The Chinese have surreptitiously removed oil from their list of goods from America subject to tariff.  Though conditions have improved hugely in China, the leadership hasn't changed much outside the limited sphere of economics.  Communists still run the show with an iron fist, perhaps inside a silken glove. Unlike American commies, Russian and Chinese leadership live in the real world.  If past practice of communist systems is any guide, they'll unembarrassedly take products off the list and add others without explanation.  Pushed hard enough, their pushback will range from self-imposed famine and army attacks on their own to war with outsiders (North Korea, Taiwan).  First among these would be NoKo, for three reasons: one, to demonstrate Chinese resolve and capabilities; two, to warn everybody else about messing with China; three, because everybody's worried about Kim, and it's a cheap way to get free advertising for...(Read Full Post)