QResear.ch

#23677440 at 2025-09-30 19:21:18 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #28845: Melania Tuesday Lest We Forget Edition

CHINA has sentenced former Agricultural Minister to DEATH over accepting $38 MILLION in bribes

Tang Renjian accepted cash and property bribes totalling more than 268 million yuan (US$38 million) between 2007 and 2024, the People's Court of Changchun in northeast Jilin province said in a statement.

The court ruled that the bribes "caused particularly severe losses to the interests of the state and the people, and therefore warranted the death penalty", adding that Tang had confessed to his crimes and expressed remorse.

Tang's sentencing is the latest in President Xi Jinping's sweeping anti-graft campaign that has brought down several high-level figures.

Supporters of Xi's anti-corruption drive say the campaign promotes clean governance, but critics argue it provides the president with the power to purge political rivals.

Tang previously served as governor of the northwestern province of Gansu, as well as the vice chairman of southern autonomous region Guangxi.

His downfall follows similar graft investigations into former defence ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe.

Li was removed from office just seven months into the job, and later expelled from the Chinese Communist Party for offences including suspected bribery, state media said.

His successor Dong Jun was also reportedly placed under investigation on corruption charges.

https://hongkongfp.com/2025/09/29/china-sentences-former-agricultural-minister-to-death-with-reprieve/

#22064060 at 2024-11-27 04:57:19 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #27014: Any Minute Now Edition

China defence minister Dong Jun under investigation for corruption, FT reports
By Laurie Chen
November 26, 2024 10:00 PM CST Updated 28 min ago
BEIJING, Nov 27 (Reuters) - China Defence Minister Dong Jun has been placed under investigation as part of a wide-ranging anti-corruption probe that has roiled the top ranks of the People's Liberation Army, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.
Dong is the third consecutive serving or former Chinese defence minister to be investigated for alleged corruption, the FT reported, citing current and former U.S. officials.
China's foreign and defence ministries did not immediately reply to Reuters requests for comment.
China's military has undergone a sweeping anti-corruption purge since last year, with at least nine PLA generals and a handful of defence industry executives removed from the national legislative body to date.
Dong, a former PLA Navy chief, was appointed defence minister in December 2023. His predecessor, Li Shangfu, was removed after seven months into the job.
Dong last week declined to meet U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a meeting of defence ministers in Laos citing U.S. actions over Taiwan, a move the Pentagon chief said on Wednesday was unfortunate.
As defence minister, Dong is responsible for China's military diplomacy with other nations. He oversaw a recent thaw in U.S.-China military-to-military ties, with both nations holding theatre-level commander talks for the first time in September.
But he was not promoted to the six-member Central Military Commission (CMC), China's highest-level military body, during a major Communist Party plenum earlier this year, where personnel reshuffles would normally be announced.
China's defence minister has traditionally been a member of both the CMC, which is headed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the State Council, China's cabinet-level executive body.
Dong was not appointed to the State Council either during a government reshuffle in March.
"Frankly nothing would surprise me anymore," said Dennis Wilder, a professor at Georgetown University and former U.S. intelligence analyst.
"The history with these investigations in the PLA are that once the string of corruption is pulled many other threads are revealed and the sweater unravels."
Dong's two immediate predecessors, Li and Wei Fenghe, were expelled from the Communist Party in June for "serious violations of discipline", a euphemism for corruption.
A Communist Party statement at the time said the pair "betrayed the trust of the party and the Central Military Commission, seriously polluted the political environment of the military, and caused great damage to … the image of its senior leaders".
The pair were also found to have received huge sums of money in bribes and "sought personnel benefits" for others, the statement said.
Reuters exclusively reported last year that Li was under investigation for suspected corruption in military procurement.
Wei had disappeared from public view after he was replaced in March 2023 during a planned cabinet reshuffle. Wei was head of the strategic People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force from 2015-17.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-defence-minister-placed-under-investigation-corruption-ft-reports-2024-11-27/

It's that mole on his chin. That's the damn problem. kek
Notice in earlier Chinese media photo the microphone is strategically placed to hide his mole.

#18924288 at 2023-05-30 10:34:42 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #23232: Vets get a day, Fags get a month. Why? Edition

30 May, 2023 02:03
China rejects Pentagon meeting request
The US has been trying to arrange a face-to-face conversation between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu

China has rejected Washington's proposal that their respective defense chiefs meet this week, the Pentagon said on Monday. The news comes amid a renewed diplomatic spat between the two countries.

"Overnight, the PRC informed the US that they have declined our early May invitation for Secretary [Lloyd] Austin to meet with PRC Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu in Singapore," the Pentagon said in a statement to the Wall Street Journal, referring to the People's Republic of China.

"The Department believes strongly in the importance of maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication between Washington and Beijing to ensure that competition does not veer into conflict," the statement read.

The WSJ cited an unnamed US defense official as saying thatChina's dismissal was "an unusually blunt message."

According to the report, the Pentagon had wanted the meeting to take place on the sidelines of theannual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum. Li will speak at the event as part of his trip to Singapore from May 31 to June 4, the Chinese Defense Ministry said.

The Pentagon said last week that attempts to establish contacts with their Chinese counterparts in recent months have failed.

The Financial Times reported this month that Beijing told Washington that there was"little chance" for a meeting between Li and Austinbecause of thesanctions placed on the Chinese defense minister over his alleged role in the purchase of Russian weapons. Li was appointed to his current position in March, replacing Wei Fenghe.

Last week, the Chinese Foreign Ministry cast doubt on the sincerity of Washington's willingness to engage in dialogue while simultaneously "seeking to suppress China through all possible means" and imposing restrictions on Chinese officials and entities.

At a summit in Hiroshima, Japan earlier this month, the G7 released a joint statement with alitany of accusationsagainst China, including "economic coercion," human rights abuses, and the inciting of tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing accused the US-led group of countries of trying to impose their will on others and meddling in China's domestic affairs.

https://www.rt.com/news/577113-china-rebuffs-pentagon-meeting/

#18913256 at 2023-05-27 23:20:44 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #23218: Saluting Our Vets Edition

27 May, 2023 15:01
China declining contacts with US military - Pentagon
Washington says it's received no response from Beijing to a request for a meeting between the countries' defense chiefs

(You mean silly Milley cannot call his buddyand tell them Bidan is about to go to war with China. This is BS propaganda to the USA to make us believe Bidan is not owned by China!)

The Pentagon's attempts to reach out to China's military in recent months have been ignored or rebuffed, Ely Ratner, US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, has claimed.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin "believes in the importance of open lines of communication with the PRC [People's Republic of China] and we have sought to build out those open lines of communication. Unfortunately… we've had a lot of difficulty when we have proposed phone calls, meetings, dialogues," Ratner said during an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington on Thursday.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, along with the head of US Indo-Pacific Command Admiral, John Aquilino - and other uniformed and civilian officials - have asked Beijing for dialogue, but "those requests [were] rejected or not answered," he said.

"The US and Department of Defense have had an outstretched hand on this question of military to military engagement, but we have yet to have consistently willing partners," Ely Ratner explained.

Dialogue between military officials of the two countries is crucial "to prevent misperception and miscalculation and to prevent crises from spinning out of control," the official insisted.

In the latest example, the Pentagon's request for talks between Austin and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu at the Shangri-La Dialogue Forum in Singapore next week "has not been answered one way or another,"Ratner noted. (Why announce this info? Makes no sense, they will not be shamed by media. Pentagon are just showing China is shaming them, and they agreed to do it.)

According to a report by the Financial Times, Beijing told Washington earlier this month that "there is little chance" of Li sitting down with Austin in Singapore due to sanctions placed on the Chinese defense chief over his alleged involvement in the purchase of Russian advanced weapons. However, Ratner claimed that those restrictions in no way prevent Li from holding talks with his US counterpart."The ball is in their court at this point," he said.

The US and Chinese defense chiefs last negotiated at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Cambodia in November. At the time, Wei Fenghe was China's defense minister. Austin and Li - who was appointed to his post in March - have yet to meet face-to-face.

Relations between Beijing and Washington have been severely strained since last August, when US House Speaker Nanacy Pelosi visited the self-governed island of Taiwan, which China views as part of its territory. They deteriorated further after the so-called "spy balloon" incident in February. Washington claimed it shot down a Chinese surveillance aircraft over its territory, while Beijing said it was merely a weather balloon, which had strayed into the US by accident. A visit to China by US Secretary of State Antony Bliken, which had been postponed over the crisis, has not happened to this day.

Last week, China's topdiplomat Wang Yi and White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan held a meeting in the Austriancapital, Vienna. According to Washington, both sides agreed that the incident in February was "unfortunate" and pledged to "reestablish standard, normal channels of communications." Chinese officials described the meeting as "substantive," adding that Beijing would "continue to make good use of this channel of strategic communication," the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

https://www.rt.com/news/577001-us-china-military-ratner/

#18303081 at 2023-02-07 22:30:00 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #22431: No Coincidinks Edition

China Refused US Request For Phone Call After Spy Balloon Shot Down

After the United States shot down China's spy balloon on Saturday, China refused a US request for a call between Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his counterpart, Wei Fenghe - a sharp escalation in tensions during an already tenuous period in US-China relations.

"On Saturday, 4 February, immediately after taking action to down the PRC balloon, the DOD submitted a request for a secure call between Secretary Austin and PRC Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe. We believe in the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between the United States and the PRC in order to responsibly manage the relationship. Lines between our militaries are particularly important in moments like this. Unfortunately, the PRC has declined our request. Our commitment to open lines of communication will continue," according to a statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder.

On Tuesday, China said it will "resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests" over the shootdown - which resulted in the cancellation of a highly anticipated visit to Beijing this week by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, which many hoped would result in an improvement in relations.

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/china-refused-us-request-phone-call-after-spy-balloon-shot-down

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/china-refused-us-request-phone-call-after-spy-balloon-shot-down

#18290810 at 2023-02-05 21:34:14 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #22415: Do Not Cuck Into That Gud Night Edition

China Assures Warships Heading For Taiwan Are Just Meteorological Warships

BEIJING - The Chinese Communist Party has assured world leaders that the massive fleet of warships heading toward Taiwan is just checking on the weather in the Taiwan Strait.

"Not to worry, those are simply meteorological destroyers," said Wei Fenghe, China's Minister of National Defense. "And the bombers circling overhead, they are just monitoring cloud patterns. Relax, everyone."

Upon sighting the ships, Taiwan immediately alerted the United States that the incoming warships might be used for war. However, President Biden was quickly reassured by President Xi Jinping that any explosions in the Taiwan Strait were simply part of a very intense meteorological mission. "Mr. Xi said they can use artillery shells launched towards an island to learn more about which way the wind blows! Not a joke!" said President Biden. "That's tackling climate change right there. Now to be honest, I'm not sure how aircraft carriers help learn about weather, but President Xi said not to worry about it. I can't wait to see what all he does!"

President Xi announced that the Chinese Communist Party has developed several new units recently, including meteorological tanks, helicopters, and grenades. "We plan to deploy these weather units all across the globe," said President Xi. "We have learned much about the weather in Hong Kong, and now it's time to study Taiwan. The Chinese Communist Party appreciates America's patience while we battle climate change, one country at a time."

