China assembled an "unreliable entities list" for retaliation against foreign companies, individuals and organizations that "do not follow market rules, violate the spirit of contracts, blockade and stop supplying Chinese companies for noncommercial reasons, and seriously damage the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies."

Pence responded by warning Beijing we could double tariffs. "Engaging in activities that run afoul of US sanctions can result in severe consequences, including a loss of access to the US financial system," warned the US Treasury's undersecretary for terrorism – you see, the Europeans are building systems to circumvent American sanctions. Today, those sanctions are directed at Iran, Russia, North Korea, Venezuela, but tomorrow they may be directed at China.

Naturally, the Europeans threatened only themselves - 1,500-year habits are hard to break. Germany and France fought bitterly over who would become European Commission President. Brussels warned Rome to honor its obligation to contain its growing debt. Italy's Salvini threatened to launch a parallel currency – step #1 in the process to abandon the euro and default.