Steve Inskeep

✔@NPRinskeep

News: @AmbJohnBolton tells @NPR of the arrest of a Chinese tech exec: "I knew in advance. That is something we get from the Justice Department." This means Bolton knew, at least in general terms, of the pending action as he joined Trump and Xi for dinner at G20. @MorningEdition

Steve Inskeep

✔@NPRinskeep

Replying to @NPRinskeep

In the @npr talk, @AmbJohnBolton says he doesn't know if Trump was aware in advance. Bolton declined to name the specific alleged crime by Meng Wonzhou of Huawei, but "Huawei is one company we've been concerned about" regarding intellectual property theft and dealing with Iran.

Steve Inskeep

✔@NPRinskeep

Replying to @NPRinskeep

What is the long-term US approach to China? Bolton says he hopes the economic changes the US is demanding during a 90-day negotiation will force some opening of their system. It could "have potentially profound impact on their political structure as well." @NPR @MorningEdition

Steve Inskeep

✔@NPRinskeep

Replying to @NPRinskeep

"That's not what we're aiming at," Bolton adds, meaning the US is not explicitly trying to make China open its political system. "But if the theory is correct, we'll see what flows from it." Web story shortly; hear him on @npratc today; more on @MorningEdition Friday.

Bolton also claimed that the US isn't "aiming" at pushing for changes in China's "political structure." But if changes do result from China opening up its economy...well...that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.