Guests - Ava Chen, Chad Heinrich, Seth Keshel
China Watch on YouTube
China Watch Wednesday: Insights from Ava Chen
Kathleen Winn discusses global affairs with Ava Chen from the New Federal State of China, focusing on recent developments involving President Trump, China, and international relations.
Trump's Davos Speech and Global Leadership
Ava Chen expressed excitement about President Trump's appearance at Davos, highlighting his declaration that America is back and stronger than ever. "I see a stronger America," Chen said, noting Trump's emphasis on capitalism, energy independence, and critiquing globalist policies like the Green New Deal, which he called the "Green New Scam." Trump outlined achievements such as securing $18 trillion in investments, resuming drilling, and acquiring new oil from Venezuela, positioning the U.S. as not just energy independent but an exporter.
Chen pointed out Trump's call-out of European immigration policies and corruption, urging leaders to reflect on their infiltration by communists. "He said, we go back to the same roots—Western civilizations. We share these ethos of nations," Chen explained, adding that Trump's confidence resonated with the audience, leading to applause. She contrasted this with past leaderships that focused on misguided initiatives, leading to the fall of Western civilization.
Trump reiterated his preference for negotiation over force, stating three times that he does not want to use force regarding Greenland. "I don't have to use force. I don't want to use force. I won't use force," Trump said, framing it as an inquiry rather than a threat. Chen agreed, seeing it as a sign of strength through peaceful means.
China's Stance on Greenland and U.S. Actions
Chen addressed China's response to U.S. interest in Greenland, noting that despite appearing quiet, the Chinese foreign ministry has been vocal. On January 19, they issued a statement urging the U.S. to stop actions on Greenland, referencing their 2018 Arctic policy white paper. "They pointed out how critical Greenland is for the North trade route and strategic geolocations for China," Chen said.
She described China's approach as veiled threats without clear consequences, unlike Trump's direct style with tariffs or other measures. "The CCP never stops the dirty tricks at the back. 100%. Never. They're 24-7," Chen emphasized, highlighting backstabbing, rumor-spreading, fear-mongering, and leveraging compromised information on key decision-makers.
Chen contrasted media focus on domestic ICE issues and European reactions, where leaders expressed hurt feelings, with Trump's pushback: "What are you talking about? You're living all up. We're bankrolling you for decades. You have to show gratitude." She believes China's confidence stems from global complicity in corruption, but Trump's return disrupts this.
The Broader Implications of U.S. Strength for China and the World
Chen explained why a strong America benefits Chinese people, drawing from her previous discussions on global leadership dynamics. "There are two leaders effectively right now. One is America. One is the communist China," she said, noting smaller countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran hedge bets based on perceived strength.
She criticized the CCP for selling out Chinese people to maintain power, enslaving them for globalists. "The communist party does not represent China. We never gave a chance to vote," Chen stated, describing violent power grabs and maintenance through surveillance, minimum wages, and debt. Globalism, from the Chinese perspective, means no human rights or free speech, with wealth funneled to CCP elites and globalists.
Trump's populism appeals to ordinary people, Chen argued. "I'm a populist president. I'm representing American people," she quoted him, extending this to every country. A strong America serves as a beacon of freedom, inspiring nations to follow.
Chen highlighted China's demographic issues from the one-child policy, leading to a shrinking population and economic vulnerabilities. "There's a shrinking population which puts an expiration date on their economic model," Winn noted, with Chen agreeing that China is not flawless.
Strategic Importance of Greenland and Arctic Threats
Greenland's role in defending against Russia and China was a key point. Chen referenced a Netflix series, "The Diplomat," depicting Russian and Chinese submarine bases in the Arctic. "This ought to come from a lot of people say, this diplomat Netflix series decades ago, depict the national security threat that China and Russia oppose in Arctic better than anything else," she recommended.
She stressed the need for vigilance: "If you're not paying attention, if you're not defeating it, you're not keep your eyes on Russia and China. And you will be sorry." Trump aims to prevent outsourcing national security, especially with NATO's weaknesses.
During Davos, Trump mentioned meeting Zelensky on the Russia-Ukraine war, showcasing his global engagement. Chen praised Trump's confidence rooted in facts, truth, and faith. "He knew what he's doing is good for humanity," she said, noting his stamina at 79, with over 5,000 posts last year, many self-tweeted.
