Journalist Lee Smith on US-China Trade Deal and National Security Risks

US-China Trade Agreement Details

• 🤝 The Kuala Lumpur agreement between the US and China was finalized, with signatures expected next week.
• 📉 Key terms include a reduction in China's tariffs from 57% to 47% and a crackdown on fentanyl precursor flow.
• 🌾 China has committed to purchasing US soybeans and sorghum, with specific minimums for the upcoming season and the next three years.
• ⚠️ A one-year pause was negotiated on China's planned export controls for products containing even 0.01% of rare earth minerals.
• 🇺🇸 In return, the US is suspending for one year the expansion of its entity list, which restricts exports to certain companies.

Strategic Implications and Trust

• 🌏 The rare earth mineral agreement was crucial as China had threatened a global licensing regime, and President Trump negotiated this for the benefit of allies and democracies.
• ⏳ Journalist Lee Smith views the agreement as the Trump administration playing the long game, giving Xi Jinping a chance to prove himself and potentially back himself into a corner.
• 🚫 Smith notes that Xi Jinping has not always kept his word regarding agricultural purchases or fentanyl crackdowns, emphasizing the need for the US to trust but verify.

Supply Chains and National Security

• 🏭 The one-year suspension of certain measures provides the US with time to bring supply chains back to America and build domestic capacity, particularly for rare earth magnets and pharmaceuticals.
• 💡 The administration is working with American allies to build capacity and encourage manufacturing in the United States.
• 🇨🇳 Smith emphasizes that China is a dangerous actor, but the greater problem lies with bad American actors in the political and corporate spheres who help China circumvent US national security.

Political Commentary on Russia Collusion Allegations

• ⚖️ Lee Smith discusses the Russia collusion lie and the motion filed by former FBI Director James Comey to dismiss his federal charges, arguing the prosecution was not properly appointed.
• 🏛️ Smith dismisses Comey's argument as absurd, comparing it to Al Capone's defense, and states that Comey made himself an enemy of the president by undermining him early on.
• 🕵️ The discussion touches upon the possibility of conspiracy charges against Comey, referencing a referral made by Congressman Devin Nunes during his chairmanship of the intelligence committee.