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 to our allies whether you like it or not. We don't threaten China by doing that, and we sure as hell are not are containing China. They're a global presence and enjoy freedom of navigation without threatening their neighbors. Most, if not all, countries welcome China's economic rise because it is mutually beneficial. They are a leading trading partner for many nations, and it isn't in the U.S. interests to get into a military spat with China, nor China with us, yet they keep pushing their neighbors using hard power? What policy should our civilian leaders enact that would alleviate this tension? Be realistic please.
Carl is pretty much correct in his assessment, China is in the one acting as the belligerent in the region, and that is far from a rational way to pursue their economic interests. You can call it rational if you like, but there is a high degree of pride/emotionalism behind their behavior that is irrational. Is it intended as a distraction for their people who are increasingly disgruntled? China's leaders have expressed on more than one occasion that internal security/stability is their greatest concern. As long as they don't trigger a response from any of the regional nations that then escalates out of control I suspect their behavior will moderate over time. It is the risk of miscalculation as we wait for their foreign and defense policy to mature that the greatest risk.
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