ARmy Rumour SErvice

We wouldn't, it would be costly, highly irrelevant to us and almost certain to end very badly .
As would any type of British attempt to get involved in this looming containment of China that the States and Oz are keen to make their priority.

Originally Posted by Honky Tonk Donk

We wouldn't, it would be costly, highly irrelevant to us and almost certain to end very badly .
As would any type of British attempt to get involved in this looming containment of China that the States and Oz are keen to make their priority.

I'm certainly unaware of any plan by Australia to "contain" China.

Originally Posted by goatrutar

I'm certainly unaware of any plan by Australia to "contain" China.

What do you suppose the growing number of US forces on your North coast is for? As far as the Chinese are concerned you are guilty by association. That is even before Australia's dog faced Taff makes joint announcements with O'Bama about the increase in force levels. Its no secret on any side that the region is heading towards a Cold War scenario. I'm only surprised at how laid back the Chinese have seemingly been about it so far.

Originally Posted by Honky Tonk Donk

I'm only surprised at how laid back the Chinese have seemingly been about it so far.

What, realistically, are they going to do about it?

The thing is, their regional neighbours quite like having both to play off against the other rather more than they would having either/or. Despite what some people might think, they're not rushing to hide under Uncle Sam's skirts for fear of the Big Nasty-Nasty because they don't really fear it. Vietnam has it's own territorial claims in the South China Sea every bit as outrageous as the PRCs, while Thailand has enjoyed pretty good relations since the 70s. When the Vietnamese were massing on their border in 84, it wasn't the US who launched a spoiling attack in support of them (Operation Blue Sword B).

It's a lot more complex a situation than it gets painted.

Originally Posted by smartascarrots

What, realistically, are they going to do about it?
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In a military sense I don't think they'll do anything except stare right back.
Although being business savvy and an economic powerhouse it's my understanding that they have a number of sets of testicles firmly cupped in their hands. Even the Yanks would find the squeeze uncomfortable if the Chinese wanted to play silly buggers.

I agree with you that it's a vastly complex situation. I'm still learning as I go but already I am leaning towards the opinion that China will be sufficiently contained without Western involvement due to its domestic problems and immediate neighbours. India, Taiwan, Vietnam and an ever changing Burma will cause China enough concern, not to mention an ever growing resentful Hong Kong, an outright rebellious Tibet and a Communist regime that will one day be forced to change with the times. Hence why the UK should refrain from picking sides just yet and continue to smile and wave.

Originally Posted by Kromeriz

Russia is resurgent at the moment with the proviso that Oil prices remain high to fund their defence infrastructure.

With a loss of income, what outcomes might they envisage?

Your line of persuasion is tiresome.

It runs something like this: Russia is a growing threat as it gets richer, but beware that threat will be even greater if it starts getting poor again.

So I guess the only solution is to bomb it back to the stoneage to prevent it becoming either rich or poor.

Originally Posted by Honky Tonk Donk

What do you suppose the growing number of US forces on your North coast is for?

Well it certainly ain't for containing China as you seem to assume.

Jarheads claim many superhuman powers, but I very much doubt 2,500 marines will contain Chine from that far away!

Originally Posted by Honky Tonk Donk

I'm only surprised at how laid back the Chinese have seemingly been about it so far.

Perhaps they have judged it more accurately than your doomsday prophesies.

Originally Posted by whitecity

Well it certainly ain't for containing China as you seem to assume.

Jarheads claim many superhuman powers, but I very much doubt 2,500 marines will contain Chine from that far away!




Perhaps they have judged it more accurately than your doomsday prophesies.

I knew Obama was fibbing when he said "this is not a move to contain China". The clue being that he is a politician and his lips were moving

I'm damn sure that those Marines aren't there for the local Shelias! I'm not saying that those Marines are there for the soul purpose of China but that is certainly the larger goal of the US in the region. Perhaps the distance from China is an issue, although I believe the distance is double edged as this particular deployment puts them in the region yet out of convenient range of Chinese missile systems, unlike the US bases in Okinawa or Guam for example.
Anyway, the USMC should fear not and sleep easy, safe in the knowledge that any Chinese aggressors will first have to get past our sleepy little Brunei Garrison.

The Chinese may not be outwardly showing too much doom and gloom, yet they have voiced their displeasure and suspicion at the US's motives.
Food for further thought is that the US has intentions to build Airbases in Northern Australia as well as expand their use of naval bases in Darwin.