So, Trump Bombs Syria and Will Have Meetings with Xi Today

[MineralMan]

The timing is interesting, but I don't have much of a clear picture of what the Chinese President will make of this. Certainly, it raises concerns about what Trump might do in North Korea, so that is an issue. On the other hand, Xi might not be all that interested today in solving problems with Trump.

Sadly, we won't really hear what they talked about or how the conversation went.

It appears to me that Trump has flexed his flabby biceps in anticipation of this meeting with Chinese leader. But, will Xi be impressed? I sort of doubt it. There may be a chilly response from China over this.

I'd be interested in hearing what other DUers think about this.

[underpants]

1. Found this article - What Russia and China wanted to do

https://qz.com/952742/what-russia-and-china-wanted-to-do-about-the-the-chemical-weapons-attack-in-syria/

I think it was mostly a matter of odd timing. The Pentagon had a plan (they have plans for everything) and a swift reaction seemed to be needed - if we assume it was Assad doing it on purpose- so they pulled the trigger.

[MineralMan]

2. I've read several stories on this already this morning.

It appears that there won't be an official reaction from China at this time. I suppose that reflects the difficulties of the situation, especially with regard to the North Korea situation. It presents some very complicated issues, really, for both the US and China. I suppose any official reaction will come after Xi returns to China and discussions there lead to whatever decisions are reached.

Certainly, though it raises a lot of concerns.

[sweetapogee]

3. hurry up

and get some clarity on the situation with Xi pronto. We are counting on you to bring us up to speed!

[MineralMan]

5. Actually, I'm not that well-informed about China/US relations.

My interests are primarily domestic, so I won't really be able to make any sensible predictions. I'm curious, though, and will be following to see what does happen.

[Satch59]

4. News seems to be building that this was theatre...

And I'll guess that Xi is smarter than Trump (who isn't) so he should be skeptical... Seems like a bully in your face move to China... If info doesn't leak out about meeting, will have to wait until Xi leaves for his reaction?

[MineralMan]

7. Theater, to be sure.

There are many levels at play here, but the plot of this play is still not clear.

I have no doubt that Xi is smarter than Trump. Almost anyone is smarter than Trump. I think you're right, though. We may not be able to fully understand this until Xi returns to China.

[bigtree]

6. I don't think this alters China's stance

...the strikes already serve for China to opportunistically portray the U.S. as imperialist, and China, like Russia, will use this incident as justification for their own expansionist moves and ambitions, like in the South China Sea.

[MineralMan]

8. I think you're probably right in the long term.

Immediately, though, the ramifications of all this may have an impact on a number of issues. China thinks thoroughly about it's long-term goals and plans. The US? Not so much. Trump? Not at all. He's reacts, rather than plans, I think.

There are two completely different philosophies at play when it comes to China and the US.

[Blue_Roses]

10. Well said!

nt

[malaise]

9. It was deliberate

See how Macho I am - says the Con.
It was a violation of US law and International law

[MineralMan]

12. No doubt. Clearly, Trump is doing this in some sort of

strategic way, but I wonder how well he understands strategy. He doesn't seem like a strategic thinker, really.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

11. Xi will do what is in China's interest. I doubt a few dozen cruise missiles will intimidate him.

[MineralMan]

13. I agree. China doesn't give a damn about Syria, really.

It's pretty inconsequential to them. However, it does have interests in North Korea, and this seems to be a clear message about that nation's plans to create arms that might threaten the US or its ally, Japan.

A shot across the bow, perhaps.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

14. Not his problem.

[MineralMan]

15. Perhaps. I don't know.

[mitch96]

16. tRump is just a bully

and he is showing Xi/ Kim how big his balls are. Like grabbing Abe's arm and failing to to it to Trudeau.
m

[KittyWampus]

17. Xi is nobodies fool and on overtly better footing w/Putin. He knows Trump is an asset

and a chump. He probably knows last nights missiles were pure theater to help a weakling with a pathetic State Dept and no clue about international relations.