7 chapters across the catalog
China is criticized for breaking a 2015 promise not to militarize the Spratly Islands, where anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles have since been deployed. The Chinese government maintains that "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan is the goal but refuses to rule out other courses of action if necessary. The hosts analyze the "apologist" tone of Chinese representatives in international media.
Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that the reunification of Taiwan with mainland China is inevitable and refused to renounce the use of military force to achieve it. Taiwan's president rejected the "one country, two systems" framework proposed by Beijing. The discussion notes that China has been using economic pressure to isolate Taiwan diplomatically.
The Department of Homeland Security has implemented rapid DNA testing at the border to verify biological relationships between migrant adults and children. While some immigration groups call the practice "deplorable" due to privacy concerns, proponents argue it is a necessary tool to prevent child trafficking. The segment mocks the privacy concerns by comparing them to the popularity of commercial services like 23andMe.
The discussion shifts to the possibility of President Trump negotiating a peace deal to reunify North and South Korea, similar to the German model. Citing insights from Don Gregg, the hosts argue that the military-industrial complex benefits from continued tension to sell weapons to South Korea. The political vacuum following the impeachment of South Korean President Park Geun-hye complicates potential negotiations.
Donald P. Gregg, North Korea, Kim Jong-un Execution Rumors
Former Ambassador Donald P. Gregg visited Seoul to discuss Korean reunification and his book "Potshards." In a televised interview, Gregg expressed skepticism regarding sensationalist reports of Kim Jong-un executing officials via anti-aircraft guns or dogs, suggesting these rumors lack logical benefit for the North Korean leader. Gregg argues for a more nuanced understanding of North Korean internal power consolidation.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's New Year's speech expressing openness to peace talks with South Korea is discussed. The hosts suggest that actual reunification would be "bad for sales" for the global military-industrial complex, which relies on regional tension to sell hardware to Japan and the Philippines.
History of the Korean Peninsula and Reunification
The historical context of the Korean conflict is reviewed, including the violent Japanese occupation and the post-WWII division at the 38th parallel by the US and USSR. The potential for reunification is compared to the German model, noting the significant economic and cultural hurdles involved. South Korea is viewed as strong enough to eventually absorb the North, similar to West Germany's role in Europe.