At publishing time, President Xi assured Biden that the intercontinental ballistic missiles flying overhead were simply "meteorological missiles."

https://babylonbee.com/news/china-assures-warships-heading-for-taiwan-are-just-meteorological-warships/

#17080080 at 2022-08-06 16:46:31 (UTC+1)
QResearch General #21277: Bots are being directed Confirmed Edition

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/china-warns-us-on-taiwan:-we-will-fight-to-the-very-end

China warns US on Taiwan: "We will fight to the very end"

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) security conference in Singapore, China's Defense Minister Wei Fenghe warned that China's armed forces are prepared to fight to the very end if anyone dares to split Taiwan out of China.

"Taiwan is part of China, the Taiwan question belongs to China's internal affairs, and national reunification will definitely become a reality," Wei said.

He further warned that those who pursue "Taiwan independence" as part of an attempt to split China will definitely come to a "dead end", adding that the US fought a civil war for its unity, and although China doesn't want such a war, it will crush attempts of pursuing "Taiwan independence".

"Let me make this clear: if anyone dares to split Taiwan out of China, we will not hesitate to fight. We will fight at all costs. We will fight to the very end. This is the only choice for China," Wei warned.

The Chinese Defense Minister further declared that treating China as a threat, adversary or enemy would be a historic mistake as it is not a threat to any other country, adding that the US' Indo-Pacific strategy exploits the idea of creating a "free and open Indo-Pacific region" to control regional states and produce conflict in order to contain China.

Ukraine conflict

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Wei said that China considers sanctions to be an ineffective tool, and that such an approach against Russia will not aid in resolving the conflict.

He further emphasized that China has never provided the Russian military with any material support, and that his country's partnership with Russia is not directed against any country.

Conflict or war is the last thing Beijing wants, Wei said, and sanctions pressure is no war to resolve conflict, rather it can further inflame tensions and complicate the situation.

In order to ensure a speedy cessation of hostilities, the defense minister said that China supports dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, and also talks between the US, NATO and Russia.

#16813111 at 2022-07-26 00:04:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #21198: WTF Happened To The Dough!? Edition

General Wei Fenghe accuses the United States of trying to 'hijack' Pacific region by turning nations against China

China's Defence Minister has lashed out at the United States saying it is trying to turn Pacific nations against Beijing "under the guise of multilateralism" in an attempt to "to create conflict and confrontation".

China's Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has accused the United States of trying to "hijack" the Indo-Pacific region by turning nations against Beijing.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on Saturday lashed out at China for creating instability in the region with its claims to Taiwan.

General Wei responded to the accusations on Sunday declaring Washington is putting its own interests in the Pacific forward "under the guise of multilateralism".

"No country should impose its will on others or bully others under the guise of multilateralism," he said.

"The strategy is an attempt to build an exclusive small group in the name of a free and open Indo-Pacific to hijack countries in our region and target one specific country - it is a strategy to create conflict and confrontation to contain and encircle others."

China has increasingly focused its attention on the Pacific region, with a recent security pact with the Solomon Islands causing concern for Australia and the US.

The deal could give Beijing a military base less than 2,000 kilometres from Australian shores but both the Solomon Islands and Chinese governments have denied the claims.

Mr Lloyd said on Saturday there has been "an alarming increase in the number of unsafe aerial intercepts and confrontations at sea" at the hands of Chinese planes and ships.

However General Wei dismissed the "smearing accusation" as he doubled down on the comments against the US saying it was "stirring up trouble" with Pacific nations.

"Some big power has long practised navigation hegemony on the pretext of freedom of navigation," General Wei said.

"It [US] has flexed the muscles by sending warships and warplanes on a rampage in the South China Sea."

The comments follow accusations from the US stating that China had tested a hypersonic missile - a weapon which is harder for missile defence systems to counter.

China denied the accusations claiming it was a "routine test of a spacecraft" - but on Sunday General Wei came close to acknowledging the allegations.

"As for hypersonic weapons, many countries are developing weapons and I think there's no surprise that China is doing so," General Wei said.

"China will develop its military.

"I think it's natural."

https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/china/general-Wei-Fenghe-accuses-the-united-states-of-trying-to-hijack-pacific-region-by-turning-nations-against-china/news-story/265dc54d2cc7e3a61fead08f7132f7d6

#16481035 at 2022-06-21 05:08:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #20850: “Trump Derangement Syndrome." Edition

>>16480987

China to strike US bases in Indo-Pacific, aircraft carriers in war over Taiwan
Every Pentagon war game has shown the PLA beating America with its biggest arsenal of longest-range missiles
Aninda Dey
June 19, 2022 19:59:18 IST

The sabre-rattling and muscle-flexing between the People's Republic of China and the United States over Taiwan reached boiling point in the last few weeks.

After US President Joe Biden said in Japan on 23 May that America would militarily intervene if China tries to annex the island country by force, a furious Beijing shot back within hours warning America to be "cautious in words and deeds" and asking it to "earnestly follow the 'One China principle".

The White House immediately denied any change in its 'Once China' policy - i.e. that the Republic of China, or Taiwan, is part of China - in another denial of Biden's oft-repeated gaffes on military intervention on Taiwan's behalf, including the one made during a CNN town hall in October 2021.

The very next day, while Biden was attending a Quad summit in Tokyo, four Chinese and two Russian strategic bombers, Xian H-6s and Tu-95s, and an Il-20 electronic intelligence aircraft conducted a joint patrol over the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan for several hours in a show of strength.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has often said that Beijing could use military force for an "unavoidable" reunification with Taiwan, whose "independence is a reversal of history and a dead-end road".

Chinese defence minister Wei Fenghe reiterated Xi's stand during a meeting with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on 10 June. Warning the US defence secretary that China would "not hesitate to start a war", he said, "Taiwan is China's Taiwan… If anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese Army will definitely not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost." In an aggressive speech delivered to the summit on 12 June, Wei repeated China's determination to "fight to the very end" to stop Taiwanese independence.

PLA has transformed by learning from US wars

Though the possibility of a Chinese attack on Taiwan and an American counterattack is remote for now, notwithstanding Biden's gaffes or statements on Taiwan, the US will think several times before engaging with the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Though the Taiwan Relations Act, 1959, states that the US shall "maintain the capacity" to resist any "resort to force or other forms of coercion that would jeopardise the security or social or economic system of the people of Taiwan", military intervention by America against China would be agonisingly long and catastrophic for the region.

"Neither Beijing nor Washington is likely to have the upper hand after the first week of the conflict, suggesting that it would eventually become a protracted conflict," according to Washington DC-based think tank Centre for a New American Security (CNAS), which partnered with US lawmakers, former Pentagon officials and China experts in organising a 2027 hypothetical war game in April.

Raising the possibility of Beijing using nukes, the CNAS warned: "The war game demonstrated how quickly the conflict may escalate with China and the United States crossing red lines."

By the time the Russia-Ukraine War gets over, Beijing would have gained sufficient knowledge from the military mistakes of Moscow, its logistical nightmare and lack of coordination in the initial phase of the war, how to prevent them and plan a fool-proof attack on Taiwan - like it did after the two Iraq wars.

Why Russia has been unable to defeat Ukraine despite gaining enough combat experience in Georgia, Chechnya, Syria and Crimea will be a valuable lesson for China. In fact, according to reports, Chinese military experts are discussing the reasons for the initial Russian setbacks and offering suggestions.

https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/china-to-strike-us-bases-in-indo-pacific-aircraft-carriers-in-war-over-taiwan-10812481.html

#16453600 at 2022-06-16 00:39:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #20815: Podesta emails missing from wikileaks

Taiwan outlines consequences of potential Chinese attack

Global trade would be hit more than it has been by the Ukraine conflict, Taipei says

A Chinese military assault on Taiwan would have a much greater impact on global trade than the ongoing fighting in Ukraine, Taipei's top trade negotiator warned on Tuesday, insisting it would lead to a global shortage of semiconductor chips.

Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of a major World Trade Organization meeting in Geneva, John Deng noted that the disruptions to international supply chains and the commodity price hikes caused by Russia's ongoing military campaign in Ukraine could potentially pale in comparison to the consequences of a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

The trade negotiator underscored the world's reliance on Taiwan for high-tech chips used in the production of technologies such as electric vehicles, mobile phones and more.

"The disruption to international supply chains; disruption on the international economic order; and the chance to grow would be much, much [more] significant than this one. There would be a worldwide shortage of supply," he said.

Taiwan currently exports most of the world's advanced semiconductors, making over $118 billion in exports just last year, with 40% of those exports going to China.

While the government in Taipei has not reported any signs of an imminent attack from China, Taiwan has been on high alert since the war in Ukraine began, fearing that Beijing may be inspired by the conflict and attempt to retake what it considers to be its territory.

China, meanwhile, has stated that it would prefer "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan, which it considers to be a Chinese province, but has warned that it still reserves "other options."

Last week, Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe warned foreign powers against interfering in the China-Taiwan relationship, insisting that if anyone dared to "split Taiwan from China," Beijing would "fight to the end, no matter the cost."

In response to Wei's warning, Taiwanese Premier Su Tseng-chang called for peaceful talks with China, stating that "Taiwan does not want to close the door to China." However, he insisted that Beijing was using "various means to oppress and treat Taiwan unreasonably" while Taipei was trying to act with goodwill towards China.

"As long as there is equality, reciprocity and no political preconditions, we are willing to engage in goodwill with China," said Su, adding that "as for China's harassment of Taiwan with military aircraft, warships, unreasonable suppression and political actions, the one being most unreasonable is China."

Geopolitical tensions in the region have recently flared up after President Joe Biden stated last month that the US would use its military to defend Taiwan if China invaded the island, walking back on America's long-standing adherence to the 'One China Policy' - which recognizes but does not endorse Beijing's sovereignty over Taiwan and rules out guarantees of a US military intervention in a China-Taiwan conflict.

Although Biden's comments were later retracted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the Chinese government was nevertheless agitated by the statement. Beijing's frustration has also been spurred by the Pentagon's recent approval of a $120-million arms sale to Taipei, which Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said had "seriously violated the one-China principle."

https://www.rt.com/news/557204-taiwan-china-attack-consequences/

#16437917 at 2022-06-13 00:50:56 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #20795: "YOU BACK NOW, BRANDON FUCK UP EVERYTHING!" Edition

General Wei Fenghe accuses the United States of trying to 'hijack' Pacific region by turning nations against China

China's Defence Minister has lashed out at the United States saying it is trying to turn Pacific nations against Beijing "under the guise of multilateralism" in an attempt to "to create conflict and confrontation".

China's Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has accused the United States of trying to "hijack" the Indo-Pacific region by turning nations against Beijing.

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on Saturday lashed out at China for creating instability in the region with its claims to Taiwan.

General Wei responded to the accusations on Sunday declaring Washington is putting its own interests in the Pacific forward "under the guise of multilateralism".

"No country should impose its will on others or bully others under the guise of multilateralism," he said.

"The strategy is an attempt to build an exclusive small group in the name of a free and open Indo-Pacific to hijack countries in our region and target one specific country - it is a strategy to create conflict and confrontation to contain and encircle others."

