Category China’s Hundred Year Marathon

Apr 19 2024

Does China Control America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves?


Posted originally on Apr 19, 2024 By Martin Armstrong 

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo. Reminded the US Energy Secretary, Jennifer Granholm, “We are not governed by a world government – yet!” The Biden Administration consulted with China before selling off America’s strategic petroleum reserves. In 2021, Granholm admitted that she spoke with the Chinese Communist Party about coordinating how America would handle its nation’s highly sensitive emergency oil reserves.  “Does [China] call you to ask about decisions on what to do with their strategic petroleum reserve?” Schmitt questioned.

Granholm followed the Biden Administration protocol and blamed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She stated that America was simply insisting that the world operate in a coordinated effort to supply other nations with oil amid a shortage, a shortage that was directly caused by the West. China now has a large stockpile while America has a depleted supply. The reserves have been depleted for years and the people in charge never bothered to replenish America’s stockpile.

Instead, 900,000 barrels were sold to China through Sinopec, a Chinese corporation “which in turn had received billions of dollars from BHR Partners.” This private equity firm just so happens to be co-founded by none other than Hunter Biden, who owns a 10% stake in the company. The public must realize the implications of having a president who has been bought and paid for. I do not criticize Hunter or Joe to simply dismiss the Democrats, I have been trying to expose how major decisions regarding America’s future have been biasedly made by people profiting from shorting America.

It seems as if Joe Biden is making it increasingly easier for China to succeed at the expense of America. The latest round of proposed tariffs will simply make it easier for China to shy away from trade with the US. China was once the largest debt holder of US national debt, a figure that continues to grow every second. China is no longer lining up to purchase our debt. Why would a nation buy the debt of its enemy? That is akin to pulling a gun on someone and asking them for money to pull the trigger.

The rule of law in America has been distorted and there are two tiers of justice. The Biden crime family is above the law. Did Joe Biden put America’s future at risk for personal profit? There MUST be a serious investigation into Joe’s ties with the CCP and Ukraine because we have not yet witnessed the full repercussions of having a treasonous commander-in-chief.

Jan 2 2024

Chairman Xi New Year Message About Taiwan: “China will surely be reunified”


Posted originally on the CTH on January 1, 2024

In his New Year message to the people of China, Chairman Xi Jinping affirms the intention to unify Taiwan with China.

[Full Translation HERE] From the speech:

“We will continue to support Hong Kong and Macao in harnessing their distinctive strengths, better integrating themselves into China’s overall development, and securing long-term prosperity and stability. China will surely be reunified, and all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”  ~ Chairman Xi Jinping (link)

This is sure to create anxiety amid the DC interventionists within the U.S. foreign policy establishment.  However, with the USA bogged down in two regional conflicts, Israel/Gaza and Ukraine/Russia, the window for China to influence the Taiwan election is wide open.

ALJAZEERA – […] Beijing’s policy towards the self-ruled island it claims as its own will again be under the spotlight when voters in Taiwan go to the polls on January 13 to choose a new president and parliament, and the United States will be watching closely.

At the moment, William Lai Ching-te, the incumbent vice president and the candidate of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), is expected to emerge the winner.

That result would likely rankle Beijing, which portrays Lai as a “separatist” bent on independence and ensure continued tension across the narrow strait that separates the island from China.

“Washington is well prepared to deal with any choice that the Taiwan electorate makes, but there’s certainly going to be different opportunities and challenges depending on what the results of the election are,” Rorry Daniels, the managing director of the Asia Society Policy Institute, told Al Jazeera, adding that the US would be considering strategies for the “appropriate political signals” to deter any Chinese military responses. (more)

Nov 17 2023

China Extends Olive Branch to US Re-Posted Nov 17, 2023 By Martin Armstrong 


China US Trade War

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit concluded with China and the US agreeing to partner on trade military strategy. The love-hate relationship between America and its largest trading partner has been strained for may years and completely counterproductive. China’s President Xi Jinping made it clear to Biden that the US is either for or against them.

“If we regard each other as the biggest rival, the most significant geopolitical challenge and an ever-pressing threat, it will inevitably lead to wrong policies, wrong actions and wrong results,” Xi explained. “China is willing to be a partner and friend of the United States.”

America’s leader, sadly, appeared utterly incapable of having a conversation with Xi. In an embarrassing chain of events, Joe Biden managed to anger China by once again referring to Xi as a dictator. “He’s a dictator in the sense that he is a guy who runs a country… based on a form of government that is totally different from ours,” the man who received the most votes in US history stated. Chinese media has not reported Biden’s comments, and Xi has agreed to send US zoos giant pandas to appease the mindless masses like our president.

