Changing Politics & Economics of Western Countries vs The Pariah

[Anonymous]

'Chilling Moment': How Beijing Pressured California Senate to Scrap Human Rights Resolution



Chinese diplomats have for years worked behind the scenes to pressure state and local officials into adopting policies friendly to Beijing.



But this issue has only recently gained national attention as the Trump administration raises the alarm on the communist regime's influence activities across the country.



U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned in a Sept. 23 speech at the Wisconsin state capitol that the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) covert influence operations targeting state and local politicians have been "in full swing for years" and "increasing in intensity."



He cited one example of a Californian state senator who in 2017 sought to introduce a measure denouncing the CCP's persecution of the spiritual group Falun Gong. The Chinese consulate in San Francisco then initiated a campaign to scuttle the resolution, writing letters of protest to the state legislature.



"Unfortunately, the California state Senate bowed to the CCP pressure campaign and shelved the proposed bill," Pompeo said.



To Joel Anderson, the then-state lawmaker who proposed the Senate resolution, such "placating" was "outrageous" and deeply disappointing, he said in an interview with The Epoch Times' sister media NTD. Anderson left office in 2018 and is currently running for San Diego County Board of Supervisors, a five-member county legislature.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/chilling-moment-how-beijing-pressured-california-senate-to-scrap-human-rights-resolution_3519492.html?utm_source=morningbriefnoe&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mb-2020-09-29">https://www.theepochtimes.com/chilling- ... 2020-09-29">https://www.theepochtimes.com/chilling-moment-how-beijing-pressured-california-senate-to-scrap-human-rights-resolution_3519492.html?utm_source=morningbriefnoe&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mb-2020-09-29

[cc]

You like that mag, don't you  

[Anonymous]

The GOP proposals are necessary, but the Dems will only pay lip service to any of this if they control everything. Biden has been a reliable sell out to China. That of course is why they are working to get him elected.



Republicans Call for 'Aggressive, Smart' Tax Incentives to Compete With China



WASHINGTON—The pandemic has exposed serious flaws in global supply chains, prompting a committee of Republican lawmakers to push for "aggressive, smart" tax incentives to help relocate key supply chains back to the United States.



The China Task Force, made up of 15 House Republicans, released a report on Sept. 30 with more than 400 recommendations to counter threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).



The committee called for decreasing dependence on China and supporting manufacturing capabilities in the areas of semiconductors, critical minerals, and pharmaceuticals.



"This pandemic exposed various U.S. supply chain vulnerabilities, the dangers of U.S. overreliance on the PRC, and the need for a more robust domestic medical and technological manufacturing capacity," the report said.



To better protect U.S. economic and national security, the committee calls for "aggressive, smart, and targeted tax incentives" for research and development and production of key medicines, medical supplies, ingredients, tests, and vaccines.



"It is imperative that the U.S. develop market-based incentives without imposing sweeping government mandates or controls in order to increase U.S. domestic manufacturing," the report said.



The overhaul of the federal tax law in 2017 reduced the U.S. corporate tax rate to 21 percent from 35 percent, making the United States more competitive. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, however, has pledged to raise the corporate tax rate to 28 percent.



Congress and the Trump administration should keep U.S. tax rates globally competitive, the report urges, to attract domestic manufacturing and spur innovation.



The panel also asked Congress and the administration to make securing supply chains the top priority in trade and economic discussions with allies and like-minded nations. It also suggested the administration begin trade agreement negotiations with Taiwan.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/republicans-call-for-aggressive-smart-tax-incentives-to-compete-with-china_3522558.html?utm_source=morningbriefnoe&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mb-2020-10-01">https://www.theepochtimes.com/republica ... 2020-10-01">https://www.theepochtimes.com/republicans-call-for-aggressive-smart-tax-incentives-to-compete-with-china_3522558.html?utm_source=morningbriefnoe&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mb-2020-10-01

[cc]

https://www.theepochtimes.com/50-us-senators-urge-for-trade-deal-talks-with-taiwan_3523550.html">50 bipartisan US Senators Call for Trade Deal Talks With Taiwan



Fifty bipartisan U.S. senators called on the Trump administration to start negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with Taiwan, as part of growing efforts by lawmakers to impose tougher U.S. action against the Chinese regime.



The group of 42 Republicans and eight Democrats on Oct. 1 sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, citing Taiwan's record as a longstanding U.S. economic partner and security ally as a reason to begin the process of negotiating a comprehensive trade agreement.



