AP Photo

Some China watchers conclude that the regime is in serious trouble, stumbling, perhaps even to find it prudent to postpone the five-year Congress scheduled for October. That, they say, will make the regime give ground on important trade issues rather than risk a confrontation with America. Unless, of course, this sea of troubles makes the regime reluctant to show any weakness, and toughens its bargaining stance. So much for the guidance provided by sinologists' context.