Originally Posted by
FangsF15
Thumbs up and Rick replied with some of what I would argue. Also, I would add this opinion piece, from Dr Rebecca Grant, and well-respected geopolitical/military commentator:
It all comes to a head for China, they are far more affected across their economy than we are (which is not to say we are immune), not just oil. Food too. And it indicates to China we have the will and capability to counter them with Sea and Airpower.
I don’t claim expert status, but I recognize the impacts this has on relations with China. There may be a visit next month, and it will be very telling regardless of whether the trip happens or not.
Thanks for a measured reply.
I still think that squeezing China means squeezing the American public past the point that they are willing to tolerate. I hear a lot of talk about playing the long game vis a vis Iran, China, and Russia, but the long game has always been, and will continue to be a weak point for our country. That’s not going to change no matter how much we wish the reality were different. I would also argue that the US and Chinese economies are still intertwined enough that putting economic pressure (goes hand in hand with energy pressure obviously) on China has significant negative follow on effects in the US economy. Again, we may wish it weren’t so, but that’s the reality and will continue to be for at least some time. Finally, the last time we squeezed the energy supply of an Asian adversary, we wound up being pulled into a world war. Not saying that’s likely this time around, but it’s worth noting that we don’t make these decisions in a vacuum and other cultures tend to respond in ways that are hard for us to predict.
Again, thanks for the respectful discussion.