Winter is Coming...To Trade? The Dragon Queen Weighs In On US-China Talks!

A Game of Thrones...For Tariffs?

Greetings my loyal subjects! Your Khaleesi Daenerys Stormborn of the House Targaryen First of Her Name Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men Protector of the Realm Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons (phew that’s quite a title isn’t it? Just like the list of tariffs these two countries keep throwing at each other!) brings you the latest from across the Narrow Sea. It appears that the good people of the United States led by their… *ahem*… 'President' Trump are locked in a dance of dragons with the Middle Kingdom. Only instead of fire and blood it's about trade and mineral rights.

Handshakes Stronger Than Dragonfire?

The American emissaries including a 'Treasury Secretary' and a 'Commerce Secretary' (sounds like a small council to me though I suspect they're less competent than Tyrion) are meeting with China's Vice Premier He Lifeng in London. The goal? Apparently a 'short meeting with a big strong handshake.' One wonders will this handshake be strong enough to melt the Iron Throne of trade disputes? Or will it be as effective as Jon Snow's battle tactics? Let's hope for the former for the sake of everyone's coffers.

Critical Minerals: The New Dragon Eggs?

The Americans it seems are quite keen on securing the flow of 'critical minerals' from China. These minerals I gather are as valuable to their war machines and trinkets as dragon eggs were to me. China on the other hand is grumbling about restrictions on their students and chips (not the delicious kind from the kitchens of Winterfell I presume). It's all very complicated but as I’ve learned 'When you play the game of thrones you win or you die. There is no middle ground.' And right now everyone seems to be playing.

Geneva Accord: A Treaty as Strong as a Wet Noodle?

There's talk of a 'Geneva agreement,' but both sides seem to think the other is as trustworthy as Littlefinger with a secret. Accusations are flying faster than Drogon after a particularly tasty sheep. Washington says Beijing is dragging its feet on the mineral exports while China is crying foul over visa restrictions. One might say 'Chaos isn't a pit. Chaos is a ladder.' And both sides are climbing it with gusto.

Existential Battles and Digital Dragons

Some 'analysts' (Maesters of Economics perhaps?) are saying this isn't just about trade; it's an 'existential battle' over data information AI tech and even defense. Apparently China is expanding its 'munitions production.' Sounds like someone is preparing for a long winter. As Rebecca Harding so eloquently put it this is a battle for the 21st century.

Hope...Or Just Another Broken Wheel?

Despite the gloom and doom there's a sliver of hope that these talks are happening at all. However the wise men of Pinpoint Asset Management don't expect a quick resolution. Temporary solutions like allowing foreign firms to import 'rare earths,' might emerge but a complete solution? 'I doubt it,' they say. Well I've been told 'I’m not my father' maybe these talks will have a different fate than the Mad King. Perhaps I should send Drogon to oversee the negotiations. That might light a fire under their… *ahem*… discussions! Until next time keep your dragons close and your trade agreements closer!