Forgive my reference to the movie “Alfie.” Dig out the movie if you want any further insight on my headline, but it ain’t gonna matter in the least either way.
I came up with that headline because I just read an article that, following an unexpected phone call from Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, President Trump suddenly warned Japan to scale back the rhetoric on defending Taiwan.
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Taiwan, of course, is the apple in Xi’s expansionistic eye, an island-nation he says is rightfully part of the People’s Republic. Word has it that Xi will invade in 2027.
Trump will still be in office, barring mortality, so will he defend Taiwan?
Now, the interesting part here is that just this past week, Trump unveiled a peace plan for the Ukraine-Russia conflict that awarded Vladimir Putin everything he’s asked for (so far) in the war.
In fact, Trump actually gave Putin more than he asked for in Alaska and in numerous communications and meetings with U.S. diplomats.
This brings me back to something I wrote about months ago: That Trump fawns on powerful people, thus his recent caterings to the Russian and Chinese dictators.
Since unveiling his Ukraine solution, Trump has stepped back a bit under European pressure, but he seems to have Volodymyr Zelenskyy right where he wants him — desperate to end the war and willing to listen to Trumpian territorial giveaways to Putin.
Ukraine will no doubt strut and fret its hour upon the stage and exit before the Taiwanese situation makes its curtain call, but keep in mind that Trump courts powerful people and wants to be welcomed into their circle.