The real question remains – can the US stay away from Taiwan? Xi called the issue “the biggest, most dangerous issue in US-China ties,” as the neocons have been extremely vocal about their willingness to defend Taiwan. “China has never bet on the United States to lose, has never intervened in US internal affairs and does not intend to challenge or replace the US. China is happy to see a confident, open and prosperous US,” Xi stated, making it clear that China is focused on advancing economically and not going to war with America.

China’s willingness to partner with the US correlates with its current economy. Foreign investment into China fell to negative territory for the first time since 1998. Now, Chinese leaders want to put differences aside and work with America’s private sector. China has been attempting to mirror America’s business economy since 1978 and embark on a path of capitalistic consumerism.

Every promise will fall to the wayside if the US does not respect the One China policy in regard to Taiwan. China cares not about its other allies and their ongoing wars at the end of the day. Taiwan is the key piece that could make or break US-China relations for generations to come.

Oct 26 2023

Mercantilism v Consumerism – China’s Direction


Armstrong Economics Blog/World Trade Re-Posted Oct 26, 2023 by Martin Armstrong

Mercantilism is the economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by the accumulation of profitable balances, which a government should encourage by means of protectionism, according to the Oxford Dictionary. We see nations like Germany rely on this model as they produce various products to export through trade. German manufacturing has provided the nation with Europe’s strongest economy, but this is not the model China is following to become America’s successor as the financial capital of the world.

Italy may have a lower GDP than Germany, but the average Italian has a higher net worth than the average German. The average Italian has a household net of $295,020. In contrast, the average German household is worth $304,317. Yet Italy has half the GDP of Germany at 2.108 trillion compared to 4.26 trillion. A few short years ago, the average Italian or Spaniard had a higher net than the average German despite Germany having the strongest economy in the continent.

Germany has clung to inflationary fears in the aftermath of the hyperinflation that arose post-World War II. The government has kept taxes high as a result. What made America great was consumerism – people lined up to sell products to Americans. Germany, on the other hand, focuses on producing products to sell to someone else.

China understands what Germany does not. China is moving in the direction of the US to create a consumer-based economy. It will take time, but in 15-20 years, nations will line up to sell to the Chinese.

Oct 22 2023

China Moves Six Warships into the Middle East Amid Rising Tensions


Posted originally on the CTH on October 21, 2023 | Sundance 

Please remember the global economics of the thing always aligns with the motives and outcomes of the thing.  Remember, Saudi Arabia just joined the BRICS coalition, BRICS+.

A new report shows China is moving six additional warships into the Middle East amid concerns the Israeli War could expand into a larger regional conflict.   China is aligned with multiple interests; and cunning Panda also supports the Biden administration end goal of a two-state solution in Israel.

(UK EXPRESS) – China has deployed six warships to the Middle East as the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates, according to reports.

The 44th naval escort task force – from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theatre – has been involved in routine operations in the region and spent several days in Oman last week.

The Chinese warships left Muscat for an unspecified location on Saturday after participating in an exercise with the Omani navy.

The task force includes the Zibo, a guided missile destroyer, the frigate Jingzhou, and the supply ship Qiandaohu – all of which will be stationed in the Middle East as Israel prepares for a ground invasion of Gaza.

During the visit to Oman, Chinese commanders met with Omani military officials and visited military institutions, while sailors from both countries toured shops and even organized a basketball game, according to a state news agency.

Since arriving in the Gulf of Aden north of Somalia six months ago, the PLA task force has been involved in escort missions for shipping.

However, it handed over its mission to the 45th task force – from the PLA’s Northern Theatre command – earlier this month.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping said on Thursday that a two-state solution to establish an independent Palestine is the “fundamental way out” of the Israel-Hamas war. (read more)

We need to keep watching these developments closely.

The U.S. has positioned two carrier battlegroups in the Mediterranean.   One group contains the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer assigned to USS Ford Carrier Strike Group 12.  The Carney traveled through the Suez Canal Wednesday and immediately intercepted 4 cruise missiles and 11 drones from an unknown origin with an unknown destination. {Go Deep}

The original Pentagon statement has not changed in the past 48 hours.  Unknown origin, unknown target.  The missiles entered the protection zone of the strike group, so we shot them down.

All of the follow-up reporting about Yemen and Israel, as the origination and target respectively, has come from high level “U.S. government officials,” not the military.   That approach indicates a sensitive political matter, with the Biden administration (State Dept, NSC and Intel) guiding and controlling public information very carefully.

If you just stick to the Pentagon as the source of information, there has not been a change since the original report to the media.

Something remains sketchy.   I’m still not sure what it is, but something is not passing the sniff test.

