- CHINAWAVE
- Posts
- ICYMI: Why Xi Skipped Trump’s Invite and More You Shouldn’t Sleep On.
ICYMI: Why Xi Skipped Trump’s Invite and More You Shouldn’t Sleep On.
In Case You Missed It Last Week
Stephen Bivens
December 16, 2024
THE RUNDOWN:
Welcome to the first ICYMI —where we round up all the best CHINAWAVE content from last week in one quick hit. Every Monday, we’ll bring you the top stories, articles, and threads that had us typing.
This week, we’ve got a lot to unpack. First up, we tackled the big news around Xi Jinping skipping Trump’s inauguration and why that’s actually not a snub. We also dove into the cutthroat world of Chinese startups. If you’re into collectibles, you won’t want to miss our deep dive into China’s anime craze, which is now worth a staggering $29 billion.
We also broke down the latest in the trade war, focusing on rare materials, and why things are escalating faster than you might think. Over on X, we challenged the narrative around US General Smith’s view of the China’s military power. Oh, and the U.S. arms sales to Taiwan? A Biden move Trump may have to outmaneuver.
So, keep scrolling. There’s a lot more in store this week. You won’t want to miss it.
THE FEATURES:
 Trump Invited Xi to His Second Inauguration. Xi Said No. Xi declining Trump's inauguration invite isn’t a snub—it’s a calculated move. Find out why this moment matters for U.S.-China relations. |  The Anime Collectable Craze In China The anime collectible craze in China is bigger than you think. Discover how this fandom is shaping the market and why it’s worth paying attention to. |
“they don’t just think outside the box. They rip it apart, burn the pieces, and build something entirely new. And that’s why they’re winning.”
 What Startups Everywhere Can Learn From China’s Hustle Why Chinese startups are actually producing results and America’s are left wondering why. |  China & US Trade War Continues |
THE SOCIALS:
Sometimes the loudest flex isn’t the one you see coming—it’s the one quietly building in the shadows.
Last week, General Smith claimed America’s military edge comes from its constant fighting experience, while China hasn’t fought a modern war in decades. But history has a counterpoint.
Take Japan after the Meiji Restoration: no war experience, no problem. It didn’t just step into the ring; it rewrote the rules.
A history lesson you didn’t know you needed. Check it out below 👇.
General Smith’s argument boils down to this: America’s edge lies in its "experience," while China’s long absence from the battlefield puts it at a disadvantage. But history has something to say about this. Let’s take a look at 19th-century Japan. 🧵
— China Wave (@ChinaWaveBlog)
5:03 PM • Dec 11, 2024
The U.S. just approved a new arms sale to Taiwan, and China is not happy about it. In this thread, we break down the deal, its implications for U.S.-China relations, and what China’s response really means. Spoiler: It’s not just about weapons—it’s a chess move in a much bigger game.
Read the full thread to see what exactly happened👇.
1/ The U.S. just approved a $385M arms deal for Taiwan, including spare parts for F-16s and upgrades for radar systems.
China has strongly condemned the move, citing concerns over its sovereignty and regional stability.
Here’s what’s unfolding 🧵
— China Wave (@ChinaWaveBlog)
2:10 PM • Dec 13, 2024
THE NEXT THING:
China's new tactic against Taiwan: drills 'that dare not speak their name'
China's recent military drills around Taiwan have taken a new turn—this time, with no fanfare. No major media push, no flashy animations, just massing forces to silently signal to the U.S. that they can act whenever they want. What’s Beijing really up to, and how does this shift in strategy reflect a larger play for power? Later this week…
CHINAWAVE:
Liked what you just read? Don’t keep it to yourself.
Share CHINAWAVE with a friend, a coworker, or that one uncle who won’t stop ranting about geopolitics at family dinners. Every share helps us cut through the noise and keep delivering the sharpest takes on U.S.-China drama straight to your inbox.
Not subscribed yet?
Fix that mistake right here: Subscribe Now. It’s free, fast, and full of insights you won’t find anywhere else.
No fluff, no spam—just the good stuff.
Reply