China has increasingly focused its attention on the Pacific region, with a recent security pact with the Solomon Islands causing concern for Australia and the US.

The deal could give Beijing a military base less than 2,000 kilometres from Australian shores but both the Solomon Islands and Chinese governments have denied the claims.

Mr Lloyd said on Saturday there has been "an alarming increase in the number of unsafe aerial intercepts and confrontations at sea" at the hands of Chinese planes and ships.

However General Wei dismissed the "smearing accusation" as he doubled down on the comments against the US saying it was "stirring up trouble" with Pacific nations.

"Some big power has long practised navigation hegemony on the pretext of freedom of navigation," General Wei said.

"It [US] has flexed the muscles by sending warships and warplanes on a rampage in the South China Sea."

The comments follow accusations from the US stating that China had tested a hypersonic missile - a weapon which is harder for missile defence systems to counter.

China denied the accusations claiming it was a "routine test of a spacecraft" - but on Sunday General Wei came close to acknowledging the allegations.

"As for hypersonic weapons, many countries are developing weapons and I think there's no surprise that China is doing so," General Wei said.

"China will develop its military.

"I think it's natural."

https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/china/general-Wei-Fenghe-accuses-the-united-states-of-trying-to-hijack-pacific-region-by-turning-nations-against-china/news-story/265dc54d2cc7e3a61fead08f7132f7d6

#16435749 at 2022-06-12 16:45:59 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #20793: Memes over News Edition

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/china-warns-us-on-taiwan:-we-will-fight-to-the-very-end

China warns US on Taiwan: "We will fight to the very end"

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) security conference in Singapore, China's Defense Minister Wei Fenghe warned that China's armed forces are prepared to fight to the very end if anyone dares to split Taiwan out of China.

"Taiwan is part of China, the Taiwan question belongs to China's internal affairs, and national reunification will definitely become a reality," Wei said.

He further warned that those who pursue "Taiwan independence" as part of an attempt to split China will definitely come to a "dead end", adding that the US fought a civil war for its unity, and although China doesn't want such a war, it will crush attempts of pursuing "Taiwan independence".

"Let me make this clear: if anyone dares to split Taiwan out of China, we will not hesitate to fight. We will fight at all costs. We will fight to the very end. This is the only choice for China," Wei warned.

The Chinese Defense Minister further declared that treating China as a threat, adversary or enemy would be a historic mistake as it is not a threat to any other country, adding that the US' Indo-Pacific strategy exploits the idea of creating a "free and open Indo-Pacific region" to control regional states and produce conflict in order to contain China.

Ukraine conflict

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Wei said that China considers sanctions to be an ineffective tool, and that such an approach against Russia will not aid in resolving the conflict.

He further emphasized that China has never provided the Russian military with any material support, and that his country's partnership with Russia is not directed against any country.

Conflict or war is the last thing Beijing wants, Wei said, and sanctions pressure is no war to resolve conflict, rather it can further inflame tensions and complicate the situation.

In order to ensure a speedy cessation of hostilities, the defense minister said that China supports dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, and also talks between the US, NATO and Russia.

#16431164 at 2022-06-11 18:34:17 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #20787: Wizard Edition

I really don't dig the hand gesture.

Wu Qian, the spokesperson of the Information Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China, quoted defense minister Wei Fenghe saying "If anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will definitely not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost," during a meeting with Lloyd Austin.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/china-will-not-hesitate-to-start-war-over-taiwan—mod

#16426042 at 2022-06-10 17:29:59 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #20780: "Is Pepe a 'White Hat'?" Edition

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/china-will-not-hesitate-to-start-war-over-taiwan—mod

China will 'not hesitate to start war' over Taiwan - MoD

Officials reported that China's defense minister warned his US counterpart Friday that if Taiwan declares independence, Beijing will "not hesitate to start a war."

Wu Qian, the spokesperson of the Information Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China, quoted defense minister Wei Fenghe saying "If anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will definitely not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost," during a meeting with Lloyd Austin.

The meeting is Austin and Wei's first since they spoke on the phone on April 20, which was the first such call since the Biden administration took office.

According to the Chinese defense ministry, the Chinese minister also promised to "smash to smithereens any 'Taiwan independence' plot and resolutely uphold the unification of the motherland."

He stressed that "Taiwan is China's Taiwan… Using Taiwan to contain China will never prevail."

Austin told Fenghe during the talks that Beijing must "refrain from further destabilizing actions toward Taiwan", the US Department of Defense said.

#16119750 at 2022-04-21 13:28:48 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #20390: Dark MAGA and Deceptive Edits Edition

20 Apr, 2022 16:30
HomeWorld News
China warns US of 'ruinous' effect

The mishandling of the Taiwan issue by the US will be detrimental to its ties with Beijing, Defense Minister Wei Fenghe has said


The mishandling of the Taiwan issue by Washington may have a "ruinous" effect on bilateral relations with Beijing, Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe told his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin, on Wednesday.

During the 45-minute-long phone call, which was initiated by the American side, Wei reiterated Beijing's stance that Taiwan was an "inalienable part of China," insisting that "it was a fact and status quo that no one could change."

The Chinese armed forces were eager to do everything to protect the country's territorial integrity, he added, according to a statement by the Chinese Defense Ministry.

Wei also warned Austin that a US mishandling of the Taiwan issue "would have a ruinous impact on bilateral relations."

Despite recognizing Beijing as the sole legitimate authority in China since 1979, Washington maintains unofficial ties with the self-governed island of Taiwan, actively backing its push for independence and supplying it with weapons.

Last week, the Chinese military staged major drills in the Taiwan Strait amid the visit of a high-profile delegation of US senators to Taipei.

The Russian military operation in Ukraine was also among the discussed issues, with Wei insisting that the US shouldn't use the crisis "to smear and pressure China."

In March, US president Joe Biden told Chinese leader Xi Jinping that there would be "consequences" if Beijing provided material support to Moscow during the conflict.

China has been so far reluctant to condemn the Russian military operation or impose sanctions on Moscow, maintaining a neutral position.

Some American military analysts have also insisted that Beijing has been closely watching the events in Ukraine and learning lessons in preparation for its own attack on Taiwan.

The Chinese Defense Minister said that Beijing wanted to establish a "healthy and stable relationship" with Washington, which would see the militaries of the two countries strengthening their dialogue and engaging in pragmatic cooperation. However, the Americans "shouldn't underestimate China's determination and ability" to protect its interests, Wei added.

It was the first conversation between the two ministers since Austin took the reins at the Pentagon over a year ago.

(Didn't Milley say on his book he would call his China contact, he would pick up the phone and warn if Trump was going to war? And Austin hasnt talked to China since the beginning!)

https://www.rt.com/news/554229-china-us-taiwan-ukraine/

#16116659 at 2022-04-21 00:46:11 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #20386: Capital Threat Just a Parachuting Execise - KEK Edition

"Taiwan Is Part Of China": Chinese Defense Minister Warns Pentagon Chief In 1st Call

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a call with his Chinese counterpart, Defense Minister Wei Fenghe, wherein Wei conveyed a warning that no one can change Taiwan's status as part of China.

The Wednesday phone call was the first that the two defense leaders have held. Wei informed Austin that "If the Taiwan issue were not handled properly, it would have a damaging impact on Sino-US relations," according to Reuters.

The call was intended as a follow-up between last month's virtual meeting between presidents Biden and Xi, wherein Biden warned over China's deepening cooperation with Russia it executes its war against Ukraine.

A Pentagon official later said the Austin emphasized that the US will continue to adhere to the 'One China' status quo policy, which is the typical response from Washington officials anytime Beijing warns over US officials stoking the pro-independence movement on the democratic-run island.

Chinese state-run English language Global Times further described the importance of the call as one of Beijing conveying its unwavering resolve to Washington on the Taiwan issue. GT writes that Wei stressed "the importance of the Taiwan question, while demanding the US to stop its military provocations at sea, and not to throw mud or threaten China with the Ukraine issue."

Further, "Wei stated a solemn position over the Taiwan question, as he stressed that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and this is a fact and a status quo no one can change."

Meanwhile, in the latest "scare" on the island…

Without doubt part of the "provocations" Beijing has in mind is that the US has been increasingly sending high-level officials to Taipei. In the latest example, just a week ago:

A delegation of United States lawmakers led by vocal China critics Bob Menendez and Lindsey Graham arrived in Taiwan on Thursday for a two-day trip as Beijing threatened "strong measures" in response.

The group of six US legislators is making the latest in a string of visits by foreign politicians to Taiwan in defiance of Beijing's efforts to isolate the island nation.

Early this month there was talk that Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was set to visit Taiwan after an official trip to Japan - but the whole Asia trip was called off at the last minute due to her testing positive for Covid-19, after which she quarantined for a period. This would have made her the first House Speaker to visit Taiwan since 1997,when Republican Newt Gingrich did.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/chinese-defense-minister-warns-pentagon-chief-taiwan-part-china-call

#15064333 at 2021-11-23 17:13:01 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #19058: OPTICS Maxwell's Trial Edition

US rehearsed dropping nuclear weapons 20km from Russian border - Moscow

American nuclear-capable bombers have flown dozens of sorties across Eastern Europe in the past few weeks as part of drills designed to probe Russian readiness in case of an atomic war, Russia's defense minister has claimed.

Speaking after a meeting his Chinese counterpart, Wei Fenghe, in Moscow on Tuesday, Sergey Shoigu said that there has been "a significant intensification of activity from US strategic bomber aviation near the borders of Russia."

According to him, "over the past month, around 30 missions have been flown near the borders of the Russian federation, around two and a half times more than in the same time period last year."

Shoigu added that recent American exercises, codenamed Global Thunder, saw "ten strategic bombers practicing their ability to use nuclear weapons against Russia at almost the same time from the west and the east. The minimum distance from our border was 20km."

At the same time, the Russian Armed Forces chief said that the relationship between his country and China was becoming increasingly important "during a time when geopolitical turbulence and the risk of conflict are growing."

The minister's comments come amid growing tensions with NATO over Ukraine, with Kiev claiming that a buildup of Russian troops across the shared frontier could be a precursor to an invasion.

Moscow denies that it is planning such an offensive, insisting that "the movement of some of our military equipment or army units across the territory of the Russian Federation is exclusively our business."

On Monday, the country's top foreign intelligence agency, the SVR, issued a statement accusing the US of orchestrating a disinformation campaign playing up the risk of conflict.

In a statement, officials said that it was painting "a terrible picture of how hordes of Russian tanks will start crushing Ukrainian cities," and that Washington is using diplomatic channels to "share with its allies and partners absolutely false information about the concentration of forces on our territory in advance of a military invasion of Ukraine."