China now moves six additional ships into the region.

What interests specifically is China planning on defending?

Also, Asia Times 

Aug 22 2023

Digital IDs in China – THE GREAT RESET IS HAPPENING NOW


Armstrong Economics Blog/Great Reset Re-Posted Aug 22, 2023 by Martin Armstrong

The mainstream media does not want the West to know what is happening in China because the people would be frightened and begin to rebel. The media wants you to believe that China is “experimenting” with digital IDs that are linked to bank accounts and impacted by social credit scores, but they’re already there. TikTok is one of the last platforms where users throughout the world can share personal news without censorship. In the video above, a Chinese woman is explaining how she “once again cannot buy food.”

Her story is one example of how the digital ID program will work. She attempted to buy a new phone linked to a Chinese bank account to bypass the digital ID, but since her cousin purchased the phone, she was unable to log on because the phone was flagged. China has been testing this system since 2018 and had a soft launch in March, when Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced that 100 million citizens would be issued digital identification cards. As always, they market this as a mere convenience.  “One policy from the government this year is to make ID cards electronic, so that relevant information can be accessed by a simple scan of the code on the cellphone,” he said.

Simply look at the articles regarding digital IDs and the praise they receive such as “offering an omnichannel experience” or even calling the provinces that have instituted the measure “digital ID havens.” They tout how citizens can access public venues with facial recognition technology. What they fail to mention is that the government now owns its citizens. All of their data, from where to go to what to buy, is tracked and harvested. One misstep and a person can and will be financially excommunicated from society.

Welcome to the Great Reset. China already had a firm grip on its population that was already battered after what it did during COVID. Remember, Trudeau said China is his ideal form of government. All of the West will watch this play out in China to determine how they can implement it too. They will market this to the sheep as a technological achievement to be celebrated. Those who can think independently will not go down without a fight. We must wake up and realize that the global elite is implementing the Great Reset.

Jul 10 2023

Elon Musk Signs Pledge to Support China’s Socialist Values


Posted originally on the CTH on July 9, 2023 | Sundance 

There’s a lot of background discussion about this latest issue created by Elon Musk signing a pledge to support the socialist (communist) economic enterprise systems under the control of the Chinese Communist Party.

Most of the current discussion is focused on the weak ideological ‘free-market and democratic’ commitment exhibited by Musk’s adherence to the rules and dictates of the Chinese state.  However, I’m staying far outside the esoteric and nuanced implication of this.  The reality is much simpler.

Elon Musk is in a dire financial situation; he cannot afford to be high-minded and ideologically connected to free-speech and free-enterprise right now (if he ever was).

The Musk empire is in a very weak financial position; these decisions made, while China is holding such financial leverage over him, are made without option.  Ironically, Twitter is banned in China. lolol

(Via Daily Mail) – […]  Elon Musk’s Tesla was the only foreign company in the lineup of 15 other automakers to sign the letter.  Part of Musk’s pledge was a promise to support China’s ‘core socialist values’ and bear ‘the heavy responsibility of maintaining steady growth.’ 

The automakers also agreed not to ‘exaggerate or use false publicity and disrupt fair competition with abnormal pricing,’ according to Bloomberg. 

China accounts for one third of Tesla’s annual sales, reports the FT. The communist country is Tesla’s second-largest market after the U.S. and the Shanghai plant is the electric car maker’s largest production hub. 

Yaqiu Wang, senior China researcher with Human Rights Watch, criticized Musk’s moves, telling the FT: ‘Failing to comply with ‘core socialist values’ has been frequently used by authorities to punish speeches that are critical of the Chinese government.’  (read more)

Once you strap onto the ride with the dragon, you don’t get off until the ride’s over.

When the Turkish government told Musk to block the political opposition to the Turkish government, Musk complied.

When the French government told Musk to block and remove content adverse to their domestic interests, Musk complied.

When China says support Communism in our country, or else…. Musk adheres.

Elon Musk is no John Galt.

Jun 20 2023

Palestine Enters the Chat


Armstrong Economics Blog/War Re-Posted Jun 20, 2023 by Martin Armstrong

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for a three-day visit. Xi called Abbas a “good friend” and said that China fully supports Palestine. “We have always firmly supported the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights,” Xi stated. China and Palestine have had good diplomatic relations for years, but this is the first time Xi fully committed to helping Palestine restore statehood.

Peace talks between Palestine and Israel ended in 2014. China may have mended tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, but Israel-Palestine is another issue entirely. The land dispute in this region can be traced back to biblical days. Historians believe Palestine comes from the word “Philistia” or Philistines who are cited in the Torah and Old Testament as sworn enemies of the Jews. Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike know the story of King David battling the Philistines to become king of Israel, albeit they all interpret him a bit differently.

