China threatened to prevent airlines from flying to China, if they used the name Taiwan.
China threatened to cut off diplomatic and trade relations, if countries had diplomatic relations with Taiwan or called it Taiwan.
Now, China is threatening with military force, if important people from other countries visit Taiwan.
Next step? Threaten or sanction people if they visit Taiwan, or call it Taiwan on social networks, like Tiktok?
Ultimate step? Peaceful or forceful. It seems China will cut off Taiwan until a show of force is not needed.
China is a bully and aggressor. Just like Japan, in its imperialist age. Korea does not have free trade with China. Trade to China is restricted by Chinese regulations and government incitement of nationalism. China does not have free trade with other countries. You cannot do business in China unless the company is majority owned by Chinese companies, in the case of online gaming and other selected industries.
China says they have free trade with others, bull. No country has free trade with China. China can export freely to other countries, but other countries cannot freely export to China. There are lots of restrictions..
Curiously, some decades ago, Korea had to expand trade to China due to its reliance on the US and Europe, and escalating trade frictions (anti-dumping, trade imbalances).
Korea allowed US missile defense systems to be installed in Korea and China retaliated by kicking Lotte Group out of China, through use of regulations and nationalism. Tour groups cannot come to Korea, Korean cosmetics and other goods are now shunned by Chinese. Billions, maybe tens of billions in investment losses, not to mention loss of sales.
Then Japan restricted exports of strategic materials to South Korea, officially because we are negotiating with North Korea and cannot be trusted, in reality because of Korea's Supreme Court decisions against Mitsubishi for enslaving Koreans for Japan's war effort.
Apparently, every country is a bully when it comes to their national interest, their politicians or leader's interest. Always be careful, even in personal life. Avoiding people but staying distantly empathetic works for me.
South Korea never took retaliatory actions because it would invite the same from China and worsen the situation. However, Korea has probably taken long term strategic actions, especially in the aftermath of the US's commitment to form a global partnership in semiconductors, excluding Russia and China.
China and Russia used to be undeveloped countries before free trade with the world. They are now taking advantage and bullying other countries. If these bullies grow stronger, will they suddenly become generous and understanding of others? Will their leaders and the people's mentality change?
That was the reasoning in the beginning. I hope it holds true, eventually. With unbiased educations, it could be possible, but with indoctrinated education and autocratic control of media, it might not.
China will continue to back North Korea, Russia and Iran to deflect attention on its own atrocities and violations of civil rights.
Korean Prez Yoon promised to 'get tough' on China and claimed that former President Moon's administration was cowardly towards China. Yoon didn't meet Pelosi for fears of retaliation from China. Then when there was public criticism for no welcoming ceremony for Pelosi at the airport, Yoon's office suddenly stated there would be a meeting, then no meeting, and then a phone call.
[Editorial] Yoon’s clumsy diplomacy adds to confusion with Pelosi
Korea often is hit with smog emanating from China to which China stated 'prove it'. Korea did prove it, but China still does not do anything to reduce air pollution. Very impolite and boisterous neighbors - China, Russia, Japan.
