Xi Loves Me Not
As he watched a Beijing military parade he’d love to have in his own honor, even Donald Trump seemed to notice that America’s enemies were sending him a signal. So he did what he usually does. He posted a message to Xi Jinping on social media: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, as you conspire against The United States of America.” If they’re conspiring, it’s the least secretive conspiracy in history. Geopolitics is usually complicated. These days, it’s not. America is viewed as untrustworthy among allies and increasingly weak among enemies. You see how Trump behaves. You see the team he’s assembled. You see many of the most talented advisors and government employees being forced out while the craziest and least talented people are running the show. You don’t think China, Russia, and North Korea see it? Ishaan Tharoor in WaPo (Gift Article): Thanks to Trump, China claims mantle of the post-World War II order. Trump’s “brand of ultranationalism, his protectionist assaults on global trade, his bullying of allies and his contempt for international, multilateral institutions like the United Nations all mark a rupture from previous Democratic and Republican administrations. Trump and his allies are convinced that the rules of the international system — forged by Washington to great benefit for generations of Americans — are not in the U.S.’s interest … Trump’s trade wars and dramatic turn against India and Brazil — two giants of the Global South — have compelled many governments elsewhere, including those in Brasília and New Delhi, to reckon with Washington as a potential threat and adversary, and to forge new understandings with Beijing. ‘The success of Xi’s foreign policy strategy is reflected in the parade of leaders traveling to China,’ [said] Jonathan Czin, a fellow at the Brookings Institution … Indeed, Xi today probably feels more besieged by visiting heads of state than encircled by the United States and its allies and partners.'”
+ It’s not just the symbolism of international gatherings and shows of unity among America’s main foes. It’s the action of America’s foes that Trump doesn’t even seem to realize are foes. “The rate of drone and missile strikes has nearly doubled since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inconclusive meeting with US President Donald Trump last month, and Moscow’s troops have also advanced on the battlefield.” Russia pummels Ukraine overnight as peace talks stall.
+ Hoping for a quick fix to these trends? Hot mic picks up Putin and Xi discussing organ transplants and immortality. (If you think Trump was excited about having military parade, wait until he finds out about this…)
