On the strategic relationship between Venezuela and China

During a state visit to the People’s Republic of China in September 2023, Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro met president Xi Jinping and both agreed to strengthen the relationship of their countries by establishing seven sub commissions to elevate it to the level of ‘all-weather strategic partnership’. This is the culmination of a relationship that began with president Hugo Chavez’s first visit to Beijing in 1999, the very first year of his presidency.

On the strategic relationship between Venezuela and China

Relatively low fluoride in drinking water increases risk of knee osteoarthritis

A large, high-quality study published this week in Environmental Geochemical Health found that fluoride in drinking water can increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), with older males with obesity more likely to have KOA.

Relatively low fluoride in drinking water increases risk of knee osteoarthritis

Related:

Fluoridation Review #28

The maximum level of fluoride contamination in drinking water allowed in China is 1.0 mg/L. In the USA, it is 4.0 mg/L, while 0.7 mg/L is deliberately added to many water supplies as part of fluoridation programs.

[2013] Cultural Exchange and the Cold War: How the West Won

Cultural Exchange and the Cold War: How the West Won (archived)

There are many theories of why Soviet communism collapsed and the Cold War ended. Here are a few of them to consider:

That is a claim also made by a former Hungarian ambassador to Washington, Andras Simonyi*, who led a rock band in Budapest during the Cold War. In a talk titled “How Rock Music Helped Bring Down the Iron Curtain,” delivered at the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Simonyi said, ”Rock ‘n roll, culturally speaking, was a decisive element in loosening up communist societies and bring them closer to the world of freedom.”

Related:

*Wikipedia-András Simonyi:

He plays guitar in the rock band, The Coalition of the Willing (est.2003) with top rated U.S. guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers) which has Secretary of State Tony Blinken (guitar, vocals) as a regular guest.

Blinken picks up guitar for new US music diplomacy push

Actually, China’s military isn’t going global

Yesterday, the New York Times published a guest essay by Craig Singleton, a fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, entitled “China’s Military is Going Global.” Singleton argues that Beijing is well on its way to building a globe-spanning network of “strategic strong points along China’s major trade, energy, and resource routes” that pose a dire military threat to the United States.

Actually, China’s military isn’t going global

Indonesia trashes Pentagon’s ‘joint statement’ on China and Russia

Jakarta stressed its “non-aligned” status and said it seeks good ties with all countries.

Indonesia trashes Pentagon’s ‘joint statement’ on China and Russia

Related (in English):

No joint statement with US on China’s South China Sea claims: Subianto

Defense Minister Prabowo And US Defense Minister Agree To Strengthen Relations Amid Various Strategic Issues

Chinese Embassy Spokesperson’s Remarks