President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign has resulted in the expulsion of two high-ranking military officials from the Communist Party. Among them is He Weidong, a vice-chair of the Central Military Commission and a Politburo member. This marks the first Politburo member to be ousted since 2017, with the Ministry of Defense citing violations of party disciplines and laws as the reason for the expulsions.
In a shift from his previous position, President Trump announced plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, softening his stance on trade. Trump stated that a 100% tariff on Chinese goods was likely unworkable while blaming China for the trade talks’ standstill. He also threatened new export controls on critical software starting November 1, preceding the expiration of existing tariff increases. This action continues a pattern of fluctuating tariff deadlines since the beginning of his presidency.
Amid the escalating tensions between China and the U.S., Taiwan’s youth are increasingly exposed to pro-China narratives on social media, causing concern about their perceptions of the island’s relationship with China. Podcaster Mindy Huang, through her program Mindi World News, observes a generational divide, with younger Taiwanese less inclined to view China as a threat compared to older generations. A study suggests that pro-Beijing messaging is more prevalent among TikTok users in Taiwan, influencing their views on cross-strait hostilities. Taiwan’s government is working to counter this influence through media literacy campaigns, but faces challenges in competing with the overwhelming reach of Chinese messaging, as younger generations prioritize daily life struggles over geopolitical concerns.
China Wants Foreign Scientists. The Public Says No, Thanks.
The Chinese government’s recent initiative to lure young science and technology graduates with a new visa has met with an unexpected and rather emphatic response: a significant backlash from within China itself. Instead of the warm welcome Beijing anticipated, the announcement ignited a firestorm of criticism online, forcing the government to acknowledge and, to some extent, respond to the public’s disapproval. This reaction highlights a complex interplay of factors, including anxieties about job security, lingering xenophobia, and the powerful influence of nationalistic sentiment.
The core of the issue seems to be a deep-seated fear among some Chinese citizens that the new visa program will lead to foreigners taking jobs away from qualified Chinese individuals, especially in a job market already challenging for young graduates.… Continue reading
Chinese customs officials have confiscated 60,000 maps intended for export due to “mislabeling” of Taiwan and omissions of key islands in the South China Sea. Authorities stated the maps failed to accurately depict the nine-dash line and the maritime boundary between China and Japan, jeopardizing national unity and territorial integrity. The seizure underscores the sensitivity surrounding cartography in the region, particularly concerning disputed territories in the South China Sea and China’s claim over Taiwan. These events come amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, including a recent incident involving Chinese and Philippine vessels.
China has responded to the Dutch government’s seizure of the chip company Nexperia by blocking exports of certain products from the company. This action appears retaliatory, mirroring the global trend of nations prioritizing their own strategic resources, particularly in semiconductor development. Nexperia’s Guangdong province assembly site will be impacted by the ban, as the company seeks an exception. This situation comes amidst increasingly strained trade relations and serves as a backdrop for upcoming trade negotiations between the US and China.
China has responded to the US’s increased tariffs by declaring its readiness to “fight to the end” in the ongoing trade war. The announcement came after President Trump’s statement regarding an additional 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods. This escalation in tensions demonstrates a firm stance from China, despite the potential economic consequences of a protracted trade dispute. The country’s response suggests a willingness to defend its economic interests, signaling a challenging period for international trade relations.
Concerns are rising in Taipei that Canada may back away from a previously agreed-upon economic cooperation framework, potentially jeopardizing the trade deal. This hesitation from the Canadian government, under Mark Carney, has prompted calls for immediate action from Taiwanese officials. The current global landscape, complicated by U.S. tariffs and increasing pressure from China, presents considerable obstacles to Taiwan’s efforts to expand its international trade relationships. While progress has been slow, Taiwan has seen a positive reception from the Philippines, demonstrating a willingness to engage despite broader diplomatic challenges.
Markets just got blindsided — Trump drops 100% China tariffs, and traders are bracing for chaos.
Okay, so here’s the deal: the market just got hit with a curveball, and it seems like everyone is scrambling to figure out what it means. The news is that Trump has “dropped” 100% tariffs on China. The word “dropped” is key here because it can mean a couple of things, and right now, it’s causing a lot of confusion and speculation. Is he ending the tariffs, or are they being *introduced*? The ambiguity is definitely a source of anxiety.
The prevailing sentiment seems to be that traders are not exactly thrilled.… Continue reading
President Trump’s emphasis on direct deals has been exposed as fragile as the China trade truce falters. China’s recent unveiling of export controls on rare earths and other critical materials, vital to U.S. defense and technology, sent shockwaves through specific sectors. Despite the significant implications, broader market reactions remained muted following the announcement. This development underscores the risks associated with relying on personalized agreements.
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood