02-07-2017, 01:51 PM
Mike,
Look at this statement again. Think about it. A China worried about a powerful US and its allies in the Western Pacific is a China focused in the direction Russia would prefer, ie away from Russia and its sphere of influence. An America fixated on China is not one pushing back against Russian assertion in its near abroad.
A China secure in its own sphere of influence and maritime supply lines is one that may get distracted in SE Asia and the Indian Ocean, but may just as easily push its influence into Central and North Asia. It becomes a competitor and risk for Russia.
One of the major reasons why I would like to see an "aggressive withdrawal" on the part of the US is that, in the absence of US pressure on both ends, countries like China and Russia are more likely to compete than cooperate. We're a maritime power, they are continental ones who share a long border.
Of course, as you said, war with Iran would be likely to screw this up.
Quote:China borders Russia, a land-based great power with an enormous nuclear arsenal, and India, with a population roughly similar it is own. China does not have the luxury of friendly neighbors allowing them to focus on power projection. They will have to remain a considerable land power.
Look at this statement again. Think about it. A China worried about a powerful US and its allies in the Western Pacific is a China focused in the direction Russia would prefer, ie away from Russia and its sphere of influence. An America fixated on China is not one pushing back against Russian assertion in its near abroad.
A China secure in its own sphere of influence and maritime supply lines is one that may get distracted in SE Asia and the Indian Ocean, but may just as easily push its influence into Central and North Asia. It becomes a competitor and risk for Russia.
One of the major reasons why I would like to see an "aggressive withdrawal" on the part of the US is that, in the absence of US pressure on both ends, countries like China and Russia are more likely to compete than cooperate. We're a maritime power, they are continental ones who share a long border.
Of course, as you said, war with Iran would be likely to screw this up.