasy.

China

China’s Communist Party is a threat to the world, says former elite insider // CNN

South China Sea: Asean states set course for Beijing’s red line // SCMP

Why Did a Chinese Diplomat Walk All Over People on a Pacific Island? // NY Times

Former CIA officer charged with spying for China // NBC News

China’s Xi Jinping facing widespread opposition in his own party, insider claims // Guardian

Taiwan

Destroyer makes Navy’s 10th trip through Taiwan Strait this year // Stripes

Basketball star Jeremy Lin has obtained Taiwan passport // Taiwan News

U.S. Tries to Bolster Taiwan’s Status, Short of Recognizing Sovereignty // NY Times

US boosts Taiwan’s status without recognizing sovereignty // Taiwan News

Taiwan to alter emergency energy guidelines amid escalated cross-strait tensions // Taiwan News

Hong Kong

Blamer mode at its finest:
Is the US encouraging murderers and rapists to hide in Hong Kong by suspending extradition treaty? // SCMP

US suspends Hong Kong extradition treaty over new security law // CNN

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, August 17, 2020

All of us enjoy the results of the paths we choose, paths which no one can choose for us. Americans believe this so strongly, it often leads to unhealthy apathy toward others in distress. When America finally decides to help others, it is often from a kind of “Messiah” complex, viz Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. From this American worldview, including the good and the bad, America would have no motive to “keep China from rising”. We just don’t think about others that much, you see.

Nonetheless, China has frequently claimed its destiny and right to rise to greatness, using this claim as an excuse to threaten, attack, and oppress others, all the while adding another claim that resistance to forced Chinese subjugation is an attempt to “keep China from rising”. But again, free-minded people, whether self-absorbed or genuine, have no motive to keep others from rising.

Why do voices from China’s government suppose the intended motives of a free-thinking people, which the Chinese Confucian Communists cannot themselves identify with? Is this a random misunderstanding? To suspect ill motives of others toward oneself while at the same time seeking unchecked authority over others is more reminiscent of the paranoid narcissist. Adding to that China’s legislated policy for Hong Kong, against its UN-registered treaty of 1984, and for Taiwan, of which it still remains unable to assert jurisprudence, we now have signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. OCD was never about being clean and organized, but rather using excess rules of organizing as a means to control others. Added up, China demonstrates personality disorders from all three clusters.

That is an explosive mix, so to speak.

But, while insanity is a threat to others it is always a greater threat to itself. In addition to narcissism, an over-inflated view of self falls within purview of the Biblical proverb, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” We in the West should not fear Chinese aggression, rather the fallout of narcissistic rage as China painfully learns that it cannot be a worldwide dominator. That lesson may cost a tuition of lives in the millions.

Yes, we are going down this path. August 15, this past weekend, marked the 75th Anniversary of Japan’s surrender to the United States and serves as a reminder of Western resolve to stop the map from changing. Almost four years prior, Japan had provoked the West against the wise advice of China; today, those roles seem reversed. We have no reason to fear, but we must be honest with ourselves enough to be ready for what has been brewing a long time.

Great Pacific

PLA drills point to stepped-up plans to take control of Taiwan, analysts say // SCMP

China imposes sanctions on US officials in retaliation for Hong Kong measures // Financial Times

China

US sanctions: economist Yu Yongding flags risk of Chinese bank assets being seized overseas // SCMP

South China Sea: Chinese military told not to fire first shot in stand-off with US forces // SCMP

Taiwan

US Senate defense bill calls for Taiwan’s participation in RIMPAC exercises // Taiwan News

Former top US military officials say China could take Taiwan in 3 days by early 2021 // Taiwan News

Cabinet approves lowering age of majority to 18 // Taipei Times

Proposed defense budget to rise 4.4% // Taipei Times

The de facto ‘pro-independence’ party: 70%!
Chen Chi-mai wins Kaohsiung vote // Taipei Times

US formalizes sale of new F-16 warplanes to Taiwan // Taipei Times

Taiwan eyeing US cruise missiles, mines to make ‘invasion very painful’ // Taiwan News

