Tom Clifford

Tom Clifford is an Irish journalist, currently based in Beijing.

Two Sessions – One Outcome?

For the first time since Mao passed away in 1976, China does not expect tomorrow to be better than today.

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China, the Commerce-First Middle Eastern Power

The standoff between the United States and Iran helps China to build out its energy and trade routes throughout the Middle East.

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China: The Year of the Pig (Flu)

Pigs’ centrality to life in China is reflected in the Mandarin character for home which depicts a pig under a roof.

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Game, Set and Match, China?

Trump’s playing into Beijing’s hands on Huawei and North Korean nukes underscores China’s global power status

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Hong Kong Protests: The View from Beijing

Pollution and a faltering economy are what keep China’s leaders awake at night.

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Rare Earths: China’s Strongest Card

The U.S. imports 80% of its rare earths from China, but accounts for just 4% of China’s rare earths exports. This gives China a significant advantage.

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US Vs. Iran: The Gulf of Tonkin Precedent

Are the warmongers in the U.S. faking attacks from supposed Iranian sources? The lessons of the Vietnam War provide a clear warning.

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US-China Trade: It’s Politics, Stupid!

A better safety net for Americans is the issue that should be addressed with at least as much vigor as tariffs on Chinese goods.

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Japan Enters a New Imperial Era

Japan enters an era of “beautiful harmony” as a new emperor ascends to the throne. But beneath the surface is a rising militarism.

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The Hanoi Summit, from Beijing’s Perspective

The failure to reach an agreement between Trump and Kim is not considered a failure by China’s leaders.

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