All anybody has been talking about in the last day or so are these “balloons” that have been appearing over the U.S. skyline and Latin America. There has been no shortage of speculation, fear mongering, paranoia and, well…comedy. At least there weren’t 99 balloons, some joked. Yet, I say.
Honestly, I don't agree with either side on the Chinese balloon issue. America's current policy is undermining the Two China Solution, which is needlessly aggravating mainland China. China has the potential to be a powerful ally in the global fight against radical Islamic terrorism (as seen in Xinjiang).
It seemed that China was playing a game of 'I'm not touching you' with the US. I wouldn't be surprised if another one floated by, given how pathetically this situation was handled.
I was amazed by how much attention this BALOON gained precisely because the U.S. officials made its presence public knowledge. This act alone would mean another "Smokescreen" operation in my mind.
The fact that even Random Minds have dedicated substantial time, talent, and passion to this "incident," however, made me pause.
I guess the reason for this hype is evident in this quote:
"I don't think that what China wants is a physical war. I don't think they are prepared for it. What they are looking to win is a war of ideas—a cultural war. And they want to outcompete with the U.S., destabilizing it, and kicking it off its throne as the world leader."
"To them, it's time for the East to reign and they are willing to send a few balloons to make it happen."
Yes, granted, Random Minds have the unwavering challenge to tackle any subject.
I am going to exercise mine and suggest a few things to consider.
CCP (a.k.a. China) doesn't give a spit about winning a war of ideas (which is not the same as a cultural war). The mere possibility of any doubt about China's (CCP) way will be the beginning of the end for the CCP.
Chinese way for millennia never was an obvious one. Of course, they DO NOT want "to outcompete with the U.S., destabilizing it, and kicking it off its throne as the world leader."
CCP wants to keep U.S. and any other "Western" competition thriving for as long as possible. Otherwise, who are they have to make their "Target practice"?
To any "normal" Chinese citizen, the East was, is and always be the true Realm. West only exist as the challenge to overcome. So, yes, they might be willing to send Balloons to the West to show how much of a challenge they perceive us.
Now, here is the real QUESTION: where is the proof that this Balloon was "Made in China"
I have quite the itch to put my bet on Russia using Chinese made balloon instead.
How about an even better one? The way this charade has played, maximum benefit would be gained by US/UK coalition by showing China "a finger" to encourage them further to dive into Russian misadventure in Ukraine
The U.S. may have not shot the balloon down for the reason they gave: it had the equivalent of two busloads on it and having that fall on someone would be no bueno. Or they were studying it and what type of data it was sending back.
Here is a very good thread on the subject William "Balloon Guy" Kim.
Honestly, I don't agree with either side on the Chinese balloon issue. America's current policy is undermining the Two China Solution, which is needlessly aggravating mainland China. China has the potential to be a powerful ally in the global fight against radical Islamic terrorism (as seen in Xinjiang).
Thought this was a great analysis--hope you don't mind I gave you a shoutout! https://diplomacydebrief.substack.com/p/foreign-policy-and-bidens-state-of
It seemed that China was playing a game of 'I'm not touching you' with the US. I wouldn't be surprised if another one floated by, given how pathetically this situation was handled.
Hello,
I was amazed by how much attention this BALOON gained precisely because the U.S. officials made its presence public knowledge. This act alone would mean another "Smokescreen" operation in my mind.
The fact that even Random Minds have dedicated substantial time, talent, and passion to this "incident," however, made me pause.
I guess the reason for this hype is evident in this quote:
"I don't think that what China wants is a physical war. I don't think they are prepared for it. What they are looking to win is a war of ideas—a cultural war. And they want to outcompete with the U.S., destabilizing it, and kicking it off its throne as the world leader."
"To them, it's time for the East to reign and they are willing to send a few balloons to make it happen."
Yes, granted, Random Minds have the unwavering challenge to tackle any subject.
I am going to exercise mine and suggest a few things to consider.
CCP (a.k.a. China) doesn't give a spit about winning a war of ideas (which is not the same as a cultural war). The mere possibility of any doubt about China's (CCP) way will be the beginning of the end for the CCP.
Chinese way for millennia never was an obvious one. Of course, they DO NOT want "to outcompete with the U.S., destabilizing it, and kicking it off its throne as the world leader."
CCP wants to keep U.S. and any other "Western" competition thriving for as long as possible. Otherwise, who are they have to make their "Target practice"?
To any "normal" Chinese citizen, the East was, is and always be the true Realm. West only exist as the challenge to overcome. So, yes, they might be willing to send Balloons to the West to show how much of a challenge they perceive us.
Now, here is the real QUESTION: where is the proof that this Balloon was "Made in China"
I have quite the itch to put my bet on Russia using Chinese made balloon instead.
How about an even better one? The way this charade has played, maximum benefit would be gained by US/UK coalition by showing China "a finger" to encourage them further to dive into Russian misadventure in Ukraine
Also, here is an article Kim referred to on how the U.S. is using balloons.
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/05/u-s-militarys-newest-weapon-against-china-and-russia-hot-air-00043860
The U.S. may have not shot the balloon down for the reason they gave: it had the equivalent of two busloads on it and having that fall on someone would be no bueno. Or they were studying it and what type of data it was sending back.
Here is a very good thread on the subject William "Balloon Guy" Kim.
https://twitter.com/TheKimulation/status/1544527308282896385?s=20&t=2DQB_iHVuYuRsMpxg0vzzA