"We are confident that a U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement would promote security and economic growth for the United States, Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific as a whole," the senators wrote.



Taiwan has long sought a free trade agreement with the United States, its most important supporter on the international stage, but Washington has complained about barriers to access for U.S. pork and beef.



In August, Taiwan paved the way for an eventual deal by announcing an easing of restrictions on the import of U.S. beef and pork that is expected to go into effect on Jan. 1.



The letter said that partnering with Taiwan's industries would help the United States in its efforts to reduce manufacturing reliance on China.



"This diversification of our supply chain is critical to our national security," the senators said.

[Anonymous]

Giuliani: I Hold China Responsible for What Happened to Trump



"And we assert ourselves as the most powerful nation on earth because otherwise you know who will? The country that attacked us, China. And they attacked us with this, believe me," Giuliani said. "I hold them responsible for what happened to my president the day before yesterday and everybody else."

https://www.theepochtimes.com/giuliani-i-hold-china-responsible-for-what-happened-to-trump_3525180.html?utm_source=morningbriefnoe&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mb-2020-10-05">https://www.theepochtimes.com/giuliani- ... 2020-10-05">https://www.theepochtimes.com/giuliani-i-hold-china-responsible-for-what-happened-to-trump_3525180.html?utm_source=morningbriefnoe&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mb-2020-10-05

[cc]

https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/10/06/unfavorable-views-of-china-reach-historic-highs-in-many-countries/">Pew Research survey shows negative sentiment towards Communist China has surged around the world.



A new Pew Research survey shows record high negative sentiment towards China around the world, including here in Canada.



Amid the CCP Virus Crisis and China's rising aggression and threats towards more and more countries, there is a massive backlash.



In Canada, a full 73% have a negative view of China, with just 23% (who are those people?) holding a positive view.



IMAGE of Several Counties Attitudes > https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/10/06/unfavorable-views-of-china-reach-historic-highs-in-many-countries/pg_2020-10-06_global-views-china_0-01/">https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020 ... hina_0-01/">https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/10/06/unfavorable-views-of-china-reach-historic-highs-in-many-countries/pg_2020-10-06_global-views-china_0-01/



Those numbers are similar to many other nations surveyed, including Japan (86% negative), France (70% negative), the US (73% negative), South Korea (75% negative), the UK (74% negative), and Australia (81% negative).



In fact, in all countries surveyed, a majority had a negative view of China, with the most positive views found in Italy, where 63% still have a negative view compared to 38% who have a positive view.



Additionally, huge majorities in all countries surveyed say they have "no confidence" in Xi Jinping to "do the right thing regarding world affairs."



Opinions of China in Canada have been falling for some time, particularly since China took Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor hostage.



This is all happening as the corrupt elites have tried to make Canadians – and people around the world – bend over for China and ignore our real beliefs. Clearly, people are seeing past the lies and realizing that we cannot give in the ruthless CCP.



Spencer Fernando



[Surprised me that Canada is as strong as others - I wonder where Taiwan comes in  ac_biggrin ]

[Anonymous]

https://server5.kproxy.com/servlet/redirect.srv/slxv/sqmcmrgthnwi/srst/p2/global/2020/10/06/unfavorable-views-of-china-reach-historic-highs-in-many-countries/">Pew Research survey shows negative sentiment towards Communist China has surged around the world.



A new Pew Research survey shows record high negative sentiment towards China around the world, including here in Canada.



Amid the CCP Virus Crisis and China's rising aggression and threats towards more and more countries, there is a massive backlash.



In Canada, a full 73% have a negative view of China, with just 23% (who are those people?) holding a positive view.



IMAGE of Several Counties Attitudes > https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/10/06/unfavorable-views-of-china-reach-historic-highs-in-many-countries/pg_2020-10-06_global-views-china_0-01/">https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020 ... hina_0-01/">https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/10/06/unfavorable-views-of-china-reach-historic-highs-in-many-countries/pg_2020-10-06_global-views-china_0-01/



Those numbers are similar to many other nations surveyed, including Japan (86% negative), France (70% negative), the US (73% negative), South Korea (75% negative), the UK (74% negative), and Australia (81% negative).



In fact, in all countries surveyed, a majority had a negative view of China, with the most positive views found in Italy, where 63% still have a negative view compared to 38% who have a positive view.



Additionally, huge majorities in all countries surveyed say they have "no confidence" in Xi Jinping to "do the right thing regarding world affairs."



Opinions of China in Canada have been falling for some time, particularly since China took Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor hostage.



