8 Comments

I thank you for your cool, dispassionate analysis of the issue--I have heard and read far too much "the sky is falling" (or is about to fall) rhetoric about Taiwan. The Chinese are generally much more pragmatic about things than the Russians, it seems.

Expand full comment

Sometimes, just to make a point, isn’t worth the cost. Putin’s move proves this, and I’m sure China has observed the outcome so far. I doubt 1 Billion of the 1.4 Billion could care less if they get control of Taiwan. As you say, China has more pressing issues.

Expand full comment

Also one of my astute readers, Hilary Brown Bierman a great foreign correspondent, noted a mistake and it is Tom Friedman not Friedland. And we shared a mini bus with him to Davos years ago. D

Expand full comment

As usual, brilliant analysis. Worth the read for this needed wisdom: "China’s economic dependence on Russia is miniscule, but its economic dependence on Europe and the United States is enormous which is why it doesn’t provide military aid to Putin."

Expand full comment

Thanks -- I love your newsletter too "The First Person with Michael Judge"

Expand full comment

Sorry Diane, I’m confused. You begin by criticizing Pelosi for making the Taiwan trip and conclude by praising her. What am I missing? Is it a yea or nay?

Expand full comment

It was useful I said in the beginning -- she stood up to the bear and poked it and China stood up for itself without doing any real harm

Expand full comment

Also confused. I am not in favour of the visit and do not see the point except to poke the bear which is Pelosi's style. Not sure why Biden allowed this. Glad South Korea snubbed her. In Northern Ireland, Pelosi also pokes the unionist bear supporting Sinn Fein and the IRA, urging unity when most people North and South do not want it. Time for her to spend more time with her family.

Expand full comment