Xi asked three questions at the summit. “Can we overcome the Thucydides Trap? Can we meet global challenges together? Can we build a bright future together?” The communiqué comes tomorrow.
① Day 1 in Beijing closed with a state banquet and a phrase: “constructive strategic stability.” Xi’s Xinhua readout said never mess it up. Trump told Fox News Xi privately pledged to help on Hormuz. The official record arrives Friday.
② Netanyahu’s office revealed a secret wartime visit to Abu Dhabi. The UAE denied it. Then Araghchi walked into the BRICS meeting in New Delhi and accused the UAE of direct military involvement in the war against Iran — from the floor, on the record. The BRICS joint communiqué is now in serious doubt.
③ Lebanon’s delegation came to Washington asking for the bombing to stop. It is leaving with a ceasefire extension and a political process. Israel has said it has no intention of halting operations. The “ceasefire” expires Sunday.
“Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government.” — Thomas Jefferson, 1789
