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http://warontherocks.com/2016/06/the-choice-for-asia-in-the-21st-century/

The Choice for Asia in the 21st Century
Sen. John McCain





I like the way Sen McCain framed the choice here,...

Tensions in the South China Sea continue at a slow boil, but most likely will ratchet up quickly after the international tribunal rules.

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Can't recall if this was posted earlier, but it provides a graphic overview of how the Filipino Marines are living on this ship. This definitely counts as hardship duty in my book.
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From the Reuter's article



China isn't quite saying they'll ignore the court's ruling, but they sure as heck are hinting that they will.



If he is right, this will be major win for all...

An excellent article/thought piece from Down Under, on what the Aussies are still calling the pivot.
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http://www.msnbc.com/andrea-mitchell-reports/watch/report-chinese-elite-use-offshore-tax-havens-125873219530

Report reveals Chinese elite use off shore tax havens

A new report shows that 22,000...

Who in the U.S. said this was a military problem beyond those in media? The military has a responsibility to protect our freedom of navigation for our economic interests, and yes we have obligations...

There are many ways to provide leadership that are not offensive, and I think most nations in the region appreciate U.S. leadership both from a regional/global security model and economic model...

Mike,

Fair enough, this is my initial response and then I'm watching the Super Bowl :D

I'll start with I feel very comfortable with what we're trying to accomplish in PACOM AOR with our allies...

Not exactly a novel idea that the world looks different depending upon where you sit. For example, I know there are some people in USSOCOM who tend to view the world through a population centric lens...

Your blue lines indicate a conventional threat we must be prepared to block at your proposed defensive line. I don't think a conventional military threat to the U.S. proper exists in my opinion in...

Posted by Ray



There does seem to be some truth in this statement. We're morally terrified of repeating what is widely perceived to be our past sins to the point that we tend to view our...

I don't think anyone knows what they will do, but most agree the risk of a misstep during times of heightened tensions in the region could result in a chain of events no one anticipated or desired. I...

The situation remains tense.

Australia upgrading its submarine fleet

http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2012/11/21/Australia-upgrading-its-submarine-fleet/UPI-56651353513031/
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Dayuhan,

I'll address your specific question, admitted with limited expertise in economics and expand upon it a bit. First off the U.S. doesn't consider China an adversary, at least yet, but...

Good read to understand the context of our attempted rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. We're not talking about chasing terrorists, but attempting to preserve our status as a global leader and our...

Carl, I agree with what you stated, but some of these companies are already there. And as you pointed out there may be no intention of escalating to hostilities, but it can still happen, and perhaps...

Posted by Dayuhan

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Applying simple logic based on your personal perception of the matter doesn't reflect China's strategic outlook. It is much more complex than this, and as China has...

Carl,

Multinationals are not new player there, but I think they add complexity to the problem. Consider if an Exxon or BP ship conducting exploratory work is challenged (or worse) my one of the...

I can't help but wonder if China views the troubles in Syria as positive if it delays or prevents the U.S. military's rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. Assuming that is true, what actions would...

Posted by davidbfpo



Their interests are security, economic, and political. The interest in establishing access in Vietnam is its strategic location, just like the naval bases they're pursuing...

Dayuhan,

I heard a similiar comment on MSNBC from one of their many comical spokespersons when they tried, as you, to dismis this event as mere poaching. They, like you, simply embrace the...

Competition isn't always cut throat, especially if you play by the established rules. Kids compete for their parents' affection, co-workers compete for promotion, nations pursue self-interests (but...

Posted by Backwards Observer



Absolutely not, this is simply strategic messaging to the countries that border the SCS. I don't think China anticipates a fight, nor wants one, but of course...

Dayuhan,

You're right, when I just want to go fishing on someone else's property I just call the U.S. Navy to escort me and challenge the rightful landlord if they harass me for fishing in their...