◎ The propaganda narratives in Xinhua lay the groundwork for Xi to agree to U.S. demands on sensitive issues like structural reform without losing face at home.
Read moreGeopolitics Watch: Xi Lays Groundwork for Trade Concessions in State Media
◎ The propaganda narratives in Xinhua lay the groundwork for Xi to agree to U.S. demands on sensitive issues like structural reform without losing face at home.
Read moreGeopolitics Watch: Xi Lays Groundwork for Trade Concessions in State Media
◎ Is the United States government about to declare a clear and firm commitment to defend Taiwan?
◎ Xi has pressing need to compromise, and Trump will not accept a “superficial” trade deal.
◎ Manufacturers may eventually shift out of China to Vietnam and an economically liberalized North Korea.
◎ History has taught that an American president’s credibility on a major U.S. domestic issue can be transferable to tests of will in the international arena, for good or ill.
Read morePost-shutdown, Trump Must Get Tough with Foreign Adversaries
◎ America could have the ZTE model in mind in enforcing the trade deal.
◎ There has been much talk about the recent comments of a Chinese military official issuing a dire warning against the United States resisting China’s aggression in the region.
◎ The remarks of Li Chunsheng are a further sign that the CCP is feeling the pressure from rising social tensions.
Read morePolitics Watch: Guangdong Public Security Chief Says ‘Political Risk’ a Major Focus of 2019
◎ Liu Shiyu’s transfer to the CCP’s rural supply cooperative is more than just a “demotion.”
◎ Xi is likely seeking to stamp his paramount authority and unify the Party as political, economic, and social crises mount in China.
Read morePolitics Watch: Politburo Meeting and Study Session Reveal Regime Crisis