To be brief, our consulting firm sees Western FDI continuing to decline, not just because of spy balloons. That's just one public relations misstep. But because of the cascading failures of Xi to provide a stable, investor friendly environment.

The balloon incident could just as well be renamed as the "Buffoon incident". It's just one more example of the arrogant and hostile approach the CCPs Foreign Ministry has taken to the West. One point I really can't understand is why China would be using such ridiculous technology for spying? Anyone in the group have insight or expertise to explain?

Regarding Xi's statement, it seems to be the same vague word salade we see so often. I have no clear idea of his points, except China's CCP continues on its path of manifest destiny to become the globes most preeminent political and social system.