Both Russia and NATO have accused each other of stepping up warplane flights close to the border, and last year Moscow blasted a "provocative" move from Washington to dispatch American B-1B nuclear bombers into Ukrainian airspace for the first time in history. Russian fighter jets and anti-air rockets were scrambled in response.

https://www.rt.com/russia/541089-us-testing-ability-nuclear-attack-moscow/

#13733636 at 2021-05-23 11:14:09 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #17387: Only God Really Matters

>>13733629
>https://www.reuters.com/world/china/pentagon-chief-unable-talk-chinese-military-leaders-despite-repeated-attempts-2021-05-21/
Pentagon chief unable to talk to Chinese military leaders despite repeated attempts
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has so far been unable to speak with China's top general despite multiple attempts to set up talks, U.S. defense officials said on Friday.
Relations between China and the United States have grown increasingly tense, with the world's two largest economies clashing over everything from Taiwan and China's human rights record to its military activity in the South China Sea.
Despite the tensions and heated rhetoric, U.S. military officials have long sought to have open lines of communication with their Chinese counterparts to be able to mitigate potential flare-ups or deal with any accidents.
"The military relationship is strained, no question about that. It's hard to know how much this is reflective of that strain as much as it is just Chinese intransigence," a U.S. defense official said.
"But we certainly want to have a dialogue. We just want to make sure we have a dialogue at the proper level," the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, added.
China's embassy in Washington could not immediately be reached for comment.
A second U.S. official said there was a debate in President Joe Biden's administration about whether Austin should speak with vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, Xu Qiliang, or Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe.
Xu is seen as having more power and influence with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Austin would have had an opportunity to meet with Wei in Singapore later this month during a conference attended by defense ministers from the region, but the event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The unsuccessful attempts by the Pentagon to reach out to the Chinese were first reported by Financial Times.
Late last year senior Chinese and U.S. defense officials held talks on crisis communication.
While there have not been high level military talks since Biden took office in January, senior diplomats from the two countries met in Alaska in March. Those talks bristled with rancor and yielded no diplomatic breakthroughs.

#13729280 at 2021-05-22 20:18:46 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #17382: Everyone is OSS, Except the Actual OSS Edition

US Says SecDef Austin Unable to Reach China's Military Chief

Tensions are high between the US and China due to the stepped up US military activity in the Indo-Pacific

According to a report from Reuters, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has been unable to speak with China's top military official despite multiple attempts to set up talks.

Tensions have been high between the militaries of the two nations due to the increased US military activity in sensitive areas like the South China Sea. US warships are regularly patrolling the disputed waters and frequently shadow Chinese ships. US spy planes are also constantly buzzing near China's coast.

An unnamed US official told Reuters that there was a debate within the Biden administration about whether Austin should speak with Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe or the vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission, Xu Qiliang. Xu is a member of China's politburo and is said to have more influence with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US officials told the Financial Times that Austin had made three requests to speak with Xu, but China has decided not to engage. While a high-level military meeting has not happened between the two countries during the Biden administration, there has been communication between the armed forces at lower levels.

Beijing certainly has reasons to be hesitant to engage with Austin. In March, Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a high-level meeting with China's top diplomats in Alaska. Blinken opened the talks by accusing China of threatening the "rules-based order," and things quickly fell apart from there.

The rhetoric out of the Biden administration has been harsh when it comes to Beijing, and the Pentagon has identified China as the top "pacing threat" facing the US military. In his first address to Congress, President Biden said the US was in a competition with China to "win the 21st century." He also said that he told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the US will militarize the Indo-Pacific "just as we do with NATO in Europe."

https://news.antiwar.com/2021/05/21/us-says-secdef-austin-unable-to-speak-with-chinas-military-chief/

Does this mean they don't recognize Austin or Are deliberately ignoring him or….????

#11977132 at 2020-12-11 03:48:10 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #15289: Idaho, Kentucky and China? Who'd Have Thunk It? Edition

Chinese Military Bases in The Caribbean?



China also seems to have a military agenda in the Caribbean region… Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe already is on record expressing China's willingness to deepen military cooperation with Caribbean countries.

Of more concern to US security interests is the ongoing seaport expansion project in the already commercially important port at Kingston, Jamaica, as well as the port at Freeport, Bahamas, China's possible new base of operations 90 miles off the US coast.

China is clearly not a government that honors its agreements…. The US can ill afford any Chinese drive to place under threat any Western Hemisphere country, much less the United States.

China's Communist Party (CCP) seems to be implementing a multidimensional strategy in the Caribbean, reaping economic, political and potentially military gains a few miles offshore the United States. China's ultimate objective of its Caribbean strategy may well be to confront the US, not only with its presence near the mainland US, but also with a situation analogous to America's military presence in the region of the South China Sea. There, China created new islands in the sea, pledged not to militarize them, then went and militarized them.

It is important to remember that China also promised Hong Kong autonomy until 2047, then, in 2020, jumped the gun by 27 years. "Hong Kong will be another communist-run city under China's strict control," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared in July. China is clearly not a government that honors its agreements.

The CCP leadership has also been launching a diplomatic effort in the Caribbean with the goal of delegitimizing the state of Taiwan, while encouraging regional countries to open relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Chinese shipments of military and police equipment to several Caribbean states could be developing into beachheads for future People's Liberation Army (PLA) "advisory groups" in the Western Hemisphere. China's construction projects already include the modernization of airports and seaports, which could increase Chinese geopolitical and military influence in the region. Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe already is on record expressing China's willingness to deepen military cooperation with Caribbean countries.

https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/16813/china-military-caribbean

#10551158 at 2020-09-07 00:55:58 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #13501: Peace Was Never An Option For The Left Edition

Indian, Chinese Defense Ministers Meet in Moscow Following Border Clash



The defense ministers of India and China met for diplomatic talks on Friday in Moscow amid a recently escalated border dispute between the two countries in the Western Himalayas.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe arrived in the Russian capital on Wednesday to attend a three-day summit hosted by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), an eight-nation bloc focused on security and defense issues. The SCO includes India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

"[Indian] Defense Secretary Ajay Kumar and Indian Ambassador to Russia D B Venkatesh Varma were part of the Indian delegation at the talks that began at around 9:30 pm Indian time at a prominent hotel in Moscow. The meeting lasted for two-and-a-half hours," India's NDTV reported.

"[A] peaceful, stable, and secure region of SCO-member states, which is home to over 40 percent of the global population, demands a climate of trust and cooperation, non-aggression, respect for international rules and norms, sensitivity to each other's interest and peaceful resolution of differences," Singh told journalists at an SCO ministerial meeting earlier Friday while in Wei's presence.

India and China have been engaged in an ongoing standoff along their western Himalayan border since a clash between their militaries on June 15 in the Galwan Valley of India's northern Ladakh territory. The clash killed 20 Indian soldiers and an estimated 40 Chinese troops and was the deadliest border conflict between the two countries in at least 45 years. China denies any casualties.

The standoff escalated on Tuesday when Tibetan officials said an ethnic Tibetan commander in the Indian Army was killed on August 29 in a border confrontation in Ladakh. Reports indicated another ethnic Tibetan Indian soldier was injured in the conflict near Pangong Tso, a lake located directly on India's border with China, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India sent its army chief to the region on Thursday to assess the local border regiments' operational readiness.

"The current situation along the LAC is a bit delicate and serious ... For our security, we [have] undertaken some precautionary steps and we are assured that [the] situation will remain unchanged. We have taken steps... [that] will help us," Army chief General MM Narvane told Asia News International (ANI) on Friday from Ladakh.

The Indian Army occupied multiple strategic locations and mountain passes in Ladakh over the weekend, including the southern bank of Pangong Tso, site of the reportedly deadly border clash on Saturday. In response, "China has moved additional forces opposite the Chushul sector in eastern Ladakh," located just south of Pangong Tso, the Times of India reported on Friday.

India has reinforced both its western and eastern Himalayan borders with additional troops and military equipment over the past few days. On Wednesday, Pakistani media reported that India moved troops to Anjaw, in its northeasternmost state of Arunachal Pradesh, which is bordered by Chinese-occupied Tibet to the north. India also sent its air force chief to the country's eastern Himalayan border on Wednesday to assess the local combat units' operational readiness, mirroring its action on the western front.

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/09/05/indian-chinese-defense-ministers-meet-moscow-border-clash/

#10254689 at 2020-08-11 18:52:54 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #13124: Deep State Larpin, Really Scared and Needing Big Tube of Lube Edition

China's Military Ordered "Not To Fire First Shot" In Any Stand-Off With US Forces

At a moment of increasingly dangerous military flexing both over Taiwan and in the South China Sea, the People's Liberation Army has reportedly been ordered "not to fire the first shot" in any potential confrontation with the United States. It suggests this emerging 'new Cold War' scenario could turn hot at any moment.

The South China Morning Post broke news of the standing military orders on Tuesday based on unnamed sources: China has told its service personnel "not to fire the first shot" as Beijing looks to de-escalate tensions with the United States in the South China Sea, it reports.

Further SCMP cites that "The sources said Beijing had ordered pilots and naval officers to exercise restraint in the increasingly frequent stand-offs with US planes and warships."

Word of the military order from Beijing constitutes perhaps the clearest evidence thus far that China envisions a likely future scenario where the two sides 'easily' stumble toward war through some kind of unplanned live-fire incident.

This summer the US has kept up a record daily number of flights and operations over and near the contested South China Sea. As we reported previously, a Beijing-based think tank counted over 50 sorties by US military aircraft in the region in the first three weeks of last month.

"At the moment the US military is sending three to five reconnaissance aircraft each day to the South China Sea," the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI) described of July flyovers.

This prompted China's Defense Minister Wei Fenghe and his US counterpart Mark Esper to hold urgent "crunch talks" - as SCMP earlier described the last Friday phone call, hoping to establish de-escalation procedures in the case of an active event, particularly a direct military hotline.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/chinas-pla-military-ordered-not-fire-first-shot-any-stand-us-forces

#9731717 at 2020-06-24 17:43:15 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #12457: Take The Oath! We Got Incompetent Bastards To Slay With Memes Edition

India and China reach out to common friend Russia as deadly border conflict still raw

Days after India and China engaged in a bloody border confrontation, Russia, a common strategic partner to each, is this week playing host to the two sides. Can Moscow influence the outcome of their dispute?

The Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral foreign ministers' virtual meeting yesterday, hosted by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, was the first time that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had spoken face-to-face since the recent military confrontation - now in the process of disengaging - along the Line of Actual Control, the de facto India-China boundary.

Reportedly, Jaishankar and Wang had an angry phone exchange just days ago over the border clashes, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.

The RIC meeting yesterday skipped over the border dispute, focussing instead on common global issues, such as United Nations reforms. Importantly, Russia once again endorsed India for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a stand opposed by China.

Significantly, besides the virtual meeting of the three RIC foreign ministers, India's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, and his Chinese counterpart, Wei Fenghe, are also in Moscow. On Wednesday they attended the Victory Day parade there, where Indian and Chinese military contingents marched together.
Russia - a common strategic partner

While tensions between India and China over the border are not new, the fact that both sides have reached out to Moscow is an interesting development. Russia, which has maintained close strategic ties with both New Delhi and Beijing, had expressed alarm over the eruption of violence at the border.

The Russian presidential spokesperson stated that both China and India were Russia's close partners and allies, having "very close and mutually beneficial relations (with Russia) built on mutual respect," highlighting that both were capable of dealing with the situation, and suggesting that Russia did not wish to take sides - and a subtle political message to Beijing.

