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President Joe Biden has become the master of unforced errors. He is completely correct to enhance US-UK-Australian military cooperation to balance against China. But there was no reason to alienate France and possibly the EU in the process – Brandon J. Weichert in The Asia Times
The United States is a Pacific power, just like China, Japan, and all of the others. In fact, it is the preeminent power in the Asia-Pacific. It should embrace its Pacific heritage and ensure that its interests are respected as China attempts to complete its historic rise to glory. Beijing insists that they have a right to reclaim “what was theirs” before the Westerners laid their empire low. The United States was not one of the powers that helped to destroy China. Also, unlike the Europeans, the United States does have a major maritime border with the region and has long had an outsized role in Asian affairs. Therefore, Washington has a right to ensure its historic standing in the region is respected as well. If China cannot countenance this fact, then Washington must do what it can to make it understand this reality.
“Since the start of this year, the Trump Administration has sought to revitalize the Quadrilateral Security Dialog (or simply the “Quad Alliance”), a loose coalition from 2007 consisting of the United States, Japan, Australia, and India. The Quad Alliance, which is currently informal and relatively powerless, should be formalized by the Trump Administration and given greater power. It should be the basis for a new trading and defensive military bloc aimed at tethering together the region’s most powerful economies into a competitive counterweight to China.”
“Syria’s proximity to Europe is also beneficial because the Chinese are seeking to not only tie together as much of Eurasia as possible through trade, but they want to do so in a way that a) undermines the influence of the United States and b) reduces the military threat the United States poses to Chinese interests.”
“The chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi says an apparent proposed Chinese military base in Vanuatu is alright as long as it does not pose any threat to the region.”
“The Australians have not done a sufficient job of paying attention to their near-abroad and it may soon cost them dearly–and the United States. One thing is certain, however, China is intent on expanding its reach throughout the world–and they won’t tread lightly any longer. We’d better get ready.”
The recent row between U.S. President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has sent the mainstream analysts and media spasming again. Fears of the end of the U.S.-Australian alliance abound. These fears, like so many fears today, are groundless. The alliance is strong. The reasons? China, the U.S. Navy, and Australia’s maritime trade. Understand this dynamic and you understand why the U.S. and Australia are virtually inseparable. Read more to learn why
THE WEICHERT REPORT 