Xi Jinping 'Stewing' Over Trump's Panama Canal Port Victory Amidst Chinese Military Turmoil

Hong Kong's Panama Canal Port Deal Controversy

• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong is threatening a $23 billion deal involving the sale of two ports near the Panama Canal, currently owned by Chinese firm CK Hutchison, to a US group led by Black Rock.
• 🇨🇳 President Xi Jinping reportedly wanted to use the canal ports as a bargaining chip in dealings with President Trump, and is now upset about the sale.
• 🗣️ Hong Kong's Chief Executive stated opposition to "abusive use of coercion and bullying tactics in international economic and trade relations," which is seen as a response to China's actions.

China's Global Position and Trump's Influence

• 🌍 The deal, involving 43 port operations across 23 countries, highlights the fragility of China's global position.
• 🇺🇸 Gordon Chang suggests that President Trump scored a major victory by influencing this situation, leaving Xi Jinping with limited options.
• 🚢 Trump has expressed a desire for the US to retake control of the Panama Canal, preferring a deal with Black Rock over a China-based company.

Turmoil Within the Chinese Military

• 📉 Gordon Chang discusses reports of significant purges within the Chinese military under Xi Jinping over the past decade.
• ❓ There are suggestions that Xi Jinping may have lost control of the military, potentially due to a past mini-stroke and subsequent loss of oversight.
• 🚶 General Li Shangfu, the number three uniformed officer, has disappeared from public view, fueling speculation about infighting and Xi's enemies targeting his loyalists.

Implications for Xi Jinping and China

• 💥 The disappearance of General Li Shangfu and the praise for "collective leadership" in military propaganda organs suggest Xi Jinping's authority is diminishing.
• 🇨🇳 This internal turmoil could lead to Xi Jinping becoming a figurehead, potentially plunging China into further instability.
• 🤝 The situation sets the stage for a potential future meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping, the outcome of which remains uncertain.