It is noteworthy to recall that, during the 1962 Sino-India border war, caused by a similar escalation in border clashes, the then Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev chided Chairman Mao Zedong over the confrontation.

Evidently, China was enraged by the support their fellow Communists gave the Indian Prime Minister Nehru and their calls for "peaceful negotiation" between the two sides. Equally evident is that this squabble was an important factor that eventually resulted in the Sino-Russia split during the height of the Cold War in the 1960s, and led to the subsequent China-US rapprochement.

https://www.rt.com/op-ed/492797-india-china-russia-partner/

#9236253 at 2020-05-19 11:16:27 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #11821: The 'DJT Wasn't Kidding in 2016...' Edition

I was in the navy, hoe they described this day 1 seemed like there were at battle stations w loaded ammo. I couldn't find much sauce on the locked n loaded part.

Chinese warships arrive in Sydney as Beijing warns of South China Sea resolve

Three Chinese warships have arrived in Sydney Harbour amid increasingly strident rhetoric from Beijing over its territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Key points:The Government says the arrival of the Chinese warships is not a surprise, despite not being publicly announcedThe PM says the vessels are on their way back from operations in the Middle EastThe visit comes just hours after the Chinese Defence Minister spoke about the army's commitment to "face up to troubles"

A People's Liberation Army-Navy frigate, an auxiliary replenishment ship and an amphibious vessel are docking at Garden Island for a four-day stopover.

The arrival, which was not publicly announced by the Australian Government, came just hours after Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe struck an uncompromising tone on Taiwan and the South China Sea during a speech in Singapore.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-03/chinese-warships-enter-sydney-harbour-south-china-sea-claims/11172578

#6959711 at 2019-07-09 01:45:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8904: Q on a Roll Edition

In Major Provocation To China, US Approves Sale Of $2.2 Billion In Weapons To Taiwan

For those wondering how to make sure that any trade "ceasefire" between the US and China falls apart faster than a trip on board the Lolita Express, here is a suggestion: today the US State Department approved the possible sale to Taiwan of M1A2T Abrams tanks, Stinger missiles and related equipment at an estimated value of $US2.2 billion despite vocal Chinese criticism of the deal, AAP reported.

As a reminder, one month ago China's Foreign Ministry last month said it was seriously concerned about US arms sales to self-ruled Taiwan, and urged the United States to halt the sales to avoid harming bilateral ties.

The proposed sale also comes at a perilously sensitive moment: at the start of June, during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, China's Defense Minister Wei Fenghe warned the United States not to meddle in security disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea. He also launched into a bellicose attack on opponents to China's expansionist plans towards the South China Sea and Taiwan, declaring: "If they want to fight, we will fight till the end".

In response, acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan told the meeting that the United States would no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behavior in Asia. Confirming that, a sale of more than $2 billion in weapons to Taiwan would be seen as a provocation to China's national interest in the region, and a clear signal that the gloves are now off when it comes to geopolitical claims, potentially resulting in a worrisome escalation of a war which has so far been confined to the sphere of trade.

The sale of the weapons requested by Taiwan, including 108 General Dynamics Corp M1A2T Abrams tanks and 250 Stinger missiles, would not alter the basic military balance in the region, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

DSCA has notified Congress of the possible arms sale, which it said could also include mounted machine guns, ammunition, Hercules-armoured vehicles for recovering inoperative tanks, heavy equipment transporters and related support.

The United States is the main arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems a renegade province. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said in March that Washington was responding positively to Taipei's requests for new arms sales to bolster its defences in the face of pressure from China.

While the US has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide it with the means to defend itself.

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-07-08/major-provocation-china-us-approves-sale-22-billion-weapons-taiwan

#6959703 at 2019-07-09 01:45:35 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8904: Q on a Roll Edition

In Major Provocation To China, US Approves Sale Of $2.2 Billion In Weapons To Taiwan

For those wondering how to make sure that any trade "ceasefire" between the US and China falls apart faster than a trip on board the Lolita Express, here is a suggestion: today the US State Department approved the possible sale to Taiwan of M1A2T Abrams tanks, Stinger missiles and related equipment at an estimated value of $US2.2 billion despite vocal Chinese criticism of the deal, AAP reported.

As a reminder, one month ago China's Foreign Ministry last month said it was seriously concerned about US arms sales to self-ruled Taiwan, and urged the United States to halt the sales to avoid harming bilateral ties.

The proposed sale also comes at a perilously sensitive moment: at the start of June, during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, China's Defense Minister Wei Fenghe warned the United States not to meddle in security disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea. He also launched into a bellicose attack on opponents to China's expansionist plans towards the South China Sea and Taiwan, declaring: "If they want to fight, we will fight till the end".
In response, acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan told the meeting that the United States would no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behavior in Asia. Confirming that, a sale of more than $2 billion in weapons to Taiwan would be seen as a provocation to China's national interest in the region, and a clear signal that the gloves are now off when it comes to geopolitical claims, potentially resulting in a worrisome escalation of a war which has so far been confined to the sphere of trade.

The sale of the weapons requested by Taiwan, including 108 General Dynamics Corp M1A2T Abrams tanks and 250 Stinger missiles, would not alter the basic military balance in the region, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

DSCA has notified Congress of the possible arms sale, which it said could also include mounted machine guns, ammunition, Hercules-armoured vehicles for recovering inoperative tanks, heavy equipment transporters and related support.

The United States is the main arms supplier to Taiwan, which China deems a renegade province. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said in March that Washington was responding positively to Taipei's requests for new arms sales to bolster its defences in the face of pressure from China.

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-07-08/major-provocation-china-us-approves-sale-22-billion-weapons-taiwan

#6661285 at 2019-06-03 16:09:52 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8518: Flotus In Full Bloom Edition

30th Anniversary of Tiananmen square-Prosperity and Repression mark anniversary

BEIJING (AP) – Thirty years since the Tiananmen Square protests, China's economy has catapulted up the world rankings, yet political repression is harsher than ever.
Hundreds of thousands of Muslims are held in re-education camps without charge, student activists face relentless harassment and leaders in the beleaguered dissident community have been locked up or simply vanished.

Religious groups face ever greater pressure to conform, and a web of mass surveillance is bolstering a system many call totalitarian. It's a far cry from the hopes of the idealistic student demonstrators, and a level of control far beyond what many imagined possible, even after the army's bloody crushing of the protests on the night of June 3-4, 1989.

Critics say the Tiananmen crackdown, which left hundreds, possibly thousands, dead, set the ruling Communist Party on its present course of ruthless suppression, summary incarceration and the frequent use of violence against opponents in the name of "stability maintenance."

"The June 4 incident changed the direction of Chinese history," said Zhang Lifan, who in 1989 was a scholar at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "The narrative that China would grow strong and normal, become a stable country through a process of political reform, was destroyed."

Chinese officials routinely respond to questions about the suppression by pointing to the economic progress China has made. In the three decades since the protests, China has risen to become the world's second-largest economy and is forging ahead in areas from high-speed rail to artificial intelligence and 5G mobile communications.

China's navy now sails around the globe, its space program has launched half a dozen crewed missions and its sprawling cross-border infrastructure projects are extending its influence from Nairobi to the Netherlands.

Politically, however, the state has never been more repressive. Restrictions on freedom of speech have been extended from publishing into social media, and the slightest act of perceived defiance can prompt a near instantaneous response from the authorities. The sprawling domestic security apparatus operates with impunity, coerced confessions are broadcast on state television and prison sentences are handed out on the flimsiest of charges, including "picking quarrels" and "incitement to subversion."

Calls for even moderate reforms have been attacked or just ignored. An attempt to introduce grass-roots democracy at the village level years ago foundered after the Communist Party refused to concede even a modicum of control. Deliberative bodies at all levels are filled with party appointees who vote how they're told, and the national legislature is a mere rubber stamp body, re-electing president and party head Xi Jinping last year by a margin of 2,970 to 0.

Regarded as China's most powerful leader in a generation, Xi took the opportunity to amend the constitution and remove presidential term limits, making him president-for-life if he so chooses. While the party is believed to be rife with power struggles, Xi's ongoing anti-corruption campaign and the threat of heavy prison sentences keep his opponents in check.

In the wake of the Tiananmen crackdown, efforts to supervise the party's workings and control corruption through the media and public oversight were lost, Zhang said. While it ushered in the era of new party leader Jiang Zemin under which the economy grew, graft also became endemic, faith in communism was exhausted and interpersonal relationships revolved around sheer personal gain, essentially finishing off what the violent, radical Cultural Revolution had begun almost 20 years earlier, he said.
"Of course, those in power can easily manipulate history and twist our memory. But that kind of manipulation and suppression of history is always followed by distortions of all kinds – social, political, psychological," He said. "It is indeed impossible to understand today's China without understanding the spring of 1989."

Speaking at a regional defense forum in Singapore on Sunday, Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe defended the government's response to the protests, drawing the stock link to China's post-1989 development.
An editorial Monday in the official Communist Party newspaper Global Times' English edition said the 1989 "riot" had "immunized China against turmoil" and blamed veteran student leaders and foreign politicians of using the anniversary to attack China. The editorial made no mention of the military crackdown or subsequent repression.
rest at link
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190603/p2g/00m/0in/056000c

#6660074 at 2019-06-03 12:28:40 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8516: The Insomniac Edition

Morning Market Report

With all this news the futures are only down marginally-in the past it has taken just one of these types of headlines to have a triple digit dump in Pre-Market activity.
Panic-stricken traders now expect Fed to cut rates twice in 2019, this chart shows
Traders don't expect the Federal Reserve's patient policy to last for much longer.
A number of Wall Street forecasters said on Friday they expected more than one rate cut by the end of this year. JP Morgan said they expected two rate cuts, worth 25 basis points each, before the end of the year. Their forecast was topped by Barclays which anticipated a 75 basis point reduction in 2019 via a half-point cut in September and a further quarter-point cut by year-end.
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/panic-stricken-bond-traders-now-expect-two-rate-cuts-in-2019-this-chart-shows-2019-05-31?siteid=rss&rss=1
pepe been sayin' this for a few weeks now-it is now fully reflected in the CME Fed watch futures chart-See cap#3.
this has also changed since last night, now it shows a roughly 6% chance of a deeper cut starting in September-this was not on the chart last night-this is the proof of the above headline.

JPMorgan Slashes U.S. Yield Forecasts on Trade-War Shock.
https://www.bloomberg.com//news/articles/2019-06-02/jpmorgan-cuts-u-s-10-year-yield-target-to-1-75-from-2-45?srnd=markets-vp

Google Shares Slump 3% After Tech Giant's Weekend From Hell
Between the DoJ firing, POTUS declaring war on the Silicon Valley tech giant, and the cloud outages that plagued much of the US and Europe Sunday afternoon, Google parent Alphabet had an extremely rough weekend.
And as expected, markets are now pricing this in, as Google shares slump 3% in pre-market trading on Monday.
https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-06-03/google-shares-slump-3-after-tech-giants-weekend-hell

Global Mkts drop As Traders Brace For Recession Amid Global Trade War
Global stocks continued to slide and investors sought the safety of government bonds, the yen, the Swiss franc and gold on the first trading day of June as rising trade tensions sparked fears of an upcoming recession (which according to Morgan Stanley will hit in 3 quarters or less-and sending oil sliding close to bear market territory.
this is good for us-not so for OPEC.
Also over the weekend, China's Defence Minister Wei Fenghe warned the United States not to meddle in security disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea, after acting U.S. Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Washington would no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behaviour in Asia.
There was not flight to safety for Deutsche Bank, whose stock dropped to a new all time low, sliding below ?6.00 for the first time ever after JPMorgan said DB's issue is not about capital or liquidity but about poor operating profitability and it needs to stop "tinkering with its restructuring efforts.
Asian stocks reversed an earlier decline as utilities and IT stocks boosted the regional index. Markets in the region were mixed.