The region has been taken over by numerous empires over the ages. More recently, after the demise of the Ottoman Empire during the Great War in 1918, the British claimed Palestine. The British then established a Jewish nation in the region in 1923. Two decades later, in 1947, the United Nations decided to split Palestine into two states – one Arab and one Jewish. Arab leaders disagreed with the ruling. Britain withdrew, Israel then became a state in May 1948, leading to the Arab-Israeli War. The war ended in 1949, with Israel claiming control of over two-thirds of the territory. The two have been at odds ever since.

That is an extremely over-simplified version of events, but the hatred runs deep. The West has fully supported Israel in maintaining its territory, and China’s intervention in Palestine will be seen as a threat. “We especially appreciate the Chinese side’s commitment to financing a number of development projects presented by Palestine. We wish the speedy dispatch of technical delegations to implement these projects,” Abbas said. China is strategic. They want to assert dominance in the Middle East, where the West has lost its footing nearly everywhere besides Israel.

Jun 16 2023

Blinken to Visit China – What Could Go Wrong?


Armstrong Economics Blog/War Re-Posted Jun 16, 2023 by Martin Armstrong

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Beijing this weekend. Blinken was originally scheduled to visit China in February, but it was delayed after Chinese spy balloons entered US airspace. Sending Blinken to China is like sending a thief to rob the headquarters of the National Rifle Association. Blinken has repeatedly offended China and gushed over the prospects of war. China does not want war, they repeatedly requested for the US to stay out of its affairs.

The meeting is already off to a bad start here. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang called Blinken on Tuesday to remind him to “show respect” before he arrives. CNN already reported that Blinken plans to discuss Taiwan and will “advocate strongly” for military communications. These do not align with the main goals of the meeting which is intended to discuss global macroeconomic stability, global security matters, and establishing proper communication channels. China’s military is not going to form an open line of communication with the US military. China does not advocate the war in Ukraine and has repeatedly tried to remain neutral.

“I hope that the U.S. side will take practical actions to implement the important consensus of the meeting between the two heads of state in Bali, move in the same direction as the Chinese side, effectively manage differences, promote exchanges and cooperation, and promote the stabilization of China-US relations,” Qin said, according to the South China Morning Post. This will not happen. If the US wanted to stabilize relations with China, they would send anyone other than Blinken.

The US is fanning the flames of war and is the aggressor in this situation. They continue to antagonize China, hoping that Beijing will make a move either with Russia or Taiwan so that they can jump on the opportunity for war. The neocons are not concerned about our economy, the lives of the people, or maintaining relations with America’s top trading partner. Expect the headlines early next week to read “Relations Between China and the US Further Deteroriate.”

Jun 12 2023

Europeans Do Not Want to Support the US in a War Against China


Armstrong Economics Blog/War Re-Posted Jun 12, 2023 by Martin Armstrong

America seems to have lost all true allies. Once the world police, the US has been expected to “save” democracies worldwide since the First World War. The US pledges more to NATO than any other member and has gifted Ukraine endless supplies to protect Europe from “Russian aggression.” Yet, a new poll states that Europeans would not want to back America in a war against China.

Six thousand people were surveyed from Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and Sweden. Only a quarter of respondents said they’d “like their country, or Europe, to take America’s side,” while 62% would like to remain neutral. Around 43% said China is a “necessary partner” to the EU, and they must “strategically cooperate” with Beijing. Bulgarians were the most likely to side an alliance with China (8%) and/or consider the nation a “necessary partner” (58%). Swedes were the most willing to support the US, with 26% calling China an adversary. About 31% of Poles also said they would side with America if they were to go to war with China.

What will happen to America’s allies when China becomes the more strategic trading partner? American politicians have destabilized our economy and are attempting to steer away from capitalism. Countries will be lining up to sell to China, and not the US.

In the end, it does not matter. The people are never permitted to vote on whether or not we go to war. Most of us, regardless of nationality, simply want peace. We all want to have enough to live comfortably, which is not an option during wars. They ask us to sacrifice, but for what? Our politicians create conflict and send the people, who never had a say in the first place, into battle to die.

If China enters Taiwan, the world will erupt into chaos. The neocons have been waiting for that very moment to justify a new war. Every NATO member nation would be required to fight China. A Gallup poll from February showed that 65% of Americans wanted to support Ukraine against Russia, but they likely do not realize what it entails. We are not merely giving Ukraine supplies; we are preparing for a worldwide battle. In the end, the people are merely cannon fodder and I hesitate to show any support to a politician who believes war is the only option for conflict resolution.