A Global Times report saying China, US shouldn’t rush phase one deal sparked some speculation that the phase one deal signing may not happen January 15. I am hearing nothing that leads me to believe Liu He's January 13 arrival in DC or the January 15 signing are in jeopardy.
As for China attempting to use tourism as a weapon to discourage Taiwan, facts may matter less than impressions people get. Tourism numbers are up and Taiwan’s economy is almost booming (even when the positive effects still have to reach the people). But deep blue people you talk too will simply claim that these numbers are faked by the government and that they feel tourism is in fact down and the economy is doing badly. CCP is eagerly feeding all 鬼島 memes. The challenge (and solution) for the government may be to make sure the people *feel* how well Taiwan is actually doing now.
As for China attempting to use tourism as a weapon to discourage Taiwan, facts may matter less than impressions people get. Tourism numbers are up and Taiwan’s economy is almost booming (even when the positive effects still have to reach the people). But deep blue people you talk too will simply claim that these numbers are faked by the government and that they feel tourism is in fact down and the economy is doing badly. CCP is eagerly feeding all 鬼島 memes. The challenge (and solution) for the government may be to make sure the people *feel* how well Taiwan is actually doing now.