Major Provocation From China: Removes Israel From Online Digital Maps, & Tensions Escalate as Newsom Complicates

China backs Palestine, pointing towards escalation in the Middle East; Governor Newsom's visit with China's Xi Jinping sparks possible Logan Act violation.

Internet users in China express bewilderment over a recent omission of Israel on digital maps, as it aligns with Beijing's vague diplomacy in the region.

China has taken a significant step by removing Israel from its digital maps on major platforms like Alibaba and Baidu, despite showing Israel's neighboring countries. Is this a thinly veiled threat?

The move, which coincides with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, lacks any official explanation from these tech companies. Both platforms are Chinese equivalents of Google Maps. This decision has added strain to the already tense relationship between Israel and China, and the change in online maps would not have occurred without C.C.P. (Chinese Communist Party) approval.

During the ongoing conflict, China's Foreign Ministry refrained from explicitly condemning the violence committed by Hamas in Israel, instead issuing a statement denouncing "actions that harm civilians." Israeli officials expressed deep disappointment with China's statements, which they deemed lacking a clear and unambiguous condemnation of Hamas's actions.

CHINA’S PEACEKEEPING IN THE MIDDLE EAST. UNTIL NOW.

China and Russia jointly vetoed a U.S.-proposed United Nations resolution aimed at addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict. They opted for a resolution demanding a total ceasefire rather than one that called for pauses in fighting, humanitarian aid access, and the prevention of arming Hamas and other Gaza militants. This move aligns with China's stance in the conflict.

The English-language newspaper China Daily, criticized the U.S. for its unwavering support of Israel. The Israeli Embassy's call on the Chinese social network Weibo to condemn Hamas garnered thousands of responses, reflecting the Israeli hostility prevailing in the online Chinese environment.

Before the conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had planned a visit to Beijing to enhance relations with China. However, the removal of Israel from digital maps and China's stance during the conflict have disrupted this intended rapprochement.

It looks like China’s role as peacekeeper in the Middle East is waning.

China's Defense Ministry has confirmed the presence of six Chinese warships operating in the Middle East, a development closely monitored by the U.S. during the ongoing Gaza War. Tactical Report sheds light on the U.S. perspective, focusing on China's naval presence in the Middle East and concerns about potential Chinese intervention in the Gaza War.

With the latest developments, there is a chance that China's presence in the region might lead to agreements with countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to establish military or naval bases on their territories. In essence, China could potentially set up military facilities in these countries as part of its regional strategy.

GOVERNOR NEWSOM; “DIVORCE WITH CHINA IS NOT AN OPTION”

Governor Gavin Newsom's visit to meet with China's Xi Jinping has raised concerns about a potential violation of the Logan Act, which prohibits unauthorized American citizens from interfering in disputes between the United States and foreign governments. The Act, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 953, was enacted in 1799 and remains in effect today.

The Logan Act prohibits any U.S. citizen from directly or indirectly initiating correspondence or intercourse with a foreign government or its agents without the authority of the United States, with the intent to influence the foreign government's conduct in relation to disputes with the United States or to undermine U.S. measures. Violation of the Act can result in fines or imprisonment for up to three years.

While I won't hold my breath in the hopes Newsom would ever serve time, it's essential to consider the constitutional framework for foreign relations — especially now. The President of the United States, not the Governor of California, in accordance with Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution, has the power to propose and negotiate agreements with other countries, which must be confirmed by the Senate to become treaties. This constitutional authority grants the President significant powers in representing the nation in external relations. While the Logan Act exists to prevent unauthorized interference in foreign relations, this didn't prevent Newsom from seriously muddying the waters with China and the Middle East.

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