Wars & Rumours of Wars

wwkirk

Divine
There is more to it than that...

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Nancy Pelosi's long history of opposing Beijing

Most famously in 1991, two years after large-scale protests in Beijing were crushed by the Chinese government, she visited Tiananmen Square and displayed a banner honouring the deceased demonstrators.

For its part, the Chinese government has made no secret of its disdain for Ms Pelosi, once labelling her "full of lies and disinformation".

China sees self-ruled Taiwan as a breakaway province, and has not ruled out using force to unify it. It deploys significant pressure to dissuade other countries from recognising Taiwan's independence.
It has warned of serious consequences if Ms Pelosi does visit Taiwan.

She is second in line for the presidency after Vice-President Kamala Harris, and would be the most senior US politician to travel to the island since her predecessor Newt Gingrich in 1997.

Ms Pelosi is reportedly planning to visit Singapore, Indonesia and Japan in early August, but it is still unclear whether she will stop in Taiwan.

With US-China tensions continuing to run high, even White House officials have reportedly tried to dissuade her from doing so. US President Joe Biden recently told reporters "the military thinks it's not a good idea".

But it is not the first time Ms Pelosi has angered Chinese authorities.

1991 Tiananmen Square visit

Two years after protestors were crushed by Communist Party forces in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, the then-California representative visited the capital city. Slipping away from her official escorts along with two other members of Congress, she went to the city square without the permission of her Chinese hosts.

There, they unfurled a small, black banner. "To those who died for democracy in China," the hand-painted banner read.


View: https://twitter.com/speakerpelosi/status/1136052504742027265


The police closed in quickly, roughing up reporters who were covering the event and chasing the lawmakers out of the square.
China's Foreign Ministry later denounced the incident as a "premeditated farce".

Some have criticised Ms Pelosi's actions during the 1991 visit. Former CNN Beijing bureau chief Mike Chinoy wrote in an op-ed for Foreign Policy that she was the reason he got arrested at the scene.
Mr Chinoy said he was not aware of what Ms Pelosi planned to do at the square, and was detained for several hours as the police were unable to target a visiting foreign dignitary.

"It was my first experience with Pelosi's penchant for high-profile gestures designed to poke China's communist rulers in the eye - regardless of the consequences," he wrote.


View: https://twitter.com/mikechinoy/status/1552827710476795905


Ms Pelosi, who also helped lead a resolution condemning China's actions in 1989, has continued to speak out about the "massacre" of demonstrators over the years.

Most recently, she issued a statement to mark the 33rd anniversary of the protests this year, calling the demonstrations "one of the greatest acts of political courage" and slamming the Communist Party's "oppressive regime".

Letters to Hu

At a meeting with then-Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao in 2002, Ms Pelosi tried to pass him four letters expressing concern over the detention and imprisonment of activists in China and Tibet, and calling for their release.

Mr Hu refused to accept the letters.

Seven years later, Ms Pelosi reportedly hand-delivered another letter to Mr Hu - by then President of China - calling for the release of political prisoners including prominent dissident Liu Xiaobo.

Liu was named the winner of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize but was not allowed to travel to Norway to accept the award. He died of cancer in 2017 while still under Chinese custody.

Olympic manoeuvres

Ms Pelosi has opposed China's bids to host the Olympics Games as far back as 1993 on the basis of its alleged human rights abuses.
She was one of the lawmakers that unsuccessfully urged then-US President George W Bush to boycott China's Summer Olympics opening ceremony in 2008.

This year, the Speaker of the House again led calls for a "diplomatic boycott" of Beijing's 2022 Winter Olympics over the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in China.

"For heads of state to go to China in light of a genocide that is ongoing - while you're sitting there in your seat - really begs the question, what moral authority do you have to speak again about human rights any place in the world?" she said.

In response, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington said US politicians were in no position to make "wanton groundless criticism" against China.

Over the years, Ms Pelosi has also pushed for China's trade status to be linked to its human rights record, and to attach conditions to China's entry to the World Trade Organization.

The policy has been controversial: Mr Bush vetoed legislation related to this several times, while former President Bill Clinton initially supported but later abandoned it, saying broader American strategic interests justified the reversal.


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Well, I'll be! Never thought I would find something to like about Pelosi. (Still dumb of her not to just visit Taiwan on the down-low.)
 

nivek

As Above So Below
Well, I'll be! Never thought I would find something to like about Pelosi. (Still dumb of her not to just visit Taiwan on the down-low.)

A small thorn in their side, I like that too...

Would we go to war with China if her plane was brought down?...

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nivek

As Above So Below

NATO says it's prepared to intervene in Kosovo if ‘stability is jeopardized’

NATO-led forces are prepared to intervene in northern Kosovo if stability in the region is jeopardized.

