As part of Liberty Nation’s deep dive analysis of President Donald Trump’s tour of Asia, we’ll be examining what events take place, the significance of them, and most importantly, how the media are spinning it.
This part of the Grand Tour will be the key focus for American industries and business markets. Whilst the order of the day will be speeches and proclamations, the deals and arrangements cut during breaks and dinners will impact the economies of almost all Pacific nations.
The main focus will be on announcements that come out of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit. Yet the real interest lies with side meetings between world leaders. To find out what happened during the president’s Chinese leg of the tour, you can read all about it here on LN.
The Background
President Trump has made a huge impression in every country he has visited so far. The Chinese state-run media has lauded the president’s approach citing friendly personal relations between him and Premiere Xi Jinping. China Daily called it a “state visit plus,” and said, “Trump has also surprised many for his relatively good handling of US-China relations, including forging a close working and personal relationship with President Xi Jinping.”
Much of what happens today will “surprise” the Western media, yet a large amount of the content will have already been discussed in advance and agreed upon by all parties…even the harsher rhetoric.
The Events
The main showcase today was President Trump’s speech at the APEC summit. He talked robustly about the importance of getting balanced trade between nations, and more importantly of allowing business interests to work without overt government interference. He said:
"When the United States enters into a trading relationship with other countries or other peoples, we will from now on expect that our partners will faithfully follow the rules," which was believed to be a mild swipe at China.
"We expect that markets will be open to an equal degree on both sides and that private investment, not government planners, will direct investment."
The Expectations
Many around the world are looking out for a hint that President Trump will engage those present on the issues in the South China Sea. With what is often described as “Chinese expansionism” in the region, these efforts are more poignant because the president will soon visit the Philippines. The Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, no stranger to controversy himself, will be looking for answers and support in protecting his national waters.
The summit is ostensibly about statements of intent and provisional arrangements, but the reality is that more deals will be struck off stage whilst the world media watches the show. APEC will likely provide Trump with some powerful blows to deal to the Democrats when he returns. The leftist media is well aware of this and are praying that the president commits some kind of major diplomatic incident that will overshadow any victories.
The Spin
Other than friendly handshakes with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, the U.S. press has latched onto what appears to be a reversal in tone from President Trump. During his speech, the president made harsh statements regarding the need for balanced trade between nations. This is being played as a stab in the back to Premiere Xi and an undoing of the good work already accomplished.
The real story is much different. China plans to move away from “the Second Wave” of industry (manufacturing) as rising wages and a burgeoning middle class make it cheaper for them to do bulk manufacturing in other nations, namely Vietnam. There will be no surprise from the Chinese state media on this as they expect to rebuild the U.S. – Sino trade relations through mutual joint ventures, not selling and shipping cheap products.
Behind the Curtain
This is the day when the meetings in Japan, South Korea, and China will come to fruition. President Trump has been working on building relations between these nations, not necessarily with American involvement. He will be the bridge builder that encourages these countries to begin working together on solving the North Korean issue, of course, using American tech and weaponry.
Arrangements will likely be made to benefit the U.S. manufacturing industry through “on-shoring” factories with foreign investment but American workers. In back rooms and side conferences, the next few years of the U.S and Pacific economies will be decided.
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Check back in with Liberty Nation tomorrow to get more on this historic Grand Tour. For a more in-depth analysis, check out LNTV where Mark Angelides and Tim Donner discuss what's really going on behind closed doors.
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