I think Xi is counting on the west to be too distracted by Ukraine and Israel to effectively support Taiwan.
Also, speculation on my part - but this feels like the usual posturing/distraction playbook. China’s economy isn’t doing so hot and the government’s bungling of COVID is still fresh in everyone’s minds, so what better way to make people forget about that than to saber rattle?
“In the beginning, people could go to the market or to the stores. Now, no more. Stores have empty shelves. People are struggling to get food, but there are already people starving in Gaza,” warns Nebal Farsakh, spokesman for the Palestinian Red Crescent, speaking over the phone....
China's Xi says reunification with Taiwan is 'inevitable' in New Year's address (www.france24.com)
Dev rule (feddit.it)
cross-posted from: feddit.it/post/3680481
Israel intensifies ground and air strikes on nearly cut-off Gaza while UN denounces 'war crimes' in conflict for first time and warns many will soon starve to death (english.elpais.com)
“In the beginning, people could go to the market or to the stores. Now, no more. Stores have empty shelves. People are struggling to get food, but there are already people starving in Gaza,” warns Nebal Farsakh, spokesman for the Palestinian Red Crescent, speaking over the phone....
You can now react to messages on Gmail | TechCrunch (techcrunch.com)
China dev fined 3 yrs’ salary for VPN use (www.tradingview.com)