NATO said in a statement Sunday that tensions are on the rise in the northern municipalities of Kosovo and that Kosovo Force Pristina (KFOR) was monitoring the situation closely.

KFOR, the NATO-led peacekeeping force, was established in 1999 with the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1244, which came in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Tensions are again on the rise amid a new government regulation that will compel people entering Kosovo with Serbian IDs to replace them with a temporary document during their stay there.

On Sunday, ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo — a partially recognized state bordered by Serbia in the Balkans — blocked two key border crossings with Serbia to protest the new rule.

NATO said KFOR was monitoring the situation closely "and is prepared to intervene if stability is jeopardized."

"KFOR maintains a visible and agile posture on the ground, and the KFOR Commander is in contact with all of his main interlocutors, including the representatives of the Kosovo security organizations and the Serbian of Defense," NATO said in a statement.

The new regulation was set to take effect on Aug. 1, but Kosovo announced later Sunday it would postpone the decision on license plates and Serbian-issued IDs until Sept. 1.


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wwkirk

Divine
A small thorn in their side, I like that too...

Would we go to war with China if her plane was brought down?...

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CNN presently saying Pelosi's Taiwan visit is on.
 

nivek

As Above So Below

China's Red Army releases video of missile strikes and ground invasions in ANOTHER thinly veiled threat to Pelosi after it was revealed she'll 'defy Beijing and visit Taiwan tomorrow'



The Chinese People's Liberation Army has issued another warning to Nancy Pelosi's ahead of her expected trip to Taiwan with a video simulating a missile strike, aircraft carriers advancing and fighter jets in formation. The video was posted on WeChat on Monday morning following reports the U.S. House Speaker will arrive in Taipei on Tuesday night - despite Beijing warning they could shoot her plane down and launch a military response. Senior Taiwanese government officials and a US official both told CNN that the stop is on her trip, even though it is not on her public itinerary. Reports from TVBS News in Taiwan have said Pelosi could arrive in Taipei as early as tomorrow night and her team has booked two hotels, although there is no mention of the visit in her official itinerary. The US official added that defense department officials were working on securing a plan to keep her safe, according to CNN. The visit will inflame tensions with China, which considers Taiwan one of its own territories. Amid the threat, Taiwanese officials reportedly have cancelled leave for soldiers and officers 'to immediately prepare' for the prospect of war. Last Friday, Chinese state media said the government was prepared to shoot Pelosi's plane down if it was detected in its airspace accompanied by a fighter jet escort.

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nivek

As Above So Below

British MPs plan visit to Taiwan as tension with China simmers

Britain’s House of Commons foreign affairs committee is planning a visit to Taiwan later this year – probably in November or early December – despite rising tensions in the region, the Guardian has learned.

Sources say the trip – which was originally scheduled for early this year but was postponed due to one member of the delegation testing positive for Covid – was intended to show Britain’s support for the democratically run island, which China considers its own.

It comes as London’s relationship with Beijing continues to deteriorate. Last week, the Conservative leadership candidates, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, articulated their tough positions on China. And China’s ambassador to the UK accused some British politicians of “peddling the fallacy of the so-called China threat” in a video remark.


(More on the link)

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AlienView

Noble

China military posts missile strike video as Taiwan preps for Pelosi arrival

(Excerpt)

“We are fully prepared for any eventuality. Fight upon order, bury every intruder, and move toward joint and successful operations! We are PLA soldiers, we swear to defend the motherland to the death,” soldiers say in the video.

China’s Liberation Army video clip.

China’s Liberation Army video clip.

China’s Liberation Army video clip.

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WORLD

As Pelosi starts Asia tour, China warns of military action if she visits Taiwan​

"House Speaker Nancy Pelosi kicked off an Asia tour Monday that's been shrouded in secrecy following an escalation in tensions with China over Taiwan."


What the Chinese don't understand is that if Nancy Pelosi is not scared of the NRA
- Why should she be scared of Xi Jinping?
 

nivek

As Above So Below

CIA drone strike kills Al-Qaeda chief al-Zawahiri in Kabul after FBI put $25m bounty on his head: Taliban calls hit 'a violation of international principles' - as Biden prepares for 7:30 p.m. address

Biden will address the nation at 7:30 tonight on successful counterterrorism raid

President Joe Biden will address the nation Monday night about a successful counterterrorism operation regarding al Qaeda, the White House announced. A U.S. strike this week weekend in Afghanistan killed top leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, the Associated Press reported. The drone strike was carried out by the CIA in Kabul on Sunday, Reuters noted. Biden, who remains in isolation after a rebound case of COVID, will make the address from the first floor balcony off the blue room of the White House at 7:30 pm ET. 'Over the weekend, the United States conducted a counterterrorism operation against a significant Al Qaeda target in Afghanistan. The operation was successful and there were no civilian casualties,' a senior administration official said. In a statement, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that a strike took place and strongly condemned it, calling it a violation of 'international principles.' Ayman al-Zawahiri, who was Osama bin Laden's second-in-command, was on the FBI's most-wanted terrorist list. There was a $25 million reward for information leading directly to him. Al-Zawahiri, 71, has been indicted for his alleged role in the August 7, 1998, bombings of the United States Embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya.

