Gordon Chang UNCOVERS China official’s SHOCKING assassination comment

Key Concepts

• Rare Earth Magnets
• Soybean Purchases
• End User Validation Arrangement
• Military-Civil Fusion Doctrine
• Entity List
• Amphibious Assault Ships
• Shipbuilding Capacity
• Self-Defense Forces
• Taiwan Blockade

Rare Earths and Trade Agreements

The discussion begins with a question regarding China potentially withholding rare earth medical magnets from U.S. military-tied companies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expresses confidence that China will honor agreements, citing an upcoming agreement expected by Thanksgiving. He states that the agreement stipulates magnets will flow freely as they did before April 4th.

Regarding soybean purchases, Bessent confirms that China has already begun purchases, agreeing to buy 12 million tons for the current buying season and 25 million tons for the next three years, totaling 87 million tons.

Gordon Chang, Senior Fellow at the Gatestone Institute, expresses skepticism due to China's past failures to uphold agreements. He references a Wall Street Journal report alleging China was withholding rare earth minerals from Pentagon-tied companies.

Chang highlights two issues with the Treasury Secretary's statement:

• Technical Issue: A White House fact sheet from November 1st states China will remove the October 9th "end user validation arrangement" and all rare earth restrictions imposed over the past 23 months. The question remains whether the Thanksgiving agreement aligns with these terms.
• Strategic Issue: Chang argues that China is not meeting its soybean purchase requirements, questioning why the U.S. should focus on documenting one part of the agreement if China is not honoring the other.

Alibaba and Cybersecurity Concerns

The conversation shifts to a Financial Times report indicating Alibaba is assisting the Chinese military in cyberattacks against the U.S., based on a White House memo. Gordon Chang advocates for Alibaba to be placed on the Entity List and for Americans to cease dealings with the company. He asserts that under China's "military-civil fusion" doctrine, all Chinese companies are related to the military, and Alibaba should be removed from U.S. exchanges immediately.

Trust and Leverage in U.S.-China Relations

Maria questions the U.S.'s ability to trust China in any deals, acknowledging President Trump's balancing act due to U.S. supply chain reliance on China. Chang points out that China has violated every agreement with the U.S., including the Phase One trade deal of January 2020. He emphasizes that if the U.S. is to have any agreement with China, it must utilize all its leverage, which he believes it is not currently doing.

Military Technology Race and Shipbuilding

The U.S. is engaged in a military technology race with China in air and sea. While the U.S. Air Force is developing the next generation of F-47 fighters, China is working to catch up. China leads in the commercial drone market, but this doesn't necessarily translate to a military advantage. China is also launching its newest amphibious assault ship, capable of launching aircraft and landing craft. Although the U.S. possesses more amphibious assault vessels, China leads in overall shipbuilding and navy size.

President Trump's efforts to boost American shipbuilding are acknowledged, including partnerships with countries like South Korea. Chang credits Trump for ramping up shipbuilding and notes that the Biden administration did not address this obvious danger. He contrasts current shipbuilding rates with World War II, when ships were built at a rate of one per day, and criticizes the current state of the U.S. Navy, suggesting a need for administrative changes.

Alliances and Regional Security (Japan and Taiwan)

President Trump's effectiveness in gathering allies is highlighted, specifically mentioning the recent meeting with Japan's new Prime Minister. Japan is now attempting to de-escalate its issues with China, with the Prime Minister stating that a Chinese attack on Taiwan that threatens Japan could trigger a military response. This statement was made a week after meeting with Xi Jinping and agreeing to pursue stable bilateral ties. Beijing has demanded the Prime Minister retract her statement and is urging Chinese citizens not to travel to Japan, hinting at sanctions and the suspension of economic ties.

Gordon Chang clarifies that the Japanese Prime Minister's statement on November 7th correctly indicated that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would necessitate the mobilization of Japan's Self-Defense Forces. She also stated that if China attacked U.S. ships attempting to break a Taiwan blockade, Japan would come to the U.S.'s aid. Chang views these as crucial statements demonstrating Japan's lack of fear of China and its willingness to support Taiwan. He condemns China's reaction, including a maritime enforcement patrol and a Chinese Consul General's threat to assassinate the Japanese Prime Minister, deeming it unacceptable and calling for U.S. support for its ally, Japan.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The discussion reveals significant skepticism regarding China's adherence to trade and security agreements. While U.S. officials express confidence in upcoming deals concerning rare earth minerals and soybean purchases, experts like Gordon Chang highlight China's history of violations and the need for the U.S. to leverage its position more effectively. Concerns are raised about China's military-civil fusion doctrine and its implications for companies like Alibaba. The conversation also touches upon the ongoing military technology race, the importance of rebuilding U.S. shipbuilding capacity, and the strengthening of alliances, particularly with Japan, in the face of regional tensions surrounding Taiwan. The core takeaway is a call for vigilance and a robust application of U.S. leverage in its dealings with China, given past betrayals and ongoing strategic competition.