Geo Political Risk

[Davexl]

U.S.-China Tensions Rise With Ballistic Missile Tests, Sanctions

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...outh-china-sea

U.S.-China tensions over the South China Sea escalated on Wednesday, with Beijing firing four missiles into the waters around
the same time as the Trump administration took action against Chinese companies that helped set up outposts in the disputed region.

[GTM 3442]

<snip>

The public for the most part don't understand (who would want to compromise my fridge anyway?)

<snip>

Well maybe some bad person want to compromise your fridge, because it's a node on a network, and one node leads to another node, which leads to another node. . . .and so it goes on.

Alternatively, your fridge is smart enough that once compromised, it can join in the fun as an active participant in a botnet attack on . . . . somewhere more interesting than your fridge.

Now, out of idle curiosity, while all eyes are on the NZX in the blue corner, what's happening over there in the green corner?

[Davexl]

Well maybe some bad person want to compromise your fridge, because it's a node on a network, and one node leads to another node, which leads to another node. . . .and so it goes on.

Alternatively, your fridge is smart enough that once compromised, it can join in the fun as an active participant in a botnet attack on . . . . somewhere more interesting than your fridge.

Now, out of idle curiosity, while all eyes are on the NZX in the blue corner, what's happening over there in the green corner?

Surprised the NZX haven't been interviewed yet. Would have thought public relations might be doing more damage control by now perhaps?

[Davexl]

U.S. 'won't cede an inch' in Pacific, Esper says in swipe at China

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-defence-china/u-s-wont-cede-an-inch-in-pacific-esper-says-in-swipe-at-china-idUSKBN25N0D6

However, while the United States aims to deter China, it also wants to “hopefully continue to work with the
People’s Republic of China to get them back on a trajectory that is more aligned with the international rules based order,” Esper said.

[Davexl]

'China says U.S. South China Sea sanctions are unjust' - Oh Really? You must be kidding me!

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-u...-idUSKBN25N0TW

[Davexl]

China Belt and Road plans for Australia face veto under new law

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/20...ustralia-veto/

The legislation will be introduced next week by Morrison’s conservative government, which is in the midst of a deepening diplomatic spat with China. It will cover a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure, trade cooperation, tourism, cultural collaboration, science, health and education, including university research partnerships.

So what is happening in little old naive, weak-kneed NZ? Nothing, Absolutely nothing!

[GTM 3442]

Meanwhile, over to the west in the jewel in the crown. . .

https://thediplomat.com/2020/08/how-china-lost-nigeria/


And a little closer to home. . .

https://thediplomat.com/2020/08/why-...-out-to-china/

[Davexl]

Meanwhile, over to the west in the jewel in the crown. . .

https://thediplomat.com/2020/08/how-china-lost-nigeria/


And a little closer to home. . .

https://thediplomat.com/2020/08/why-...-out-to-china/

Interesting articles. Clearly demonstrating the power of words and the underlying 'narrative' and the effect they have.
Thanks to the values based approach of the US under Barack Obama, Nigeria has been looking to the West.
My concern would be in the nature of 'values' the US has been advertising under Donald Trump's regime - hopefully the diplomatic professionals remain in charge.

Water wars / diplomacy are becoming hugely important under climate change pressures too of course. Bangladesh seems to be attempting to do all the right 'clever' things to balance its relationship between India & China - it's a shame that India can't be a little more 'forthcoming' with Bangladesh in the greater area interest. The outcome of China's Belt & Road initiative is still up in the air.

As I understand it, NZ itself is a signatory to the Belt & Road (as are some Aust states), at least initially, but the newly aggressive Xi regime is undermining any latent soft-power benefits China may have otherwise garnered for itself.
Australia has definitely woken up to this fact now also, with its change in legislation next week...

Thanks for the PM also GTM...

[Davexl]

A clear-eyed and dispassionate view of the current situation as seen by Taiwan...

ASPI Webinar: Indo-Pacific Leaders Dialogue - Taiwan

https://www.aspi.org.au/event/indo-p...ialogue-taiwan

The discussion will reflect the themes of the address as well as examine the President’s answers to five questions posed by ASPI,
covering Taiwan’s Covid-19 experience, the One China policy, self defence, independence or reunification, and risks of future conflicts.


Register now to watch this virtual event live or on-demand.

[greater fool]

This may have more geo political consequences than Aussie sheep bleating about spies.

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/polit...cessors-jostle

Missing the schism now under way? It's easy to react to the latest Fakebook post and miss the transformational. There is an opportunity that Japan may move away from the hegemony of the Great Satan.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/08/28/national/politics-diplomacy/shinzo-abe-resign/


https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/08/26/national/donald-trump-second-term-japan-us/

https://asiatimes.com/2020/08/abes-d...n-great-again/