China - was it worth it?

"Ever wonder why so many things (weapons in particular) look like ours? Coincidence? Maybe, but probably not. The Chinese are excellent in stealing our IP. This unfettered theft has cost us billions. We know for a fact they do it - even though they deny it. Trust, yet verify? With these guys trust is a four-letter word and not a five-letter word. I studied them for years while in the Navy. As Yoda would say - I trust them not!"

One of the best things which came out of the China delegation last week, was the offer and acceptance for President Xi to visit the White House in late September. Why was that important? Besides the detente issue, it would be a great chance for Trump to hold Xi's feet to the fire on any new trade agreements which were made. No offense to China, but their track record on walking the walk after talking the talk needs some improvement.

One of the things I felt for sure would be a slam dunk agreement on, was China sending part of their new and massive navy over to the Strait of Hormuz to help "unclog the drain". China, who imports most of their oil via the Strait seems to have the most to lose by having a dysfunctional Strait. But nope - no deal on that front. China did agree to buy more of our oil, but we will see if that agreement sticks.

How is the trust level with China these days? You mean, the China which flew a spy balloon over the entire United States when Biden was president? Here was where a picture was worth a thousand words. Every single person who received ANY small gift or token from the Chinese, had to surrender such prior to getting on board Air Force One on the ride home. The message? We trust you as far as we can throw you China. We know they would plant a bug on AF One if they had the chance.

The farmers in the Midwest are particularly interested to see how this new soybean deal is going to work out. Why? The Midwest farmers don't want to be left at the alter again (so to speak), if China reneges on buying our soybeans. We grow a high-quality soybean, and it would so very nice to have access to that huge Chinese market. But as we know, politics and geo-political issues can ruin the best laid plans.

Ever wonder why so many things (weapons in particular) look like ours? Coincidence? Maybe, but probably not. The Chinese are excellent in stealing our IP. This unfettered theft has cost us billions. We know for a fact they do it - even though they deny it. Trust, yet verify? With these guys trust is a four-letter word and not a five-letter word. I studied them for years while in the Navy. As Yoda would say - "I trust them not!"