Taiwan does not want China’s “one country, two systems”, president says, and frankly, that’s not surprising. After observing China’s actions in Hong Kong, it’s clear why Taiwan would be wary of such an arrangement. It’s a pretty straightforward message, and the sentiment is loud and clear. It’s less about news and more about a re-iteration of a stance that makes perfect sense given the circumstances. The reality is that the “one country, two systems” model, as implemented by China, seems less about coexistence and more about eventual assimilation. It’s not a partnership; it’s a gradual takeover masked by initial promises.
The handling of Hong Kong should serve as a cautionary tale.… Continue reading
In a recent announcement, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) revealed the seizure of thousands of liters of chemicals used in the production of illicit drugs. On May 13th and 24th, officers discovered 4,300 liters of these substances within two marine containers originating from China, destined for Calgary. The seizure included 3,600 liters of 1,4 Butanediol, 500 liters of propionyl chloride, and 200 liters of Gamma butyrolactone. Furthermore, the CBSA reported making a total of 12,193 seizures overall in the three months ending in August, encompassing a wide range of contraband.
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Trump says South Korea has approval to build a nuclear-powered submarine, and that statement has certainly sparked some reactions. It seems the key to this potential agreement, if we’re to believe the reports, was a rather shiny gift: a gold crown. Now, whether that’s the whole story or not, it definitely paints a picture. It suggests that perhaps, a little flattery and a symbolic gesture were enough to grease the wheels of international relations. Some might see this as a shrewd move, others as a slightly troubling one, depending on your perspective.
Trump says South Korea has approval, and this announcement immediately brought up questions about the broader implications, especially in relation to China.… Continue reading
According to the Associated Press, U.S. lawmakers have repeatedly failed to close loopholes allowing China to access advanced American AI chips, particularly through cloud services. Despite bipartisan efforts and four attempts since September last year, proposals to restrict these sales have been thwarted, often due to significant lobbying efforts from the tech industry. This ongoing issue highlights the complex relationship between the U.S. and China, where national security concerns and human rights abuses are weighed against billions of dollars in tech sales. The government has also previously helped American firms sell technology to Chinese agencies.
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President Zelenskyy has urged Donald Trump to pressure China to end its support for Russia during his upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping. The Ukrainian leader stated his readiness for peace talks, excluding Russia and Belarus, but emphasized that Ukraine will not cede any territory. Zelenskyy also referenced Trump’s support for a ceasefire and highlighted the importance of continued financial aid from European allies for the next few years. The article also covers the current situation around Pokrovsk, noting ongoing conflict and Russian advances.
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Finland’s Defence Minister, Antti Häkkänen, asserts that successfully countering Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is crucial for deterring China in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing the global consequences of the ongoing conflict. He highlights the importance of unwavering Western resolve, citing China’s keen observation of the West’s commitment. Häkkänen advocates for a three-pronged approach to ending the war: strengthened sanctions, increased military aid to Ukraine, and the use of long-range weapons. He suggests that any perceived weakness would embolden China, which is already supporting Russia.
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Speaking on the current trade situation, the former President stated the existing tariffs on a certain nation’s goods are unsustainable. Discussions regarding these tariffs are expected at an upcoming summit with that nation’s leader. Furthermore, the former President has suggested the possibility of imposing additional tariffs if specific trade restrictions are not lifted, and plans to address the nation’s purchases of Russian oil as well.
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According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the US and China have finalized a deal to transfer TikTok’s US operations to new ownership, with details agreed upon in Madrid and awaiting finalization between leaders. The deal, part of a broader trade framework, follows a September executive order by Trump facilitating US-based ownership with American investors holding a majority stake. This transfer, valued at approximately $14 billion, will see new investors oversee the app’s algorithm and control the majority of board seats. The agreement is expected to be formalized during a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping, where trade balance and the fentanyl crisis will also be discussed.
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China state oil majors suspend Russian oil buys due to sanctions is a headline that certainly grabs your attention, and for good reason. It signals a significant shift in the global energy landscape, and it’s something we need to unpack. The core of the matter is that major Chinese state-owned oil companies, the heavy hitters in the industry, have temporarily hit the pause button on buying seaborne Russian oil. This decision, as confirmed by trade sources, comes directly in response to the latest round of U.S. sanctions targeting key Russian oil players like Rosneft and Lukoil.
The implications of this move are quite far-reaching, especially when you consider that China is a massive consumer of Russian oil.… Continue reading
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has announced a shift in Canada’s stance towards China, now viewing Beijing as a strategic partner despite previously labeling them a disruptive global power. This move aims to recalibrate the relationship, allowing Canada to advance its economic and security interests through dialogue and cooperation. Canada seeks a balance between addressing economic needs and pursuing security and human rights priorities, with a renewed focus on the 2005 strategic partnership agreement. The goal is to build economic resilience and to diversify trade with China, Canada’s second-largest trading partner, while upholding core values.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker