Tension In The Greater East Asian Chinese Co-Properity Sphere

In case you haven't heard, China recently expanded its air defense zone to include the disputed Senkaku Islands. China senses weakness in the West(rightfully so) and is testing the limits of American power.

Since the announcement the US has flown B-52's through the newly declared Chinese air defense zone, the South Koreans have extended their own air defense zone to include the disputed Islands, and the Japanese instructed their private airlines to continue to fly through the Chinese air defense zone.

This is a recipe for disaster, just last week a Chinese naval vessel tried to force a US warship to stop in international waters.

The guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens, which recently took part in disaster relief operations in the Philippines, was confronted by Chinese warships in the South China Sea near Beijing’s new aircraft carrier Liaoning, according to officials familiar with the incident.

“On December 5th, while lawfully operating in international waters in the South China Sea, USS Cowpens and a PLA Navy vessel had an encounter that required maneuvering to avoid a collision,” a Navy official said.

“This incident underscores the need to ensure the highest standards of professional seamanship, including communications between vessels, to mitigate the risk of an unintended incident or mishap.”

Keep an eye towards Asia in the early 21st century. The current circumstances there resemble that of late 18th and early 19th century Europe. Land and sea grabs, rising and declining great powers, irredentist feelings, historical rivalries, increased military spending, a thirst for power, domestic need for resources, and poor communication.

When reached for comment on the situation in Asia, Fred Thompson said:

posted by BenK at 09:47 AM

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