Contrasting Globalism and Populism at Davos
Chen contrasted speeches at Davos: China's He Lifeng promoted globalization and status quo for Chinese factories as the world's workshop, accusing the U.S. of countering trends. U.S. Secretary Howard Lutnick countered that globalism failed America, weakening it.
Trump's message: "You don't have to placate the communists... You can follow me." Chen saw this as offering opportunities to elites, resurrecting America in just 12 months. She referenced the U.S. national strategy criticizing elites for selling out, speaking at the "headquarter of the world elite."
Trump addressed housing affordability by lowering mortgage rates and banning corporate house purchases. Chen tied this to immigration impacts, with 15 million unknowns straining resources, and corruption like money laundering in Minnesota's Somali daycare centers.
Xi Jinping's Image and CNN's Coverage
CNN portrayed Xi Jinping as a calm, dependable leader while Trump sows division. Chen dismissed this: "Xi Jinping probably see himself as a world leader. But before you can lead the world, you have to lead your own nation." She questioned his self-leadership and family role modeling.
Chinese people, if given a free vote, would reject Xi and the CCP, Chen asserted. America's popularity stems from being a hope for the oppressed, as seen in Iranian protests invoking Trump. "You are the hope for Lao Baixin, for little guys," she said.
Xi calls for reshaping world order, seeing U.S. dominance as unfair, offering alternatives amid regional aggression warnings. Chen countered that the U.S. gains momentum under Trump, exposing corruption.
ICE Efforts and Broader Reforms
Winn linked ICE actions to benefiting tax-paying Americans by addressing housing shortages and criminal networks. Chen agreed, noting protests against ICE are funded distractions.
Trump aligns words and deeds for credibility, unlike past inconsistencies. "Peace through strength is not just a slogan," Chen said, citing Iran's nuclear threat: "We have to do something. If we did not do that, then we do not have a chance to make peace."
Final Thoughts on the CCP and Future Challenges
Chen warned of hard days ahead: "The CCP is a monstrous system... Before they're going down, they're going to drag a lot of people going down to hell with them." She called for U.S. support of Chinese whistleblower movements to dismantle the globalist CCP regime.
Arizona Small Business Advocacy: Conversation with Chad Heinrich
Kathleen Winn speaks with Chad Heinrich, Arizona State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), about legislative impacts on small businesses.
Governor's Tax Conformity Proposal and Concerns
Heinrich expressed concern over Governor Katie Hobbs' proposal to negotiate tax conformity with federal changes during budget talks, creating uncertainty. The federal "big, beautiful bill" made permanent tax changes beneficial for small businesses, like immediate expensing of equipment.
Arizona's conformity aligns state taxes with federal code, usually non-controversial. However, with revenue implications, it draws scrutiny. The Department of Revenue issued forms assuming conformity, but Hobbs' State of the State address suggested delaying, despite forms being in use.
"This puts folks in a bind and creates a lot of uncertainty," Heinrich said, noting budget negotiations typically occur in April-June, while taxes are filed now. Small businesses question benefits from provisions like deducting $100,000 equipment in the current year versus amortizing.
Impact on Arizona's Small Business Economy
Arizona is a small business state with over 700,000 businesses employing 1.2 million people. Most (over 600,000) have 0-19 employees. "We don't have any large Fortune 10 companies located here with massive employment bases," Heinrich noted.
These provisions aren't just for big business; they affect job creators and working-class owners. Immediate expensing boosts economics by offsetting tax liability now, encouraging investment.
Legislative Response and Vetoes
The legislature passed House Bill 2153 and Senate Bill 1106 for full conformity with adjustments, but Hobbs vetoed them. "We definitely have to find a plan B," Heinrich said, emphasizing certainty for taxpayers and vendors like TurboTax.
Forms on the Department of Revenue site lack legal backing. Heinrich urged quick resolution: "The state has a responsibility to provide certainty on what is their tax responsibility for 2025."
NFIB's Role and Benefits for Members
NFIB represents independently owned businesses (not publicly traded) at state and federal levels. "We're basically just building an army of small business owners," Heinrich explained, advocating on taxes and regulations.
