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 Yee3:29AM January 13, 2012
The Democrat/Liberal/Progressive party have always lived in a world of deceit and deception. The rise of conservatives is due to the availability of outlets on radio and cable TV that have just exposed them. Now exposed they want civility while at the same time personally attacking and destroying any viable national conservative politician/leader to avoid discussion of philosophy and issues.Lear is part of the problem. The sanctimony of progressive would be laughable if not so sickening and destructive.
MG Del Rossiof PA10:37AM October 26, 2011
I got a kick out of the writer who feels a half acre is too small after living on 12 acres before he retired. A 1/2 acre is immense to me Retirement means relax and leave the lawn maintenance to someonelse, or the doing of NEW things and not the lawn
We live(for 14 years) just south of Wilmington NC which was one of your picks for retirement. It is truely wonderful here 20 minutes from the beach. A hot summer--but the early spring,winter and late fall are unparalleled in our opinion.
We worked and lived in Mass.,Calif., and Florida before. Wilmington which is perfect for its varied population and the many events here plus it is a two college town.This brings smart people which is always important when you want to learn more in your 70's.
Hugh van Zelm 910 313 1081
Hugh van Zelmof NC2:50PM September 28, 2009
why is obama so desperate to push the changes through? the representatives admit they don't even have time to read the changes never mind study them.he has the votes so he wants credit never mind it will turn into a debt burden our children will have to suffer as well as bad health care.
clark mcclureof NH4:21PM July 25, 2009
Have you noticed that the US government is converting to totalitarianism on, of all things, health insurance? Our leader says, "You vill buy health insurance vedder you vant it or nicht, und if you make a lot uv money, you vill pay for somebody else who makes less." Is that Americanism? Not as we've known it under a republican form of government. No, it's pure Socialism, and I don't want to live under Socialism, even if I am 80 years old and would likely benefit as my health probably deteriorates in whatever years I have left. Of course the insurance companies are probably all for it, since their congressional friends will see to it that they make out like the bandits they are.
Charles Burtonof MD4:40PM July 18, 2009
You've got to be kidding?? Harvard, Stanford and Yale in the top ten. How many of the bailed out companies have these "best school" personnel as there directors? And do you really expect us to believe they are taught and beliive anithing about ethics. Anything goes as long as I get my big salary and a year end bonus worth more than the average worker earn in 10 years. Maybe you'd better rethink how you rate schools.
O. K. McCarthy
Abilene, Texas
Orlyn K McCarthyof TX9:37PM May 08, 2009
We have subscribed to your magaizine for many years and have thoroughly enjoyed it. However, recently, due to the fact that now each month you deal primarilly with one specific subject your emphasis is often of little or no iterest to us. For instance this months issure(May)deals with the Job market.and eduction related to the subject. As a retired person your magazine is of little value to me though it may be of great value to others. Next month may be of more interest to us but recent copies have proven to be of little interestthus far into your publishing change.
USNEWS has always covered the gamuts of newa for the American public. That is the implication in the name of your magazine.
Lyle H. Petersenof OK6:17PM April 23, 2009
I was amazed that you have now decided to become a monthly rather than a weekly format. I have subscribed to your magazine since 1961. When I called to establish why I am no longer getting my subscription I was surprised when told my subscription has now been extended thru 2013 and I should not expect another weekly issue. The next issue will be the first week in Feb. I was further informed that I would be receiving this information by letter. Month old news is no longer news, its history. I'll be researching another weekly and will inform your by mail when I want you to cancel my subscription as well as my two gift subscriptions. I'll definitely miss you after 48 years.
Jack Bernzottof GA1:32PM January 27, 2009
Thomas Grose's article, "The Rise of Islamic Banking" puts a positive spin on a very dangerous form of investing. While he correctly states Sharia law prohibits investing in alcohol, tobacco, pork and porngraphy, he fails to mention that a certain percentage of profits MUST go to Islamic charities. These charities are obligated to support Sharia law and thus perpetuate the following: 1)Subjugation of Muslem women 2)Forced child marriages 3)Polygamy 4)Death to homosexuals and 5)Obligation to wage holy war against infidels (that's you and me).
The majority of Muslems don't want Sharia finance and new evidence shows that Al Qaeda financed the 9/11 attacks through Islamic banking. For more information see the on-line video made by Sharia (Islamic) banking expert Professor Joy Brighton.
Jim Shermanof CA12:41AM December 16, 2008
And what was the Pope's role in assisting the Nazis to escape from Europe to South America after World War II?
Is it a surprise that former junior Nazi Pope Bennedict XVI is an ardent supporter of Poppe Pius XII actions?
Thomas H Solenberger MDof 3:39AM November 19, 2008
Reader Comments
Back to blog
CHAN, Kai Yee 3:29AM January 13, 2012
MG Del Rossi of PA 10:37AM October 26, 2011
Hugh van Zelm of NC 2:50PM September 28, 2009
clark mcclure of NH 4:21PM July 25, 2009
Charles Burton of MD 4:40PM July 18, 2009
Orlyn K McCarthy of TX 9:37PM May 08, 2009
Lyle H. Petersen of OK 6:17PM April 23, 2009
Jack Bernzott of GA 1:32PM January 27, 2009
Jim Sherman of CA 12:41AM December 16, 2008
Thomas H Solenberger MD of 3:39AM November 19, 2008