[Ben Ficklin]

It has just been announced that China is constructing a 3rd aircraft carrier

[rdcbn]

Pretty much documents how our politician’s past trade policies have enabled China's massive military modernization and buildup

[Daaave]

Yes, we should get new trade deals in place with China. So we can continue to fund their military projects. Not just their carriers, but the Chinese need to fund their stealth fighter and stealth bomber programs.

And don't forget the Chinese need the money for building island bases in the South China Sea. So they can lay claim to large areas of the Sea. Their new carriers will help China defend these islands. And help to dominate the region and threaten US allies. Much like Japan did prior to WW 2.

[fella]

In Catch 22 Milo Minderbinder contracted with the Nazis to bomb the American lines because they were paying more.

[Ancesthntr]

“The ongoing and escalating trade tariffs between the United States and China are beginning to affect Beijing in ways that many might not have considered.”

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But you can bet your ass that POTUS Trump did. People forget that he was a high-stakes commercial real estate investor, builder, etc. for 45 years, and stupidly go by a few Tweets in assessing his intelligence. That is a YUUUUGE mistake, one that Trump constantly cultivates - having your enemies underestimate you is one of the greatest weapons that any person in power can have. Put simply, Trump the real estate investor didn’t go to the bathroom without a plan - and a plan that had considered every single variable possible. Why would he have changed because he (once again) succeeded and earned a new job title?

[central_va]

Protectionism solves ALL problems.