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-06-03/sea-red-global-markets-traders-brace-recession-amid-global-trade-war
https://www.cmegroup.com/trading/interest-rates/countdown-to-fomc.html
https://www.bloomberg.com/markets/stocks/futures
https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/bond/tmubmusd10y?countrycode=bx

#6653079 at 2019-06-02 16:31:52 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8507: Breakfast With Frens. The Q Hats Edition

China's defence minister says Tiananmen crackdown was 'correct' ahead of 30th anniversary

Chinese defence minister Wei Fenghe said Sunday that the deadly crackdown on peaceful protesters in Tiananmen Square 30 years ago was "correct" and that it had ensured years of stability in the country.

Mr Wei was responding to questions posed by the Telegraph at an annual security summit in Singapore.

It is extremely rare for Chinese officials to acknowledge the June 4, 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, which ended when soldiers opened fire on thousands. Even three decades later, the crackdown remains one of the most sensitive topics in China, and is subject to extensive government efforts to erase it from history.

"Everybody is concerned about Tiananmen after 30 years," Mr Wei said Sunday at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue. "China under the Communist Party has experienced many changes in those 30 years - how can we say that China did not handle the Tiananmen incident well? There was a conclusion to the incident. The central government took measures to stop that political turbulence."

"Due to that, China has enjoyed stability and development. If you visit China, you can better understand that part of history."


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/06/02/chinas-defence-minister-says-tiananmen-crackdown-correct-ahead/

#6652262 at 2019-06-02 13:57:28 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8506: Katie, Barr the Door Edition

China and U.S. clash again on trade and regional security

JUNE 1, 2019 / 9:26 PM /

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - China and the United States clashed again this weekend on trade and security, accusing each other of destabilizing the region and potentially the world.

Speaking on Sunday at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's premier defense summit, China's Defence Minister Wei Fenghe warned the United States not to meddle in security disputes over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

On Saturday, acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan told the meeting that the United States would no longer "tiptoe" around Chinese behavior in Asia.

"Perhaps the greatest long-term threat to the vital interests of states across this region comes from actors who seek to undermine, rather than uphold, the rules-based international order," Shanahan said.

It was the latest exchange of acerbic comments between the two sides as their ties come under increasing strain due to a bitter trade war, U.S. support for Taiwan and China's muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols.

China has been particularly incensed by recent moves by President Donald Trump's administration to increase support for self-ruled and democratic Taiwan, including U.S. Navy sailings through the Taiwan Strait that separates the island from China.

Wei, dressed in his uniform of a general in the People's Liberation Army, said China would "fight to the end" if anyone tried to interfere in its relationship with Taiwan, which Beijing considers a sacred territory to be taken by force if necessary.

"If anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese military has no choice but to fight at all costs … The U.S. is indivisible, and so is China. China must be, and will be, reunified."

Moar>>> https://www.reuters.com/article/us-asia-security/china-and-u-s-clash-again-on-trade-and-regional-security-idUSKCN1T300X

#6645983 at 2019-06-01 17:43:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8498: JA and SR in June Edition

Pentagon chief Shanahan says US done 'tiptoeing' around China, but did it ever?

Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan vowed to quit "tiptoeing" over Beijing in the South China Sea after the Pentagon repeatedly sent warships and B-52 bombers near Chinese borders.

"We're not going to ignore Chinese behavior and I think in the past people have kind of tiptoed around that," Patrick Shanahan told the audience at an event in Singapore on Saturday. It happened a day after he held talks with his Chinese counterpart, General Wei Fenghe, and came out of the meeting accusing Beijing of trying to "destabilize" the region.

The Pentagon chief blasted Chinese military sites on the disputed reefs and islets in the South China Sea as a "toolkit of coercion" and "overkill," promising that Washington will not ignore the increasing Chinese presence there.

Shanahan did not specify what new measures he plans to enact to challenge Beijing but so far the US policy has been anything but 'tiptoeing' - unless by 'tiptoeing' Washington means sending warships near Chinese territorial waters.

The South China Sea remains a volatile region due to multiple disputed territories, claimed by a variety of neighboring states. It also remains vital for its many shipping routes.

In recent years, the Pentagon stepped up its so-called freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) at China's doorstep. The US ships typically sail within 12 nautical miles (22km) of islets held by Beijing. This is as close as they can get under international law without violating the nation's maritime borders.

Moar. https://www.rt.com/news/460819-patrick-shanahan-china-comments/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS

#6645756 at 2019-06-01 17:02:37 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8498: JA and SR in June Edition

==Pentagon chief Shanahan says US done 'tiptoeing' around China, but did it ever?==Acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan vowed to quit "tiptoeing" over Beijing in the South China Sea after the Pentagon repeatedly sent warships and B-52 bombers near Chinese borders.
"We're not going to ignore Chinese behavior and I think in the past people have kind of tiptoed around that," Patrick Shanahan told the audience at an event in Singapore on Saturday. It happened a day after he held talks with his Chinese counterpart, General Wei Fenghe, and came out of the meeting accusing Beijing of trying to "destabilize" the region.

The Pentagon chief blasted Chinese military sites on the disputed reefs and islets in the South China Sea as a "toolkit of coercion" and "overkill," promising that Washington will not ignore the increasing Chinese presence there.

Shanahan did not specify what new measures he plans to enact to challenge Beijing but so far the US policy has been anything but 'tiptoeing' - unless by 'tiptoeing' Washington means sending warships near Chinese territorial waters.

The South China Sea remains a volatile region due to multiple disputed territories, claimed by a variety of neighboring states. It also remains vital for its many shipping routes.

In recent years, the Pentagon stepped up its so-called freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) at China's doorstep. The US ships typically sail within 12 nautical miles (22km) of islets held by Beijing. This is as close as they can get under international law without violating the nation's maritime borders.

Moar. https://www.rt.com/news/460819-patrick-shanahan-china-comments/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS

#6632183 at 2019-05-31 00:51:00 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8480: Taco Tariffs Edition

"An international conference on Asia-Pacific security challenges will open in Singapore on Friday, with top defense officials from the United States and China attending.
The three-day Shangri-La Dialogue will bring together defense and military leaders from Asian and Western nations.
They will include US Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe, and Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

One of the main agenda items will be the South China Sea, where Beijing has been increasing its military presence. Shanahan is expected to announce a new US strategy for the Indo-Pacific region, which may include measures to boost US involvement there."

www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190531_01/

#6620203 at 2019-05-29 20:09:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8465: Happy Birthday JFK! We Will Not Forget Edition

Pentagon Nominee Focuses on China Despite Mideast Tensions

JAKARTA, Indonesia - Tensions may be high in the Middle East, but the man chosen by President Donald Trump to run the Pentagon is turning his focus to China.

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan arrived Wednesday in Asia on a high-profile weeklong trip that is intended to reinforce that China is the administration's main foreign policy priority. It comes as the U.S. deploys thousands of more troops and military assets to counter Iran in the Middle East, and will test the Pentagon nominee ahead of his expected Senate confirmation hearing.

In his five months as acting secretary, Shanahan has tried to focus on implementing a new national defense strategy that shifts away from fighting extremist groups to what he calls "great power" competition with China and Russia.

But instead, much of his time has been spent juggling a host of other issues: Iranian threats, North Korean missile launches, the ongoing war in Afghanistan, the battle against Islamic State militants, and a divisive struggle to cobble together billions of dollars for Trump's wall on the southern border.

Even as he prepared for the Asia trip, Shanahan shuttled back and forth to the White House for meetings on how much more military might he should send to the Middle East in coming weeks to protect American forces and interests from Iranian threats.

Speaking to reporters traveling with him to Asia on Wednesday, Shanahan acknowledged the competing interests, but insisted he spends "quite a bit of time" on China issues.

"Implementation of the national defense strategy is my top priority," he said, adding that the department has "the capacity to spin a lot of plates."

Trump has not yet sent Shanahan's formal nomination as defense chief to Capitol Hill, but he is expected to do so in the coming days. If that happens, the Senate could hold a hearing and vote on Shanahan's confirmation some time later next month.

The acting defense chief's Asia trip will take him to Indonesia, South Korea, Japan and Singapore, where he will attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, a national security conference. And he said it will give him a week "solely dedicated to the issues of the region."

One key meeting at the Singapore conference will be with Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe. For the first time since 2011, China is sending a top level leader to Shangri-La, and it's unclear what triggered the change.

Observers suggest the move underscores Beijing's desire to re-engage with neighbors in the region, perhaps at a time it believes the U.S. is distracted by strains in the Middle East and hampered a bit by Shanahan's status as acting secretary.

Asked about his goals for the meeting, Shanahan said he wants to identify areas where the two nations can cooperate, and "talk about things that I think are important for us to be transparent and candid about."

Tensions between Washington and Beijing have spiked in recent months, as the Trump administration set off a trade war with China, raising tariffs on billions of dollars of imports. The U.S. also sanctioned Chinese tech giant HuaWei and approved a weapons sale to Taiwan, the self-ruled island the Communist mainland claims as its own territory.

Two U.S. government reports this year criticized China over its militarization of manmade islands in the South China Sea and its continued campaign to steal high-tech trade secrets from defense programs. And defense intelligence officials expressed worries that China's growing military might could lead to an attack against Taiwan.

Shanahan has repeatedly signaled that he believes America's most pressing security problem is China's rapidly growing military.

It is not a new theme. Several of his predecessors pursued what the Obama administration called a "pivot" to the Pacific, all aimed at countering China's growing prominence in the region.

But Shanahan sees it as an increasingly urgent and long-ignored problem, and his proposed budget includes billions of dollars in new programs designed to keep pace with China's strides in hypersonic weapons, nuclear technology and space launches.

A senior U.S. official said there is a lot going on in the world now, and Shanahan's weeklong trip demonstrates that Asia is a priority for the administration. The U.S. will also release a new report in conjunction with the visit, to lay out what the department has done so far to implement the defense strategy.

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/05/29/pentagon-nominee-focuses-china-despite-mideast-tensions.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1559151853

#6578499 at 2019-05-24 16:17:03 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #8411: Extrememly Stable Genius Edition

Shanahan to meet Chinese counterpart in Singapore: U.S. official

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan will meet China's defense minister on the sidelines of an Asia defense forum in Singapore, a senior U.S. defense official said on Friday, at a time of strained tensions between Beijing and Washington over trade and security.

