by Stephen Lendman

Washington targets all nations not in lockstep with its agenda politically, economically, and/or militarily - plotting coups, waging endless wars of aggression, imposing illegal sanctions, and bullying allies to go along with its reckless policies.

Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled his first US state visit, beginning in Seattle on September 22, then to Washington, and concluding with his September 28 UN General Assembly address - if he comes as planned.

Unprecedented economic sanctions are being prepared against Chinese companies and individuals - for alleged, unproved government hacking.

Accusing Beijing of cyber-economic espionage is part of Washington’s growing hostility toward a formidable economic, political and military rival, especially allied with Russia and other BRICS countries, an important counterweight to US hegemonic ambitions.

On the one hand, unilaterally imposed sanctions are illegal - Security Council members alone authorized to act, never individual countries against others. On the other, they accomplish little or nothing beyond inviting retaliation and creating ill will.

In April, Obama signed an Executive Order “Blocking the Property of Certain Persons Engaging in Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities.” It authorizes the Treasury Secretary to target foreign entities and individuals accused of illicit cyberactivity (true or false) - imposing asset freezes and banning commercial activities with them.

Action against China has yet to be taken, a hostile act if authorized, an especial thumb in the eye ahead of or shortly after a scheduled Xi visit, giving him pause whether to come.

The White House declined comment on its intentions. An unnamed senior administration official said all options are open “to respond to (alleged) threats in a manner and timeframe of our choosing.”

Another official suggested the decision to impose sanctions was taken - but not ahead of Xi’s visit or while he’s here. If so, it’s well known in Beijing. It remains to be seen if he cancels plans to come, a preemptive shot across the bow indicating displeasure if so.

Former Obama principal Asia advisor Jeffrey Bader called “chances of Chinese retaliation high” in response. No nation spies more aggressively on others and individuals globally than America, none more involved in cybercrime.

China is a major US economic, political and military rival. Washington wants it marginalized, weakened and isolated - its sovereign independence eliminated, replaced by pro-Western puppet governance, its resources plundered, its people exploited.

Bashing China risks open conflict, part of America’s imperial agenda. In May 2014, Washington declared cyberwar on China - indicting five Chinese People’s Liberation Army officials, charging them with “computer hacking, economic espionage and other offenses directed at six American victims in US nuclear power, metals and solar products industries.”

Beijing reacted sharply, demanding Washington “correct its mistake and withdraw the indictment,” calling the charges “groundless with ulterior motives.”

Evidence shows “terminals of Chinese military access to the internet have suffered from great number of foreign cyber attacks in recent years, and a considerable number of such attacks originated from the United States.”

“China demands that the US side explain its cyber theft, eavesdropping and surveillance activities against China and immediately stop such activities.”

America is “the biggest attacker of China's cyberspace." US attacks "infiltrate and tap Chinese networks belonging to governments, institutions, enterprises, universities and major communication backbone networks. Those activities target Chinese leaders, ordinary citizens and anyone with a mobile phone.”

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said:

“This US move, which is based on fabricated facts, grossly violates the basic norms governing international relations and jeopardizes China-US cooperation and mutual trust.”

New sanctions appear ready to be imposed at Washington’s discretion. Eurasia Group China analyst Samm Sacks believes if they’re not announced soon, Obama will look weak.

Administration hardliners want tough action taken quickly, no matter the harm to Sino/US relations.

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Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks World War III".

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.

Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.

It airs three times weekly: live on Sundays at 1PM Central time plus two prerecorded archived programs

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.

Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.

It airs three times weekly: live on Sundays at 1PM Central time plus two prerecorded archived programs.