Taiwan president meets with US health secretary, pledges to strengthen collaborations // Taiwan News

U.S. health chief offers Taiwan ‘strong’ support // Yahoo News

Hong Kong

Agnes Chow: the Hong Kong activist who gave up UK citizenship to fight for democracy // Guardian

Jimmy Lai!
Hong Kong media tycoon arrested, newspaper raided // Aljazeera

Japan

75 years ago, Sydney celebrated the Japanese surrender with wild abandon // Sydney Morning Herald

VJ Day: Japan marks 75 years since end of WWII // BBC News

Korean Peninsula

South Korea’s Moon Jae-in to focus on victims in ‘comfort women’ dispute with Japan // Mumbai Mirror

Military Faceoff

Ships Arrive In Hawaii For RIMPAC Amid Heightened Local Scrutiny // Honolulu Civil Beat

20 Ships Participating in Reduced RIMPAC in Hawaii Starting Monday // Military.com

Scale of RIMPAC may be smaller, but military leaders say significance still huge // KITV4 Island News Honolulu (ABC)

RIMPAC international maritime wartime exercise to begin // Foreign Brief

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, August 10, 2020

China received two-and-a-half slaps in the face this week: financial sanctions against a few Chinese and Hong Kong leaders, who don’t have money in the US anyway, and the first formal diplomatic visit from America to Taiwan in over 40 years. To add “insultlett” to insults, the purported reason for the US visit was to discuss health and disease cooperation in the face of the Wuhan-famed pneumoniavirus, with Taiwan being the safest place in the world from the disease.

All of these actions from the US are perfectly understandable.

Countries should visit each other. The US is wrong for not having visited Taiwan over the last two score, just as North and South Korea are wrong for their tensions. The world needs people to talk to each other, whether in government, religion, or otherwise. At least Taiwan and the US seem to be getting along much better than Democrat and Republican voters in America.

Sanctions over Hong Kong’s turn of events are also understandable. Beijing doesn’t have jurisprudence over the world, but certain people in Beijing seem to think so and aren’t afraid to put their opinions in ink and law. No, Americans shouldn’t do business with such folk; no one should, no matter what country they’re from.

As understandable as US actions are, they are nonetheless provocative. We can’t expect Beijing to be happy. America found the perfect storm, and bet the bank that people in the Pentagon know what’s going on. But, something seems different in this week’s volley of cross-Pacific insults: Beijing didn’t pop a hernia like it usually does.

Could the Chinese Communists be learning to not feed taunts from the US? Or, more likely, has Beijing read the clear message of actions and decided to quietly plan retaliatory “messages” of action in ways other than rhetoric? The next few months will tell us.

Great Pacific

China increasingly worried about ‘losing face’ as Japan bankrolls exodus of firms // SCMP

China

China seals off village after bubonic plague death // Independent

South China Sea on knife-edge after Chinese fighters swoop low over disputed islands // Express

Taiwan

US begins highest-level visit in decades // Taipei Times

Foreign students in Taiwan cry out for help over quarantine // Taiwan News

US health secretary to arrive in Taiwan Aug. 9 // Taiwan News

China opposes US military drone sale to Taiwan // Taiwan News

US announces ‘highest level’ visit in decades to Taiwan // Yahoo News

Hong Kong

China urged to avoid retaliation over US sanctions on officials behind Hong Kong security law // SCMP

‘Shameless and despicable’: Hong Kong decries US sanctions on officials over national security law // SCMP

National security law: Hong Kong says it ‘strongly deplored and opposed’ US consulate statement // SCMP

Korean Peninsula

North Korea working on ‘miniaturized’ nuclear devices: UN report // CNN

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, August 3, 2020

If ever there were a time when two nations didn’t want to get along, it is now. If ever there were a time when a growing group of nations decided that a single other nation never wanted to get along, it is now.

China’s security law affecting Hong Kong, defining what is a crime in every sovereign, non-China territory of the world—in a word “pretentious”. No nation’s government should ever allow a foreign government to define what is a crime within its own borders, especially a single government acting unilaterally and without counsel.

