Chinese Military,Political and Social Superthread

[Kirkhill]

And the anti-Xi exercise is having an impact in Iran.

Whisper it, but Trump’s blockade is working

As the economic fallout of war with the US bites, the Islamic Republic’s leadership is in disarray

www.telegraph.co.uk

We already know he has had an impact in Venezuela and Cuba and Latin America more broadly.

 

[Kirkhill]

The Telegraph article references on of the risks Trump is facing is his approval rating

President Donald Trump Job Approval Ratings and Polls | RealClearPolling

Track President Trump's job approval with RealClearPolling. Gain valuable insights and stay informed on the latest ratings and political developments for a comprehensive view of the political landscape.

www.realclearpolling.com

He is still above 40.

He was under 40 in 2018, 2021 and 2022 and was re-elected in 2024.

He is still polling higher than Joe Biden was.

 

[Brad Sallows]

Meanwhile - how secure is China's position.

Not very. Until about 2021, China's GDP as a share of US GDP was climbing, peaked around 78% of US GDP, and has since declined to about 64%. That doesn't mean China is failing; it does mean the US is running away from China (and every other country).

 

[daftandbarmy]

Best comment "Because they don't brief suspects"

https://twitter.com/x/status/2051718208160485436

 

[ytz]

Israel also banned them from their bases as well, after buying them and issuing to officers.....

I wonder what the rules will be when they eventually come to the US (albeit manufactured in the US). Ford is already talking about a Joint Venture with BYD. And I'm guessing that will be one of the announcements coming out of the Putin - Xi summit. Is an American assembled vehicle with Chinese software American or Chinese for base access purposes?

 

[ytz]

The only real odd one out is Eswatini, which is maintaining it's ties to Taiwan.

China opens tariff-free trade to nearly all African countries

China will extend zero-tariff treatment to all African countries with diplomatic ties from Friday, in what Beijing called a “significant measure” to deepen China-Africa trade and investment ties.

www.rfi.fr

Going to be fun when Trump announces that he doesn't care about Taiwan and won't fight for it, after the summit with Xi.

The PBOC just has to buy some Trump coin through proxy accounts which will mysteriously end up on his books, after he leaves office ...... Last time around they just had to grant his baby girl some copyrights.