Eagle vs the Dragon

[ABNAK]

While I am not advocating intentionally provoking China, screw their concept of "saving face". It's like the entire Western world has to walk on eggshells because the Chinaman has to "save face". Fvck them. I hate to break it to them but the world doesn't revolve around them, despite what they might think (being all racially superior and other such bullshit).

I am okay with the status quo, meaning Taiwan stays like it is in that gray area of sovereignty "is a nation/is not a nation". It's worked for 70+ years. I just feel like the ChiComs want more than that.

[AKjeff]

China reminds me of the middle aged stalker that got rejected by that one girl in high school.
He won't give up, and continues to stalk her decades later.

The world should have slapped China in the face all those years ago and told them to get over it and grow the **** up.

[chuckman]

What does China want, and why?

Taiwan. Been discussed; said 'face' thing. Plus they want those resources.
Resources. Natural resources are finite.
Expand sphere of influence a la manmade Spratley Islands and pushed expanded boundaries.

I am not too concerned about their flag-flying events around the world; it will take decades before they have a true 2-ocean blue water navy. I am a bit more concerned about all of their economic endeavors in Africa and South America; bears watching.

Things they have against them:

Aging population
Dwindling natural resources
Crappy economy
Relying on stolen military tech

Things they have going for them:

Tactical nukes
Size of military
Risk acceptance

Things we have going for us:

Superior navy an air force
USMC force design 2030 and MLR operational concept*
Subs, subs, and more subs
Decentralized command and control
Open ocean as a natural barrier

*remains to be seen if MLR concept would be good enough

Betting odds favor the US.