"We're doing a pull aside with the Chinese counterpart at Shangri-La," said the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe will deliver a speech on June 2 at the Shangri-La Dialogue, the first time since 2011 that a Chinese defense minister will be at the forum, having in recent years sent lower level officials.

http://www.foreigndesknews.com/world/us/shanahan-to-meet-chinese/

#4012047 at 2018-11-24 10:43:22 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #5105: We Are Here For A Reason Edition

CHINA + CUBA → Strengthening Military Cooperation.
Cuba → 90 miles from Florida.
Think about this as the Dem's & Hollywood Traitors scream:
Russia, Russia, Russia.
I seem to recall a little conflict in 61' over a military build-up in Cuba.
Is China playing "The New" Soviet Threat in our backyard?
Straight from the horses mouth → (XINHUA) - is a Chinese Mainland newspaper.

CHINA, CUBA PLEDGE TO DEEPEN MILITARY TIES.
Source: Xinhua | 2018-11-24 00:14:27 | Editor: Chengcheng

BEIJING, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) – Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe on Friday held talks with visiting Cuban Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Leopoldo Cintra Frias.
Highlighting the special friendship between China and Cuba, Wei recalled the high-level bilateral ties in recent years and the substantial development of military relations between the two countries.
The Chinese side is ready to work with the Cuban side to continue building up military-to-military strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation, to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, as well as both regional and world peace and development, said Wei. Cintra said Cuba is grateful to China for its selfless assistance over the years and is willing to continue elevating bilateral ties and military relations through enhanced solidarity and cooperation with China.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-11/24/c_137627401.htm

#3803254 at 2018-11-08 19:46:16 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #4833: Papadropoulos Edition

.@SecPompeo and @DeptofDefense Secretary Mattis will co-host the #U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue on November 9. https://go.usa.gov/xPvKS
cst.

https://
twitter.com/StateDept/status/1060613984095756289

The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense will co-host the U.S.-China Diplomatic and Security Dialogue (D&SD) on Friday, November 9, 2018, at the Department of State.

U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis will join Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs of the Central Commission of the Communist Party of China Yang Jiechi and State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe, along with members of the U.S. delegation and their Chinese colleagues for the D&SD.

There will be a joint press availability following the dialogue at 12:35 p.m. The press availability will be open press.

https://
www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/11/287216.htm

#3799701 at 2018-11-08 15:29:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #4828: Breaking News And Breaking Ribs Edition

Will the 'Taiwan question' give rise to a World War III scenario?

The United States and China are set to go head-to-head over disputes in relation to Taiwan and the South China Sea, with deadly consequences on the immediate horizon.

You wouldn't know it with all the media hype over the US mid-term elections, but the US and China are on a deadly collision path in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. In the last two months, the US military has flown B-52 bombers and carried out its so-called "freedom of navigation"operations in the South China Sea. There have also been instances of US warships sailing through the Taiwan Strait in support of Taiwan, an island which China considers to be a rogue part of Chinese territory.

On a side note, it is amazing to say the least that the US believes it should have the "freedom to navigate" in the South China Sea, yet seems to get up in arms when Iranian ships expect the same kind of freedom in the Persian Gulf.

Near-collisions in the South China Sea

Last September, US and Chinese warships almost collided when sailing near an islet claimed by Beijing in the Spratly Islands. Reportedly, the Chinese warship threatened the US Destroyer that it would "suffer consequences" if it did not move, as it sailed within 45 yards of the American vessel.

In a last-ditch effort to avert this collision course, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defence James Mattis will host their Chinese counterparts Yang Jiechi and China's Defence Minister Wei Fenghe this Friday for talks on reducing tensions. However, I think we can say with some confidence that these talks will be absolutely meaningless. Firstly, China already canceled the first round of talks set for September due to their frustration over US-enforced sanctions. Secondly, Chief of US Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson just recently, and quite openlystated that the US and China "will meet each other more and more on the high seas"; with Jim "Mad Dog" Mattis saying in Mid-October that the US and its allies would "continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows and our national interests demand."

And of course we know how much the US loves to travel even well beyondthe realms of international law, so we can expect to take Mattis at his word quite literally.

Barely a few days ago, Pompeo for his part also warned China that it should "behave like a normal nation on commerce and with respect to the rules of international law" - whatever that means.

The Taiwan question

Since the near-collision in September, a US Navy research ship has also visited Taiwan and two US warships have sailed through the Taiwan Strait. According to Stratfor, the US is possibly attempting to standardize patrols in the area, even potentially paving the way for an aircraft carrier group to transit through.

At the end of October, China strengthened its resolve to protect its interests in Taiwan, vowing to never give up an inch of its territory. Incidentally, it was Wei Fenghe who stated that "if someone tries to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese armed forces will take action at any price." He also vowed the same regarding China's interests in the South China Sea, where it has heavily fortified at least seven islands or reefs, loading them with military bases, airfields, and advanced weapons systems.

A 2018 report by the US Department of Defense argued that China now possessed "the world's largest and most capable maritime militia." The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has over 300 surface combatants, submarines, amphibious ships, patrol craft and specialized types, making it the largest navy force in the Indo-Pacific region (comparatively, the US has some 282 deployable battle force ships).

Regardless, Taiwan and the US are reportedly pushing ahead with their plans to repel any alleged Chinese invasion, with military drills set for the end of November between the two already in the works. Funnily enough, the drills will most likely take place in the area around Taiping Island. Taiwan's military is also hoping to purchase MQ-8 Fire Scout uncrewed helicopters and MK-62 Quickstrike mines from the US. Taiwan may also seek to lay these mines in its waters close to Taipei as well as other key ports and bases, a plan which eerily echoes that of Greer's report in Foreign Policy above.

People don't need to be well-versed in international politics to see and feel the warning signs. A recent Military Times poll of active-duty troops showed that 46 percent of US troops believe the US will be drawn into a major war soon, with a focus on Russia and China in particular. Only 5 percent said the same thing in a similar poll conducted approximately a year ago.

More at
https://www.rt.com/op-ed/443437-china-us-taiwan-war/

#3758376 at 2018-11-06 16:19:33 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #4774: Prayers For The Day Ahead Editon

Frost thaws in U.S.-China ties ahead of G20 meeting

The United States and China will hold a delayed top-level security dialogue on Friday, the latest sign of a thaw in relations, as China's vice president said Beijing was willing to talk with Washington to resolve their bitter trade dispute.

The resumption of high-level dialogue, marked by a phone call last week between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, comes ahead of an expected meeting between the two at the G20 summit in Argentina starting in late November. It follows months of recriminations spanning trade, U.S. accusations of Chinese political interference, the disputed South China Sea and self-ruled Taiwan. China and the United States have both described last week's telephone call between Xi and Trump as positive. Trump predicted he'd be able to make a deal with China on trade.

In a concrete sign of the unfreezing, the U.S. State Department said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Chinese politburo member Yang Jiechi and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe will take part in diplomatic and security talks later this week in Washington. China said last month the two sides had initially agreed "in principle" to hold the second round of diplomatic security talks in October but they were postponed at Washington's request amid rising tensions over trade, Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Mattis had been due to hold talks with Wei in Beijing in October, but those plans were upended after Washington imposed sanctions on China's People's Liberation Army for buying weapons from Russia. Mattis did meet Wei in Singapore on Oct. 18 and told him that the world's two largest economies needed to deepen high-level ties to reduce the risk of conflict.

Speaking in Singapore on Tuesday, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan, who is close to Xi, reiterated China's readiness to hold discussions and work with the United States to resolve trade disputes as the world's two largest economies stand to lose from confrontation. "Both China and the U.S. would love to see greater trade and economic cooperation," Wang told the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore. "The Chinese side is ready to have discussions with the U.S. on issues of mutual concern and work for a solution on trade acceptable to both sides," he said. "The world today faces many major problems that require close co-operation between China and the United States," Wang said. Wang echoed comments made by Xi on Monday at a major import fair in Shanghai that Beijing will embrace greater openness.

Trump has railed against China over intellectual property theft, entry barriers to U.S. business and a gaping trade deficit, which U.S. data showed reached a record $40.2 billion in September. The trade war, which has seen both sides impose tariffs on billions of dollars worth of the other's imports, is beginning to hurt China's economy and has battered Chinese shares and the yuan currency. It has also brought purchases of U.S. soybeans by China to a virtual standstill. Soybeans are the largest U.S. agricultural export to China. Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, told Reuters on the sidelines of the Shanghai import fair that both countries understood the need to maintain their relationship. "I think both sides are optimistic … more optimistic after the call last week that took place, that some kind of a solution can be reached," he said.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china/frost-thaws-in-u-s-china-ties-ahead-of-g20-meeting-idUSKCN1NB0A0?il=0

#3664452 at 2018-10-30 16:44:06 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #4652: Learning Civics Edition

Xi Jinping orders commanders in the South China Sea to 'concentrate preparations' for war

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered the Southern Theatre Command to prepare for war during an inspection last Thursday.
The command oversees the South China Sea, where tensions have been on the rise.
A Chinese destroyer confronted a US Navy warship conducting a freedom-of-navigation operation near the Spratly Islands at the end of September, nearly causing a collision.

According to the China Daily, Xi told troops they were "constantly working at the front line, and playing key roles in protecting national territorial sovereignty and maritime interests".

"I hope you can fulfil such sacred and solemn missions."

The powerful Chinese leader has made strengthening and modernising the People's Liberation Army (PLA) a top priority.

As Xi delivered his speech in Guangdong province, Chinese Minister of Defence Wei Fenghe warned that China will not give up "one single piece" of its territorial holdings, adding that "challenges" to its sovereignty over Taiwan could lead China to use military force.

The US Navy recently sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait, a move that, like the US military's frequent bomber overflights and freedom-of-navigation operations in the South China Sea, angered Beijing.

Tensions have been running particularly high in the South China Sea in recent months, with regular US B-52 bomber flights through the region and Chinese PLA Navy warships challenging American military ships and aircraft that venture too close to Chinese-occupied territories in the disputed waterway.

US Navy Adm. John Richardson, chief of naval operations, said Monday that the US Navy will continue to carry out freedom-of-navigation operations and challenge "illegitimate maritime claims."


https://www.businessinsider.com.au/chinas-president-orders-military-to-prepare-for-south-china-sea-war-2018-10/amp

#3608006 at 2018-10-26 04:02:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #4578: They Were Fake Bombs Edition

Top Communist Party Official Threatens Military Intervention Over Pence's Support For Taiwan

With the on-again-off-again trade war detente back in "off again" mode as China is once again refusing to bow to the US's demands for concessions, and with military tensions simmering in the background as the US seriously considers withdrawing from the INF, the Communist Party's top defense official demanded that the US end its aggressive policy toward China during a speech at the Xiangshan security forum in Beijing in front of a crowd of 500 foreign delegates from 74 countries (including the US).

According to the South China Morning Post, Wei Fenghe, the Chinese defense minister, criticized Washington for "seriously damaging the Sino-US relationship and mutual trust" by accusing China of interfering in the midterm elections and by characterizing China's "debt diplomacy" as a neo-colonialist tool for acquiring foreign resources for its "One Belt, One Road" initiative.