Human Rights involve laws that China directly agreed to in joining the United Nations. Human Rights sanctions over forced sterilization among Uighurs in Xinjiang in no way compare to Beijing dictating it is a crime for someone in New Zealand to voice support for free elections in Hong Kong. The Confucian-Communist Chinese don’t see the difference. They view sterilizing Uighurs as fair and international sanctions for doing so as unfair. It’s not a lie or polite statement—they really see things that way.

So, banning TikTok won’t give the Chinese any second thoughts about their aspirations and actions. Taiwan’s first democratically elected president passed away this week at 97 and the US lauded his achievement. China won’t see any need to change so as to cooperate with our democratic world today; they will only see it as an insult to China’s entitlement to greatness.

The Taiwanese chip maker TSMC provides 20% of the worlds microchips at quality of which China cannot produce any. If China invaded Taiwan and TSMC had to cease operations, China would suppose that the ability to make these chips would instantly transfer to China, where China could pick up the slack, so there would be no threat to the global tech industry.

Now, the US introduces a bill with bipartisan support for military action already approved for the US to defend Taiwan against China specifically. It’s not hard to know how China will respond. With every step, China has the same response: China’s right; the rest of the world is wrong. It’s not hard to know how the rest of the world interprets that kind of response.

Great Pacific

Former Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui foresaw Hong Kong’s troubles // Taiwan News

“But China’s ambition is not only for Taiwan. It’s all of Asia—and the whole world.”
China Set Its Sights on Taiwan After Hong Kong Crackdown // Bloomberg

China

Hardline only grows…
Pompeo on US crackdown of Chinese government // YouTube @ Fox News

China’s response…
Official: Pompeo’s words cannot alter general course of Sino-U.S. ties // CGTN (China Govt)

Flashback: “The only way to truly change Communist China is to act not on the basis of what Chinese leaders say, but how they behave.”
Pompeo: We must distrust and verify. // YouTube @ Just The News

TikTok: Pompeo says Trump to crack down on Chinese software in coming days // BBC News

Chinese virologist claims coronavirus came from PLA lab // Taiwan News

UK and China relationship ‘seriously poisoned’, says Beijing’s ambassador // BBC News

Videos show Chongqing hit by biggest flood of year // Taiwan News

China’s Claims to the South China Sea Are Unlawful. Now What? // NY Times

Stanford researcher and others allegedly concealed Chinese military ties // paloaltoonline.comPpalo Alto Online

China is rewriting the facts about Covid-19 to suit its own narrative // Guardian

Is TikTok Spying On You For China? // Forbes

States are warning people about suspicious packages of seeds that appear to be from China // CNN

Taiwan

US congressman introduces Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act // Taiwan News

White House, Cornell University praise Lee Teng-hui // Taipei Times

TSMC walks tightrope between US and China as Intel falls behind // CNN

New Zealand should open up for Taiwanese travelers // Taiwan News

Hong Kong

Hong Kong ‘issues arrest warrants’ for exiled democracy activists // Aljazeera

Benny Tai: Hong Kong university fires professor who led protests // BBC News

Hong Kong mulling postponing LegCo’s September election // Taipei Times

Japan

Japan’s air force faces a ‘relentless’ burden, imposed by China // CNN

Korean Peninsula

A North Korean coronavirus outbreak might be the biggest threat Kim Jong Un has ever faced // CNN

Kim Jong Un says there will be ‘no more war on this earth’ thanks to North Korea’s nuclear weapons // CNN

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, July 27, 2020

Bail on Hong Kong, jump to Taiwan. That’s the move from everyone.

Britain doesn’t bail on Hong Kong, but creates a path for Hong Kongers to bail on Hong Kong. Britain isn’t just walking away. By allowing British Overseas Passport holders to easily enter Britain, British Parliament responds as if 3 million British citizens and their families are suddenly in China—basically treating Hong Kong as if it is truly, fully Chinese. Britain ended its extradition with Hong Kong, making it the same as with China. Britain extended an arms embargo to Hong Kong already in place against China.

