While generally I do not post on such topics, I feel compelled to point out the below comment on the contents of my last two posts.  Those posts report on the views of a  noted expert on Chinese affairs and how to interpret them if you are a board member.  In brief summary, these prior posts reflect his advice that a) things with China are better this year and focus should be on engaging with China at this point in time, and b) he was optimistic that China would not move against Taiwan for many years, if ever, given factors noted in that prior post.  And near the end of his remarks, he emphasized the need to keep current and his primary recommended resource was The Economist magazine.

Last night I dutifully read a fairly current Economist  issue (January 31) and found a somewhat contradictory analysis of China’s near-term actions as evidenced by purges of the military by President Xi.  In overview, the article concluded that the purge, aside from further cementing Xi’s power, might evidence greater Chinese aggression against Taiwan.  The removal of one senior general was said to eliminate one ;possible high command voice that might mediate that risk.

I must also report, yesterday having repeated some negative thoughts about Chinese military power, that by 2035 China will have six more aircraft carriers.

I feel compelled to make this post, inviting readers to take a careful ongoing look at the risks of Chinese engagement.