I just saw the news that China is sanctioning our Communications Minister, Gustavo Villate. They’re freezing his assets and banning him because of our ties with Taiwan.

Look, I’m just a guy who flies drones for a living. I lean conservative and I think we should stand by our friends, but I’m actually confused about how this hits us on the ground. Most of the hardware I use—and probably the phone you’re reading this on—comes from China or uses their tech chain.

If China starts blacklisting our officials and stopping 'cooperation,' does that mean it’s going to get harder to get parts or new tech? Villate is the guy pushing for better internet and digital stuff here. If he's banned from dealing with Chinese companies, are we just shooting ourselves in the foot?

I want to keep supporting Taiwan because they help us out, especially in agriculture, but I don't get how we handle a trade war with a giant like China. Does anyone know if this actually stops us from buying gear, or is it just political noise?