This is all happening as the corrupt elites have tried to make Canadians – and people around the world – bend over for China and ignore our real beliefs. Clearly, people are seeing past the lies and realizing that we cannot give in the ruthless CCP.



Spencer Fernando



[Surprised me that Canada is as strong as others - I wonder where Taiwan comes in  ac_biggrin ]

The pan blue supporters are pro China, but the pan greens despise China more than any other people in the world.

[cc]

How does "pan"  translate, Fash?

[Anonymous]

How does "pan"  translate, Fash?

The coalition of centre right parties that grew out of the Kuomintang that dictator Chiang Kai Shek brought over from China..



The KMT is the big one of course, but the pro China coalition includes the small People First Party(PFP) and the very small New Party..



The pan green or pro Taiwan coalition, which currently holds the presidency as well as a majority in the legislative yuan is anchored by the Democratic Progressive Party, which my father was one of the founding members, along with the smaller Taiwan Solidarity Union(TSU), Taiwan Independence Party(TAIP), Taiwan Statebuilding Party(TSP), and the Taiwan Constitution Association(TCA)..



Support for any type of union with China is so low in Taiwan now, especially among young Taiwanese, that the pan blue coalition has had to accept that some of localization is required if they have any hope of ever governing again.

[cc]

Thanks for the explanation, Fash



I also wondered what the word "pan" itself  translates to

[cc]

https://www.theepochtimes.com/clear-evidence-of-collusion-between-huawei-and-the-chinese-state-british-defense-report_3531160.html">'Clear Evidence of Collusion Between Huawei and the Chinese State': British Defense Report



The British defense committee reported on Thursday that there is 'clear evidence of collusion between Huawei and the Chinese state' and urged the government to urgently rid the country's telecoms infrastructure of Huawei's kit by 2025.



In July Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered that Huawei be purged from Britain's 5G networks by 2027 amid fears of spying and sabotage and following tough United States sanctions against the company affecting its supply of up-to-date chips.



The defense committee report, however, said the purging should be done years earlier even if it involves recompense for current operators.



"The Government should take necessary steps to minimize the delay and economic damage and consider providing compensation to operators if the 2027 deadline is moved forward," it said.





'D10 Alliance'

The defense committee report also said that the 5G roll out will increase mobile connectivity dependence, leaving the country more vulnerable to "espionage, sabotage, or system failure" but as yet with "no global rules regulating international cyber-attacks."



The report, therefore, urged the government to partner with allies on a system to hold "perpetrators" accountable.



Democracies should also form a "D10" alliance of top world democracies as a counter to China and other non-democratic countries with malign intent, it said.



"The Committee support the proposal to form a D10 alliance, consisting of ten of the world's largest democracies, in order to provide alternatives to Chinese technology and to combat the technological dominance of authoritarian states."



"The Government must act swiftly and outline a joint 5G policy as soon as possible," the report said and "continue to denounce and deter threats from adversarial states, such as Russia and China."





Telecoms Security Bill

It said the proposed Telecoms Security Bill should be introduced into law before the end of the year and called on the government to explain why it is not already deploying a "cyberattack capability to deter aggressors."



Commenting in the Telegraph on Thursday Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the committee, said that the UK's "growing dependence on an online world has created a virtual theatre of war where we have become increasingly vulnerable."



"Online espionage and sabotage are the new battlegrounds we must prepare for and defend against," he said.



"Our international rules-based order was crafted in a pre-digital age,"



"But a major cyberattack, for example, could cause more harm than a dirty bomb but would not technically trip a NATO article 5 response."

[cc]

Thot I had posted this, but don't see it so ...



https://www.blazingcatfur.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/pew-china.jpg">

[Anonymous]

https://server9.kproxy.com/servlet/redirect.srv/sruj/sboxugvregwxbo/stuv/p2/clear-evidence-of-collusion-between-huawei-and-the-chinese-state-british-defense-report_3531160.html">'Clear Evidence of Collusion Between Huawei and the Chinese State': British Defense Report



The British defense committee reported on Thursday that there is 'clear evidence of collusion between Huawei and the Chinese state' and urged the government to urgently rid the country's telecoms infrastructure of Huawei's kit by 2025.



In July Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered that Huawei be purged from Britain's 5G networks by 2027 amid fears of spying and sabotage and following tough United States sanctions against the company affecting its supply of up-to-date chips.



The defense committee report, however, said the purging should be done years earlier even if it involves recompense for current operators.



"The Government should take necessary steps to minimize the delay and economic damage and consider providing compensation to operators if the 2027 deadline is moved forward," it said.





