National leaders don't crack jokes in public for mere entertainment—they do it to send messages. And over this past weekend, foreign media caught President Xi Jinping and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung doing exactly that, joking about a certain superpower's use of technology to intrude into people’s privacy.
However, the American president wasn't laughing. In a CBS interview on Sunday, Trump was asked whether the US would "intervene" if Beijing launched a military attack on Taiwan. His response dripped with anger: "You’ll find out if it happens, and he understands the answer to that."
Trump then went further, claiming that “He (referring to Xi) has openly said, and his people have openly said at meetings, ‘We would never do anything while President Trump is president’, because they know the consequences." Analysts reckon that because Taiwan reunification would spark US-China tensions, both leaders at the Busan summit seemingly dodged the issue on purpose, focusing instead on topics like the trade war.
The "Consequences" Trump Doesn't Want to Face
Here's another joke from a head of state—and the punchline is "consequences." What consequences exactly? China's reunification cause doesn't require American permission.
Fact number one: The Taiwan question involves the moral principles established after World War II reconstruction. As Article 2(4) of the UN Charter clearly states, "All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations." If the United States publicly refuses to acknowledge this, the consequences would be more than Trump can handle.
Fact number two: China is now strong enough to fend off any economic or technological containment launched by the US and the West. Consequences? Look at Russia—no need to elaborate further.
And lets not forget: there was once an unrealistic fantasy that exaggerated Trump's "art of the deal," believing he could strike a "great deal" with China, using Taiwan as a bargaining chip to extract maximum benefits for America. For God’s sake—is China's sovereignty something to be negotiated or traded? The British Iron Lady learned her lesson from China; those consequences can be quite severe indeed!
Those "China experts" at home and abroad might find some comfort in the fact that Trump appears to have made major moves on the eve of his meeting with President Xi—when deals don't work, resort to hardball tactics. The White House has called for resuming nuclear testing, which would undoubtedly trigger nuclear weapons competition among major powers, adding chaos and trouble to the international community.
Trump announced last Thursday: "Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately." Some say Trump's "nuclear order" was triggered by Russia's recent successful test-firing of a cruise missile with nuclear strike capability, but the US posture simultaneously targeting China is quite obvious. Why? In today's world, only three superpowers exist, and only China, the US, and Russia can play the nuclear missile game.
Xi's Phone Gift: A Public Mockery
The core of President Xi Jinping's joke this time was two Chinese-made phones presented to Lee Jae-myung—one for him and one for his wife. Both phones are manufactured by Xiaomi, and the significance lies in the fact that Xiaomi uses display screens produced in South Korea. The New York Times reported that Lee picked up one of the unopened phones and examined it carefully, then asked: "How secure is this phone?"
Xi laughed and said: "You can check if there’s a backdoor." He was referring to pre-installed software that allows third parties to monitor phones. Lee burst out laughing and even clapped his hands, appearing quite delighted.
What's the point of this joke? China's supreme leader publicly mocked the United States without mercy. What deeper meaning lies within? Simple: besides puncturing the myth of America, it openly treats the US as a paper tiger.
President Trump, please be cautious in your words and actions. China loves peace, but at the same time cannot be provoked. If the line is crossed, the situation will be difficult to handle.
Deep Blue
** The blog article is the sole responsibility of the author and does not represent the position of our company. **
When reporters asked about French President Macron refusing to join the Gaza Peace Commission, Trump didn't miss a beat: "Did he say that? Well, nobody wants him because he will be out of office very soon." He added: "I'll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he'll join, but he doesn't have to join." Translation: If even bros get no face, you’re really nobody. Classic Trump.
France represents Europe's core values and has consistently railed against China's so-called "overcapacity." Last year, when Sino-European trade tensions peaked, France's Les Échos quoted the American think tank Rhodium Group: "China’s overcapacity may have an impact on Western economies. In fact, the real losers are countries in the Global South." The analysis attacked both sides—so why did Europe find it music to their ears? Because they never forgot 2013, when the EU sanctioned Chinese solar panels under the banner of anti-dumping. Now those same solar panels, wind turbines, and domestically produced EVs have roared back with a vengeance, hammering European manufacturing.
Trump's "Gaza Peace Commission" Power Play
So what's this Peace Commission all about? The United States has sent invitations to leaders of over 60 countries and international organizations. Yesterday it was confirmed that Putin made the guest list. According to multiple foreign media reports, the White House is demanding that countries pony up over $1 billion in exchange for permanent seats on the “Gaza Peace Commission." Trump, as US President, becomes the Commission's inaugural chairman with personal authority to decide who gets invited. Pay attention—all decisions will be made by majority vote, but must ultimately be approved by the chairman. What does that mean? Dictatorship, plain and simple.
Moreover, the White House will soon announce the membership list. The Commission will be composed of US Secretary of State Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law, and others—a cozy family affair with global ambitions.
Don't waste time asking whether the Commission is reasonable, appropriate, or constitutional under US law—that's beside the point. At least the United Nations hasn't issued any statement opposing it so far. You can only ask: "Would Putin really play along with this?" Or: "Has Beijing received an invitation?" Global Times reported: "At the moment, Russia is looking at all the details of this proposal, and hopes to discuss all of the nuances with the Americans."
Some observers believe that "turning the so-called Peace Commission into an institution parallel to the United Nations will undermine the UN's authority and working mechanisms."
The American Genius Complex
Taiwan foreign affairs expert and commentator Jieh Wen-chieh nailed it: if Trump dares to create this Commission, he could later lead America to the moon or Mars—nothing would be surprising! This is 100% what an American genius should do.
Jieh Wen-chieh identifies the key point: Europe is a resource-poor region. When European immigrants discovered that America was a land without boundaries, they found a whole new world. American culture was forged this way: as long as you have "guts," as long as you have "dreams" and dare to do what no one before has done, you are an American hero—the very embodiment of "the American way".
Trump’s hammer falls wherever he pleases: plots to swallow Greenland, and threatens military action against Iran. In the minds of Americans, this is no different from "Apple guru" Steve Jobs launching the iPhone—it's all "just do it." Sum it up in one sentence: the America led by Trump truly embodies a phenomenon of "power overcapacity." Don’t you agree?
Trump's Next Move: Weaponizing Peace
Whether you agree or not, Trump has new initiatives—he sent a letter to the Norwegian Prime Minister, stating that given Norway's decision not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize to recognize his prevention of "eight wars PLUS," therefore, "I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace..., but can now think about what is good and proper' for the US." At this rate, America’s about to claim the whole universe as its own!
Looking back, Trump's bubble is closely tied to those allies who previously pandered to America by slapping the "overcapacity" label on China—they are the kingmakers. They dismantled Huawei's 5G communications, banned lithography machine exports to China, then called Trump "Daddy," thinking the world would become more beautiful. Now they're about to learn it the hard way.
P.S.: Europe will face 100% tariffs from America. Here’s to a roaring Year of the Horse—may you charge ahead and lead the pack!