Without referencing Pence by name (the Vice President delivered one of the most sweeping condemnations of China's foreign and economic policies during a speech earlier this month), Wei articulated China's "anger and resolute opposition" and demanded that the Trump Administration drop its aggressive posture toward China. "We strongly call on the US to remedy the mistakes, stop damaging China's interests and the Sino-US relationship."

The remarks followed similarly hostile remarks directed at Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who became embroiled in a dramatic confrontation with China's foreign minister during a recent trip to Beijing.

In the latest sign that the Trump Administration's friendly stance toward Taiwan has rattled China, Wei, reiterating a threat made by numerous senior Chinese officials, warned that the mainland wouldn't hesitate to bring the full brunt of is military to bear against Taiwan - and any country aiding the Taiwanese - if its rogue province tries to formally break away from the mainland.

Another senior CCP official, Li Zhanshu, a trusted ally of President Xi Jinping, issued a similar warning during the conference's opening remarks on Wednesday. Li, chairman of the National People's Congress and the third-highest-ranking official on the Politburo Standing Committee, denounced "confrontational thinking" - a veiled attack on the Trump administration's policy.

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-10-25/top-communist-party-official-threatens-military-action-over-pences-support-taiwan

Chinese cabal pushed into the light?

#3595292 at 2018-10-25 03:10:19 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #4562: FFFFFFFalse FFFFFFFlag Edition

China says army will act 'at any cost' to prevent Taiwan split

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's army will take action "at any cost" to foil attempts to separate the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, the country's defense minister said on Thursday.

Beijing has been infuriated by recent U.S. sanctions on its military, one of a growing number of flashpoints in ties with Washington that include a bitter trade war, Taiwan and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea.

On Monday, the United States sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait in the second such operation this year and the latest in a series of gestures made by the White House in support of democratic Taiwan.

"The Taiwan issue is related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and touches upon China's core interests," Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe said at the opening of the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, which China styles as its answer to the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-defence/china-says-army-will-act-at-any-cost-to-prevent-taiwan-split-idUSKCN1MZ05L?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29

#3569834 at 2018-10-23 02:26:17 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #4529: AND STILL WITH YOU TEXAS Edition

Pentagon sends two US warships through Taiwan Strait, risking fury from Beijing as tensions remain high

Taiwan's defence ministry and the Pentagon say the warships passed through international waters on Monday. The Pentagon says the passage demonstrated a commitment to '?a free and open Indo-Pacific', but was 'certainly not' intended to raise tensions.

Two US Navy vessels sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Monday, in a move that is likely to exacerbate the already high tensions between Washington and Beijing. Both the island's defence ministry and the Pentagon confirmed the passage, with the former saying in a statement that it was aware of the "routine" operation, and warning that the island is capable of defending its maritime territory and airspace security. The operation, which Taiwan says took place in international waters, is expected to trigger a strong reaction from Beijing, which has repeatedly demanded that Washington cut all military ties with the self-ruled island. Beijing regards Taiwan as a breakaway province to be taken back, by force if necessary.

The US Department of Defence later confirmed the transit. Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning told reporters on Monday during a press briefing that "in the Taiwan Strait, earlier today, USS Curtis Wilbur and USS Antietam conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit in accordance with international law". Monday's passage is the second transit through the Taiwan Strait by US warships in less than four months after two destroyers, the USS Mustin and the USS Benfold, passed through the strait in July. The USS Curtis Wilbur is a guided-missile destroyer and the USS Antietam a guided-missile cruiser. "The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," Manning said. "The US Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law permits." Manning added that in conducting the transit, the US "maintained coordination and contact with the appropriate nations, authorities and parties". It was "certainly not the Department [of Defence]'s intention to raise tensions or any kind of escalation" across the Taiwan Strait, the spokesman said. The Pentagon had not received "any information talking about unsafe and unprofessional encounters with any Chinese vessels" during the transit, said another Pentagon spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Logan.

The move is likely to infuriate Beijing which recently expressed anger at America's continued communications with Taiwan. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told press in Beijing last week that the US should "correct its mistakes, stop any official contact, military ties and arms sales to the Taiwan region". Lu also said that the US should hold back "Taiwan independence" forces in case it further harmed China-US relations or peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The latest transit comes after US Secretary of Defence James Mattis' meeting last Thursday with his Chinese counterpart, Wei Fenghe, in Singapore on the sidelines of an Asian security forum. Mattis reportedly had tried to explain to Wei that US policies toward Taiwan were unchanged. At that point, the Chinese defence chief raised the Taiwan issue. "Minister Wei raised Taiwan and concerns about our policy. The secretary reassured Minister Wei that we haven't changed our Taiwan policy, our One China policy," Randall Schriver, a US assistant secretary of defence for Asian and Pacific security affairs, was quoted by Reuters. Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help it defend itself; it is the island's main source of arms.

The Pentagon says the US has sold Taiwan more than US$15 billion in weaponry since 2010. Mattis told Wei on Thursday that the world's two largest economies needed to deepen their military ties to navigate tensions and reduce the risk of inadvertent conflict. During the meeting, Mattis also repeated that Wei was invited to visit the US within the year, The New York Times reported, citing an anonymous senior Defence Department official who was in the meeting. Wei had already accepted an invitation made by Mattis in June. But the two sides' current rocky military relations have cast uncertainty on the trip. Washington disinvited the Chinese navy from taking part in a Pacific multinational military exercise, 2018 RIMPAC, in May. The US also imposed sanctions on a Chinese military equipment unit and its director in September, and has conducted "freedom of navigation operations" in the South China Sea. Manning said Beijing and Washington were still coordinating on Wei's visit to Washington. "I have not heard it [the trip] is off the table yet," the Pentagon spokesman said, "I have not heard [of] any changes in the status of the plan."

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/2169728/two-us-navy-ships-sail-through-taiwan-strait-move-likely-anger

#3545582 at 2018-10-20 21:29:30 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #4497: Best Gitmo Judges Edition

U.S. And China Agree To Aerial Defense Rules To Avoid Fighter Jet Clashes

After a series of contentious encounters between US and allied ships and aircraft and China's military in the South China Sea defense officials have reached an agreement on guidelines which are intended to prevent crashes, as well as possible misunderstandings and escalation between aircraft in the region.

The new rules have been endorsed by US Secretary of Defense James Mattis seven regional military chiefs in the Pacific. Crucially this includes China's General Wei Fenghe, who also agreed to the non-binding guidelines that were formally issued on Friday by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit hosted in Singapore. This comes as the Western Pacific has witnessed a significant uptick in military activity by air and sea, including the American and British navies.

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-10-20/us-and-china-agree-aerial-defense-rules-prevent-escalation

#3519934 at 2018-10-18 13:56:37 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #4464: In the Strongest of Terms Edition

China, US defence chiefs meet on sidelines of Asean meeting in Singapore

Wei Fenghe and James Mattis have 'straightforward and candid' discussion, commit to 'finding time' for further negotiations

China's Defence Minister Wei Fenghe held talks with his US counterpart James Mattis at a key regional security summit on Thursday, after a meeting between the two men scheduled for earlier in the month was cancelled due to growing tensions between the two countries.

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/2169186/china-us-defence-chiefs-meet-sidelines-asean-meeting-singapore

#3281634 at 2018-10-01 19:16:13 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #4157: VIP PATRIOTS Edition

US Sanctions over Beijing's Purchase of Russia's S-400 Missile Defense System, China Cancels Security Meeting with the US

The annual meeting between defense officials of both countries was scheduled for mid-October, a sign of heightened bilateral tensions.

In response to illegally imposed US sanctions on Beijing over its purchase of Russian SU-35 combat aircraft and S-400 missile defense systems,the deputy head of China's Central Ministry Commission (CMC) summoned the US embassy's acting military attache. He called US sanctions a breach of international rules and standards, a hegemonic action harming bilateral military relations.

Beijing recalled naval commander Shen Jinlong. He was participating in the 23rd International Seapower Symposium - co-hosted by the US Chief of Naval Operations and the White House at the US Naval War College in Newport, RI.

According to Chinese media, Beijing demands that the US "immediately redress its wrongs and withdraw related sanctions." Huang said China's military reserves the right to take further countermeasures.

Its National Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said

"(w)e demand the US side immediately correct its wrongdoing and withdraw the so-called sanctions. Otherwise, the US side must bear the consequences caused by this act."

On Friday, China's Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang summoned US Ambassador Terry Branstad, demanding the rollback of unacceptable Trump regime actions.

In his Friday General Assembly address, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed strong support for multilateralism, criticizing US policies, saying:

"What we see today is that international rules and multilateral mechanisms are under attack, and the international landscape is filled with uncertainties and destabilizing factors," adding:

"China's answer is clear-cut. All along, China has upheld the international order and pursued multilateralism."

Addressing Trump's hostile General Assembly address, he stressed that "(m)ultilateralism is under fire precisely when we need it most." It's vital in dealing with geopolitical challenges.

He warned that Beijing won't be blackmailed on trade. In his UN address, Trump shamefully accused China of meddling in US November midterm elections, citing no evidence because there is none.

Yi stressed four principles:

replacing confrontation with mutual cooperation on all major issues;

upholding international rules, norms and standards, especially honoring international treaties, conventions, and other agreements;

upholding, defending and preserving fairness and justice in international affairs; and

working together to deliver real results, according to UN Charter and World Trade Organization principles.

Yi stressed that China pursues peaceful, cooperative development. He called for denuclearizing the Korean peninsula, along with fully observing and implementing the JCPOA Iran nuclear deal.

Beijing will continue defending its sovereign rights and interests, he said. It "will open still wider to the world."

Yi claimed his country's Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is "the largest platform for international cooperation."

It calls for over $1 trillion in longterm investment. Chairman of China's largest construction machinery manufacturer XCMG said

"One Belt, One Road makes our internationalization strategy like a tiger with wings added."

It conflicts with Trump's America First agenda, including Pompeo's Indo-Pacific Economic Vision, announced in July to compete with China regionally.

Bilateral relations are greatly strained politically, economically and militarily, notably over Trump's trade war.

Washington demands all other countries bend to its will, a hostile agenda risking greater war than already.

Its provocative military buildup close to Sino/Russian borders could lead to devastating confrontation. Catastrophic nuclear war is possible by accident or design.

Washington's hell bent rage for unchallenged dominance is the greatest threat to world peace.

A Final Comment

US war secretary Mattis cancelled a China trip scheduled for later this month to meet with his counterpart General Wei Fenghe, a further sign of strained relations.

Late Sunday, an unnamed US official said the trip is off. The State Department, along with China's defense and foreign ministries issued no comments. Nor did the US embassy in Beijing.

https://www.globalresearch.ca/us-sanctions-over-beijings-purchase-of-russias-s-400-missile-defense-system-china-cancels-security-meeting-with-the-us/5655728

#1928464 at 2018-06-27 19:59:38 (UTC+1)
Q Research General #2430: "And The Hits Keep Comin'" Edition

U.S. Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis meets with China's Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe at the Bayi Building, China's Ministry of National Defense in Beijing, June 27, 2018. (DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith)