Ignore western Russia experts talking about the Russian economy. They are utterly clueless. They don't even realise that oil and gas only constitutes 15% of Russia's annual GDP.

West still hasn't grasped that the nations with access to very cheap energy and have or have access to food security and commodities are the ones with a bright future.

It's why constantly trying to undermine Iran and Russia is ludicrous.

So US GDP fell 0.9% in Q2 so the US is officially in recession.

Only wait until that figure is revised and factor in its likely to be minus 5% in reality given GDP is a complete work of fiction in western nations.

Xi to Biden:

US should abide by the One China principle and act in line with its words. Those who dare to play with fire will get burned.

Netherlands inflation rose to 11.6% in July

The Swiss Central Bank has reported a $100bn loss in H1 of 2022.

We have warned for several years that the US was trying to provoke China into a war with Taiwan and then claim to be the victim.

It's ridiculously obvious that's their intention.

Gazprom has halted the supply of gas to Latvia due to "violations of the terms of gas extraction".

Last week, parts of London came remarkably close to a blackout. Only by paying a record high £9,724.54 (about $11,685) per megawatt hour — more than 5,000% higher than the typical price — did the UK avoid homes and businesses going dark.

https://t.co/CaFv1ItguS

Finally the US engages its brain for once.

Blinken has blocked congressional attempts to include Russia on the national list of countries sponsoring terrorism.

In simple terms it would force Washington to impose sanctions on any ally who undertakes joint activities with Moscow.

Rosatom has now signed a new construction contract for a Turkish nuclear power plant.

Appears Germany is now coming to the obvious realisation that NordStream 2 is now an option they must consider.

Assuming Russia is prepared to pump any gas along it. 50% capacity is already allocated elsewhere.

Appears China has closed the airspace over the Taiwan Strait clearly due to the anticipation of the arrival of Pelosi in Taipei. The closure of airspace was initiated via a military exercise in Fujian province involving live-fire.

So Pelosi’s office has put out a press release of her Asia trip and itinerary. She is visiting, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea.

There is no mention of visiting Taiwan.

Reminds me of the time when Washington was threatening to strike North Korea. China told Washington they would sink their entire fleet in the South China Sea. They immediately backed off.

So it appears the UN intends investigating the shelling which occurred at Elenovka, which resulted in Ukraine POWs being killed and wounded by HIMARs. Apparently they are in receipt of evidence following the attack.

Once again the naked emperor capitulates when a nuclear power warns them of dire consequences.

Incredible how many Americans are unaware how useless their military capability is.

Looks like it's about to turn ugly wrt Kosovo and Serbia.

No doubt prompted by the naked emperor.

Now and I stress there are rumours that Pelosi intends going to Taipei

We shall see

Conspiracy theorists in meltdown as reality plays out.

Cash remains king in Japan.

Bank of Japan has conducted central bank digital currency experiments since 2021. The second phase of testing began in April 2022 and is not considering its implementation in the near future.