'D10 Alliance'

The defense committee report also said that the 5G roll out will increase mobile connectivity dependence, leaving the country more vulnerable to "espionage, sabotage, or system failure" but as yet with "no global rules regulating international cyber-attacks."



The report, therefore, urged the government to partner with allies on a system to hold "perpetrators" accountable.



Democracies should also form a "D10" alliance of top world democracies as a counter to China and other non-democratic countries with malign intent, it said.



"The Committee support the proposal to form a D10 alliance, consisting of ten of the world's largest democracies, in order to provide alternatives to Chinese technology and to combat the technological dominance of authoritarian states."



"The Government must act swiftly and outline a joint 5G policy as soon as possible," the report said and "continue to denounce and deter threats from adversarial states, such as Russia and China."





Telecoms Security Bill

It said the proposed Telecoms Security Bill should be introduced into law before the end of the year and called on the government to explain why it is not already deploying a "cyberattack capability to deter aggressors."



Commenting in the Telegraph on Thursday Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the committee, said that the UK's "growing dependence on an online world has created a virtual theatre of war where we have become increasingly vulnerable."



"Online espionage and sabotage are the new battlegrounds we must prepare for and defend against," he said.



"Our international rules-based order was crafted in a pre-digital age,"



"But a major cyberattack, for example, could cause more harm than a dirty bomb but would not technically trip a NATO article 5 response."

Our prime minister will still deny any collusion between Huawei and the CCP.

[Anonymous]

Chinese Regime Let CCP Virus Escape to Damage the World in 'Act of War'



President Donald Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, on Oct. 6 said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) intentionally kept its borders open to maximize damage to the rest of the world from the CCP virus (novel coronavirus).



"China knew about it for a month to a month and a half before they told us," Giuliani said. "They closed down China, and for months after they allowed thousands and hundreds of thousands of Chinese to travel all over Europe, and all over the United States."



"When they closed down China, they knew how dangerous this was. And they wanted to make sure that the rest of the world was damaged as much as China was. That's a totally despicable thing to do. You could consider it an act of war if you want."



Giuliani made a distinction between China proper and the Chinese communist regime, noting that the Chinese people have been as victimized by the CCP as the rest of the world.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/giuliani-chinese-regime-let-ccp-virus-escape-to-damage-the-world-in-act-of-war_3529059.html?utm_source=morningbriefnoe&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mb-2020-10-08">https://www.theepochtimes.com/giuliani- ... 2020-10-08">https://www.theepochtimes.com/giuliani-chinese-regime-let-ccp-virus-escape-to-damage-the-world-in-act-of-war_3529059.html?utm_source=morningbriefnoe&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mb-2020-10-08

[Anonymous]

China Arrests Mother of Dissident Virologist Who Blamed Beijing for Virus Coverup



Chinese authorities recently arrested the mother of a Chinese virologist who has accused the regime in Beijing of a coverup of the COVID-19 pandemic.



Yan Limeng confirmed her mother's arrest to The Epoch Times on Oct. 5, but declined to provide further details.



Yan, who fled Hong Kong and sought asylum in the United States in April, recently released a paper that she co-authored, which claims that the "biological characteristics" of the virus suggest that it didn't originate from nature. The study hasn't been peer-reviewed.



A postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hong Kong before coming to the United States, Yan had worked at the university's public health laboratory, which provides coronavirus research for the World Health Organization. On Dec. 31 last year, after Chinese authorities acknowledged dozens of infection cases in Wuhan, her supervisor asked her to conduct a "secret investigation" through her network in mainland China, she said in a prior interview.



Her boss took her off the case but requested her input again soon after—with a warning not to "cross the red line," she said.



The research, she said, led her to conclude that the situation was far more grim than Beijing had admitted, and she began secretly delivering the information to the Western world.



Fearing retaliation for speaking out, she fled Hong Kong. Chinese authorities threatened her family in mainland China, while Hong Kong police pried information about her from her friends by claiming that she was "involved in a criminal case," she said.



The scientific community has pushed back on her claims after she linked the virus's origins to a lab in Wuhan in her latest paper, with some calling it speculative. Twitter quickly banned her account after she announced the paper in a tweet.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/china-arrests-mother-of-chinese-dissident-virologist-who-blamed-beijing-for-virus-coverup_3527057.html">https://www.theepochtimes.com/china-arr ... 27057.html">https://www.theepochtimes.com/china-arrests-mother-of-chinese-dissident-virologist-who-blamed-beijing-for-virus-coverup_3527057.html