And some people wondered why I paid any attention to the US election. Apart from being the biggest political story in my life, there is that effect that US leaders have even on the other side of the world.
It’s only been five weeks since the inauguration and our largest military ally is already leaning on Australia to get out of coal fired power.
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So our largest trading partner is launching a trade war and acting hostile, while our largest military ally is saying they want a big favour. How much room is there for Australia to manouver?
Meanwhile last year China built three times more coal power than the rest of the world. The super-factory of the world can’t be too disappointed if the patsy competition vows to try building silicon chips with solar power.
US and Australian voters may not want this, but President Xi applauds John Kerry. Who does he work for?
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Meanwhile, in an odd footnote, even as China has spurned Australian coal of late, John Kerry’s home nation was selling 500% more coal to China to fill the trading hole that was left.
Though the US was not a big exporter of coal to start with, only sending 200,000 tons each quarter before the rush up to 1,000 in late 2020.
In the end, as Eric Worrall says, more coal will be burnt than ever under Joe Biden’s time as President*: