Korean Job Discussion Forums

Summer Wine · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Location: Next to a River

I wonder what this forebodes for the SEA region and the South Pacific as a whole. If they can get this close to the US military, then where are they now that we don't know of.

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20061113-121539-3317r.htm

Gopher · Joined: 04 Jun 2005

Are you suggesting that we get the Cold War going again?

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Doesn't this kind of thing go on all the time? That was my impression. Like spying, everyone does it and no one complains except when it can be used for political purposes. Like that incident a couple of years ago with the US spy plane being forced to land in China.

In fact, aren't these kinds of incidents useful? It tells us that the Chinese are improving their skills and we need to figure out counter-measures. If we waited till the yellow hordes started pouring across California beaches, it would be too late...oh, wait. Wrong century. Sorry.

Gopher · Joined: 04 Jun 2005

thepeel · Joined: 08 Aug 2004

Recently, I went to a seminar where that general from China who threatened, a few years back, to nuke the USA was speaking. Very interesting stuff.

His position was that China does not have worldwide hegemonic ambitions, but most assuredly sees herself as a natural regional hegemon. The USA can cede some influence in the AP region and allow a powerful China to reclaim her (self-granted) role. In his eyes, the USA will allow this, as a nation as "rich in history" as China "must" be respected.

But, one Japanese man made the point that perhaps the rest of Asia doesn't want to "bow three times" and say "yes sir" to all that China asks, and it is here that the tension will exist. Those Asian nations who do not want China to dominate will use the USA to balance the region.

My point is that China understands her role in Asia much differently than do other Asian states. China wants to lead, but the rest of Asia does not want to be lead. Vietnam, and her increasingly close relations with the USA can be seen as an example of a state seeking to 'balance' the Chinese. I was very surprised at the level of support that exists among academics and policy-wonks in SEAsia for the continued presence of the USA Navy. But, I should note that they also do not have a warm and fuzzy idea of America but rather find American power very useful for their strategic and sovereign needs.

Gopher · Joined: 04 Jun 2005

Nice summary of the complexities involved, BJWD.

bucheon bum · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Yup.. I think BJWD summed it up very well.

thepeel · Joined: 08 Aug 2004

Well, I tried really hard on that post.

I was gonna make it my George Costanza post... One good one to finish and then retire on a good note. But, I just can't resist Dave's ESL Cafe!!!

Thunndarr · Joined: 30 Sep 2003

Gopher · Joined: 04 Jun 2005

By the way: a Chinese diesel sub stalked the Kitty Hawk battle group undetected? A DIESEL sub?

Good for them. Bad for the task force commander and his ASW group, who must have been sleeping.

And, in any case, as Ya-ta points out, this high-seas rivalry is fairly standard stuff. It is not necessarily hostile or aggressive.

Note that when the Chinese sub surfaced that was its commander's way of sticking out his tongue at the U.S. Navy. Someone will probably be dressed down and given command of a desk at the Pentagon or not promoted to two-star admiral, or whatever, for this...