This is the part that confuses the Chinese. They want the world to recognize that Hong Kong is China, but when countries treat Hong Kong the same way as they treat China, China objects. Consider the mindset that demands: Everyone treat Hong Kong like China, but you interfere if you treat Hong Kong like China. The Chinese don’t understand how the world is responding. They never thought the world would respond this way. They think the world is simply being mean and cruel.

Staying consistent is not a part of the Chinese Communist worldview. Consulates do passport services and diplomatic visits, not much beyond that. That’s why countries allow them. America says China went way beyond that, claiming evidence of the consulate running a spy ring. Truth or lie, the Chinese thought they could do anything inside their consulate as if they were in Beijing, otherwise they wouldn’t need to burn documents before leaving. They don’t see America following consistent rules by demanding the consulate close; they only see America as starting a fight.

Western nations at least pretend to operate with universal standards and kept promises. They are far from perfect, but at least they pretend to and their voters expect them to. China doesn’t even pretend to operate with universal standards and kept promises. Chinese Communists simply do whatever they decide for each, individual situation, then justify it as either “their right to do what they want” or as “an internal matter” or as “what is best”. If China makes a promise, then decides to break it without any notice, then the people they promised object, China calls that objection “interference”. Following precedent or promises has no place in Chinese understanding of lawfulness.

Now, ask yourself about a government that insists that it is fair to change the rules throughout the game and without notice. What will mid-level leaders within that government do themselves and expect from their leaders above them and from their subordinates below them? Will their military be able to function with a culture where it is right to change rules at any time? Will ship captains prefer battles for the glory over winning the war? Will the West think such a military is a formidable threat or that such a military is inconsistent and easily defeated?

Taiwan certainly sees the Chinese military as a threat, but the Taiwanese apparently believe China’s military can be affronted. Taiwan boosts its own military budget while the US only increases ties. Banks are also looking to Taiwan as the Asian alternative to Hong Kong, which banks are losing interest in since it now appears to be truly, fully Chinese. With so many people running to Taiwan—and taking their money with them—Taiwan won’t lack the budget for defense.

So, ask yourself, with the shift moving to Taiwan, what will the rule-changing Chinese do? And, will China’s rule-changing embolden the West to think that China’s military won’t be very organized?

Great Pacific

Global Banks Look to Taiwan Expansion in Shift Away From Hong Kong // Bloomberg

China

Australia rejects Beijing’s claims in South China Sea // Taipei Times

US officials raid Chinese consulate in Houston believed to be spy hub // Fox News

Singaporean man pleads guilty to spying for China in the US // CNN

Major global brands profiting from forced Uighur labor: activists // Business Insider

China ‘set to shut US consulate’ in response to Houston closure, and denies Covid-19 is a factor // SCMP

China orders US consulate in Chengdu to close as tensions rise // Guardian

Chinese consulate in Houston ordered closed by US government // CNN

U.S. orders China to close its consulate in Houston // CBS News

World is legally obliged to pressure China on Uighurs, leading lawyers say // Guardian

Special Report: China expands amphibious forces in challenge to U.S. beyond Asia // Yahoo News

Taiwan

Defense budget tipped to rise NT$10bn // Taipei Times

Premier promises defense after Chinese incursions // Taipei Times

US bill backing Taiwan passes // Taipei Times

Hong Kong

UK unveils new special visa for Hong Kong’s BNO holders // BBC News

UK suspends Hong Kong extradition treaty and extends China arms embargo to the city // CNN

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, July 20, 2020

Hong Kong is seriously considering shutting itself down. Many may argue that Hong Kong is certainly shutting down, but a basic understanding of humanity says that people are resilient. China claims that doing whatever China wants inside Hong Kong is good, right, and fair, regardless of the promise not to do so until 2047. Democracies and countries with free speech have always risen up with with unstoppable strength to resist powers claiming their right to control them from outside, as China is doing.

