Geopolitical and economic rivalry between China and the US - not a breach of Trump´s Iran sanctions - is what´s really behind Meng Wanzhou´s arrestBlame the British, as usual. In 1807, in the midst of a struggle with Napoleonic France, HMS Leopard, a Royal Navy ship of the line, attacked, boarded and captured an American frigate, USS Chesapeake, off Norfolk, Virginia. The British claimed their action was justified by the presence on the American ship of four English deserters, whom they arrested. But, for President Thomas Jefferson, it was an outrageous, illegal infringement of the sovereignty and independence of the infant republic, eventually leading to the 1812 war.It´s fair to say the Americans never forgot lessons drawn from the Chesapeake humiliation - and have been faithfully following Britain´s script ever since. As its power grew, the US, too, assumed the right to extend its national writ beyond its shores. One modern example is the way the US justice department ruthlessly pursues foreign nationals, such as the Scottish hacker Gary McKinnon, who are deemed to have broken US law. McKinnon´s extradition was ultimately blocked in 2012 by Britain´s then home secretary, Theresa May, after a public outcry. Related: The Guardian view on China and the US: unlucky Canada is taking the hit | Editorial Continue reading...
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