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nivek

As Above So Below

Pelosi LANDS in Taiwan: Democrat defies Beijing and touches down in Taipei escorted by FIVE F-15s as China sends tanks onto beaches opposite island and fighter jets across strait

Nancy Pelosi lands in Taiwan amid warning US  will 'pay the price' for her visit

Speaker Nancy Pelosi landed in Taiwan on Tuesday amid warnings from a furious Beijing that any U.S. politician visiting the island nation will 'come to no good end' if they 'play with fire.' Her plane touched down in Taipei at 10:45 pm local time. The Chinese backed up their words with a shore of force. As the speaker's Air Force plane approached Taipei, Chinese Air Force Su-35 fighter jets were crossing the Taiwan Straits, local media outlets reported. And chilling footage shared on Chinese social network Weibo appears to show amphibious tanks on the coast of Fujian along the Taiwan Strait. Further footage shows military equipment on the move in the city of Xiamen. But Taiwan gave her a warm welcome. The island's tallest building, TAIPEI 101, lit up with a welcome message for Speaker Pelosi and supporters held welcome signs out of the hotel she will reportedly stay in. Pelosi is the highest-ranking U.S. elected official to visit Taiwan since 1997. The White House is aware of her location.

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wwkirk

Divine

Pelosi LANDS in Taiwan: Democrat defies Beijing and touches down in Taipei escorted by FIVE F-15s as China sends tanks onto beaches opposite island and fighter jets across strait

Nancy Pelosi lands in Taiwan amid warning US  will 'pay the price' for her visit 'pay the price' for her visit

Speaker Nancy Pelosi landed in Taiwan on Tuesday amid warnings from a furious Beijing that any U.S. politician visiting the island nation will 'come to no good end' if they 'play with fire.' Her plane touched down in Taipei at 10:45 pm local time. The Chinese backed up their words with a shore of force. As the speaker's Air Force plane approached Taipei, Chinese Air Force Su-35 fighter jets were crossing the Taiwan Straits, local media outlets reported. And chilling footage shared on Chinese social network Weibo appears to show amphibious tanks on the coast of Fujian along the Taiwan Strait. Further footage shows military equipment on the move in the city of Xiamen. But Taiwan gave her a warm welcome. The island's tallest building, TAIPEI 101, lit up with a welcome message for Speaker Pelosi and supporters held welcome signs out of the hotel she will reportedly stay in. Pelosi is the highest-ranking U.S. elected official to visit Taiwan since 1997. The White House is aware of her location.

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View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehObxWrkgp0
 

nivek

As Above So Below
Coast to Coast have a poll on this, I voted yes:

Screenshot_20220802-121730.jpg
 

AD1184

Celestial
China can't exactly launch an invasion with only a few days' notice. It will take months of build-up. I had been hoping for more adversarial relations with the Chinese state for decades now, as they are clearly not our friends, and will not change to become more like us, as has been abundantly clear for a long time. Tienanmen Square ought to have been a clue for many. We have transferred massive amounts of western wealth to, and become utterly dependent upon, the largest, and one of the worst, despotisms the world has ever seen.

However, I fear that it has come too late. Many of our leaders no longer see the Chinese Communist Party way of doing things as especially bad when applied to western countries. Rather, they look to China for ideas as to how to run a country (social credit, vaccine passports, the threat of mass house arrest at a moment's notice lasting indefinitely into the future, changing the nature of digital currency to attach conditions to how wages are spent, etc). That, and the rise of totalitarian neo-marxist ideology among western elites, mean that in the war of ideas between China and the west, there is becoming less and less to choose between the two sides as the years go by.
 
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nivek

As Above So Below

Seeing Red: Furious China tears into Biden for 'indulging and colluding' with Pelosi over her Taiwan trip and summons U.S. Ambassador - as Nancy sleeps under armed guard at Grand Hyatt

Chinese officials summoned U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns in the middle of the night for a meeting to protest Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Taiwan. Burns was summoned to appear by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng, who is specifically in charge of managing China's relationship with the United States. Xie said President Joe Biden's government should have 'restrained Pelosi's unscrupulous move and prevented her from going against the historical trend but instead indulged her and colluded with her.'

China tears into U.S. for 'indulging' and 'colluding' with Nancy Pelosi and sums U.S.


Surrounded: China is planning live fire military exercises around Taiwan from August 4-7, the Xinjua News Agency announced


China is planning live fire military exercises around Taiwan from August 4-7, the Xinjua News Agency announced.

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