France insulted King Henry V of England, according to legend with three tennis balls instead of promised tribute. Henry invaded and conquered. At that time, the French were spoiled and foolish; their military was no match for England because it was not disciplined.

Scotland revolted against King Edward I and won independence. At that time, the Scottish were selfless and willing to burn their own corn fields and even die; Scotland fought from desperation to not be oppressed while England’s disposition of entitlement was no match.

China claims that Hong Kongers are spoiled like the French were under Henry V. Hong Kongers claim they are desperate to escape oppression like the Scottish under Robert the Bruce. Who is right? The next few years will answer that question. But, it could go either way. Nothing is decided.

At this time, however, China is doing certain things, then Hong Kong is responding a certain way while other countries in the world respond in their ways. China believes everyone else is wrong.

Trade & Tech

Taiwan digital minister warns of China’s 5G ‘Trojan horse’ // Nikkei Asian Review

Hong Kong

Students, migrants heading to US worry about impact of Hong Kong Autonomy Act // SCMP

National security law: Beijing vows to retaliate after Donald Trump ends special treatment for Hong Kong and targets officials with sanctions // SCMP

Bankers Shocked by 45% China Tax Rate Mull Leaving Hong Kong // Bloomberg

Symphony

Cadence of Conflict: Asia, July 13, 2020

China and the US have shown their intentions to the world. The new “National Security Law”, passed and interpreted solely by the Chinese Communist Party, applies to the entire world. China made it illegal for Americans to support calls for change in Hong Kong. Germans wearing a Winnie-the-Pooh shirt could be guilty of a Chinese crime against China’s national security. This is no joke.

The US went hard line after China over Uyghurs in Xinjiang this week. 78 members of Congress petitioned President Trump from both parties to declare China’s work with the Uyghurs “genocide”. That is not merely rhetoric nor an attempt to insult, but a step to unlock later military permissions. The US is preparing for invasion, either to land US troops or to support some other military that does, such as India. This is no joke.

China clarified its understanding on two fronts.

Firstly, about Uyghurs in Xinjiang, China responded to America’s visa sanction and frozen asset action against Chinese officials with a tit-for-tat policy. By not responding with military preparation, or at least genocide declaration, China misinterpreted what the US is ultimately preparing.

Secondly, Chinese state media have commented how the new “National Security Law” for Hong Kong would apply if China could assert jurisdiction elsewhere. This means that, just as the US is laying in the groundwork for an invasion of China, China is laying in the groundwork for what would follow an invasion anywhere else. In all likelihood, the US’ response concerning Uyghurs in Xinjiang—paving a way for invasion—showed understanding of China’s plans for invasion, less likely not, but surely the sabers have been unsheathed and are no longer just rattling.

Great Pacific

‘High-risk groups’ warned over HK law // Taipei Times

China inches toward ‘liberating’ Taiwan after HK security law: Washington Post // Taiwan News

Hong Kong Security Law Sends Chills Through Taiwan: We Could Be Next // New Delhi TV

China

US punishes senior Chinese officials over Uighur rights // CNA

China, US in new spat over Uighur crackdown // Yahoo News

Bubonic plague: Case found in China’s Inner Mongolia // CNN

Taiwan

Doctor praises, calls Taiwan a ‘country’
Dr. Richard Bartlett | ACWT Interview 7.2.20 // YouTube @ America Can We Talk?

Skeletons in every government closet
Taiwan still replete with reminders of authoritarian-era rulers, report finds // Taipei Times

Taipei thanks US for missile package // Taipei Times

Only in Taiwan
Taiwan airport offers flights to nowhere for people desperate to travel // News.com.au

Taiwan’s defense science institute entangled in security breach over Chinese cloud service // Taiwan News

Hong Kong

Hong Kong police raid pollster ahead of opposition vote // Yahoo News

Australia suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong, offers pathway to residency for Hongkongers // SCMP

Hong Kong activists hold blank signs to dodge China security law // Business Insider

Hong Kong protests: opposition activist Agnes Chow pleads guilty in relation to incident outside police headquarters last year // SCMP

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