Quote Originally Posted by Bill Moore


So true, the outgoing President needs to grow a pair, while the inbound President needs to think before he reacts on Twitter. In other stories, it is now apparent that China is prepared to give the drone back, but Trump tweeted we don't won't it back. Not sure what that is signaling, but I have to assume the Chinese are equally confused, so this may be a brilliant move, or simply an emotional rant. Only time will tell.

In other news related to the Rebalance, there is growing concern the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal won't get ratified in the U.S., yet Canada, Japan, and others still intend on ratifying it (after modifying it), and leave an opening for the U.S. to join later. The TPP is the core of our Rebalance Strategy, so it will be interesting to see if U.S. influence remains stead, increases, or decreases in the Asia-Pacific over the next four years.
I think Trump's response was smart. The fact is that China returning the UUV does not make amends for stealing it in the first place. Yet Obama is probably relieved and will do nothing...

As for the Philippines, the United States should withdraw from that country and let them export brides and care aides to China. The US has more than enough security commitments in Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. At least those allies can defend themselves to a large degree...

I don't know enough about the TPP's provisions to make a claim one way or another. But it looks like TPP will not be ratified by the United States...