China is sophisticated and understands U.S. domestic politics. And if they get branded a manipulator, they will understand why. It has to do with U.S. domestic politics and isn't an attack on China.

They're trying to create a sense of concern so that when the government goes out to banks and local governments and says, 'Here's what you need to do,' there will be some pressure.

It would be a negative for Cathay Pacific because it would cut into the traffic between Taiwan and Hong Kong, ... But it would be a positive for the other carriers, who would see a significant increase in traffic on the cross-strait route.

They increasingly have the same aspirations and concerns as the middle class everywhere. The environment is a key issue for the middle class, and they are putting pressure on the government to act on improving it.

[Indeed, a survey of 10 cities late last year by Beijing-based Horizon Group showed that China's urban residents are more concerned about air quality and the environment than they are about economic development or even social security.] They increasingly have the same aspirations and concerns as the middle class everywhere, ... The environment is a key issue for the middle class, and they are putting pressure on the government to act on improving it.

I see no signs that China plans to use its military to attack countries on its borders, ... I see no evidence that they plan to use force against Taiwan.