Important context re #Meng Wanzhou:
She is not the US DOJ’s primary target.
The indictment charges 3 other defendants, all corporate entities that the US can proceed against.
1/. #cdnpoli
In these matters it’s unusual to charge individuals.
When the US brought virtually identical charges against ZTE, they didn’t name anyone personally.
The decision to charge Meng appears to have been strategic.
In this case the DOJ, State, & Defense depts appeared to be working together to escalate against China.
Their theory has always been that China is a rational actor that will respond to increased sanctions.
China, however, seems to be playing another game, & now Canada is a punching bag of both.
The US could drop charges against Meng & continue against the Huawei conglomerate tomorrow.
It’s interesting that Pompeo has entered the game, calling for release of the Michaels
google.ca/amp/s/amp.cnn.…
The US does not want to be seen climbing down from a confrontation w China.
But it would be a blow to the US & victory for China if Canada intervenes & releases Meng.
Pompeo may be feeling a sudden need to support Canada here.
A straight up trade of Meng for the Michaels is a terrible precedent.
It would also be a blow to our relationship w the US.
At the same time, by overtly stating he would trade Meng for trade concessions, Trump turned Canada into a hostage-taker.
Bolton’s revelations only add more evidence to what Trump said himself—that he was and did use court proceedings as a deal-making weapon.
This presents an out for Canada.
We can refuse to play ball in a corrupt endeavour.
Interesting that both Pompeo & the EU have recently made statements.
Where have they been until now?
Outrageous that we’ve been isolated on the world stage while China holds hostages.
It may be that Canada is exerting influence behind the scenes to bring more allies on board.
Because we are not powerless.
We have the ability to end this by saying the US admin has tainted these proceedings by turning Meng into a trade pawn, & we’re not playing.
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