China has a partner it relies on in its negotiations with the Trump administration: Democrats in the House and Senate. China watches very carefully what is happening on the political front and in our media. China’s behavior and negotiating tactics are calculated based in part on what is happening domestically in the United States.
China dragged its feet on trade until the report by Special Counsel Robert Mueller was released. The Chinese still see weaknesses with the preoccupation by Democrats and the media on impeachment and lack of will or interest on the part of Congress to deal with trade agreements made with Canada and Mexico.
The president of China uses America’s democracy as a tool of negotiation. He sees it as bargaining chip and wishes to exploit our political divisions. The president of China has a lifetime gig. He answers to few and does not have to worry about a free press and political opposition second-guessing every decision or his ability or intent in making bilateral agreements.
TRUMP SAYS OBAMA LET CHINA GET AWAY WITH ‘MURDER,’ TOUTS TARIFFS AS TRADE STANDOFF HEATS UP
I have been to China many times with presidents and vice presidents of the United States and have experienced the difficulties of dealing with a country where “yes” means “no” and “no” means “maybe.” The Chinese see America as a fleeting power – just passing through. Today we are seen as a necessary evil they have to deal with until such time as they don’t. China is expanding its military, Investment, diplomacy and control around the globe.
The Chinese do this while masquerading as still a developing nation and while others are distracted with their own internal and external issues. No one wants to take on China.
www.foxnews.com/opinion/bradley-blakeman-trump-right-china
AC