Meng Wanzhou Update, Will Joe Biden end Extradition? New Real Talk China Episode
Your weekly China update from Cyrus Janssen
Hello Friends,
Today's newsletter covers the following topics:
Current news: Development in Meng Wanzhou Case
Geo-Political dimension: Will Joe Biden stop the political backfire?
New YouTube Videos: Real Talk China episode with Ex-Huawei executive
1. Meng Wanzhou: Judge questions case fundamentals
Recent Development In my latest YouTube video, I discuss a new expert testimony that makes it clear how flawed the foundations of this case are. Meng’s defense team has made an excellent case that the accusations are too vague and the U.S. extradition request is insufficient. “Causation” has been the achilles heel for the crown’s lawyers in their attempt to extradite Ms Meng to New York.
No Evidence The prosecution failed to present a single piece of evidence showing that Iranian sanctions were violated. The defence proved that the decision to transfer the money through the U.S. banking system was never communicated by Meng Wanzhou. Huawei and Skycom actually sent payments to the UK, and it was an internal decision from HSBC to then transfer the money to New York.
No Fraud damages HSBC has a long history of fraud, such as laundering money for Mexican drug cartels, moving stolen government funds out of Brazil, or more recently, violations of banking regulations. The defence pointed out that HSBC has not suffered any harm at all in this case since 2013; there has been no actual harm at all. Therefore, the allegations are based on speculation.
2. Will America stop the extradition?
New YouTube Video Debuting Aug 20th 6PM (Vancouver time) I will be launching a new YouTube video, sharing the 2nd part of my interview with Richard Kurland, one of Canada’s top immigration lawyers. In this video, we discuss the two Michaels, HSBC role in this case, President Joe Biden, and if the United States will save the day and end this extradition request.
HSBC terminates US business HSBC has voluntarily ceased its banking operations in the U.S. after being criminally prosecuted by U.S. authorities. The basis for prosecuting Huawei and Meng Wanzhou has thus lapsed, so why continue?
US should finish what it started The U.S. can stop the proceedings in light of the new development. One possibility would be a settlement between the parties. Otherwise, the U.S. could proceed, concede the weak case for political reasons, and do Canada a favour in trade negotiations with China.
3. YouTube: New Real Talk China episode with Ex-Huawei executive
Chris Pereira In this week's interview, I spoke with Chris, a senior director and consultant. He has worked and studied in China for more than 15 years and shares with me his valuable insights on why foreign businesses often fail, cultural differences, and his opinion on China's diplomatic relations.
Real Talk China Episode 12 with Chris Pereira will debut on my YouTube channel on August 21st at 6pm (Vancouver time)
Real Talk China In this video series, I talk with experts, expats, and China experts about current developments in China, geopolitics, and Sino-American relations. Do you have an expert in mind that I should talk to? Let me know in a comment or via email!
I hope you enjoyed today's edition of my newsletter. Let me know if you have any feedback or comments. If you like the newsletter, please like and share. Have a great weekend ahead!
Cyrus
Hi, Cyrus, great video! I plan to make a small contribution. Do you happen to have the name of the expert witness who was called to testify by the Meng team in the closing days of the extradition hearing (the one who was not challenged by the Crown?) [Ken Stone, Hamilton]