Membership offers equal benefits regardless of dues, including polls to gauge opinions. "Most small businesses couldn't afford to hire a lobbyist," Winn noted, with Heinrich agreeing NFIB provides that voice.
To join: NFIB.com, click "join now" in the upper right.
Remembering Attorney General Mark Brnovich
NFIB recognized former Attorney General Mark Brnovich as a small business champion. He addressed "drive-by lawsuits" where attorneys sue over minor ADA discrepancies without plaintiffs, shaking down businesses.
Brnovich ended such practices, leading to Arizona's first-in-nation law allowing cures for parking issues. "His actions started really a national movement," Heinrich said, with other states adopting similar laws.
Geopolitical Strategies and Elections: Discussion with Seth Keshel
Kathleen Winn talks with election expert Seth Keshel about President Trump's Davos speech, Greenland's strategic value, and Arizona elections.
Trump's Davos Approach to Globalism
Keshel hasn't seen Trump's full speech but supports America First principles: not exporting jobs, using tariffs to replace citizen taxes. "We don't export our jobs to other nations," he said, critiquing globalism's harm.
Historical and Strategic Context of Greenland
Trump's interest in Greenland echoes past presidents like Andrew Jackson and Harry Truman. Denmark's ties date to the Middle Ages, formal since the 1700s, but they've underdeveloped it. "Denmark has had ties to the islands since the Middle Ages... and hasn't done a damn thing with it," Keshel said.
The U.S. bought the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917 amid German threat fears. Greenland, mineral and gas-rich, is a strategic choke point between the U.S., Canada, and Russia. Larger than Alaska by 50%, three times Texas, it would be the largest U.S. territorial expansion.
Keshel predicts China or Russia will seize it otherwise: "China or Russia will seize Greenland in time. They're the two most competitive nations in the Arctic." U.S. lags; Greenland aids space, missile defense.
Scenarios: U.S. territory like Virgin Islands or compact like Micronesia, with aid for security control. The U.S. provides Denmark's defense; Thule Air Force Base is there, but autonomy is limited.
Polls show 56% of Greenlanders want independence. Keshel expects Trump to push elections, offering $100,000 per person. "One way or another, we're going to get Greenland," Winn summarized.
Trump stated Greenland will belong to the U.S., preferring no force. Keshel sees pragmatism: Europe can't defend against China; China's Arctic presence since 1990s includes investments in resources and routes.
Arizona Elections and Integrity Measures
Keshel, motivated by 2020, advocates election reform. "Elections aren't stolen, they're rigged," he quoted Newt Gingrich, blaming laws enabling outcomes.
Arizona lacks automatic voter registration or universal mail-in (three-quarters by mail). Maricopa Recorder terminated 300,000 invalid registrations (duplicates, illegals, fakes).
Keshel testifies on a bill for Florida-like mail handling: address verification, postcard requests per election. "That is going to substantially tamp down on the ability for people to cheat by mail," he said.
Republicans lead registrations by 328,000 (twice 2022's). In 33/35 scenarios since 1924, Andy Biggs would win governorship.
To boost turnout: Give reasons to vote beyond "better than a Democrat." Engage via precinct captains, door-knocking over signs. McCain establishment held spots, hindering populists.
Keshel maps districts: LD17 has 66 precincts, 26 friendly; R+10 plays as R+3. Trump won by 10 (2016), 4.5 (2020), 3.9 (2024). Focus top 20 precincts.
Rachel Keshel's Legislative Priorities
As LD17 representative, Rachel Keshel (formerly Jones) is a strict constitutionalist, reading every bill. Priorities: election reform (post-2020 motivation), family court reform. "She's constituent funded and not dependent and not loyal to lobbyists," Keshel said.
Other Arizona Updates
Republican Party meets in Prescott; Gina Swoboda raised $200,000+ for congressional campaign, endorsed by Jim Click, who's selling dealerships at 82. Click has given much to the community.
Election cycle: Primary in six months; critical for leadership amid Hobbs' costs to economy, structures. Party must turn out voters, raise money, communicate platform.
ICE efforts target criminal networks; protests funded. Mexico transferred 37 cartel members to U.S., third time in a year, impacting CCP precursor supplies.