Friends, in a stroke of (characteristic) brilliance, Angel of Peace Donald J. Trump has facilitated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. A few diehards seem not to have gotten the message, but the governments of both countries are talking and working towards a resumption of amity. Kudos to the Trump Administration for espousing the cause of peace, and best of luck to it as it tackles the more intractable problem of the Russia-Ukraine War, which is in truth a proxy war between Russia and the West.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pakistan-says-india-has-fired-missiles-on-its-air-bases/
In other news, Trump's tariffs have achieved a plunge in the value of Chinese exports to the U.S. An equivalent surge in Chinese exports to Southeast Asia has also occurred. If, perchance, there's also been a surge in Southeast Asian exports to us, then it's fair to say that the tariffs haven't achieved a whole lot except for an amusing game of musical chairs. Even so, both China and the U.S. should work to deescalate tensions and stabilize tariffs at a rate that is sustainable but still punishes China for its (illegal and unfair) non-tariff barriers against U.S exports.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-tariffs-chinese-exports-plunge/
Dr. Waddy from Jack: Our President is proving himself to be a negotiator "nonpareil". And that's one step further toward confirming those who persist in excoriating him how very pinched their minds are and how very much they disgrace and discredit themselves in this.
ReplyDeleteThe manifestation of any armed conflict and the possibility of mutual nuclear attack, in this so very scourged region, South Asia, is indescribably tragic. Lets hope the cease fire , brokered by our great President, will hold despite initial violations and distrust.
Dr. Waddy from Jack: I see the President's statement of willingness to reduce the 145% tariff on Chinese imports as the canny move of a consummate player. I wouldn't want to play Poker with him. The unpredictable consequences which may arise along the way are of no decisive importance to him. Its all part of the "game".
ReplyDeleteI strongly suspect that Chi Tsin Ping knows he's dealing now with an opponent as ruthless and expeditious as he, Chi, had to be in rising to his position. He knows that not since President Reagan has America had such an able leader and Chi has to consider this: Reagan was essential in bringing down the very Soviet empire itself and Trump is backed by the incomparable economic and military power of the U.S.
China has returned to its historic status as a dynamic and exceedingly strong and influential civilization after a 150 year interval of uncharacteristic weakness.This, I think , is a very salubrious development as long as Chinese world power is countered and balanced by that of another great civilization, the U.S. The U.S. is now led by a Chief Executive who is convinced of the necessity for this and who is competent in wielding American power to this end.
I think the product of this confrontation will eventually be a perhaps uneasy but mutually beneficial modus vivendi between our two exceedingly powerful and consequential countries. China might intend world domination as vital to its security from the misuse which, in what is to China recent history, it suffered. A canny, fearless hombre like our President can meet that threat and make of it a redeeming balance of power capable of manifesting a lasting neo "Pax" "shared by a mutually benefitted China and U.S., to the lasting good of the world. Our all so long unlooked for , very able President, can be the catalyst. We have lived through developments equally astonishing.
Jack, I share your optimism. A "modus vivendi" will likely emerge, and in some ways Trump -- as a canny, transactional leader -- is the ideal man to help craft it. I suspect we will get better access to China's markets, and that's something we should have insisted on decades ago. I suspect we will also increasingly concede to China the right to handle its internal affairs as it sees fit. I suspect we may even allow China to flex its muscles in East Asia and bully its neighbors (within reason). I suspect we will also, at the policy level and at the corporate, commercial level, seek to reduce our reliance on Chinese manufacturers. All this may, if we're lucky, establish our relationship with China on a firmer footing. I see no need for military conflict, and I find it virtually inconceivable that either nation would benefit from such hostilities.
ReplyDeleteDr. Waddy from Jack: Ditto to everything you said above!
ReplyDeleteHo hum, its been another routine week: distinct progress in our vital relationship with China; the present prospect of many beneficial adjustments in our trade relations with several nations; the possibility of Zelensky and Putin meeting face to face; a continuing relentless multifront onslaught on illegal immigration; arrests of local officials for unlawfully interfering with enforcement of Immigration Law. All of this is of course coincidental, having no causal relationship with our President's irresponsibly vaunted "competence". NOT MUCH!