What@usnews.com: Letters to the Editor

OBAMA’S GENEROUS NEW YEAR GIFT TO CHINA

By Chan Kai Yee

China knows well that its weapons are inferior now; therefore, there is a consensus that China needs two decades of peace so that by 2030, its economy will be much bigger and its weapons, superior to put an end to its century-long history of being bullied by other countries.

When border tension with the Philippines intensified last June and America began to be involved by planning a joint military exercise with the Philippines, under the threat of a possible military confrontation involving America, China conducted the first test of its aircraft carrier in a hurry when the boat had not yet be able to sail by its own engine.

Obama’s unprecedented participation in ASEAN summit meeting on November 11, 2011 and announcement of America’s return to Asia encouraged China’s neighbors to confront China in their border disputes with China. China was greatly worried and forced to step up its military buildup further. It conducted two further tests of its aircraft carrier, put its own satellite GPS system into trial operation and declared its plan to launch 6 more satellites in 2012 to improve the system.

Unexpectedly, Obama gave China a generous New Year gift by his announcement of America’s new strategy. First, he will greatly reduce America’s military spending, making it easier for China’s weaponry to catch up and surpass America’s. What good news for China!

Second, the priority Obama gives to containing China makes it easier for China to increase its military spending and its weapon development personnel work harder.

Third, according to Obama’s new strategy, America has two priorities: China and Iran. Then, if America gives advanced weapons to China’s neighbors to counter China, China will give its best weapons to Iran. As American weapons are expensive, it has to give financial aids but lacks the funds. However, Chinese weapons are cheap and affordable for Iran. China can give its best weapons to Iran as its weapons are being developed and what it has sold is not what it ultimately wants. On the other hand, as China’s neighbors lack political stability, have corrupt officials or may become China’s allies, America cannot sell its best weapons to them, but less advanced weapons are not attractive enough to them.

If luckily for China, there is indeed a war between America and Iran, China will have the opportunity to test its weapons and improve them in real battles while making money by the sales. Even if there is no such a war, you can be sure that Obama’s new strategy has reduced to zero China’s willingness to cooperate with America in dealing with Iran.

Fourth, Obama gives up America’s goal of being able to successfully fight two major regional wars. This tells China that when America is already in one war, China can safely fight a war to resolve border disputes as America lacks the ability to interfere.

Chan Kai Yee is the author of "Tiananmen’s Tremendous Achievements".

CHAN, Kai Yee 3:29AM January 13, 2012